Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette marked the start of festival season by raising the flag on April 3 at City Hall ahead of the 39th annual Festival International de Louisiane.

The five-day event will run April 23—27 and feature music, art and food from around the world as city leaders use an activated command center for safety.

City officials raised the Festival International de Louisiane flag at City Hall on April 3 to kick off the event, and the five-day festival will take place from April 23 to 27 as it plans to welcome visitors from at least 48 states & more than 20 countries.

Supporters and leaders gathered outside Lafayette Consolidated Government on Thursday, April 3 — raising the Festival International de Louisiane flag to mark the start of preparations.

The five-day event will begin on April 23 downtown and will offer many international and local bands, arts, crafts and food stands.

Sans Souci Gallery reopened in a new downtown space to display handmade art by over 100 Louisiana Crafts Guild members.

The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday at 549 Jefferson St. — its refreshed design provides a welcoming setting for both local artists and visitors.

Thousands of Lafayette High alumni joined a memory walk on April 2 at the current campus at 3000 W.

Congress Street — the facility will be demolished by next year as a new school with modern features opens this fall.

Lafayette Consolidated Government launched JustFOIA on April 3, a new online platform that lets residents submit and track public records requests.

Officials said the system replaces email submissions and makes it easier to follow request progress — they expect it to boost transparency.

UL spring practices are underway as the Ragin' Cajuns get ready for the 2025 season.

The team is in a starting quarterback battle that includes transfer Walker Howard and is counting on returning defenders like Kailep Edwards and Kody Jackson to lead the defense—promising a competitive season ahead.

UL football head coach Michael Desormeaux shared an update from several spring ball practices as he described how the Cajuns improved early on—he said the team will build strength and teamwork ahead of the upcoming season.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Blu Basil Asian Fusion — Cost information not provided — Enjoy an evening of original tunes from Lafayette's own singer-songwriter Alyse Young.

Acadiana Junior High & High School Rodeo

April 11-13 — Yambilee Ag Arena — $15/weekend pass, kids under 5 free — Celebrate youth rodeo talent and tradition in a vibrant community setting.

Cajun Jam

11 AM – 4 PM — Vermilionville Historic Village — Free entry — Enjoy vibrant Cajun music performed by local musicians in a festive setting.

Property Insurance: Will It Make or Break The Deal?

6-8 p.m. — Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux — Food and drinks required — Explore the impact of new insurance strategies on property deals with insights from industry experts.

Live Music with Alyse Young

6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of original tunes and heartfelt melodies from Lafayette's talented singer-songwriter Alyse Young.

Paques in the Parc Celebration

12-7:30 p.m. — Vermilionville Performance Center — Admission required — Celebrate Paques with lively music from local bands and a festive atmosphere.

Festival International de Louisiane

Apr 22 - Apr 28 — Parc Sans Souci — Free entry — Celebrate South Louisiana's vibrant culture with music, food, and art at this international festival.

Cycle Zydeco: Louisiana's Cajun & Créole Cycling Festival

8 AM - 5 PM — Cycle Zydeco - Louisiana's Cajun & Créole Cycling Festival — Registration required — A four-day bike ride with breakfast rides, local dining, and zydeco dance lessons.

Rigzone Oil & Gas Career Fair

9 AM – 1 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Free entry — Explore job opportunities with top employers in the oil and gas industry.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Sushi Mizu — Free entry — Experience the soulful tunes of Lafayette's own singer-songwriter, Alyse Young, in a relaxed sushi setting.