Good morning, Lafayette.

Race director Rhonda Branch previewed details for the annual Dance Away 5K in Breaux Bridge that will benefit the Teche Center for the Arts—Al Hebert reported local excitement for the upcoming event.

Community leaders from 100 Black Men met with District 4 school officials and residents at the Downtown Convention Center to discuss proposals for a new middle school on North Lafayette—an area that has long lacked new school development and where officials stressed the need for community input to improve conditions.

Lafayette firefighters responded Wednesday afternoon to heavy smoke at Jet Coffee — located at 101 Camino Real Road — when an unattended coffee bean roaster in an adjacent building caused overheating and heavy smoke; officials set up fans to clear the air and confirmed there was no fire or injuries.

Sheriff Eddie Langlinais announced that new speeding penalties are now in effect in Vermilion Parish, with drivers exceeding the limit by more than 25 mph losing their licenses and needing to appear in court.

Those driving 35 mph or more over the limit will be arrested on the spot—measures endorsed by the 15th Judicial District Court judges to protect road safety.

Miss Louisiana 2025 Gabrelle McLeod competed in the Miss America preliminaries in Orlando, Florida — performing in evening wear, fitness, and talent rounds on Wednesday and Thursday — while Miss Louisiana Teen 2025 Viriginia Kirkpatrick took part in the Miss America Teen contest; viewers can watch free livestreams of the finales and purchase access for earlier rounds.

UL football will have backup quarterback Daniel Beale lead the offense in Week 2 against McNeese as head coach Michael Desormeaux announced that star quarterback Walker Howard—a Lafayette native—is out with a leg strain from last week’s game against Rice.

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.

Good Vibes Highway Tour

7 PM - 1 AM — Artmosphere — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy an uplifting evening of Acoustic Rock with a positive vibe in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Movies at Moncus: Shrek

Sunset — Moncus Park — $10 parking per vehicle — Enjoy a rescheduled screening of the beloved animated classic Shrek along with themed family activities and local food vendors.

Redwine and Justus Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Whiskey & Vine — Ticket info not provided — Experience the fusion of traditional jazz and Cajun Musettes with clarinetist Ben Redwine and Chas Justus.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Bushido-Lafayette — Cost information not provided — Enjoy an evening of live music with the talented local artist Alyse Young.

Ben Folds Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-bending music of acclaimed singer-songwriter Ben Folds in a captivating live performance.

Full Throttle Tour 2025

7-9 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Ticket prices may vary — Country superstar Jason Aldean hits the stage with special guests Nate Smith, RaeLynn, and Dee Jay Silver.

Bayou Fest & Boat Parade 2025

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the Bayou Vermilion with paddling, music, contests, and fun for all ages.