The "music festival season" comes to life in a giant crescendo of new possibilities this Spring in Lake Charles. The longer daylight hours lend themselves to a bold lineup of musical melodies echoing throughout the city. Genres deeply rooted in Southwest Louisiana’s cultural heritage, like Cajun music and zydeco, blend seamlessly with rock, R&B, country, and jazz. There's a music festival nearly every weekend during the spring, making it easy to plan your trip around an experience that will get your feet moving.
The Black Heritage Festival of Louisiana kicks off the season on March 7-10, 2024, at the Lake Charles Event Center. A weekend of empowerment and entertainment unfolds as Lake Charles comes together to celebrate the history, contributions, and cultural diversity of the Black community. The jam-packed lineup includes performances by The Vessels of Worship, Harold Guillory, Leah Nicole, Russ G, and Jarvis Jacob. A Gospel Extravaganza that celebrates the healing and inspirational power of music winds up the weekend on Sunday, March 10.
Taking the stage on Friday, March 22, and running weekly through Friday, April 5, on the beautiful shores of Lake Charles is the 11th annual Live at the Lakefront. This free outdoor concert series has become a local favorite where families gather on a manicured, green hill as a steady stream of regional and national musical acts spanning various genres spill from the amphitheater stage. From soulful blues to foot-stomping Cajun tunes, this series offers a musical experience reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.
Up next are two homegrown festivals that embody the soul of Louisiana. As the crepe myrtle blooms fill the air with their sweet fragrance, these events bring tens of thousands to Lake Charles during the most enchanting weather month of the year.
Rum Revival is a celebration of the Gulf Coast’s colorful ties to the Caribbean. This premium tasting event fuses musical traditions with a variety of tequilas and rums including Bayou Rum, a world-renowned Rum distillery located in Southwest Louisiana’s backyard. This Is Home music festival originally emerged as a beacon of hope for the local community following the pandemic and 2020 hurricanes and has quickly become a regional magnet for visitors. This year’s event on Saturday, April 20 will include the likes of Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bon Bon Vivant, and Maggie Koerner.
For those with a penchant for smoother melodies, jazzy rhythms, and old-school rock, Downtown at Sundown is a must-attend event. Held weekly from Friday, May 24, to Friday, June 14 this festival is set against the backdrop of Lake Charles’ scenic downtown on the front plaza of Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Downtown at Sundown has a laid-back atmosphere, inviting patrons to unwind after the work week. Business suits and work boots come together to experience a fusion of live music, traditional dance, and, of course, delectable Cajun cuisine like jambalaya and shrimp on a stick.
A little bit rock and roll and a little bit country, Lake Charles is a blend of contrasts. The heart of the "music festival season" kicks off soon, so be sure to visit www.visitlakecharles.org for a full lineup of events and other spring travel ideas.
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About Visit Lake Charles:
Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org.
