Good morning, Lafayette.

Smoke & Barrel returns to Cajun Field on May 2 with a Derby Day event offering bourbon tastings, barbecue, and live music.

Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana.

The BYOB Hamburger & Hotdog Festival is coming soon in Lafayette where Al Hebert shared details and enjoyed a chili dog sample by Tim Cope at Emmy's Ice Cream Bar.

Festival International de Louisiane and CODOFIL have expanded the festival's 40th celebration by adding a French-focused stage called Francosphere.

Moussa Sadou (the festival president and French immersion teacher) and Karla Ewing of CODOFIL discussed the plan on MidDay with Darla.

Consumer Reports and the Strategic Resource Group show that Louisiana’s lowest-priced grocery stores are Costco and Aldi, with Costco priced 21.4% below Walmart and Whole Foods carrying prices 39.7% above the baseline.

Four Lafayette educators were chosen for the Ron Clark Academy Experience in Atlanta in March—funded by a $1 million SONIC donation—to learn strategies that boost classroom engagement and success alongside 400 nationwide teachers.

Lawmakers advanced two bills to offer tax breaks for aerospace companies that commit $1 billion in investment and 200 permanent jobs by July 2031, with officials saying the measures aim to attract industry giants and boost local growth — Gov. Landry hopes companies like SpaceX join the effort.

Local sports fans can vote for the Acadiana Advocate's Player of the Week from high school track stars based on last week's events; the poll (closes today at noon) and the winner will be revealed on the Advocate Acadiana Facebook page.

Two Lafayette Ballers players, De'Edward Cormier and Devin Milton, will head to the ABA All-Star Game in Atlanta after the team finished its first season.

CEO Amanda Perero praised the players for their contributions both on and off the court.

Daily Advertiser announced its 2025-26 All-Metro boys basketball teams that honor top talents from the 337-area.

The list names MVP Jaydon Francis and Coach Troy Jones of Northside — key figures in the season — after 31 teams reached the playoffs.

Fit for All Series: Tai Chi

Tai Chi in the Park — Time TBD — Moncus Park — Free entry — Slow down and move with intention through gentle, low-impact Tai Chi exercises.

Artist Talk with Kathy Reed and Steve Breaux

4:30 – 6:00 PM — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Free entry — Engage with accomplished artists discussing their work and influence in the local arts community.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Softball

12 – 4 AM — Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park — Entry price varies — Catch the excitement of college softball as Coastal Carolina takes on the Ragin Cajuns.

Comedy on the Swamp

9-11 a.m. — Feed & Seed Lafayette — Free admission — Local wheelchair comedian sharing laughs and meaningful messages from Lafayette, Louisiana.

2026 Annual Session of the Louisiana Dental Hygienists' Association

7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — City Club at River Ranch — Registration required — Enhance your skills with engaging sessions and networking opportunities for dental professionals.

Festival After Party with Pirates and Bards

8 PM – 2 AM — Artmosphere — Check for ticket info — A night of banjo twang, sea shanties, and street-singin’ chaos awaits.

Lafayette Utility Coordination Diggers Night Out

5:45-8 p.m. — River Oaks Catering — Free entry — Network with utility professionals at a fun evening focused on damage prevention and socializing.

Acadiana Go Red for Women Luncheon

11 AM – 2 PM — Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette — Ticket details not provided — Celebrate women's heart health with the American Heart Association's annual event featuring expert talks and community awareness.

Kappa Derby Day Party

3-9 p.m. — Calvary Creek — Fundraiser event — Celebrate the Derby with style while supporting community initiatives.