Work hard, play hard. That's our tradition here in French Louisiana. From Mardi Gras and Friday afternoon fais-do-dos (street dances), to festivals celebrating everything from Cajun and Zydeco music, crawfish and our French heritage, you'll find something every week in Lafayette.

July 4th!

FreedomFest
Jul 4
Fun jumps, waterslides, train ride, food and drinks. Come early for free hot dogs while they last courtesy of Mike's Country Corner. One of the largest fireworks shows ever to light up the Lafayette sky! Patriotic dress up contest begins at 7:15. Categories: 0-3 yrs / 4-12 yrs / 13 yrs & up. Bring chairs, umbrellas and blankets. No outside food, drinks, ice chests or pets allowed. Enjoy live music on the soundstage starting at 6 p.m. featuring Full Circle, followed by Lafayette's Bayou Boys and Cupid.
Parc Sans Souci, Lafayette
$10 all you can jump and dry slide. $5 per climb on rock wall. $5 all you can waterslide.$2 train ride. Starts at 4 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m.
337-235-2471,www.freedomfest09.com

Red, White & Boom!
Jul 4
The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra presents the annual "Red, White & Boom!" Celebrate America's birthday with music by the Acadiana Symphony with a special performance by Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys! Concert promising fun for adults and children alike, plus food vendors, fireworks and many other fun, family activities. So pack up your lawn chairs and bring the whole family to Parc International.
Parc International, Lafayette
Free. Gates open at 6 p.m.
337-232-4277, www.acadianasymphony.org

Erath 4th of July Celebration
Jun 30 - Jul 4
Celebrate our nation's independence with a parade, water fights, fais-do-do, pageants, carnival rides, food and a large fireworks display on July 4th.
Downtown, Erath
Free. Tues-Thur, 6-10:30 p.m.; Fri, 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Sat,1 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
337-937-5585, www.erath4.com

Stars & Stripes Celebration & Fireworks
Jul 3
Water fun for the kids, food & live entertainment for all ages. Followed by a gigantic fireworks display. Live entertainment by T-Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers
LA Oil & Gas Park, Jennings
$2. Open at 4 p.m.
337-821-5532, www.cityofjennings.com

Independence Celebration
July 3
Live music, pony rides, face painting, sky divers, & spectacular fireworks show.
Sugar Mill Pond, Youngsville
Free admission & free activities
5 p.m.-9:15 p.m.
www.sugarmillpond.com

New Iberia July 4th Parade
Jul 4
Parade at 7 p.m., Ceremony at 7:30 p.m., Fireworks at dusk.
Bouligny Plaza, New Iberia
337-365-1428, www.iberiatravel.com

4th of July Celebration on the Cajun Prairie
Jul 4
Join the City of Eunice for a family celebration on the Prairie.
Eunice Recreation Complex, Eunice
Free. Fireworks at 9 p.m.
337-457-7389, www.eunice-la.com

4th of July Celebration on the River
Jul 4
Join the Town of Krotz Springs for a patriotic family celebration! Entertainment provided by JC Melancon and band from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Patriotic music to follow. Fireworks display at dusk! Hot dogs and cokes will be sold.
Nall Park, Krotz Springs
Free. 6:30 p.m. - until
337-566-2322, www.cajuntravel.com

Grand Opening/ Dedication of the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum
Jul 5
Join us for the grand opening and dedication of Phase I of the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum with fly-overs, National Guard Band, food and music.
Abbeville Municipal Airport, Abbeville
Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
337-898-9645, www.mostcajun.com

Nightlife

Acadiana's Nightlife Calendar
Go to www.theind.com to see the most comprehensive calendar of live music venues in Acadiana. Compiled by The Independent Weekly.

 
Festival & Events

EatLafayette
Jun 22 - Aug 15
EatLafayette is a celebration showcasing the restaurants that make Acadiana culture so appetizing. Dining enthusiasts will enjoy discounts and specials at each of the featured locations.
337-232-3737/800-346-1958
www.EatLafayette.com, info@lafayettetravel.com

Arts & Entertainment

Southern Open 2009
May 9 - Jul 25
A juried exhibition of artists from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida showcases works of art reflecting southern cultures.
Acadiana Center for the Arts, Lafayette
Members-Free; Adults- $5; Students & Seniors- $3; 17 & Under $2; 4 & Under - Free.
Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
337-233-7060, www.AcadianaArtsCouncil.org

Marais Press
Jun 20 - Sept 5
Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
The Marais Press is the only university-housed printmaking press in Louisiana, and beginning June 20th the Museum will present the first compilation of artistic work produced using the press. Established in 1991, the Marais Press seeks to challenge students and professional artists to explore new ideas, new technologies, and experience the inspiration of working together. 
$5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 students; free for UL Lafayette
Tues-Sat: 10a.m. - 5p.m. Sun/Mon: closed
museum.louisiana.edu, artmuseum@louisiana.edu

Sports & Outdoors