Fall is a lively season in Lafayette, and the Hub City is getting its recognition as after being named one of the 10 best spots in the U.S. to visit this fall.
As crisp autumn weather creeps in, Lafayette Lafayette comes alive in the fall season. From Cajun and zydeco music echoing through parks to family-friendly events that celebrate the area’s history, culture, and food.
USA Today’s Readers Choice: Best Places to Visit in the Fall list ranked Lafayette in the top three for 2025. The Readers’ Choice Awards, a panel of experts, make nominations in awards covering food, shopping, sports and outdoors, travel destinations, and more where locals help crown the winners by casting their votes. Lafayette claimed third place this year, a step up from last year’s fourth-place finish.
In 2024, U.S. News & World Report named it the best place to live in Louisiana, citing its blend of Southern charm, modern amenities, and rich cultural heritage.
Here are a few upcoming fall events in Lafayette and the surrounding area:
SEPTEMBER 25
Shadows on the Teche Annual Farm Festival: 4 p.m.-8 p.m., grounds of the Shadows, 317 E. Main St., New Iberia. The family-friendly event offers a variety of games from old-fashioned carnival ones to Farm Fest staples, face painting, crafting and a petting zoo. Also, food, drinks and live entertainment. $10 per family. shadowsontheteche.org.
SEPTEMBER 27
Bayou Vermillion Festival and Boat Parade: 10:00 a.m.- 6 p.m., at the Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park on 300 Fisher Rd. This lively celebration honors the waterways that wind through Lafayette, bringing the community together along the Bayou Vermilion. Families line the banks to cheer on colorful, handcrafted boats as they float downstream, while live music, food, and marshmallow roasts keep the festivities rolling well into the evening. Bayouvermilliondistrict.com.
OCTOBER 3-4
Latin Music Festival: Starting at 4:00 p.m., spice up your fall with this high-energy festival that highlights the rich Latinx influence in Lafayette. The day pulses with infectious rhythms, lively dancing, and bold flavors, making it impossible not to join in. From salsa to merengue, the music and food create a cultural celebration full of color and flair. Latinmusicfestival.com
OCTOBER 10-12
Festival Acadiens Et Creoles: Starts at 5:00 p.m. at Girard Park, 500 Girard Park Drive, Lafayette. The Cajun and zydeco festival features performances by local musicians, cultural workshops and culinary experiences, and is a showcase for local artisans. Also includes the Bayou Food Festival. festivalsacadiens.com.
Fall Arts and Crafts Festival: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., gardens of Shadows-on-the-Teche, 320 E. Main St., New Iberia. Original art, fall-themed decor, children’s clothing and tasty treats are some of what’s in store for shoppers. $5; children 12 and younger, free. IberiaTravel.com.
