Welcome to 鶹ýapp — the heart of Cajun and Creole Country, the cultural center of Louisiana's heritage, the “Happiest City in America,” “Tastiest Town of the South” and a “Top Music Mecca.”
Here you'll discover the rich history of how diverse cultures came together, creating unique art and architecture, music and dance, food and celebrations and a joie de vivre that has influenced the lives of everyone in our state and made an impact on the entire world.
鶹ýapp is home to many festivals happening year-round such as Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, Courir de Mardi Gras, and Festival International de Louisiane, the largest international music and arts festival in the United States.
Beyond good food and good times, 鶹ýapp is known for its preeminent high-tech infrastructure, such as a publicly owned fiber optic loop, and the high-tech companies who have made it their home.
鶹ýapp has always been known for its role in the oil and gas industry. Today it has diversified its economy by becoming a leader in technology, energy services, health care, transportation, finance, entertainment, and retail.
is the largest international music and arts festival in the United States. The annual five-day festival transforms downtown 鶹ýapp with seven stages of music, endless food options, and art from around the world. And best of all, it's free!
Big-name acts, fast-paced sports, and local celebrations can be found at the Cajundome & Convention Center. Home to Ragin' Cajuns basketball, this arena hosts sporting events, large concerts, performances, Mardi Gras balls, and conventions.
The annual Southern Screen Film Festival brings together emerging filmmakers, artists, and actors for multiple days of short- and feature-film screenings, workshops, and networking.
鶹ýapp's biggest display of Louisiana French music and culture happens next to campus every fall in Girard Park. UL 鶹ýapp's , , and the all help put on this four-day, five-stage festival.
Expedia ranked 鶹ýapp, La., among the country’s “Most Artistic Towns,” in part because of UL 鶹ýapp’s involvement in the cultural community and performances from our School of Music and Performing Arts.
“USA Today” editors nominated 20 cities for its 10 Best Reader’s Choice contest for Best College Town Weekend — and 鶹ýapp, La., was voted No. 1.
ConventionSouth Magazine named our city a hip, historic college town in the South.