Dish Up

From boudin to blackpots, it's fall festival time in Lafayette, Louisiana

Blackpot Festival & Cook-Off is two days of music, food, and more in late October.

Photo courtesy of Lafayette Travel

Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole country, an area known as the Happiest City in America, and it’s no mystery why. Its distinctive blend of food, music, and culture has people from all over heading down South with smiles on their faces.

No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette, there is always something to celebrate. The region is teeming with celebratory events year-round, and each of these festivals offers an interesting way to discover the rhythm of Lafayette.

Experiencing all of them might take a few trips, but it’s well worth it. Here's what's coming up this fall:

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
October 11-13, 2024
Since 1974, this free festival has offered locals and visitors three days of nonstop music, dancing, food, crafts, and a genuine Cajun and Creole immersive experience.

Lafayette Festivals Acadiens et Creole Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is free for all three days.Photo courtesy of Lafayette Travel

Gulf Brew
October 19, 2024
Ticket-holders can happily sample more than 200 beers from craft breweries across the county, all while strolling along four pedestrian-only blocks of Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette.

Lafayette Gulf Brew Knock back a few (samples) at Gulf Brew.Photo courtesy of Lafayette Travel

Blackpot Festival & Cook-Off
October 25-26, 2024
Held annually in late October, the festival celebrates Cajun culture and cooking with two days of great music, dancing, food, camping, and jamming.

Lafayette Blackpot Indulge in Cajun cooking during Blackpot Festival & Cook-Off.Photo courtesy of Lafayette Travel

For a complete list of festivals and events in Lafayette, visit online here.

cajun cooking festivals lafayette louisiana louisiana travel promoted vacation

unlock the hidden port

Houston flies high with new nonstop route to Mexican coastal hotspot

Zicatela beach in puerto escondido oaxaca

Photo by Alex Borderline/Getty Images

Soak up the sun on Zicatela beach in Puerto Escondido.

If you’ve been waiting to check out the latest Mexican vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Houston is now the first airport in the nation to offer a direct, nonstop flight. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin the weekly route, serviced by United Airlines' partner Mesa Airlines, in April 2025.

Its name means “the hidden port,” but Puerto Escondido is on everyone’s lips right now as the perfect Mexican vacation spot. Tucked away in Oaxaca on the Pacific side of the country, the small city has become a haven for surfers, bar crawlers, hikers, and other tourists. Vibrant night clubs, gorgeous beaches, and a revitalized downtown make it the perfect place to visit.

“This direct service benefits Houston in many ways,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “"It will boost our hospitality and tourism industries while creating new partnerships and economic exchanges between our city and Mexico. As an economic engine for our region, Houston Airports wants to ensure that Houston remains the first choice for travelers and businesses when they look toward Latin America.:"

During the early days of Covid-19, both Mexicans and Americans flocked to the sleepy shore town to escape lockdowns in their cities, leading to a boom of temporary residents that jumpstarted the hotel and hospitality industries. Despite the influx, the city has managed to protect its natural environment while still handling the growing crowds of vacationers.

The new flight also helps cement Houston as the gateway to Latin America. Twenty-four direct flights to Mexico alone fly out of IAH and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), serviced by ten different airlines. Another 65 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean add to Houston’s reputation as a vital artery between the Americas.

“Adding Puerto Escondido to our growing list of international destinations is another win for Houston before the 2026 World Cup,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “We are improving the passenger experience, from new flights to airport infrastructure and parking, to create new business and tourism opportunities. As a primary gateway to Latin America, Houston must continue expanding access, which will drive economic growth.”