In recent years, the annual celebration of the Irish saint St. Patrick has permeated Acadiana. And if you think about it, the similarities between Cajun and Irish cultures are abundant: predominantly family-oriented but down for a good time, hardworking but creative, and predominantly Catholic with a wild streak. This year, the St. Patrick’s Day festivities surrounding the region include traditional music as well as a modern take on the holiday. Also on the menu: a favorite weekly party returns, and a local brewpub celebrates its birthday!
3/12: Celtic Bayou Festival kickoff party at the Hideaway: The official kickoff party for Lafayette’s Celtic St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the Celtic Bayou Festival, is at Hideaway Kitchen on Lee Street. This Thursday from 7-10 p.m., host Tony Davoren from Celjun will indulge guests in music, dance, food, specialty whiskey cocktails and giveaways! Legendary Québec band Grosse Isle will play through the night. Free parking is located across the street at 316 Lee Ave.
3/13: Downtown Alive!: The spring season of DTA! officially begins this Friday in Parc Sans Souci with acts High Performance and The Dixie Club Ramblers! High Performance is a Cajun dancehall- style band composed of notable musicians like Steve Riley. Kyle Huval and The Dixie Club Ramblers will perform their take on traditional Acadian music. DTA! begins at 5 p.m. with the DTA! Happiest Hour, serving specialty cocktails from Downtown bar sponsors. Music begins at 6 p.m. This event is free!
3/13-3/14: Celtic Bayou Festival: Friday the 13th doesn’t have to be spooky this year. This Friday at Warehouse 535, the Celtic Bayou Festival kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a Lenten crawfish boil. Events and activities through Saturday evening include traditional and modern Celtic music, Lenten crawfish boil, whiskey tasting, genealogy, Guinness cook-Off, Bailey’s bake-off, Celtic vendors, green mile pub crawl, and more! The festival begins at 6 p.m. Friday, but attendees can make one or both days by purchasing tickets at varying prices here.
3/14: Bayou Teche Brewing Spectacular 11th Anniversary Blowout: Pretty much what it says on the label. This Saturday, Arnaudville craft brewers Bayou Teche will celebrate its birthday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Beers on tap for the occasion include Brass Techeticles Imperial IPA, with a whopping 18 percent ABV, and Velvet Techeticles IPA with cabernet sauvignon grapes and a knockout 23 percent ABV. Nomad Brass Band plays from 3-6 p.m.
3/14: Patty in the Park 2020: ‘90s rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot will take the stage at the annual downtown Lafayette St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Parc Lafayette! Wayne Toups and L.A. ROXX will also perform. An environment similar to Downtown Alive! and Festival International, great food and drinks will be provided. No ice chests or outside food or beverages will be allowed. Children under the age of 10 get in free! Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the music starts at 6. Tickets are available for $20 each here.
