Good morning, Lafayette.

After seven years as an independent newsroom, The Current joined the Deep South Today network to bring more quality journalism to Lafayette.

The newsroom has received support from over 1,000 local donors—about 1% of the voting age population—bolstering its local impact.

LFT Fiber is hosting free Cajun and Zydeco dance lessons on Sunday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at Parc Sans Souci downtown Lafayette—Dr. Moriah Hargrave will teach traditional dance moves for all skill levels.

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette runs Oct.

10–12 at Girard Park and offers a wide menu of Cajun and Creole dishes including boudin, crawfish étouffée, jambalaya and gumbo. Local chefs are set to host live cooking demos on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12—admission is free.

Fall in Acadiana brings many festivals—offering live music, food and family fun across Lafayette and surrounding areas from Sept 25 through November.

Residents can experience events like the Shadows on the Teche Annual Farm Festival and the Bayou Vermillion Festival that celebrate local culture and seasonal traditions.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette enrolled its largest freshman class ever with 3,214 new students and saw total enrollment grow nearly 3% to 19,723 for fall.

Students came from 448 high schools and most are local.

Downtown Lafayette received 82 new drainage inlets as part of a $2.85 million upgrade designed to reduce flooding during heavy rains.

City officials say the project will help protect local businesses and residents—community members also must keep the drains clear.

Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Environmental Quality Division will hold Household Hazardous Waste Day on November 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Cajun Field—2351 W.

Congress Street—open only to Lafayette and unincorporated parish residents who will bring unwanted chemicals and electronics for safe disposal.

Chad Sonnier is the new director of the Lafayette Parish office of homeland security and emergency preparedness—created by Mayor-President Monique Boulet—and he brings over 40 years of fire and emergency response experience to coordinate efforts during hurricanes, Mardi Gras events, and no-notice incidents. His leadership is set to strengthen local emergency management across federal, state, and private partners.

Youngsville officials announced a new mixed-use development called Parc Bonin that will add 9,100 square feet of Ochsner medical clinics—12,000 square feet of offices and 10,000 square feet of retail space on Bonin Road.

Developer Phil Devey, Ochsner CEO Patrick Gandy, and Mayor Ken Ritter said the project will bring jobs and quality local healthcare access.

LSU football will take on rival Ole Miss at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday, Sept 27 at 2:30 p.m. CT—ticket prices are $245 on Stubhub and $219 on VividSeats.

Louisiana football is preparing for its SBC opener as they regroup after a 34—31 loss to Eastern Michigan where penalties and injuries hurt their game.

Coach Michael Desormeaux said the team will focus on tackling fundamentals and rely on backup players after losing J’Marion Gooch and Robert Williams.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PetSmart Adoption Event

10 AM – 1 PM — PetSmart — Free entry — Meet adorable adoptable cats and dogs ready to find their forever homes.

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.

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.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music with singer-songwriter Alyse Young from Lafayette.