Seats are still open for several Magnet Academy Programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and applications will remain open until seats are filled through mid-August. Each Magnet Academy offers innovative programming that supports what students need to expand their horizons and explore their desires. In addition to providing students with the curriculum required by the state and to meet Louisiana requirements for graduation. Magnet Academies offer specialize theme-immersed programs in various pathways. For applications or more information, visit https://www.lafayettechoice.com/site1.php.

The 1720 Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius violin is said to be one of the world’s most legendary instruments. Its mysterious history and whereabouts after it went missing for 200 years, has inspired much speculation, and many tellings of its story, including the 1998, Academy Award winning film, The Red Violin. The story of how it came into the hands of its current owner is just as fascinating. Don't miss the chance to experience a historic, first-ever performance in Lafayette, by world-renowned violin virtuoso, and longtime keeper of The Red Violin, Elizabeth Pitcairn, who, along with her legendary instrument, will lead the Symphony in performing a captivating suite from the now famous movie, as well as arrangements from Virgil Thomson's Pulitzer Prize Winning Acadian Songs and Dances, from the 1948 movie Louisiana Story. For tickets and more information, visit https://acadianasymphony.org/program-the-red-violin.

Festival International de Louisiane is less than two weeks away and we can feel the excitement growing by the day. You can find the schedule, lineup and anything else you may need online or you can download the free FIL app on your mobile device to make your time at Festival even more enjoyable. For more information on festival, volunteer sign up, the schedule and more, visit https://www.festivalinternational.org/.

Returning for its 14th year, Lafayette Parish Student Arts Expo is happening Saturday, April 13, 10am-6pm! Experience the arts at this year’s Expo with performances and visual arts exhibitions from our Lafayette Parish public schools. Student Arts Expo is a family-friendly festival of student artwork, live performances, and fun arts activities. With 3 stages and 30 exhibition locations throughout Downtown Lafayette, this is a true community event. For information on a map, schedule and more, click here.

Step into the magical realm of the Acadiana Queer Collective's First Annual Adult Prom – a night of enchantment and self-expression! Brush off your formal wear and immerse yourself in the whimsical charm of an Enchanted Forest. Get ready to dance under twinkling fairy lights, where the dress code is Prom Formal with a touch of enchanting flair! For tickets and more information, visit https://www.acadianaqueercollective.org/event-details/adult-prom-a-fundraiser-for-acadiana-queer-collective.

While many high school graduates receive funding and assistance to enter their freshman year at a higher education institution, fewer scholarship opportunities exist for students continuing their education. To address this, the One Acadiana Scholarships will be awarded students from LSU Eunice, SLCC, Unitech, and UL Lafayette. For information on donating, applying and more, visit https://www.oneacadiana.org/initiatives/scholarships/.

The world-famous literary detective Dave Robicheaux, created by author James Lee Burke, is coming home to Iberia Parish with his very own festival. The official Books Along The Teche Literary Festival returns for its eighth year, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration in the realms of literary history, culture, and cuisine—all in the beautiful historic district of New Iberia. For tickets and more information on events, visit https://bontempstix.com/organizations/Booksalongtheteche.

AcA presents Louisiana Crossroads: a special one-night-only concerts in the James Devin Moncus Theater featuring two or more artists with a musical connection that ties back to Louisiana. The show includes an on-stage interview with the series’ new host, Herman Fuselier, to help tell the story of the artists, representing traditional and contemporary music alike. Arbo, Nashville up-and-comers, return to their hometown for an electrifying evening of music, as they bring their unique blend of folk, rock, and Cajun influences back to where it all began. For tickets and information, visit https://acadianacenterforthearts.org/whats-happening/performances/louisiana-crossroads/.

Join UL Lafayette Science Museum and Lafayette Public Library on Monday, April 8 for Solar Eclipse Viewing. We'll have solar telescopes, solar eclipse viewers and eclipse glasses to distribute for safe solar viewing outside the museum near the corner of Congress and Polk St. The eclipse begins at 12:26 pm and reaches maximum at 1:46 pm and ends at 3:06 pm. Here in Lafayette, we will see the moon cover 87% of the sun, the sky will darken and the planet Jupiter may become visible to us. For more information, click here.

UL Lafayette is one of only two dozen universities in North America offering hands-on musical instruction in oral traditions, and the only one to feature Cajun and Creole French music of Louisiana. Courses offered include group instruction and one-on-one instruction in fiddle, accordion, and French vocals and small ensembles (Cajun, zydeco, bluegrass, string band, and blues). There is a UL masterclass series currently running and the traditional ensemble showcase coming up on April 23rd at Blue Moon Saloon. For more information on the program and events, click here.