Good morning, Lafayette.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana announced a new FoodNet Food Bank location in Lafayette on the 600 block of West Simcoe Street — a site that will include a food pantry and grocery store — to address local food insecurity and create work opportunities for some residents of St. Joseph's Shelter.

EatLafayette is a year-round campaign that now lets any locally owned restaurant join for free to get more exposure.

The new model offers monthly newsletters, daily social media posts, and an annual promotional calendar — tools designed to boost local dining.

Bayou Teche Brewing will open a 4,500-square-foot brewery on the bottom floor of downtown Lafayette’s $19 million Hotel Lafayette, set to open mid-year 2026.

Construction will begin next month on the site, which once housed Don’s Seafood & Steakhouse — the brewery will serve on-site brewed beer, wood-fired pizzas and crafted tiki cocktails while offering in-room dining and private event services.

The Lafayette Police Department arrested 24-year-old Derrick Arceneaux on April 9 without bond for second-degree murder in connection with the April 3 shooting that killed Joseph Bargeman Jr. on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive—officials say he is suspected of using a firearm— and the investigation remains ongoing.

Deputies in St. Landry arrested two men after a vehicle search revealed a strong odor of marijuana—Djacqney Mitchell, 21, is charged with outstanding warrants including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder linked to a fatal shooting in Abbeville, and Clarence Jospeh Malveaux, 29, faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after officers discovered two firearms with high-capacity magazines in the car.

Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Environmental Quality Division in partnership with Lafayette Utilities System launched the 13th Annual Rain Barrel Program today to offer residents subsidized rain barrels while supplies last.

Residents in the City of Lafayette and unincorporated Lafayette Parish can buy barrels in black or terra cotta until May 4 to conserve water and reduce runoff.

Lafayette PARC’s Youth Track & Field registration is open for kids (ages 5 to 14) with online sign-ups running from April 7 through April 24; meets will be held at Northside High School beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays with on-site registration from 7:00 to 7:45 a.m., and athletes can qualify for the Ward 3 Track Meet in Lake Charles.

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.

Festival International de Louisiane

April 26-27 — Parc International — Free admission — Experience a vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture in the heart of Lafayette.