Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Culture Department is seeking volunteers for a holiday community cleanup this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Jay and Lionel Hebert Golf Course, Holy Rosary Campus, and Holy Family Apartments — lunch will be provided.

Elf The Musical begins today at IPAL Theatre in New Iberia; Al Hebert previewed the set with Fake Santa & Buddy the Elf for an early look.

The production is brought to you by Bayou Vermilion District.

Downtown Lafayette will kick off its Merry & Bright weekend with the Holiday ArtWalk on Dec.

10, and the rescheduled Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree concert with tree lighting will take place on Dec. 12 in Parc Sans Souci; the events offer live music, food trucks and festive photo opportunities.

A new UL scholarship honoring Zydeco legend Clifton Chenier was established with a $32,000 gift and featured Grammy winner Chubby Carrier at the Louisiana Music Museum.

C.J. Chenier attended to honor his father's legacy.

Louisiana Works will update unemployment insurance rules following a new law passed during the Regular Legislative Session.

The changes, effective for new claims filed on or after Jan. 4, 2026, require claimants to complete five work-search tasks weekly (up from three) and introduce revised eligibility criteria.

At Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, the innovative Watchman procedure helps prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation by treating clots with a catheter-based method.

Led by Dr. Patrick Welch, the treatment offers a new option for those who cannot take blood thinners (consult your doctor for eligibility).

Animal experts from LSU and local groups urge Lafayette residents to shelter pets and livestock amid sudden holiday cold fronts.

They advise bringing small, short-haired, and vulnerable pets indoors and ensuring outdoor animals have insulated shelter (with fresh, unfrozen water) and extra feed to stay warm.

Cassie Boudreaux, a UofL student with two jobs, spent months searching for a studio under fair market rate.

Tough landlord rules and soaring rental demand pushed her and her partner to share a three-bedroom townhouse in Lafayette.

Lafayette's rental market is among the nation’s hottest, with RentCafe data showing occupancy above 90% and nearly double the applicants per unit.

Locals face rising rents and developers are starting new projects to ease the tight supply (including projects planned around campus) despite ongoing affordability challenges.

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.

New Year’s Eve Dance with Geno Delafose

8:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — $45 — Celebrate the New Year with live music, food, and dancing at the biggest party of the year.