Good morning, Lafayette.

Today, the Lafayette-based drone company FlyGuys received a $13 million investment led by Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary that will support its expansion and plans for global growth.

The company employs about 30 staff at its Jefferson Street office and works with 17,000 FAA-certified pilots nationwide.

TikTok influencer Chimetime (Rashad Moore) praised Lafayette food in an interview today, ranking the city among his top three after tasting local smothered dishes, plate lunches and boudin.

He visited spots like JB’s Cruisin Cuisine and Laura’s Two after social media recommendations led him away from New Orleans.

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles will celebrate its 50th anniversary from October 10—12 at Girard Park in Lafayette with cultural icon Zachary Richard and performances by artists such as Rusty Metoyer, Rockin’ Dopsie, Wayne Toups, Four Horses, Beau Cheval and Les Amis du Teche.

The festival honors its roots from a 1975 Tribute to Cajun Music Concert and will publish its full schedule in September.

Lafayette High School updated its traffic routes for buses, parents, and students as it prepares to open its new campus on Thursday, August 7—buses will enter via Marie Antoinette Street while parents and students must follow separate routes to keep the area safe.

Lafayette Elementary welcomes its first class of 400 elementary students this week after the Lafayette Parish School Board closed Lafayette Middle School and S.J.

Montgomery Elementary and transformed the historic building (built in 1926 as Lafayette High) with volunteer help. Principal Colleen Comeaux, serving her first year, said her team is ready to start a year of learning and growth.

Lafayette artist Dirk Guidry painted a swamp-themed mural with cypress trees and wetland creatures in the Katharine Drexel Early Childhood Center to welcome about 180 pre-k and kindergarten students starting school this week.

Guidry and principal Carlie Roszell worked with five other local artists (the work took about 160 hours over a month) to create a design that includes the school’s alligator mascot.

Lafayette Elementary officially opened Monday, August 4 as teachers reported for work and students are set to arrive later this week + officials noted that the old Lafayette High is being dismantled over the next few weeks, marking a new chapter in local education.

Families in Lafayette Parish should prepare for a staggered start to the 2025—2026 school year as A-day students at odd addresses report on Aug.

7, B-day students at even addresses on Aug. 8, all older students on Aug. 11, and Pre-K and kindergarten students on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12. The school board also updated the dress code to allow navy blue, khaki, or blue and black jeans while enforcing power-off rules for nonschool devices and introducing new measures to curb absenteeism.

Acadian Culture Day 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free admission — Celebrate Acadian culture with live music, crafts, and delicious local food at this family-friendly festival.

Louisiana Theatre Festival

7-9:30 p.m. — Wonderland Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Experience talented groups from across Louisiana competing with their best short scenes for fantastic prizes.

Public Art Workshop Series

12-5 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Scholarships available — Build your skills in 3D public art with expert guidance and hands-on experience.

One Vision of Queen Featuring Marc Martel

8-9:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world's largest Queen tribute band with an incredible performance by Marc Martel.

The Greg Gordon Project Live Concert

7 p.m. — Brass Room — Ticket info not provided — Experience a soulful night with Louisiana's own Greg Gordon and his signature blend of soul and R&B.

Louisiana Words Launch Event

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Cavalier House Books - Lafayette — Free entry — Celebrate local authors as they read their works at this inclusive nonprofit kickoff event.

Rice Owls vs. Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Cajun Field — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Catch an exciting college football matchup between the Rice Owls and Ragin Cajuns.