Save the Dates :: 9 Family-Friendly Events Happening Downtown This Fall

Save the Dates :: 9 Family-Friendly Events Happening Downtown This Fall

I don’t know about you, but I am over the heat. As someone who is not built for triple-digit temperatures, I always look forward to the fall and winter weather. Aside from loving my fall wardrobe more than my summer one, I also look forward to spending more time outside and at community events. 

As an avid supporter of Downtown, I love to get my family down here as much as possible. While there are staples that are family-friendly year round Downtown such as Oliver Lane Creative Studio, the playground at Parc Sans Souci, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, and so much more, special events are a great way to get the family out the house and do something exciting and different. Here are some events to add to your calendar that are fun for the whole family.

Ragin’ Cajun Downtown Alive! Featuring The Good Dudes

Friday, September 6
Parc Sans Souci
6-8:30 PM

More details 

If you love all things live music and UL, make sure to add DTA! to your list. This special edition of Downtown Alive! will include a UL pep rally complete with cheerleaders, dance team, band members, athletes, alumni, and more! Grab your red and bring the whole family out to listen to The Good Dudes. 

Downtown Alive! Featuring The Debtors

Friday, October 4

Parc Sans Souci

6-8:40 PM

More details

If you love an indie-rock show, you need to see The Debtors at Downtown Alive! The music is family-friendly, and there are lots for the kids to do, such as taking a dip in the splash pad, playing on the playground, and enjoying the beautiful weather and listening to the great music. 

 

Barousse Works Invitational

Saturday, October 5

200-300 Block of Jefferson Street

More details

For its second year, the Barousse Works Invitational will take place on the streets of Downtown. Witness professional-level skateboarders work their magic on this incredible course white enjoying art and food vendors. This event is fun (and unique!) for all ages. 

Bach Lunch ft. T’Monde (kickoff for Festivals Acadiens)

Friday, October 11

Parc Sans Souci

11AM -1 PM

More details

This special edition of Bach Lunch kicks off the 50th anniversary for Festivals Acadiens and Creoles. As a special feature, teachers from Glide Dance Studio will be out at the park teaching Cajun Dancing lessons from 11-12. The event is FREE and open to the public!

Bach Lunch ft. Julien Primeaux

Friday, October 18

Parc Sans Souci

11AM – 1 PM

More details

The last Bach Lunch of the year is here! Julien Primeaux, who recently has been inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, will close out the 2024 Bach Lunch season. Grab your picnic blankets and head Downtown for the best lunch break in town.

Gulf Brew

Saturday, October 19

Downtown

1-5 PM

More details

Gulf Brew is the largest fundraiser for Acadiana Center for the Arts and transforms the streets of Downtown into a beer-centric street festival complete with over 200 types of beer samples, live music, arts and crafts, and my favorite part, a Family Fun Zone! Tickets range from $30-40 with a special $10 Designated Driver wristband. Fun AND safe! 

Boudin Cookoff + Acadiana Bacon Fest

Saturday, October 19

Parc International

10 AM – 4 PM

More details

If you want to take a break from the beer, come try out some bacon and boudin! Try all the best meats from across Acadiana all in one place. You’ll witness a cookoff, eating contests, fun jumps and activities for the kids, and music all in one place. Entry is free and tickets for food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

20th Annual Acadiana Buddy Walk

Saturday, October 26

Parc International

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

More details

Entering its 20th year, the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana hosts the annual buddy walk. This events aims to raise funds for DSSA and all the supportive services they do with the Down Syndrome community. Walkers pay $20 which includes a t-shirt, bag lunch, and participation in all activities in the park. The event is free for all individuals with Down Syndrome. 

Downtown Alive! Featuring Terry & the Zydeco Bad Boys

Friday, November 1

Parc Sans Souci

6-8:30 PM

More details

Grab your dancing shoes and come out to the final DTA! of the season! As always, DTA! is free and open to the public.

Jessica Hauerwas
Jessica is a nonprofit leader who loves bopping around Lafayette for the best burgers or bands in town. She is the Executive Director of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited where she runs the day-to-day nonprofit. She and her husband Chris have three littles at home (Jane, Clark, and Louise) where there is lots of giggling and always a cup of coffee brewing. Jessica is passionate about community-building and empowering working mothers. Jessica also volunteers for various organizations, is a member of the Lafayette Re-Entry Coalition, a graduate of Leadership Lafayette, and a survivor of being a mother of three under 4.

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