Good morning, Lafayette.

Local queer residents in Lafayette have built safe spaces through grassroots efforts after Bolt closed its downtown spot last year.

Businesses like Straw Cove Baking Company and groups like Pride Acadiana are working to create welcoming spots for everyone—all aimed at helping the community feel seen and safe.

Businessman Arthur Hartie Spence Jr. died in a glider crash on August 1 on Mahogany Mountain in Utah, and his visitation is scheduled at First Baptist Church in Lafayette on Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9-11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Blue Ox Group closed a deal to buy the former Regions Bank building at 5711 Johnston St. for nearly $1 million last week—Lafayette Consolidated Government granted a demolition permit yesterday and demolition is set to begin today as the developer prepares for a Dutch Bros Coffee location to open by year's end.

About 30 college students signed up as resident teachers with LPSS for a two-year teaching commitment in exchange for a $10K stipend—approved by the school board in March 2024—that will support the upcoming 2025–26 school year.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette took ownership of the former Pecan Island High School in Vermilion Parish in May for wildlife and coastal preservation research and will use part of the building to house visiting researchers.

Pending approval the facility will be renamed to the Peter M. John and David M. John Wildlife and Coastal Preservation Center.

Lafayette joins four other parishes in the SNAP produce bonus pilot where shoppers at Walmart receive a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $25 each month.

The bonus is automatically added to EBT cards by the Department of Children and Family Services—helping families stretch their food budgets.

Lafayette Consolidated Government and Lafayette Transit System launched a new bus tracker that uses GPS on every bus to provide live updates for arrival times and routes—riders can subscribe to transit alerts by texting 'Join Transit' to 31002.

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.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — La Pizzeria Lafayette — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of heartfelt tunes from local singer-songwriter Alyse Young as she serenades diners.

McNeese State Cowboys at Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Cajun Field — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Experience the thrill of college football as the Cowboys face off against the Ragin Cajuns.