Like all of Lafayette Parish, Carencro benefits from being a part of the Lafayette Consolidated Government. And, like all of Acadiana, Carencro residents enjoy a community with a true sense of family.
Carencro is known as the Softball capital of the world! Softball and other sports are enjoyed at the multi-million dollar, state-of-the art facility at Pelican Park. Pelican Park demonstrates Carencro's commitment to youth activities.
The city's Cajun and Creole heritage as well as community life are described on the official city website.
Events, Attractions, Arts & Culture
Like it's border city of Lafayette, Carencro is an integral part of Acadiana, an area well known for its rich cultural heritage, festivals and family activities. There is a lot to do...likethe Children's Museum, numerous theaters, and much, much more. Learn more about these and other events at the beautifully organized website at CajunFun.com. The site, sponsored by the Acadiana Educational Endowment offers a one-stop site for activities, including performing arts, in and around Acadiana. It details events, exhibits and functions such as story times at our local libraries and functions at the Heymann Center. Be sure to check out their "Just For Kids" list of events. Speaking of kids, The Kart Ranch is a popular local family center as is the Zoo of Acadiana. Don't leave out the folk life museum on 10 acres of gardens and woodlands offered at the Acadian Village.
Vermilionville receives high marks and lots of visitors! Be sure to visit the site to learn more about the programs and events such as their popular boat tours. The Jean Lafitte National Historic Park is a function of the National Park Service with an offering in Lafayette through the Acadian Cultural Center.
Music is an important element to life in Acadiana with a wide range of offerings. From the Acadiana Symphony to the Grant Street Dance Hall. Enjoy both at Downtown Live! Downtown Live is one of the many successes of the Lafayette Downtown Development authority.
The Festival International de Louisiane celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2006. In addition to the musical performances at the Festival International, Louisiana Crossroads offers a significant concert series here and across the state.
Mardi Gras is a huge event throughout Acadiana and Carencro takes an active role with parades and family oriented activities.SWMardiGras.com describes the annual Cajun Field activities that include a carnival, live music, and other events that contribute to the success of Mardi Gras. The site lists the various parades complete with times and routes.
The Cajun Dome hosts a variety of events such as the Ragin Cajun Basketball games, the Cajun Heartland State Fairand big name entertainment like George Straight and Paul Simon.
Carencro residents support the Ragin Cajuns! This includes tailgating before a Saturday afternoon or evening football game or taking in the other college level sports offered by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Ragin Cajuns.
Parks and Recreation
Known as the softball capital of the world, Carencro is home of Pelican Park, a 32 acre recreation facility recognized by the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA).
The Lafayette Convention and Visitor's Bureau website provides this list of public and private golf courses. Public Golf courses in Lafayette include Golfhaven, Gold D'Allie At the Farm, City Park Golf Course, and the North University Golf Center. Sites with their own websites include Acadian Hills Country Club in Lafayette and Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club in Broussard. The Lafayette Golf Academy and Golf Tee Driving Range are two of several driving ranges.The Lafayette Consolidated Government's web page features a list complete with locations of the numerous parks and recreation centers throughout the parish. The same site also provides a detailed list of the neighborhood youth associations complete with contact names. Girard Park is centrally located in Lafayette. It is a popular picnic spot and offers a disc golf course.
The Nature Station is located in the Northeastern section of Lafayette in Acadiana Park. The variety of activities includes workshops, field trips and other educational offerings designed to create a better understanding and appreciation of our environment.
Dining
Be sure to take the OnLine Food Touroffered by the Lafayette Convention and Visitor's Bureau (LCVB). This wonderful online food tour site captures the flavor and spirit of many of the area restaurants.
Be sure to visit Acadiana native Chef Paul Prudhomme's website as it is a great source of information, inspiration and hunger pains!
Shopping
You can find what you are looking for! Carencro has a variety of its own local shops and is not far from the regionally popular Mall of Acadiana.
The area offers dozens of strip malls, boutique and antique shops as well as national chains.
Outfitting your new Acadiana home will be a piece of cake! National chains such as Home Depot and Lowe's thrive as well as local lumber yards like Doug Ashy. These are just a few of the stores providing home improvement.
Grocery Stores
Acadiana grocery stores and meat markets like Don's Specialty Meatsin Carencro (and Scott!) often serve as dining hot spots!
Boudin is a popular staple served in a variety of manners and available in most convenience and grocery stores. Learn more about Boudin!
