Newly Notable
Youngsville
The locally owned fast-casual Tropical Smoothie Café is making its debut (in the former Zorba’s space on Chemin Metairie Parkway) with a menu of made-to-order smoothies, wraps, bowls, flatbreads, breakfast items and salads. The new Dumpling Hour restaurant (also on Chemin Metairie Parkway) has rapidly gained a faithful following for its Asian fusion cuisine with outdoor dining. The original Lafayette location was proclaimed Best Asian Cuisine by Acadiana’s Choice Awards 2025.
Jefferson Island: New Garden and Museum
Rip Van Winkle Gardens is expanding with a new Japanese Garden and a new Acadian Museum annex that will be situated in a century-old schoolhouse previously used by salt miners. Used as their residence until 1950, the miners formed a self-sustaining community with its own farm, store and dairy. An Acadian Museum annex is also being considered for ULL.
New Iberia: New Pours and Demo for Intro
The 10th annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival (April 10-12) introduces the new Prose and Pours Happy Hour on opening night (April 10). Guests can mingle with the authors while enjoying cocktails on the front lawn of Shadows-on-the-Teche, followed by an inaugural cooking demo by cookbook author/food writer Marcelle Bienvenu as part of the festival’s kick-off event, A Novel Evening, that culminates with a multi-course feast.
New Orleans: Reminder for Acadiana Bibliophiles
It’s not too late to make hotel and event reservations for the world-renowned Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival’s epic 40th anniversary (March 25-29). You’ll be joining award-winning authors, playwrights, speakers, musicians and poets who are gathering (and staying) at festival headquarters, the storied Hotel Monteleone. Sign up for exclusive VIP events, master classes, a scholar’s conference, literary tours, writer’s craft sessions, music experiences and theatre productions (VIP passes still available).
AGENDA
February 6: Krewe de Canailles Walking Parade
The walking parade features sub-krewes with handmade, eco-friendly throws, people-powered floats, bands and dance groups.
February 7: Scott Mardi Gras Parade
The family-friendly parade is a community main event featuring an array of marching bands and colorful floats.
February 7: Courir de Mardi Gras de L’anse
The traditional chicken run features costumed riders who dance and chase chickens along the route, culminating with a fais-do-do and communal gumbo.
February 14: Rayne Mardi Gras Parade and Cook-Off
A community celebration combines a parade with a competitive cook-off featuring local Cajun dishes prepared by teams in the midst of Carnival revelry.
February 14: Eunice Lil’ Mardi Gras
Designed for children, this “courir” allows youngsters to participate in the chicken run tradition, starting at the Eunice Recreation Complex with music and kids’ activities.
February 14: Cankton Courir de Mardi Gras
Participants in colorful hand-wired masks and capuchons travel through the countryside performing begging rituals at each house.
February 16: Lundi Gras Boucherie
At this communal hog butchering the day before Mardi Gras, revelers enjoy live music and sample fresh pork dishes including boudin.
February 17: Cajun Mardi Gras Festival
Over 2,000 people on horseback wearing the traditional fringe costumes with wire masks seek ingredients for a communal gumbo that’s followed by a big street dance.
February 28-March 1: Morgan City Retro Con
A convention celebrating vintage toys, comic books and pop culture nostalgia featuring vendors, cosplay and collectibles from previous decades.
March 6: Taste of SOWELA
A flavorful evening showcasing cuisine crafted by students in SOWELA’s Culinary Arts Program with live music, beverage tasting and food in Lake Charles.
March 12-15: Louisiana Food & Wine Festival
Lake Charles brings together award-winning chefs, pitmasters and wine experts for a series of tastings and cooking demonstrations enhanced by live local music.
March 28: Basin Brew Fest in Morgan City
The annual festival showcases the craft beer industry with samples from numerous regional breweries in a social atmosphere with live entertainment and food pairings overlooking the Atchafalaya Basin.
March 29: World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-Off
The lively event in Eunice showcases local teams competing for the title of Best Étouffée as attendees enjoy a variety of crawfish offerings from food vendors.
