Festival International is here: What to know about parking, wristbands, more before you go

Lafayette’s biggest celebration of food, art, music and culture is back this week as Festival International de Louisiane returns downtown.

Musical artists from across the world will convene in Lafayette, and visitors will also be able to enjoy some of the best food vendors in the Acadiana area.

But before you head to get your festival on, here’s a few things you should know about what to pack, where to park and more. 

What should I bring with me?

Festival International allows lawn chairs, blankets, wagons and held umbrellas. 

And since the end of April can get pretty hot in south Louisiana, you’ll want to bring a few things to beat the heat, like sunscreen, a hat and bottles of water or a reusable bottle to fill up. 

You aren’t allowed to bring ice chests, coolers or tents downtown during the event, but there are plenty of vendors who will be selling boozy and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Dogs or other pets are also not allowed, so make sure to keep your furry friends at home. 

Where do I park?

Parking around downtown Lafayette can be tricky during Festival weekend.

Street parking is an option but make sure to follow city parking regulations. Some downtown businesses and church also offer paid parking in their lots during Festival. 

Another option is parking at UL’s Health Science Campus Parking Garages and taking a Festival Shuttle from there.

Parking at the UL garage, located at 601 West St. Mary Blvd. and 411 St. Landry St., costs $15 per car. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes from the corner of St. Landry and W. St. Mary.

Here’s a closer look at the shuttle schedule. 

How does payment work? Should I bring cash?

Over the last few years, Festival International has transitioned to a cashless system using wristbands.

Patrons can upload funds to their wristband using their credit or debit card. All Festival food, beverage and merchandise stands will use these wristbands.

However, art vendors only use cash or card payment. 

You can get a wristband and link your card by visiting one of the Wristband Registration Tents scattered around the festival grounds.

If you don’t want to use a card for your wristband, you can visit cash stands to pay and upload money to your wristband that way. 

If you do use cash and don’t spend the full amount you put onto your band, you can fill a cash refund request form on the Festival International website within 30 days.

Where can I find maps and stage set up?

The festival has seven different stages where you can hear live music from a variety of artists from Louisiana and around the world. 

Festival International’s website has a map of the festival grounds and music lineups for each day on their website. Or you can download a PDF version of the lineup here.