cityscape of downtown lafayette louisiana

Living in Lafayette

Welcome to Lafayette — the heart of Cajun and Creole Country, the cultural center of Louisiana's heritage, the “Happiest City in America,” “Tastiest Town of the South” and a “Top Music Mecca.”


Here you'll discover the rich history of how diverse cultures came together, creating unique art and architecture, music and dance, food and celebrations and a joie de vivre that has influenced the lives of everyone in our state and made an impact on the entire world.

Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana
person holding Cajun seafood dish

Let the Good Times Roll

Lafayette is home to many festivals happening year-round such as Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, Courir de Mardi Gras, and Festival International de Louisiane, the largest international music and arts festival in the United States.

students and professor in data security class

Silicon Bayou

Beyond good food and good times, Lafayette is known for its preeminent high-tech infrastructure, such as a publicly owned fiber optic loop, and the high-tech companies who have made it their home.

Water feature at Lafayette's Parc Sans Souci

The Hub City

Lafayette has always been known for its role in the oil and gas industry. Today it has diversified its economy by becoming a leader in technology, energy services, health care, transportation, finance, entertainment, and retail.

Local Culture

Main Stage at Festival International

Festival International de Louisiane

is the largest international music and arts festival in the United States. The annual five-day festival transforms downtown Lafayette with seven stages of music, endless food options, and art from around the world. And best of all, it's free!

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Ragin' Cajuns basketball

Cajundome & Convention Center

Big-name acts, fast-paced sports, and local celebrations can be found at the Cajundome & Convention Center. Home to Ragin' Cajuns basketball, this arena hosts sporting events, large concerts, performances, Mardi Gras balls, and conventions. 

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Southern Screen Film Festival

Southern Screen Film Festival

The annual Southern Screen Film Festival brings together emerging filmmakers, artists, and actors for multiple days of short- and feature-film screenings, workshops, and networking. 

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Chubby Carrier playing his accordion at Festivals Acadiens et Creoles

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles

Lafayette's biggest display of Louisiana French music and culture happens next to campus every fall in Girard Park. UL Lafayette's , , and the all help put on this four-day, five-stage festival.

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The University & Lafayette

Expedia ranked Lafayette, La., among the country’s “Most Artistic Towns,” in part because of UL Lafayette’s involvement in the cultural community and performances from our School of Music and Performing Arts.

#1

“USA Today” editors nominated 20 cities for its 10 Best Reader’s Choice contest for Best College Town Weekend — and Lafayette, La., was voted No. 1.