Good morning, Lafayette.

The Foodies Potluck at Lagneaux’s is scheduled for Sunday to raise funds for the Lafayette Community Fridge, which the local Foodies group has managed since last year.

Organizers ask residents to bring a dish and a nonperishable item—over 200 participants have already registered, up from 150 last year.

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, the Salvation Army in Lafayette expanded its food distribution schedule+ adding a Monday morning donation drive+ to help residents prepare for SNAP benefit disruptions starting November 1.

Volunteers are providing essential items, and community members are donating food to support families facing uncertain access to assistance.

This Thursday, October 30, more than 30 Acadiana restaurants will donate 10% of their day’s proceeds to St. Joseph Diner—an organization that serves over 5,200 meals weekly for those in need, and diners can help by dining in or taking out at any participating location.

Lafayette will bring back its historic Mardi Gras parade to Jefferson Street in 2026 — the route will start at Surrey and Simcoe, pass through downtown and end at Cajun Field.

Officials and festival partners will work together to make sure the celebration is safe and family-friendly — reviving traditions that began in 1897.

South Louisiana’s food system was strained when the federal shutdown stalled SNAP benefits for more than 847,000 people.

State leaders announced a plan to use $150 million—if approved—to ease the shortage, while Second Harvest Food Bank warned that food pantries remained under heavy pressure from 4.8 million fewer USDA meals.

LCG officials celebrated today as construction began on Phase II at Thomas Park to build four new tennis courts for high-level play—funded by city sales tax and a State Treasury appropriation; Mayor-President Monique B.

Boulet, Councilwoman Liz Hebert, and members of the Acadiana Community Tennis Association marked the start, and work will take about six months.

Lafayette Consolidated Government hosted a groundbreaking at Thomas Park on Monday at 10 a.m. that will add four fenced tennis courts when completed.

The Lafayette Parish School System accepted survey responses on family communication while Jeff Davis Parish Libraries launched a planning survey to shape future library services.

The 300 block of Failla Road near a bridge 0.46 miles southeast of Verot School Road will be closed to all traffic from Wednesday, October 29 through Friday, October 31 for repairs on aging timber piles — motorists should follow posted detour routes on Verot School Road and La Neuville Road and plan for delays.

Lafayette math teacher Nicole Disotell, who was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in July 2024 and underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy, has become the face of Ochsner's Breast Cancer Awareness campaign—she is set for her final chemotherapy treatment on Oct 30 and will have reconstruction in February.

Insiders' Salon

Evening — Acadiana Center for the Arts — RSVP required — Experience a soirée of art, conversation, and live music in a creative setting.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-9 p.m. — Sushi Mizu — No cover charge — Enjoy soothing tunes from singer-songwriter Alyse Young while dining on delicious sushi.

Acadiana Eats Festival

11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Cottage Developers — Free entry — Celebrate local cuisine with delicious food and family-friendly activities at this beloved festival.

Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk

8:30-11:00 a.m. — Moncus Park — Registration fee applies — Honor the legacy of a heroic firefighter while enjoying a community run and walk.

Kat Higgins Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Cost info not specified — Experience the enchanting Irish folk sounds of Kat Higgins fresh from Vancouver.

Texas State Bobcats vs. Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Football

1-4 p.m. — Cajun Field — Entry fee varies — Catch the action as the Texas State Bobcats take on the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in this exciting football matchup.

Alyse Young Live Performance

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

LHSAA State Farm Prep Classic Championship

3:30 AM – 2:00 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Experience the excitement of high school championship football with premium seating and exclusive amenities.

Wild Kratts Live Show

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience an exciting adventure with the Kratt Brothers on stage.

LHSAA State Volleyball Finals

8:00 – 9:30 AM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Experience the excitement of high school volleyball championship with premium seating and entertainment.