The smell of local cuisine, the sound of lively music and the sight of global artwork and performers can only mean one thing in south Louisiana: festival season has arrived. In Lafayette, that excitement centers around Festival International de Louisiane, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Visitors and musicians travel to downtown Lafayette from around the world, creating a vibrant celebration of culture, music and food. The incredible variety of cuisine alone can transport you from country to country without ever leaving festival grounds.
As a nutrition specialist with Ochsner Eat Fit, I’m especially excited to see Eat Fit dishes featured throughout Festival International this year, with options available from multiple food vendors across the grounds.
Eat Fit dishes opt for whole grains over refined white carbs, minimize added sugars and prioritize ingredients like fresh produce, lean proteins and plant-based fats — all while showcasing the bold flavors that make Louisiana food so unique.
With an entire weekend of music, art and food ahead, the biggest question can feel simple yet overwhelming: Where do I begin?
Plan Ahead
While I like to take a bit of a laissez-faire approach to Festival International, I still take advantage of the opportunity to preview the lineup and food vendors online beforehand. A quick glance helps me get a general lay of the land, build excitement for the weekend and keep my wellness goals in mind while savoring the incredible dishes crafted by festival chefs.
As soon as I arrive downtown, I know the aromas of festival food will hit me from every direction. One of my first stops is usually the wristband registration tent to grab a pocket guide of the food options and connect my payment.
Then comes that first bite of red beans (hold the rice) from Bon Creole Seafood or Clambeaugh’s Restaurant — both longtime festival staples.
Split Dishes with Friends
Festival International offers an incredible range of authentic, global flavors just steps apart. Whether it’s butter chicken from Destination India, ropa vieja from Café Habana City, grilled gator bites from Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn or street tacos from Taqueria el Mexicano, you won’t be disappointed.
Trying everything can feel impossible, which is why sharing dishes with friends is one of my favorite strategies. Splitting plates allows you to experience more flavors while keeping portions balanced (and it’s easier on the budget, too).
Hydration is Key
With Louisiana sunshine and warm spring temperatures, keeping water in hand throughout the day is a must. Staying hydrated helps maintain energy levels so you can keep exploring music stages, art vendors and food booths well into the evening.
If you’re looking for something beyond plain water, flavored sparkling water, unsweetened tea or even non-alcoholic beer are great options.
For a refreshing food option, I like Poke Geaux, where bowls served over a cucumber base offer a crisp, hydrating bite thanks to the high water content of fresh vegetables.
Look for Simple Ingredients
One guideline I keep in mind when choosing meals whether at home, in restaurants or at festivals is to look for dishes built around real ingredients.
Lean proteins, fresh produce and simple preparations often deliver the most satisfying flavors. Vendors like Five Mile Eatery combine these elements perfectly, with dishes like their bayou banh mi or a naturally sweet chia pudding to end the evening.
Beyond Nutrition
Food is an important part of festival experiences, but events like Festival International offer so much more. They bring the community together, celebrate cultural diversity and encourage movement as visitors explore stages, artists and food vendors throughout downtown Lafayette. It’s no surprise that Louisiana is frequently recognized as the festival capital of the world. Be sure to soak it all in, from the music and art to, of course, the food.
Find Eat Fit Dishes at Festival International de Louisiane
Eat Fit dishes available at Festival International can be found on festival menu boards, the Festival International website and in the free Eat Fit mobile app, where you can browse vendors, view photos and see nutrition facts for each dish.
Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD, is a registered dietitian with Ochsner Health and founder of Ochsner’s Eat Fit nonprofit initiative. For more wellness content, tune in to Molly’s podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition, and follow @MollykimballRD and @EatFitOchsner on social media. Email nutrition@ochsner.org to connect with Molly or schedule a consult with her team.