Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette chef Kris Allen, fresh off winning the King of Louisiana Seafood title, will represent Louisiana at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off on July 25 in New Orleans (where 12 chefs will compete) to showcase his signature crab-stuffed flounder.

Downtown Alive! announced its free fall concert series starting Aug.

28 at Parc Sans Souci with the Ragin' Cajuns DTA event kicking off the season in downtown, followed by shows on Oct. 2 and Nov. 6; local restaurants will offer Ragin' Cajuns specials during the celebrations.

The PASA 2026-27 season kicks off on Sunday, Sept.

27 at Heymann with Grammy winners Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves at 3 p.m., offering music, dance, theater & family shows that include a Martha Graham tribute on Oct. 16 at two Lafayette venues.

Louisiana’s population grew for a second year in 2025, adding 3,264 residents—mostly ages 18 to 35—as the labor force expanded with nearly 33,000 more workers.

State leaders credited a planned Meta data center and other initiatives with attracting talent and high-wage jobs.

Under House Bill 232 (the new law now in effect since May), Lafayette schools no longer issue minor work permits and employers must verify age, collect parental consent, and maintain records while families expect a faster process.

The Lafayette Parish School System has released its official 2026-2027 school supply lists for Pre-K, elementary, and middle school on its website, and families can shop ahead before classes begin on Aug.

12.

The LPTFA says demolition of the collapsed Coburn building will begin Friday at the intersection of West Second and Buchanan streets, and the roadway will reopen on July 24.

Wood beams had rotted for years before the May collapse removed the roof and part of a wall.

On Tuesday, July 14, Lafayette hosted a mobile pantry event distributing free fresh produce, pantry staples, and health resources to help address food insecurity (organized by Aetna Better Health of Louisiana).

The effort reached one in six locals and provided essential nutritional guidance.

Nationally, the median home price reached $440,000 while Lafayette Parish’s median rose 2% to $257,000—sales above $300,000 increased from 17% to 34% of transactions over six years, showing a clear local shift toward higher-priced homes.

Lafayette trampoline gymnasts Alexi Shostak and Sarah Webster, who recently competed at the USA Gymnastics National Championships in Tulsa, are training for the LA28 Olympics at Trampoline and Tumbling Express with coach Dmitri Poliaroush.

Three Acadiana baseball players were picked by MLB teams after strong college seasons; UL pitchers Cody Brasch and Tyler Papenbrock and LSUE transfer Tyson LeBlanc will soon begin their pro careers.

Lafayette Nutcracker Market - Christmas In July

10:00 AM – 4:30 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Support local businesses — Shop for boutique clothing, unique decor, and gourmet treats in a festive atmosphere.

Zydeco Sunday at Rock'n'Bowl

5-11 p.m. — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $17.43 total — Experience lively Zydeco music and a vibrant atmosphere.

Back to School Potluck

6-8 p.m. — Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House — Drinks available — Bring a dish to share and connect with local educators and community members.