Good morning, Lafayette.

Red's Health & Racquet Club expanded its women’s gym and locker room last month by adding new exercise machines, more weight space, a larger sauna, and private showers for female members.

Manager Mark Lerille said the club will soon expand the co-ed workout area and men's locker room (following his late father's vision) to meet growing member needs.

Erica Fox has managed Maison Creole de Freetown, an African American history museum in Lafayette since 2011 that preserves local art and artifacts in a historic neighborhood—she now plans to expand the space to support local visual artists.

Artmosphere reopened on Friday in downtown Lafayette at its longtime home on Johnston Street — a refreshed venue now focused on community, art, and live music.

Owner Justin Bennett said the space invites locals to enjoy its signature dishes and reconnect with neighbors through upcoming events.

Festival International de Louisiane has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for rising costs in putting on the festival amid new visa rules and tax requirements — the budget for overseas artists is $300,000 to support the 40th anniversary celebration.

First Solar opened its $1.1 billion solar panel plant near New Iberia on Nov.

20— the 2.4 million-square-foot facility will add over 800 jobs and work with local colleges to train workers and boost energy production.

The Lafayette Parish School System celebrated a nearly $50M bond sale on Friday to fund a new northside K-8 campus that will merge J.W.

Faulk Elementary, Dr. Raphael Baranco Elementary and Paul Breaux Middle schools as current facilities need major repairs. Barras Architects and RHH Architects will design the school, a construction manager will be chosen on December 11 and the building is expected to be completed early 2028 — a modern space for students to thrive.

Louisiana escaped a direct hit during a hurricane season that saw 13 storms and five hurricanes—state emergency officials warn that severe thunderstorms and tornadoes may develop suddenly from October through June even after November 30.

Residents are urged to keep emergency plans ready and monitor local forecasts to stay safe.

The Lafayette Consolidated Government and Lafayette Police Department will host a Mardi Gras public meeting on November 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Downtown Convention Center—124 S Buchanan Street— to share plans and gather input from residents, krewe members, business owners, and parade-goers.

Lafayette’s urban core from Holy Rosary to Moncus Park is vital for the city’s economy and culture, and civic leaders met at the Acadiana Center for the Arts to discuss investments that will attract and retain young talent.

Mayor-President Monique Boulet announced plans to redevelop Johnston Street and Louisiana Avenue with drainage, traffic and utility upgrades to boost downtown density — a key step in enhancing local tourism.

Acadiana Giants Bowling Practice

9:00-10:30 a.m. — Premier's Acadiana Lanes — Free entry — Practice your strikes alongside the Acadiana Giants in support of Special Olympics Louisiana.

Postmodern Jukebox Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sensational sounds of Postmodern Jukebox's new-millennium Roaring 20s celebration.

Festival of Lights

5:30-9 p.m. — Ochsner Parking Garage — Ticketed event — Celebrate the holidays with lights, food, music, and family fun activities.

The Gospel According to Scrooge

December 5-8 — 1100 Lee Ave, Lafayette, LA — Free entry — Experience a musical retelling of a classic Christmas tale with a message of transformation and grace.

Locally Filmed Christmas Movie Showing

5-9 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticket price applies — Enjoy heartwarming local Christmas films and a Q&A with cast and crew.

George Porter Jr. Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary bassist and funk pioneer perform classic grooves from his illustrious career.

Breakfast with Santa 2025

9 a.m. — Dave and Buster's Lafayette — $10+ — Celebrate the holiday season with Santa over a festive breakfast and exclusive arcade fun for the whole family.

Cajun Christmas Ballet

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Family-friendly — Experience a Cajun-inspired ballet that celebrates Christmas through the adventures of Marie in the bayou.