The 16th annual Hopefest Music Festival and 5K is being hosted by the St. Thomas More Catholic High School junior class on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 at Moncus Park. Aylin Yigiter and Ellie Bond, Junior year students at STM, joined us to discuss the fun and festivities offered by Hopefest and why they are involved.

St. Thomas More High School juniors Aylin Yigiter and Ellie Bond joined Discover Lafayette to discuss Hopefest 2023.

The day begins with a 5K race benefiting the STM Options program at 9 a.m.  Participants may pre-register or make a donation here.

The music festival kicks off on the waterfront at Moncus Park with live entertainment from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.  Admission is free to the public. The Festival features the music of Dave Barnes, Brandon Heath, and Matt Wertz.

Hopefest is an outdoor festival with live music, fun family-friendly activities, and much more. All proceeds from Hopefest are directed to two recipients that care for people in need. One recipient is the STM Options Program, which enables special needs teens to receive a St. Thomas More education. The other recipient for 2023 is the RescYOU Group, whose mission is to provide financial aid for end-of-life expenses and offer emotional support for families who have suffered the loss of a child from one year of age to seventeen years old (or are currently enrolled in high school) in the Acadiana area.

Hopefest 2023 will be held at the beautiful Moncus Park. Please note that parking will be accommodated at Cajun Field and buses will be provided to assist Hopefest’s patrons. Please support this wonderful cause!

Best wishes on a successful Hopefest 2023! Thanks to all involved for making a real difference in our community.