April 26-30, 2017
Lafayette, Louisiana
On the final weekend in April this year, an estimated 400,000 music lovers will descend on Lafayette for the annual Festival International de Louisiane. This free outdoor visual and performing arts celebration honors South Louisiana’s French heritage by inviting French speaking performers from around the world to its five stages.
Downtown Lafayette becomes an international hub of music, dance, and food. Meandering down the tree-lined streets, and drifting in and out of colorful art markets, attendees are greeted by more than two dozen local eateries. From expertly fried alligator balls by Alligator Shakes to Natchitoches meat pies by Antlers Restaurant & Bar, there is a wide variety of Cajun flare. And hot boudin and cracklins abound.
For an eclectic mix of music, culture, and dining, in a fun outdoor setting, Festival International is a hard act to beat. In past years, Louisiana icons, Trombone Shorty, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, and Lagniappe Brass Band, have shared the stages with acts from around the world, including some from Jamaica, Mali, Israel, and Brazil. Make sure to bring your best dancing shoes because once those bands get going, it’ll be hard not to boogie.
