Good morning, Lafayette.

The Fin Feather Fur Food Festival will benefit the Team Gleason Foundation for people living with ALS on April 24 at Blackham Coliseum from 4-8 p.m. The event features a cooking competition in four divisions—fin, feather, fur or dessert—and an auction of sports memorabilia with tickets costing $45 while previous events have raised over $500,000 for the cause.

Jamie Phillips, one of Acadiana’s Top 20 Under 40 honorees, is the CEO of Bourbon Royalty Candle Co. and co-owner of The Bougie Bar who said his childhood in Lakeland taught him the value of patience and backup planning as he built his business from a three‐month pop-up to a growing enterprise—his story reflects a blend of personal challenges and strong local community ties.

Manufacturing jobs are growing in Acadiana as companies shift away from oil and gas and launch new projects that will add more jobs later this year.

Local economic leaders say a move by Westfield Fluid Controls—set to bring production to Lafayette by October—shows a strong comeback in the manufacturing sector.

Rhonda Dickerson, principal of Ridge Elementary, will become Chief of Elementary Schools for Lafayette Parish School System—she brings nearly 30 years of education experience to oversee all district elementary programs.

Her appointment comes as LPSS also announced several other leadership changes.

The 2025 Regular Legislative Session of Louisiana began yesterday (April 14) at noon and will adjourn on June 12 unless extended.

More than 800 bills have been filed by lawmakers so far.

Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade held its combat deployment ceremony today—soldiers were recognized for their readiness as a video documented the event.

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.

Luke Winslow-King Concert

2:30-6:30 a.m. — Amtrak Station - LFT — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of slide guitar and traditional jazz from a celebrated artist.

The Greg Gordon Project Live

7 p.m. — Brass Room — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience an evening of rhythm & blues performed live from The Brass Room.

One-Night Event with Kevin and Kathi Zadai

6-9:30 p.m. — Home2 Suites by Hilton Parc Lafayette — No cost listed — Experience a night of fellowship and teaching in a welcoming environment.