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.
February 12, 2026
Why Free Events Matter More Than Ever
Why Free Events Matter More Than Ever
In a time when so much of life comes with a price tag, free public events hold a special kind of power. They remove barriers before anyone even has to think about them. No tickets. No guest list. No pressure to spend. Just show up.
Free events create spaces where people from different backgrounds, neighborhoods, and income levels can gather in the same place at the same time. They invite families, students, retirees, and workers on their lunch break to share an experience they might not otherwise cross paths for.
When live music, art, and community programming are available without requiring a transaction, they become shared experiences instead of commodities. It sends a message that culture belongs to everyone, not just those who can afford it. That shared access builds trust, pride, and a sense of ownership in a place.
At the same time, free does not mean without cost. These experiences exist because of artists, crews, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who believe in creating something open to all. One of the beautiful parts of community programming is that it invites people to participate in different ways.
For some, that means simply showing up and enjoying the moment. For others, it might mean buying a drink, picking up a piece of merch, or supporting a local vendor. It is a quiet but powerful “give what you can” model that allows everyone to be part of keeping these events alive.
When people contribute in the ways they are able, free events become more than entertainment. They become a shared investment in the place we call home.
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.
This is the heart behind programs like Downtown Alive. Free to attend, open to all, and sustained by a community that believes shared culture matters. When we show up, support when we can, and invite others in, we are not just attending an event. We are laying the groundwork for a downtown that grows stronger and more connected with each generation.
JoElle Judice
Downtown Lafayette
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.
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.
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.