Hi there, and welcome to Southwest Louisiana! Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, we’re glad you’re here. This May, we’re celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, and that means it’s the perfect time to recognize and appreciate you, our visitors.
This year, Visit Lake Charles is celebrating with a new campaign called “Always Here,” which highlights the value visitors bring to our community every day. Whether you're staying in a hotel, grabbing lunch at a local spot, browsing boutiques and shops, or exploring our great outdoors, you play a part in supporting Southwest Louisiana’s culture, economy, and spirit. And we want to make sure your experience is unforgettable.
So while you’re here, take some time to explore all the things that make this region special.
Events You Don't Want to Miss
The Black History of Mardi Gras
- Imperial Calcasieu Museum
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
“The Black History of Mardi Gras” is an exhibition exploring the traditions, artistry and cultural heritage of Mardi Gras within…
The Residency at the Museum: Three Year Retrospective
- Imperial Calcasieu Museum
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
“The Residency at the Museum: Three Year Retrospective,” located in the Gibson Barham Gallery, celebrates the creative…
Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade (MGSWLA)
Kick off your Mardi Gras weekend with the dazzling 2026 Merchants' Parade happening on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM! This…
The Black History of Mardi Gras
- Imperial Calcasieu Museum
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
“The Black History of Mardi Gras” is an exhibition exploring the traditions, artistry and cultural heritage of Mardi Gras within…
The Residency at the Museum: Three Year Retrospective
- Imperial Calcasieu Museum
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
“The Residency at the Museum: Three Year Retrospective,” located in the Gibson Barham Gallery, celebrates the creative…
Children's Mardi Gras Stroll
The City of Lake Charles’ 2026 Children’s Mardi Gras Stroll returns on Saturday, February 14 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The parade…
As we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, we also want to pull back the curtain on how your visit makes a difference here. That’s why we launched the “Always Here” campaign. The campaign shows how visitors, like you, are a part of our everyday lives, even when it’s not always obvious.
Through tipping your server, sharing your favorite moments on social media, or simply choosing to spend time here, your presence has an impact.
We’re sharing that message with our local community too. Our team at Visit Lake Charles has rolled out digital billboards, posters, and social content across the area to remind residents that tourism isn’t just about vacation; it’s about jobs, small business success, and pride in where we live.
We also created a short video, “Always Here,” that tells the story from your perspective. It’s a heartfelt look at why people visit Lake Charles and how those experiences ripple through the community.
And if you see our posters or digital signs around town, know that they’re a thank-you to you. Because as a visitor, we understand you aren’t just passing through – you’re always here, shaping memories and helping our community thrive with your visit.
Thanks for being a part of our story. We hope you have a great time in Louisiana’s Playground, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.