The in-between time between Christmas and Mardi Gras could feel oddly vacant – but not this weekend. I’m not sure why January feels like it’s been going on for approximately 17 years, but that just means more time for seeing all that our region has to offer. The Chinese New Year celebration will show a side of Acadiana many have not had the pleasure of exposing themselves to, and not one, but two local spots will offer sweet incentives for your dancing or yoga workout! Balance it out with a vegetarian cooking class and finish the weekend by contributing to conservation for balance.
1/23: Veggies for (Almost) Every night: The Unconventional Dietician will bring culinary insight to Top’s Appliances and Cabinetry Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for well-balanced dinner options! Explore different uses for vegetables in this class, which will showcase a menu featuring roasted balsamic root veggies, stuffed portobello mushrooms, chicken and broccoli skillet and more. Tickets are available from $35-50 here.
1 /24: Yoga, Meditation and Macarons: Bonne Vie Macarons is trying something new this Friday evening: combining the relaxing and strengthening elements of yoga and meditation with the indulgent sweetness of their signature treats. From Starting at 6:30 p.m., the 60-75 minute yoga and meditation class will take place on site within the bakery, where yogis can sneak a peak at the confections inside while in upward dog. Attendees will also get to try their first cocktail menu of the year. Tickets include the yoga and meditation session, an alcohol-free Garden 108 cocktail and access to an event-inspired dessert case. All fitness levels are welcome! Please bring your mat to class. Tickets are available for $25 here.
1/25: Dancing and Donuts: Want to see what Lafayette’s newest dance studio is all about? Hello Dancer will preview 30-minute dance classes for moms and children this Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. – with donuts! Doors open at 8:15 a.m. for four concurrent trial classes: 8:30 is the Mommy and Me class; 9:15 is the 4-5 year-old trial class; 10 a.m. is the 5-7 year-old trial class, and 10:30 is the 7-9 year-old trial class. Donuts, hot chocolate, coffee and tea will be served for the entire event. Click here for additional information on this free event.
1/25: Year of the Rat Festival: Immerse yourself in Chinese culture right in downtown Lafayette this Saturday with the Chinese New Year celebration at Parc Lafayette. Featuring a fashion show, lion dance, martial arts, traditional dance performances, henna tattoos, games and much more, the celebration of the Lunar Year begins at 2 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. This is a kid-friendly event that is free to the public.
1/26: Sixth Annual Save the Basin: The sixth annual fundraiser for Save the Basin will feature some of the strongest Cajun music performers Acadiana has to offer for a great cause in conservation. The Forest Huval Band, Michael Doucet, the Babineaux Sisters and more will take the stage at Artmosphere this Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Guest speakers include Sen. Fred Mills, (R-Parks), Mayor Collett, President of the Louisiana Crawfish Association – West Jody Meche, and Acadiana Basinkeeper Dean Wilson. Each ticket includes a raffle ticket for a swamp tour with Wilson, and the first 50 people in the door get a free Patagonia bandana for their future outdoor excursions. Tickets are available for $10 here.
