Fusing Dining Timelines
A new dining concept, All Day, is taking over the space formerly occupied by SoLou (now prevailing in Baton Rouge). Instead of focusing on traditional formats, All Day foregoes timelines, shifting from breakfast offerings (which will be available all day) to enhanced menus and cocktails later in the day.
Marksville | Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
Rev up your engines for the Avoyelles Arts and Music Festival, Car, Motorcycle and Jeep Show (July 4) honoring America’s 250th birthday at Paragon Casino Resort with eating and baking contests, arts, live music and inaugural car show. Proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation.
Thibodaux | Hi Five to Sci-Fi
The first annual Galaxiom: A Sci-Fi Gathering (July 18-19) endeavors to inspire the next generation of creatives and innovators in science fiction via interactive STEM experiences, robotics demonstrations, a Sci-Fi Dance Expedition and Costume/Cosplay Contest, and gaming tournaments.
Lafayette | Lucrative Opportunity for Emerging Talent
Polish up your concert repertoire to sway judges for Piano Plus, a unique new international competition for piano-inclusive chamber ensembles. Applications are accepted until October 31, with notifications of acceptance on December 1. The live competition takes place February 27-28, 2027 in the James Devin Moncus Theater, culminating in a public final concert. First prize: $7,500; total prizes: $15,000 (For repertoire and ensemble requirements contact brandon@acadianacenterforthearts.org).
Broussard & Carencro | Goin’ Down the Dunkin’ Trail
On the heels of Dunkin’s recent opening in Lafayette, a new Dunkin’ location is opening inside Walmart in Broussard, offering the customary quick-service format and menus. A third location is underway for Carencro as part of a tri-brand concept including Dunkin,’ Jimmy John’s and Baskin-Robbins.
Youngsville | Summertime Smoothies
Local franchiser BJ Crist recently opened Tropical Smoothie Café in the space formerly occupied by Zorba’s. Expanded offerings include smoothie bowls and other fruit-forward fare. A Broussard location is expected to follow.
AGENDA
June 5-7 | Gheens Bon Mangé Festival
You’ll “eat good” (bon mange) at the 52nd annual festival featuring gumbo, grillades, jambalaya, cracklins and an auction inside the air-conditioned Vacherie-Gheens Community Center.
June 6-7 | Cajun Heritage Festival
View hundreds of uniquely designed duck decoys at the annual festival showcasing duck calling contests, carving demos, vendors and a live auction in Larose.
June 11-13 | Louisiana Corn Festival
Enjoy nightly live music and street dances, games, corn cooking and eating contests, pirogue races, a softball tournament and children’s parade with niblet queens.
June 12-14 | Holly Beach Crab Festival
The fun foodie fest features family-friendly beach activities, cooking demonstrations, live music and crab dishes galore.
June 13 | Mudbug Boil-Off
Wrap up mudbug season with a crawfish cook-off featuring all-you-can-eat crawfish from over 30 teams with live music and kids’ activities in Thibodaux.
June 27-28 | United Houma Nations Pow-wow
View the arts and crafts vendors and enjoy traditional foods, cultural demonstrations and Native American singing and dancing.
June 30-July 4 | Erath 4th of July Celebration
Acadiana’s longest July 4 celebration draws crowds for the annual water fights among firefighters, festive pageants and parades, Cajun music and fireworks.
July 2-4 | Golden Meadow-Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo
Soak up the sun and family fun at the ultimate fishing rodeo in Port Fourchon featuring the annual fishing tournament, live music and King of the Catch Cook-off.
July 4 | Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival
Marksville’s indoor-outdoor celebration features live music, a marketplace, Youth Art Expo, food vendors, Louisiana festival queens and ambassadors plus the inaugural Car, Truck and Jeep show.
July 4 | Red White and Blue Festival
Crowley celebrates Independence Day with family-friendly entertainment and local headliners, food and fireworks.
July 4 | New Iberia Fourth of July Celebration
Enjoy live music, vendors and fireworks along Bayou Teche.
July 4 | Lebeau Zydeco Festival
The longest-running zydeco event in Louisiana, the annual festival is dedicated to preserving Creole and zydeco music traditions. Music fans from afar gather for top zydeco bands, Creole food and dancing contests.
July 4 | Gonzales Independence Day Celebration
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere in Jambalaya Park featuring patriotic ceremonies, live entertainment and one of the largest fireworks shows in Ascension parish.
July 4 | Donaldsonville Fourth of July Celebration
The annual Independence Day event offers a riverfront gathering spot with kids’ activities, food, music and a nighttime fireworks show over the Mississippi River.
July 4 | Lake End Fourth of July Celebration
The July 4th Lake End Bash in Morgan City has a colorful boat parade, food trucks, music, a kid zone with water inflatables, free fishing contest for children ages 3-15 and a fireworks finale.
July 4 | Let Freedom Ring Festival
Celebrate with a bang and dance the night away in Thibodaux featuring live music and DJs, a bike parade and contest, cornhole tournament, food and fireworks.
July 15 | Taste of Acadiana
Foodies are gathering at the 20th annual Taste of Acadiana in the Cajundome to enjoy signature dishes from top regional restaurants and live music (benefitting Acadiana charities).
July 18 | Cajun Music and Food Festival
Showcasing the Cajun music, food and crafts that define Acadiana’s French-speaking heritage with top bands, spontaneous jam sessions and two-stepping in Lake Charles.
July 28 | Acadian Day of Remembrance
Commemorative ceremonies honoring the Acadian people exiled from their homeland during Le Grande Dérangement are held at the Acadian Memorial in St. Martinville.
