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��ɫ is a great place for graduate studies, not just because of our awesome faculty and world-class facilities, but also because of where we are located. Lafayette is a vibrant, buzzing city that has something for everyone.

There's a lot to do here, so don't limit yourself to this list—but we think there are some quintessential Lafayette experiences you must have while you're in graduate school.

1. Go to Downtown Alive!

Enjoy Lafayette’s longest-running free weekly concert series every Friday night during the spring and fall months.

2. Learn about our cultures

Visit the numerous museums and plantations in and around Lafayette. Some places you don’t want to miss are , , the , , , (which hosts a charming 23-night ), and the  (which is within walking distance from campus).

3. Experience Art Walk

Art Walk is a free event held every second Saturday of the month, giving you the opportunity to explore the Downtown Lafayette Cultural District. Art galleries and other venues open their doors with free admission to see work from local and regional artists, along with pop-up theater and musical performances.

4. Visit the local (and not so local) breweries

and  are just a couple of the local breweries that offer taprooms and tours. If you want to travel a little further, the and  are both relatively close to the Acadiana area.

5. Participate in Holi Fest

Acadiana's festival of colors. Celebrate the Hindu spring religious festival of  with traditional Indian food, music, and “color splashing.”

6. Listen to some live music

There is always some live music to be found in Lafayette. Some close-by venues include Artmosphere, Blue Moon Saloon, Green Room, Feed N’ Seed, and Warehouse 535, along with a host of other music venues in surrounding areas.

7. Check out Acadiana Park

, walk the nature trails, play some disc golf, or mountain bike through the forest.

8. Kayak or canoe on Lake Martin

Rent a kayak or canoe and  at a leisurely pace. You’ll get an up-close and personal experience with the amazing wildlife of the area in their natural habitat.

9. Attend a ��ɫ sporting event

You can catch one of our Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns teams on almost any given weekend. Some of the sports events that you may enjoy watching include football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, rugby, and tennis. And remember, graduate student admission to all sporting events is free (and an escort ticket comes at a reduced price).

10. Dance the night away at a festival

Lafayette has no shortage of festivals, and we feel very strongly about them. Good food, good music, and a good time are the best ways to describe them. Some local must-sees are , , the , and the Hot Sauce, Rice, Crawfish, Duck, Shrimp, and Etouffée festivals are all close to the Acadiana area.

11. Take a swamp tour in the Atchafalaya Basin

Take a through the historic Louisiana swamp. You’ll get to explore the highly unique Louisiana waterways while learning about the history of the people that have lived and worked there for centuries. You’ll probably also get up-close and personal with some alligators! This is a can’t-miss outing, though you should try to go during the winter months when it’s not so hot!

12. Shout for some beads during Mardi Gras

It’s not just New Orleans that celebrates Mardi Gras. Lafayette hosts several of its own Mardi Gras parades, which travel right next to the ��ɫ campus. And just like the festivals, a true Mardi Gras goer can visit parades and the traditional courir de Mardi Gras all over, in Youngsville, Carencro, Church Point, Scott, and Crowley. And of course, try all the different King Cake vendors in town and see how Lafayette treats this Mardi Gras specialty.

13. Take a picture with the "Y Lafayette" sign downtown

Taking a picture with the “Lafayette” sign downtown is a rite of passage for anyone joining the local community. The YLafayette sign is regularly painted with different designs to celebrate special occasions such as festivals, fundraisers, and ��ɫ homecoming. It’s always a pleasant surprise to see what new design they have come up with each time you visit!

14. Stuff your face

Lafayette is famous for its food. We know grad students are on a limited budget, but luckily there are tons of restaurants where you can fill up without emptying your wallet. For a budget-friendly meal, we recommend the po’boy: you can find a classic version at  (just blocks from campus), you can pair one with a great bowl of gumbo at , or try a twist on a classic at  (which was named one of the 50 best new restaurants in America last year).

15. Visit a state park

Louisiana is home to barrier islands, tunica hills, flatwoods, floodplains, inland swamps, and so much more natural beauty. Visiting a state park is a great way to take a break from town and spend some time outdoors. Home to the Louisiana State Arboretum, is just an hour’s drive away. There, you can hike, fish, camp, kayak or canoe, and go birding.

16. Run a race

Did you know festival season is also 5K season? There are tons of races throughout the year in the Lafayette area, including the , the official 5K of Festival International, the and the (hosted by the ), and the . Grab your sneakers, go run a few miles with your friends, and stay hydrated!