We know this time of year there is plenty to do in Baton Rouge with kids, and the cooler temperatures means plenty of fall family fun. However, if you do find yourself wanting to venture out for a day trip, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is a kid-friendly festival in Lafayette, LA worth the drive. Our local Baton Rouge writers have plenty of family-friendly road trip suggestions from Baton Rouge, as well as tips on enjoying an adventure in the great outdoors! Another one of our favorite outings with kids in Baton Rouge is hiking, but there’s nothing quite like a festival in Southeast Louisiana when the weather is crisp … and that’s why we think you should plan to attend Festivals Acadiens et Créoles the weekend of October 14-16!
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles :: Family Fun is Just an Hour Away!
Growing up in Lafayette, there’s always one festival my family makes sure to attend, sometimes with my old(ish) grandma in tow. That’s right; this festival is easy enough to do with your grandma or your kids! Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is happening October 14-16 in Lafayette. 
The festival takes place every year at Girard Park near the campus of ULL and minutes from Downtown Lafayette. Festival is a “must do” for residents of Louisiana who enjoy a good Cajun or Zydeco band, the Cajun Culture, or like so many, “I’m just here for the food.”
I can think of 100 reasons why my family and I make it a priority to make it to Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, but I’ll shorten my list to seven. So, pack a day bag, hop in the car, and drive over to Lafayette for the day, you’ll be home for bedtime (or close to it.) Laissez les bon temps rouler!
FREE!!
That’s right, there is NO admission fee! If you’re willing to walk a little, you can usually find free parking as well. The festival does have official parking on ULL’s campus for a $10 fee. There are food and drink booths, a craft area with tons of local and regional artists, and a festival shop. While you can go listen to the bands in the beautiful park area for free, I’d suggest bringing some cash.
Kid Friendly!
There’s Place Des Petits, presented by the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, with games, crafts, and musical fun for your kiddos. The Atelier tent has AIR CONDITIONING this year for the kids as well. While the festival has a number of kid friendly events happening at all times, our kids also love running and playing on the Girard Park Playground equipment, walking around the duck pond, and sitting for a picnic in the shade of a giant oak tree. We always throw our kids in a wagon together and pull it around the park.
The Crafts for Sale
The festival hosts members of the Louisiana Crafts Guild and they do not disappoint. I’ve bought many a Christmas present, cute kid outfit, or piece of jewelry from these wonderful people. The shopping is great and unique.
Great Bands
If you like good music, then Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is the place for you. There are six stages with Cajun and Zydeco music going at all times. See a complete list of times and bands here.
The Crowd
While us locals come out for the festival, it doesn’t feel crowded. There’s plenty of room t
o waltz or two step with your boo, relax on a picnic blanket in the shade, and let your kids run wild and free before nap time!
Something for Everyone
There’s even an area with TVs for the sports fanatic in your life. Make new friends with someone while watching ULL or LSU on the big screens. Learn to cook a delicious Cajun dish at the “Culture Sur La Table” food demo tent. Eat until your pants don’t fit (or wear a dress, so you have more room). Listen to some absolutely amazing bands. Dance ‘till your feet hurt. Make some precious arts and crafts with the kids. Festival is truly a one stop spot for family fun!
Last, but not least, you’ll be home by bedtime.
Pack some pajamas, because your littles are bound to fall asleep in the car on the drive back to Baton Rouge. The last band takes the stage at 8, so the festival usually ends around 9-10. You’ll be home well before midnight, or book a hotel and stay for the weekend. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll probably want to come back for Sunday Funday anyway!
About Kendra
Kendra, originally from Alabama, has called Lafayette home for more than 20 years. After her time at LSU (Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education), Kendra moved back to Lafayette to marry her love, Justin. She has been married to Justin for just over 8 years. They have two daughters, Lillian who was born in October of 2011, and Annie, who was born in January of 2015. Kendra also has a Boston Terrier, named Mister. When she’s not busy teaching and planning for her 3rd grade reading classes, Kendra enjoys hanging out with Justin and her girls, family, and friends. She also loves Jesus, coffee, cooking up both healthy and unhealthy meals (it’s all about balance y’all), a good workout, and reading.
Love the blog, Kendra! Looking forward to the next one.