2025 Festival International in Lafayette, Louisiana — Things to Know Before You Go

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - We are on the cusp of another sure-to-be wonderful Festival International de Louisiane in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana.

The 5-day cultural celebration will happen Wednesday, April 23, 2025, through Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Festival International boasts top-notch music from around the world, gourmet food, handcrafted artworks, and so much more. People of all ages will come from near and far to experience the magic of Festival.

No matter if you've been many times or if you're new to the experience, there are still quite a few things that you should know before you head out to attend this year's Festival. So, we've put together a few important highlights that might help you enjoy your weekend.

Where can I park?

Parking downtown during Festival can be a bit difficult. There are a few paid parking lots (but you usually need to get there early).

Your best bet is to use the Festival shuttle that runs from the UL Health Sciences Campus Parking Garages located at 601 West St. Mary Boulevard and 411 St. Landry Street to downtown Lafayette.

The Festival Shuttle to downtown runs Thursday through Sunday. There is a $15 per car fee, and only credit/debit cards are accepted.

The shuttle runs every 15 minutes. For a complete schedule and more information regarding the Festival Shuttle, click here.

Is there an admission fee to attend?

Nope. That has never changed. Festival remains free thanks to loyal supporters, sponsors, and the community.

All merchandise purchases (pins, posters, etc., from the merch tents) are ways to help keep Festival International free.

Is there a site map for Festival?

Yes, simply click here to view the 2025 site map so you can see where everything is located, including the music stages, shopping, food vendors, and more.

What payment methods are accepted at Festival?

Festival operates with a cashless payment system using RFID wristbands. This means you use a digital wallet (your wristband) for all Festival food, beverages, and Festival merchandise.

Load up your wristbands with funds via the Festival International app or in person at Festival at a Wristband Registration tent. You can add funds to your wristband with cash or card.

(Do keep in mind that art vendors accept cards and cash. They do not operate with the RFID wristbands.)

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Are ice chests, tents, and chairs allowed?

Ice chests and tents are not allowed at Festival International.

Lawn chairs, blankets, wagons, and handheld umbrellas are allowed. Patrons are asked to be mindful of the limited space and large crowds, where some of these items will be difficult to maintain.

Are dogs allowed at Festival?

Sorry, while pooches are loved, they are not allowed downtown during Festival. This is to protect your pets and patrons alike.

Road Closures

Local authorities want to remind festivalgoers that during event hours, the following roads will be closed:

• Jefferson St from Lee St to Main Street St
• Jefferson St from Main St to Garfield St
• Garfield St between Buchanan St and Lee Avenue
• Congress St between Jefferson and Taylor
• Vermilion St between Lee St and Jefferson St
• Vermilion St between Jefferson St and Buchanan

Get our free mobile app

You may have other questions regarding Festival International. A good resource is FestivalInternational.org.

And a definite thing to have if you're planning to head downtown is the Festival International app. It contains the music schedule, maps, food and shopping info, RFID bracelet assistance, and more.