Good morning, Lafayette.

Downtown leaders and new owners at The Genterie are urging Lafayette residents to shop local as the clothing store at 408 Jefferson St. begins its holiday season on Friday—building on Small Business Saturday momentum amid a downtown rich with boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Led by Elizabeth Savoy, Hands Together serves hot meals to Lafayette's homeless every Thursday evening except Thanksgiving—volunteers set up tables near the main library downtown using food donated by local restaurants and event centers.

Former KATC weatherman Ed Roy, admired for his humor, kindness and passion for singing, died recently at age 76 after a 20-year career on TV-3.

His family thanked neighbors for their prayers as they honored a man who always urged everyone to keep sunshine in their hearts.

The Lafayette branch of Off The Hook restaurant will open Dec 2 in the former Viva La Waffle building at 101 Liberty Ave with a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. The first 15 guests who download its app will receive free po-boys for six months and the brand will partner with local creators for its social campaign.

Local grocery stores in Lafayette, including Adrien's Supermarket on West Congress Street, have begun rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel after the U.S. Mint produced its last penny two weeks ago—Albertsons also uses this method and reports no customer complaints.

The practice started last week as stores adjust to rising production costs for pennies over the past four years.

At a Monday night meeting, Lafayette residents, Mardi Gras krewes and downtown business owners voiced both support and concerns over the Jefferson Street parade route following Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s shift announcement and the City Council's proposal to form a nine-member committee—Lafayette Police detailed plans to use barricades, cameras and designated public areas to boost safety during the event.

Louisiana law requires drivers to shut off the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key, and set the brake before leaving the vehicle unattended—even in their own driveways—so residents cannot warm up their cars by leaving them running on cold mornings.

The law is meant to reduce vehicle theft and prevent accidents caused by runaway cars.

On November 24, the Boulet administration explained plans to protect Downtown’s $250,000 landscaping and control crowds on a proposed Mardi Gras 2026 route along Jefferson Street—some local officials and community members worry the change could hurt parking and business revenue.

The City Council will vote on Dec. 2 on forming a nine-person Mardi Gras committee that may delay the route—adding more uncertainty for next year’s parade.

Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns will face rival ULM on Saturday, Nov.

29 at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium in Lafayette as they seek a bowl berth. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

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.

Marc Broussard Concert

8:30 PM – 12:00 AM — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $25 cover charge — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Marc Broussard and special guest Mike Broussard.