Stilt Walkers at Festival International in Lafayette, Louisiana

Festival International — Our Guide To A Festival Weekend To Remember


Last year, we put our heads together and packed in ALL THE MAGIC to make your weekend at Festival International in Lafayette, Louisiana unforgettable.

And we're BACK this year with your updated go-to guide for the best fest weekend in Lafayette thanks to Donna, our Buffing & Wax Technician and Stone-Setting Specialist! You'll hear from her throughout this blog with all of your must-see musicians and have-to-visit local Lafayette spots. :)

Screenshot this guide or save it in your notes — any way to keep it handy! Tag us @mimosahandcrafted while you make memories along the way.

**First things first, download the Festival International app, so you can stay in the know all weekend!**

Signage in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana

And make sure you're getting into the Festival spirit with this playlist curated by Festival International!

Pre-Festival International Fun

If you're in town for the week leading up to Festival weekend and are looking for fun "off-the-beaten-path" activities, visit DowntownLafayette.org for the around-town scoop!

Here are just a few good places to start.

Now, LET'S GO FEST!

 

Your weekend-long Festival International Schedule

Festival International Guide — Friday, April 28, 2023

Begin your day close to the Festival International action with a cup of coffee from Rêve, a Lafayette-style breakfast at The French Press, or a good, classic diner breakfast at Dwyer's Cafe.

All are conveniently located downtown, so you won’t even need to leave the general Festival International vicinity!

The French Press breakfast spot in Lafayette, Louisiana

Pictured: The French Press

Looking for more fun things to do in downtown Lafayette?

Take the kiddos on an adventure to the Children's Museum of Acadiana. (Or head to a playful portal into the universe at the Lafayette Science Museum.)

You can also enjoy the local art exhibits at the Acadiana Center for The Arts just across the street.

Now, for Friday night's music!

From Louisiana to South Korea and many more! Here are a few of my favorites, but to learn more about each band or musician, visit Festival International's website.

5:45 PM — After a fun-filled first day, kick off Friday night with RAM from Haiti on the Lus Stage. Put your dancin' shoes on for this female-fronted powerhouse.

6:45 PM — Bring it back home to Louisiana at the Fais Do Do stage with Louis Michot. (You may recognize that name...he sings in the Lost Bayou Ramblers, too!)

7:15 PM — Moving along to the Titos Stage — find ÌFÉ from Puerto Rico.

8:15 PM — And closing it out is Feufollet on the KATC Stage.

Don't want the night to end just yet?

The Daiquiri Queens will be rockin' the Acadian Superette in Freetown.

Or stay closer to the festivities and join the Festival International afterparty at the Hideaway on Lee for the Pine Leaf Boys. Get ready to two step! 

 

Festival International Guide — Saturday, April 29, 2023

GO FEST IT UP!

Remember to visit the artists, makers, and vendors from all around the world! (And swing by the MIMOSA booth to see all of our new pieces in person — booth #64 as always!)

You won't wanna miss: 

2:30 PMGeorge Porter Jr. & the Runnin' Pardners on the Lus Stage. Stay hydrated and make sure you get enough rest cause this one will keep you moving!

And stick around for Sona Jobarteh from Gambia on the Lus Stage shortly after. 

  • Make a pass down Jefferson Street for some of the best local shopping. Grab some great records at Lagniappe Records, find Lafayette and Louisiana-inspired printed t-shirts at Parish Ink, or pop in to our favorite one-stop shop at Genterie Supply Co. for clothing, shades, apothecary, gifts, accessories, and more.
Stores Parish Ink, Lagniappe Records, and Genterie Supply Co. in downtown Lafayette

Pictured: Parish Ink, Lagniappe Records, and Genterie Supply Co.

 

You can't forget about the food.

And all we can say is get the bread bowl. ;)

...And any stuffed pastry you can get your hands on for that matter! Fezzo's, Poupart Bakery, and Lagneaux’s are just a few of the best.

Round out the evening with a little more music.

7:45 PM on the Lus Stage — New Orleans-based Tank & the Bangas. Need I say more? Guaranteed to get your groove on!

And afterward...ready to enjoy a slice of pizza and a drink? Didn't get enough festival food? 

Walk on over to Central Pizza on Jefferson and enjoy some of the best pizza in Lafayette.

 

Festival International Guide — Sunday, April 30, 2023

Start your Sunday off with a giant cup of coffee from Black Cafe (or ice cream from Sunday's Soda Fountain because it's never too early for ice cream. ;) 

Then, take a stroll through the food tent and indulge in a morning pastry from Poupart's

Sunday is the best day for eating, shopping, and catching a whole lot of local acts. And even a couple of the same international bands that played on Friday and Saturday (a second chance to see their set)!

5:45 PM —  Be sure to catch the headliner, France's Dub Inc on the Lus Stage.  They're blending reggae and dancehall, so keep your dancing shoes on!

Or if you're looking to take a break from the festivities, venture out to Lake Martin for some of the most beautiful swampy landscapes around. Perhaps even take a cajun swamp tour!

Or head out to Main Street in Breaux Bridge where you can grab a hearty plate lunch at Poche’s and hang out on Bayou Teche.

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Check out our "Lagniappe" section below for even more ways to spend your weekend in Lafayette!

 

Visit MIMOSA at Festival International 

You'll find MIMOSA in the Marché des Arts (booth #64 as usual.) We can't wait to see you! 

MIMOSA booth at Festival International

Marché des Arts hours

  • Friday, April 28 — 5 PM- 10 PM
  • Saturday, April 29 — 11 AM - 9 PM
  • Sunday, April 30 — 11:30 AM - 6 PM

See the full list of Marché des Arts artists!

 

A little bit of Lagniappe

Favorite Lafayette spots to grab a bite to eat:

Spots to stop and shop:

Antique Shopping (so good it gets its own section ;)

These spots are perfect if you're hoping to bring home souvenirs! 

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Looking to dress for the occasion? Shop our Southern-Inspired Jewelry. Or stop at our booth during Festival International this year and see these pieces in person!

Published 4/26/22; Last Updated 4/12/23


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