Lafayette, as the unofficial capital of Acadiana, has always played a key role in celebrating the area’s French culture. This summer, the Hilliard Museum is teaming up with partners in and around Lafayette to present weekends full of activities celebrating the unique French culture of the area. Spend a few days celebrating what really makes Acadiana such a special place to live or visit; your choice of June 9-11, July 7-9, and August 11-13.
Friday June 9, attend the museum’s opening reception for the summer season, including new exhibit Pierre Bonnard: Landscapes from Le Cannet. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by Bon Temps Grill and Republic National Distributing Company. For July and August, buy a ticket to the museum’s “Bordeaux, Brie, et Bonnard” event to enjoy wine, cheese, and pastry pairings alongside a private viewing of the Pierre Bonnard exhibition with museum staff: even the most passionate art lover will admit that it’s more fun to admire paintings if you can also have cheese.
Start your Saturday with music, dancing, and a meal to write home about at Zydeco Brunch in Breaux Bridge--or for those who would rather ease into their fun come to the museum for yoga, in your choice of French or English. Once you’re fed and stretched, head on over to Vermilionville’s historic village for a bilingual guided tour at 1 pm, then catch the end of their weekly Cajun jam session. (Or, if you’re in a musical mood, just enjoy the whole jam!) If you’d rather sit back with a brew, head down to Arnaudville for a bilingual tour of Bayou Teche Brewing, with live music Saturday afternoons. In the evening, Downtown Lafayette offers their monthly Art Walk, displaying works by local artists.
Start Sunday with brunch at the French Press, Saint Street Inn, or Social Southern Table & Bar, then check out Vermilionville’s weekly Bal du Dimanche. August 13, you can experience the annual Acadian Culture Day at Vermilionville, a fun-filled (and yet educational!) capstone to the summer cultural celebration! For details and even more activities, please visit hillliardmuseum.org or call (337) 482-2278.
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