Happiest City in America
Welcome to Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana's Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America. Their history dates back to the 18th century, when Canada's Acadians were expelled and settled in Louisiana. More than two centuries later tourists visit for a rare taste of the genuine Acadian experience.
Lafayette has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun cuisine that's earned them the title Best Food City in the USA. Lafayette's culinary scene is steeped in tradition and continues to evolve with a new generation of chefs making it an incredible place to eat.
No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette they will have something for you to celebrate. It doesn't take long to get hooked on Lafayette's Cajun and Zydeco music and there's never a shortage of dance partners if you want to try your hand at a two-step or waltz.
Whether your passion is for their rich cultural history, the bustling culinary scene or distinctive blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, you can be sure you will leave with a smile on your face.
Lafayette Mardi Gras
South Louisiana is home to the greatest free party on earth, a colorful celebration known as Mardi Gras. Click below for a listing of event in and around Lafayette Parish.
2022 Parade Schedule
Rôder with Family
For foodies looking to travel to Lafayette or locals in search of somewhere new, it's hard to go wrong. In fact, the biggest challenge will be working out what not to eat.
If you're looking to spend some time in the Hub City and want to know what events are happening, you're in the right place. We'll give you a weekly rundown of live music and other events taking place each week in the Happiest City in America.
What's Happening This Week
Bright Ideas by Eric Coble
Movies in the Parc
Bal du Dimanche at Vermilionville
Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival
Les Mains Guidées
It's Crawfish Season, Y'all!
Crawfish, also known as crayfish, crawdads or mudbugs to some visitors, are freshwater crustaceans found in the swamps and marshes of south Louisiana.... Read More
Lafayette Weekly
The Zydeco Boss makes his return in style this Sunday at Parc International. Keith Frank and his band will host Zydeco Homecoming, their first... Read More
January Events Spotlight
If you're looking to spend some time in the Hub City and want to know what events are happening, you're in the right place. We'll give... Read More
Gluten Free: Sweet & Savory
Enjoying a town as food-focused as Lafayette can be frustrating for those with dietary restrictions. Many years ago, if you couldn't have gluten... Read More
Getting to Lafayette
The city of Lafayette, LA is located in the center of Lafayette Parish at the intersection of I-10 and I-49 between New Orleans and Houston and only 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. The eight parishes that comprise the area are Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion. Acadiana is made up of 22 South Louisiana parishes that extend from south of Alexandria in the center of the state, to Lake Charles on the west, south of New Orleans on the east, and to the Gulf of Mexico in the south.
Lafayette Parish Map
Lafayette by Plane
Lafayette by Car
Lafayette by Bus
Lafayette by Train
Plan Your Escape
Lafayette, LA is at the heart of Louisiana's Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the 'Happiest City in America' and it's no mystery. Whether your passion is for our rich cultural history, the bustling culinary scene or distinctive blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, you can be sure you will leave beaming from ear to ear. Plan your escape to the Happiest City in America.
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Visiting Lafayette During Covid-19
We look forward to welcoming you to the heart of Louisiana's Cajun & Creole Country-Lafayette, Louisiana! We encourage visitors to practice all health and social distancing guidelines issued by the CDC and state and local governments, to prevent the spread of...
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