One big thing: Louisiana Comic Con
Where? Cajundome Convention Center, 444 Cajundome Blvd.
When? 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Cost? Pre-sale tickets are $20 and up. Day of show prices are $25 and up. Purchase tickets here.
What’s the big deal? Cosplay, comic books, cartoons and cult classics are celebrated at the annual Louisiana Comic Con. The two-day event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Cajundome Convention Center and runs through Sunday evening. The extravaganza features vendors, artists and fan groups in a family-friendly environment. Special guests this go around include Kathy Najimy (“Hocus Pocus,” appearing Saturday only), Bam Margera (“Jackass,” “Viva La Bam”), Paul Blake (Greedo in “Star Wars,” a.k.a. he who didn’t shoot first), and Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”). The event also features Lafayette’s own comic book artists/creators Rob Guillory (“Chew,” “Farmhand”) and Kody Chamberlain (“Sweets,” “Punks”) as well as Spero Studios’ Brandon Gary and Jason Bienvenu (“The Kingdom,” “GRITTS”). Pre-sale tickets are $20-$35. Tickets increase at the event to $25-$40. Children ages 10 and younger get in free with adult purchase. Get all the details and the schedule here.
What’s a “comic con”? Comic cons are conventions creating awareness of and appreciation for comic books and related popular genres/art forms. This means you can expect to find a huge range of pop culture at these events. There will be panels, celebrity appearances, action figures, comic books and their creators, video games, and people wandering around dressed up in costumes.
Where’s the after party? The Jefferson Street Pub, 500 Jefferson St., will host the official Louisiana Comic Con After Party from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. The free event features live art, a costume contest and music. Ages 18 and up. More information is available here.
Check out the full line-up and get more information here.
Also coming up
WEDNESDAY: Acadiana Symphony Orchestra presents its Symphony in the Sky benefit concert at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Vermilion Street parking garage in downtown Lafayette. Guests vocalists include Jared Price, Julie Williams and Ray Boudreaux — a.k.a. the trifecta from heaven. Limited tickets remain. $100-$150. Purchase tickets here. Get more information on the event here.
WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY: Whitney Hebert presents her latest contemporary dance work, “THIRST,” at Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St. The work explores the driving, modern need to create and the obstacles that emerge. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 3-5. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. Get more information here.
SATURDAY: Fall is here, sort of. OK, so maybe it’s still a little hot for fall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some a paddling trip this weekend when Pack & Paddle hosts its Brew Paddle event. Patrons can meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at the store, 601 E. Pinhook Road, then will head to the boat launch in Leonville for a trip down the bayou to the Arnaudville’s own Bayou Teche Brewing. $40-$45. Get more information and make your reservation here.
SATURDAY: Hear live music, see folkloric dancing and eat great food at the 16th annual Latin Music Festival. The free event starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at Parc International in downtown Lafayette. The festival includes performances from New Orleans, Lafayette and Baton Rouge artists as well as a DJ showdown, youth talent contest and Spanish-immersion school performances. Get more information and check out the entire schedule here.
MONDAY: Cane Fire Films screens the small yet wonderful Support the Girls at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St. The R-rated comedy focuses on the female general manager of a sports bar called Double Whammies who is protective of her staff. Regina Hall (Girls Trip, “Black-ish,” and the upcoming The Hate U Give) stars. $10 tickets are available here.Get more information here.