Bon Festival!: Festival International de Louisiane
The last weekend of April means five days of the 38th annual Festival International de Louisiane, with music on several stages, gourmet food, children’s activities, Louisiana artists, a world market and a parade. Best of all, there’s no admission to this celebration.
1 | Music
Being the largest international music festival in the country, of course there’s music. Each year, the nonprofit organization that runs the festival invites musicians from around the country and more than two dozen countries. This year, to give you an idea of the festival’s worldwide reach, La Dame Blanche of Cuba and France will be playing Sunday, April 28, at Scène Fais Do Do. And that’s just one of many international acts to enjoy.
2 | Food
Acadiana is known for its world-renowned cuisine so don’t miss visiting the food vendors by Parc Sans Souci and indulging in the crawfish spinach boat from Bon Creole Seafood. Made especially for the festival, the creamy crawfish and spinach mixture overflows from a round, hollowed-out bread loaf. Talk about bon! Bon Creole’s restaurant is in nearby New Iberia and we recommend visiting for their delicious seafood po’boys.
3 | Shop
Shoppers will not want to miss the Marché du Monde World Market or the Marché des Arts with its artists and artisans selling their wares. But kids have their moment in the sun as well. The annual Petit Marché, where children and teens set up booths to sell their art, will take place in the courtyard of Ascension Episcopal School, close to the Scène des Jeunes mini festival for kids on Saturday and Sunday.
Festival International de Louisiane
Wednesday-Sunday, April 24-28, 2024
Throughout downtown Lafayette
festivalinternational.org
