If you know anything at all about Louisiana, you know it has a festival for everything! As if the people really need an excuse to eat, listen to great music, and have a good time! You will find that the festivals down here are a little different than they are in some parts of the country!

One of the main events is the Festival International de Louisiane, which is a FREE six-day fete celerbaring music, art, theatre, dance, cinema, and cuisine of not only south Louisiana but all of its French speaking cultural cousins around the world. This is really the one you don't want to miss! It is held every year the last week in April on the streets of downtown Lafayette. For more information, call 232-8086.

Not really a festival, Downtown Alive is a chance to see local (and sometimes not so local) artists showcase their talents while kicking off the weekend with a bang! Sponsored by Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, these are free music concerts held during the Spring and Fall on Friday afternoons. Check the newspaper for scheduled performers and times. In case of rain, they are held in the parking towers downtown. Otherwise, get ready for some dancing in the street!!!

Festivals Acadienne is held every year in September. This is a festival that celebrates the culture and music of Acadiana with several different mini-festivals. There is something for everyone, including a children's festival. It takes place all over Acadiana, with local restaraunts and artists and craftsmen all participating. This is definately a week full of fun.

There are plenty of other local festivals to check out. Among my favorites, the Gueydan Duck Festival in Gueydan, Louisiana--about a 30 minute drive or less from Lafayette. This is my hometown so of course I have to give it a boost! But also, check out the Rayne Frog Festival in Rayne, LA; the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City, LA; the Delcambre Shrimp Festival in Delcambre, LA. If you are here during the late summer-fall season, you will find a festival to go to no matter what weekend it is!