Lagniappe for Littles: A Cultural Night Series at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana
Presented by Lafayette Travel through the Lafayette Visitors Enterprise Fund
A Little Something Extra for Families in Lafayette
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana (CMA) proudly presents Lagniappe for Littles, a three-part cultural night series celebrating the heart of Cajun and Creole Country. With support from the Lafayette Visitors Enterprise Fund through Lafayette Travel, this low-cost, family-friendly program invites children and families to explore Lafayette’s vibrant culture through live music, local cuisine, art, and play all inside the museum’s hands-on exhibits.
Each themed evening highlights a different aspect of Acadiana’s heritage:
-
November 22, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cajun & Creole Heritage Night
Featuring Chubby Carrier and Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn -
January 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Mardi Gras Traditions Night
Featuring Pocket Change Jazz Band and Nina Creole -
March 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bayou Life Night
Featuring Pine Leaf Boys Trio and Ton’s Downtown
Families will enjoy live performances, dance, crafts, and local tastings, alongside special guest appearances that bring each cultural theme to life, all while children continue to play, learn, and explore the museum’s exhibits after hours.
Tickets & Registration – Pre-Purchase Required!
Tickets are only $3 per person plus taxes and fees, but must be purchased in advance. Space is limited and pre-registration is required; walk-up tickets will not be available at the door.
🎟️ Every family will also receive a FREE admission pass (a $10 value) to return to the museum on another day.
Cajun & Creole Heritage Night
November 22, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Featuring Chubby Carrier | Tastings by Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn
Celebrate the sounds, flavors, and colors of Acadiana during our first Lagniappe for Littles cultural night! Families will enjoy a lively evening of Zydeco music, Cajun cuisine, crafts, dancing, and play throughout the museum’s exhibits.
Children can create their own watercolor masterpiece inspired by Shannon Atwater’s book, Fais Do-Do, and explore even more creative activities that celebrate Cajun and Creole heritage.
Reserve your tickets below
Mardi Gras Traditions Night
January 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Registration begins 12/17/2025
Featuring Pocket Change Jazz Band | Tastings by Nina Creole
Catch the Mardi Gras spirit early with a festive evening full of music, color, and culture at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana! Families can join in a lively second line parade through the museum, make fun Mardi Gras mask, and enjoy hands-on activities celebrating Louisiana’s most joyful tradition.
Kids will dance, create, and learn while families sample delicious bites from Nina Creole and groove to the high-energy sounds of Pocket Change Jazz Band.
Reserve your tickets below
Bayou Life Night
March 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Registration begins 2/14/2025
Featuring Pine Leaf Boys Trio | Tastings by Ton’s Downtown
We’re closing out Lagniappe for Littles with a toe-tapping celebration of Bayou Life! Families can enjoy the soulful sounds of the Pine Leaf Boys Trio (yes..just the trio this time, not all five!), taste local flavors, and join in crafts and activities inspired by Louisiana’s beautiful bayou habitats.
Kids can get creative with nature-inspired art, learn about the plants and animals that call the bayou home, and dance along to authentic Cajun tunes, all while exploring the museum’s hands-on exhibits after hours.
Reserve your tickets below
FAQ's
Lagniappe for Littles – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lagniappe for Littles?
Lagniappe for Littles is a three-part cultural night series at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, presented by Lafayette Travel through the Lafayette Visitors Enterprise Fund. Each night celebrates a different theme: Cajun & Creole Heritage, Mardi Gras Traditions, and Bayou Life with live music, local food tastings, crafts, and playtime in the museum’s exhibits.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $3 per person plus taxes and fees, and must be pre-purchased online before the event. Space is limited, and tickets will not be sold at the door. Each family receives a free admission pass (a $10 value) to return to the museum on another day!
Do we need to register in advance?
Yes! Pre-registration is required. Because of limited capacity and food portions, all tickets must be purchased ahead of time to guarantee entry.
What kind of food will be available?
Each night features tastings from a local Lafayette restaurant, offering small samples that highlight Cajun and Creole flavors.
Please note: these are bite-sized tastings, not full meals. Families are encouraged to eat dinner before or after the event.
Can we bring food or drinks into the museum?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum exhibits. Complimentary water, tea, and lemonade will be provided.
Is the event appropriate for all ages?
Yes! The program is designed for children ages 2–12 and their families, but everyone is welcome to attend.
Can I attend if I don’t have children?
No. Our regular museum admission policies apply. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, and individuals over 16 years of age must be accompanied by a child to attend. Lagniappe for Littles is designed as a family-focused event for children and their caregivers to enjoy together.
Will the museum exhibits be open?
Absolutely! Families can enjoy all of the museum’s interactive exhibits throughout the evening while participating in music, art, and cultural activities.
What types of crafts and activities can we expect?
Each night features unique, themed crafts and experiences:
-
Cajun & Creole Heritage Night (Nov 22): Watercolor art inspired by Shannon Atwater’s Fai Do Do and more.
-
Mardi Gras Traditions Night (Jan 17): Join in a lively second line and make festive Mardi Gras crafts.
-
Bayou Life Night (Mar 14): Create nature-inspired art and learn about bayou creatures and habitats.
Will there be live music?
Yes! Each night features a local Lafayette musician or band performing live, plus opportunities for kids to dance, sing, and experience the joy of Acadiana music up close.
What time should we arrive?
Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the event runs until 8:00 PM. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to check in and get the most out of the evening.
Will there be parking available?
Yes! Limited parking is available in the CMA Parking lot on Taylor St. Additional parking is available in the nearby Parc Auto du Centre-Ville parking garage and on surrounding downtown streets. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to find a spot and get checked in before the fun begins.
Can I bring my stroller?
Yes, strollers are welcome! However, please note that some exhibit areas can get crowded during special events, so compact strollers are recommended for easier navigation.
Are the crafts messy?
A little, but in the best way! All materials are washable and child-safe, and we’ll provide smocks and wipes at the craft tables. We suggest dressing for creativity just in case your little one gets inspired!
Can we stay past 8:00 PM?
We know it’s hard to leave when you’re having fun, but the event officially ends at 8:00 PM so our team can reset the museum for the next day.
Is this event sensory-friendly?
While the event includes live music and lively activity, our staff are trained to assist families with sensory sensitivities. We’ll also have quieter exhibit areas available for a short break if needed.
What if I can’t make it after purchasing tickets?
Tickets are non-refundable, but you can transfer your spot to another family or donate your purchase to support future programs at the museum.
Is this event indoors or outdoors?
All Lagniappe for Littles activities take place indoors at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, so you can enjoy the night rain or shine!
Can I volunteer for this event?
Yes! Volunteers help with crafts, check-in, and activities. To sign up, email reservations@cmalaf.org.
