Today
in Lafayette
Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bed Bath & Beyond will rebrand all Kirkland’s Home stores as Bed Bath & Beyond locations over the next 24 months, including the Lafayette store at Acadiana Square—marking the company's return to physical retail after closing all outlets in 2023. The move follows the acquisition of Kirkland’s intellectual property and signals a shift from its prior online-only strategy. The Advocate
- ➤ Cheaper and better batteries are driving backup power projects in Louisiana as residents add systems after outages from Hurricane Ida—Solar Alternatives saw a 64% jump in installations in 2024 and experts predict the market will grow to over $43 billion in a decade. Only about 10% of Greater New Orleans solar homes have these systems so far, and new public initiatives aim to boost usage. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette was named the third-best fall travel destination by USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards because its cool weather, festivals and outdoor activities set it apart. Visitors will enjoy upcoming events such as Festivals Acadiens et Créoles as they explore local culture and taste classic Cajun gumbo. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ After 32 years conducting the 90-member Lafayette Concert Band, Gerald Guilbeaux will lead his farewell concert on Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m. at Lafayette High School's new Scotty Walker Concert Hall—guest conductors and original works by local composers will also appear as he hands the baton to his successor. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ On October 8, The Sidecar in Lafayette will host a fundraising concert honoring Courtney Granger’s legacy—his music and dedication to Cajun and Creole traditions continue to inspire young artists while raising funds for the Courtney Granger Memorial Award. The event will feature the Pine Leaf Boys and other local musicians in a tribute to his timeless influence. KATC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Lafayette Parish School Board may act tonight on a proposal to build a new K-8 facility—merging J.W. Faulk Elementary, Dr. Raphael Baranco Elementary and Paul Breaux Middle—on the current J.W. Faulk campus. KATC
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana’s whitetail deer population has grown to an estimated 1 million over the past two decades, and deer are now seen on streets, lawns, and near urban areas. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries credits its proactive management with this success—hunters report record harvests while residents note deer in all 64 parishes. The Daily Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Lafayette's Vermilion Street parking garage, which closed its public restrooms about 10 years ago due to safety concerns, may have its facilities renovated after Lafayette allocated $537,000 in the 2025-26 budget and completed design plans, with construction set to begin in 2026 pending a bid process—improved lighting and monitoring will enhance safety as visitor numbers grow. The Advocate
- ➤ Acadia Parish has issued a burn ban due to ongoing dry conditions, which prohibits all outdoor burning activities except using BBQ grills. Police Jury President Beau Petitjean said the ban will remain in effect until weather conditions improve. News 15
- ➤ The city of Youngsville reopened two lanes on the closed highway section while keeping the Ivy Cottage Drive intersection closed until drainage work is finished. Crews will continue repairs and work on uneven transitions — Mayor Ritter said more work lies ahead to make the road safer for drivers. The Advocate
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Downtown Rising 2025
11 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Parc International — Tickets available — Celebrate music and community with The Wailers and local artists in an epic reggae event.
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ACLA Latin Music Festival
4 PM – 10 PM — Parc International — Check back for more details — A family-friendly multicultural celebration of Latin music since 2002.
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Alyse Young Live at La Pizzeria
6-10 p.m. — La Pizzeria Lafayette — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of soulful music from Lafayette's own singer-songwriter Alyse Young.
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PetSmart Adoption Event
10 AM – 1 PM — PetSmart — Free entry — Meet adorable adoptable cats and dogs ready to find their forever homes.
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Sax in the City: Dee Lucas with The Dave Mouton EXPerience
7-10 p.m. — Brass Room — Tickets available — Experience a night of jazz featuring soulful saxophone and vibrant performances.
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Treats at the Village
5-8 p.m. — LARC's Acadian Village — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with a special trick-or-treat experience designed for individuals with special needs and their families.
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