Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
Good morning, Lafayette.
🎭 Culture
Moncus Park opened its new Kergan Meditation Garden Saturday morning in the park's back 100 acres (featuring five themed sections) to offer visitors a peaceful space for reflection.
It is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
🎓 Education
Lafayette Parish School System named Pamela-Rae Hovey as the new director of construction, maintenance and facilities — a role leveraging her 20 years of educational experience, including her time as principal at Judice Middle School.
She will oversee campus operations and facility improvements for the district.
UL Lafayette set new records for graduate, master’s and doctoral degrees at its Spring 2026 commencement held at CAJUNDOME on May 15 — 1,775 degrees were awarded, including record numbers of graduate degrees and certificates.
The milestone highlights the university’s growing academic impact.
🏛️ Government
New census data shows that Lafayette Parish is the state's fastest-growing for a second straight year, led by Youngsville (5.3% growth to nearly 20,000 residents).
This trend reflects ongoing regional development and migration patterns.
📰 Real Estate
Data from Realtor.com shows that in February, Lafayette Parish homes reached a median sale price of $250,000 (an increase of 7.5% from January) while single-family homes rose 9% to $257,500 as condominium prices fell.
Overall home sales grew 23.7% compared to last year.
🎉 Lafayette Events
Submit an event →
Cajun Heartland State Fair 2026
6-9 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant atmosphere and entertainment of the Cajun Heartland State Fair in Lafayette.
Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
6:00-7:15 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Get your tickets now for a unique take on 90s hip-hop music performed with strings in a magical atmosphere.
Emo Philips Live Show
7-9 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — VIP: $30, GA: $25 — Enjoy a night of laughs with renowned comedian Emo Philips at Club 337.
One Last Breath: A Tribute to Creed
9:00 PM — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $17 cover charge — Experience a night of Creed's greatest hits with opening act Ashes After.
Créole Culture Day Celebration
10 AM - 4 PM — Bayou Vermilion District Camellia Canoe/Kayak Launch — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant Créole cultures with a day of festivities at Vermilionville.
CFMA Cajun Jam
1-3 p.m. — Vermilionville Historic Village — Free entry — Enjoy toe-tapping tunes led by local musicians in a vibrant Cajun jam session.
🏠 Lafayette Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Lafayette Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Lafayette Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Lafayette.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.