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.

Festival des Fleurs de Louisiane is part celebration of spring's arrival, part fundraiser for UL Lafayette's Ira Nelson Horticulture Center, and part educational outreach and resource for the enhancement of horticulture in Acadiana. Over 100 expected gardening-related vendors provide the show's main attraction. Festival-goers discover a wealth of resources and activities as local gardening societies host displays and informational kiosks that will share gardening techniques with attendees. This festival will take place at Blackham Coliseum on April 6th from 8am-4pm. For more information, visit https://www.festivaldesfleurs.org/.

Basin Arts and KRVS come together to co-produce Art Circle, a monthly conversation between Dean Daryl Moore of UL Lafayette's College of Arts and two guests, a visual and a performing artist. These run on the final Monday of each month during the 3 p.m. Après-Midi program. This week, Dean Moore's guests are, visual artist, Hagit Barkai and vocalist, Sasha Massey.

This year, Festivals Acadiens et Creoles celebrates 50 years of honoring the Cajun and Creole culture. Dr. Barry Ancelet reminisces on the beginnings of the festival and how it all started. Come celebrate 50 years of Festival Acadiens et Creoles October 11-13, 2024. More information at https://festivalsacadiens.com/

The Lafayette Public Library Foundation is hosting their annual Awards Luncheon. It will be Friday April 19, 2024 in the Oil Center at the Petroleum Club. Doors open at 11:00am and lunch begins at 11:30am with program to follow. The event will feature local author & jazz musician, Sam Irwin. Business casual or dress to impress in your most dazzling Gatsby-inspired outfit for a chance to win a door prize. For tickets or more information, click here.

The Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo is the foremost showcase of public power lineworker skill and knowledge – and a unique opportunity for lineworkers to connect with and learn from their nationwide community. Journeyman and apprentice lineworkers compete for professional recognition, attend training, and practice essential skills in a safe environment. The Lineman Rodeo will take place at Cajun Field on April 6th starting at 7am and ending around 2pm. For a schedule or more information on the event, click here.

The Student Arts Expo in St. Landry Parish is a family-friendly festival of student-artists in all artistic disciplines from every corner of St. Landry Parish. The event features outdoor performances from school bands, choirs, and performance classes, art exhibitions in businesses and outdoors, hands-on art activities for families, and a student artist market where you can purchase original artwork and crafts directly from the artist. This celebration of student work will be held on March 23 at 10am in the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square. For more information, click here.

The Courtney Granger Award provides young musicians in Acadiana an opportunity to apply for financial assistance to attend local and national camps for traditional music, provide mentors for private and small group music lessons, and instruments or instrument repairs to aspiring traditional musicians. AcA and the Granger Family recognizes the value of diverse representation in arts and culture. Applications for this award are due March 29, 2024. For more information, click here.

Festival International de Louisiane is just over a month away and we already feel the excitement of the season. With the performance lineup and schedule released, you can start planning your time at festival now. In addition, you can show your support early by purchasing this year's FIL pin and poster online. Between the staff working hard leading up to festival and the volunteers continuing to sign up for the big event, there has been so much going into this year's festival to make it all happen. For more information on festival, volunteer sign up, the schedule and more, visit https://www.festivalinternational.org/.