Festival International de Louisiane 2026

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

The five-day cultural celebration will happen Wednesday, April 22, 2026, through Sunday, April 26, 2026.

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 + tax 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.

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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 2026 site map so you can see where everything is located, including the music stages, shopping, food vendors, and more.

How to Use the RFID Wristband Payment System 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.)

What You Can and Cannot Bring to Festival International

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.

Is Festival International handicap accessible?

Handicap accessible restrooms and viewing areas are set up at multiple stages. View the site map and get more information about getting around during Festival.

Downtown Lafayette Road Closures for Festival International 2026

The Lafayette Police Department want to remind festivalgoers that the following streets will remain closed for the duration of the festival to accommodate tents and stages:

Lee Ave (Jefferson St to Convent St): Closed April 20 – 26 (Volunteer Center)
Main St (Jefferson St to Lee Ave): Closed April 20 – 26 (Merchandise Tent)
Polk St (Vermilion to Garfield): Closed April 21 – 27 (Food Vendors)
Congress St (Polk St to Taylor St): Closed April 22 – 27 (Merchandise Tent)
Lafayette St (Vermilion to Rue Bibliotheque): Closed April 23 – 27 (Stage Setup)
Congress St (Rue Bibliotheque to Buchanan): Closed April 23 – 26 (Police Command Center)
Vermilion St (Buchanan St to Lafayette St): Closed April 24 – 26 (Arts & Crafts)
Lee Ave (Between Garfield St and Cypress St): Closed to thru traffic April 23 – April 26

The following streets will close to thru-traffic starting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday, and remain closed all day Saturday and Sunday:

Jefferson St: From Lee St to Main St; and from Main St to Garfield St
Garfield St: Between Buchanan St and Lee Ave
Congress St: Between Jefferson and Taylor, and between Second and Rue Bibliotheque
Vermilion St: Between Lee St and Jefferson; Jefferson and Buchanan; and Lafayette St and St. John
Buchanan St: Between Vermilion and Congress St
Lafayette St & Rue Bibliotheque: Between Vermilion and Congress St
Lee Street (Traffic Flow Change): Between Convent and Garfield will be One-Way only toward Garfield from April 23 (5:00 p.m.) to April 26 (10:00 p.m.)

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

Download the Festival International App Before You Go

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.