Good morning, Lafayette.

Cracker Barrel is updating its restaurants with a modern farmhouse style by changing lighting, seating and decor—customer reviews are mixed and the company has not set a timeline for finishing the remodeling.

Some Lafayette Parish school buses are overcrowded as students ride in aisles or share seats with three per bench.

LPSS Transportation Operation Manager Ross Cloteaux said the district is working with drivers, administrators and families to target the worst overcrowding on central Lafayette buses—hoping to resolve the issue by week's end.

Lafayette Parish School System Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. is starting the 2025–26 school year by focusing on strong student-teacher relationships and reducing chronic absenteeism—he said attending class is essential for student growth and the district’s Child Welfare and Attendance Team will help remove barriers to attendance.

The Broussard City Council approved $8,950,000 on August 12 to build a new tennis and pickleball facility, veterans memorial, and parking lot at the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park.

The project will add 24 pickleball courts with 16 covered and create a memorial honoring six military branches—featuring historical plaques and an engraved brick walkway.

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.

CajunMan Race

7-11 a.m. — T.R.A.I.L. Transportation Recreation Alternatives in Louisiana — Entry fee required — Immerse yourself in a tradition of endurance with a triathlon, duathlon, or 5k run/walk.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-9 p.m. — Park Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original music from local singer-songwriter Alyse Young.