February 12, 2026
Why Free Events Matter More Than Ever
Free public programming is not just about access. It is about trust. It is about generosity. And it is about building a downtown where everyone has a seat in the crowd.
August 5, 2021
Taco Takedown: Your Friendly Food Competition is Back!
After the success of both Chicken Sandwich Snackdown and Burger Battle Royale, we HAD to continue the fun competition amongst our Downtown neighbors. 16 Downtown restaurants will compete for the ultimate title: TACO TAKEDOWN CHAMPION.
This exciting month-long food fight is a fundraiser for Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, with $1 per every taco sold going to our non-profit organization. Check out our Facebook and Instagram feeds to see who’s ready to knock-out the competition. Public voting begins August 15.
“Downtown Lafayette is proud to be home to a large concentration of locally-owned and operated, one-of-a-kind restaurants that provide something for everyone.” - Jamie Hebert: Director of Programming and Engagement, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited
What Taco Takedown means to the Downtown District
Downtown’s Taco Takedown competition will promote Downtown restaurants, drive additional sales to boost our local economy, and encourage friendly competition as restaurants display their best taco dishes.
Our community has the opportunity to help support Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, who is responsible for providing marketing, promotional, and business support for the central business district of Lafayette.
Taco Tasting Happening on Every Corner
Downtown restaurants, familiar and new, will come together to introduce their take on the best taco. From the classic fish taco to smoked brisket, Vietnamese-inspired bao buns, and a healthy bowl alternative, this competition will showcase various flavors for all Downtown guests to enjoy. Check out our gallery to see all these amazing additions to our Downtown restaurants!
Participating restaurants in the Downtown competition will include Agave Downtown, Black Cafe, CENTRAL Pizza & Bar, Grocery Tavern & Delicatessen, Handy Stop Market & Cafe, Hideaway on Lee, Johnson’s Boucanière, La Carreta Lafayette, Luna Bar & Grill, Pamplona Tapas Bar, Pat’s Downtown Lafayette, Pop’s Poboys, Rêve Coffee Roasters, Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant, Tsunami Sushi Lafayette, and TULA Tacos + Amigos.
A third “Downtown Snackdown” competition would not be possible without the support of sponsors, including Designs by Robin, Discover Cajun, Fox Pest Control, and Freetown Flat.
Our Tasty Contestants
Click through to see all of our delicious submissions from our Downtown restaurant participants.
Tsunami Sushi
Asian Birria Bao Buns
Spoonbill Watering Hole & Grill
Chorizo Migas Tacos
Pop’s Poboys
HOT HOT Taco
Pat’s Downtown
Taco Salad
February 9, 2026
DTA kicks off Mardi Gras weekend with live music
This festive evening marks the perfect way to dive into Deep Gras season while supporting local music, local businesses, and the vibrant Downtown Lafayette community.
March 2, 2023
The History of Downtown Alive!
Little did Acadiana know that on Friday, April 8th, 1983, history would be made in Downtown Lafayette. It all started when a group of people got together to try and figure out how to bring life into Downtown Lafayette. Downtown Development Director Cathy Webre and her team had a hunch – “Give them music, and they will come.” Downtown Alive! was then born on a tiny stage in the middle of Jefferson Street with a performance from Beausoleil.
April 22, 2022
The Insider’s Guide to Festival International
Festival International de Louisiane is set to take over Downtown Lafayette this weekend, converting the city center into a world music mecca like no other. The streets will be packed with throngs of sandal clad weekend warriors—over 300,000 people attend the festival each year, coming from all over the country and around the globe. Everyone knows the bands they want to see and where the stage is, but there’s more to Festival than just the music. This guide to Festival International’s unofficial and off-the-beaten-path events will help you to get the most out of a full week of Downtown festivities.
November 19, 2021
Merry & Bright: Downtown’s Destination this Holiday Season
Don’t miss out on the third annual Merry & Bright Holiday Series, presented by Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Co., happening Downtown this holiday season.The holiday season is a time to come together and celebrate the connection you have to your family, friends, and community. Part of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited’s mission is to foster a downtown district where this can happen, to serve as a gathering place for memories and traditions that stand the test of time.
July 21, 2021
DTA! Is Back with BIG Acts
Lafayette, LA – Downtown Alive! announces their Fall lineup as they return to in-person programming this Fall in Parc International. This beloved community tradition pivoted to virtual programming throughout 2020 and Spring 2021 due to COVID-19 and managed to reach over 45,000 viewers in the Spring season alone thanks to supporters near and far.
March 29, 2021
Maker Faire Lafayette schedule announced, online registration open for attendees
Maker Faire Lafayette has opened online registration and announced the schedule of events for the week of April 5-10, 2021. This year’s event is presented by Lafayette Public Library, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, and AOC Community Media.
November 13, 2020
Window Wonderland: Christmas event brings downtown, local artists together
It was like walking onto a Hallmark movie set for local artist Kelly Russo. Last year, downtown Lafayette took decorating for Christmas seriously, and along with it, came the Window Wonderland competition. Russo was one of 30 artists who decorated storefronts in hopes of winning and bringing Christmas cheer.
November 13, 2020
Downtown Lafayette Hosting a Merry & Bright Christmas
Lafayette, LA – Do you hear what we hear? Downtown Lafayette is becoming a Winter Wonderland once again this December. Downtown Lafayette Unlimited is producing “Merry & Bright,” a series of family-friendly holiday events in Downtown Lafayette sponsored by Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The seasonal celebration includes a Christmas tree decorating contest, a concert featuring Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, a competition for best holiday window display, a Candlelight Christmas featuring traditional carols, and a Movies In The Parc season finale —all taking place throughout December and following guidelines for safe outdoors events.