Celebrate freedom, community, outdoor adventure, and America's favorite pastime—baseball in Lake Charles! June marks the return of popular summer festivals like Juneteenth Freedom Festival and SWLA Pride Fest, exciting Gumbeaux Gators baseball games, and endless outdoor adventures. Whether you're relaxing in the lazy rivers at one of our casino resorts, hiking in Sam Houston Jones State Park, or spending the day kayaking along our numerous waterways, there are plenty of ways to keep cool while having fun in the sun. Each week is packed with entertainment from theatrical performances and exciting casino concerts to art classes and charity events; there is no shortage of ways to play. Check out our top things to do this June!
Festivals
Back to Top of ListHolly Beach Crab Festival | June 12-14
Head south for the annual Holly Beach Crab Festiva, a relaxing weekend of activities and entertainment along the beach! Shop with a variety of vendors, dance the night away during performances by popular Cajun and Zydeco bands, then indulge in deliciously boiled Louisiana blue crabs at the crab cookoff.
SWLA Pride Fest | June 13
Get ready for a day of self-expression, unity, and visibility at SWLA Pride Fest, an unforgettable festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community of Southwest Louisiana. Spend the day collecting art, attending performances, competing in a catwalk competition, and shopping in an inclusive space. Don't miss the main event featuring DJ performances from local favorites and a special appearance by Jorgeous from RuPaul's Drag Race!
Juneteenth Freedom Festival | June 14-20
Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival! Delight in a week of activities kicking off with the Juneteenth parade through Downtown Lake Charles and a car show. Don't miss an evening of laughs with comedienne Sheryl Underwood during her "I Need A Job Tour" and join her search for the next best talent. Other activities the KidFit Olympics, packed with wacky races and silly challenges promoting health and wellness for the entire family. Other activities include a Senior Bingo, Movies Under the Stars, a Community Clean Up Day, and a Family Day Concert and Sauce Piquant Cook-Off at the Lake Charles Event Center.
Faye Brown Blackwell Juneteenth Festival | June 20
Hit the streets of downtown Lake Charles for the Faye Brown Blackwell Juneteenth Festival. Don't miss free activities, business spotlights, a beer/wine garden, and a Kids Zone. Shop from local artists, food trucks, and downtown businesses, and hear from local political organizations as we celebrate liberation, renewal, and community, and shine a spotlight on our culture
Sporting Events
Back to Top of ListGumbeaux Gators Home Games | June - July
The Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators return for another thrilling season of baseball! Cheer on the talented players from Division I, II, III, and Junior Colleges at back to back minor league style games. Each week features special appearances by local celebrities and businesses, performances by the Gator Girls, and discount days for concessions and drinks. Special themed nights packed with activities for the crowd guarantee that no two games are alike!
Jennie Finch World Series | June 11-14
Cheer on the exceptional youth softball teams competing during the Jennie Finch World Series. Hosted by Olympian, Jennie Finch, each year talented players from across the nation travel to Louisiana's Playground to showcase their athletic prowess.
Things to Do with Kids
Back to Top of ListFeel Good Friday at the Lakefront | June 5
Live out your Scholastic Book Fair dreams at this month's Feel Good Friday at the Lakefront . Enjoy after hours at The Children's Museum and explore the Lakefront as the sun sets. The 21+ crowd can enjoy bites and brews from the Crying Eagle Lakefront lounge on-site or at the restaurant. After you've finished shopping, head to Central School Arts & Humanities Center for Groove on the Green!
Riverside Festival | June 6
Don't miss the debut Riverside Festival hosted along the scenic banks of the Calcasieu River at Riverside Park. The entire family is invited to enjoy food trucks, explore the park, kayak along the river, and enjoy live performances by regional talents. A convenient shuttle will transport guests to and from the park and the nearby parking lot.
Concerts & Casino Entertainment
Back to Top of ListFrom local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert! Enjoy a multi-sensory musical experience featuring Cody Canada and the Departed during the latest installment of the Southcoast Music Series at Southlake Theater. Wayne Toups, is bringing his signature blend of Cajun, zydeco, and rock to this month's Crying Eagle Summer Concert Series.
Celebrate the start of summer with the musical selections from the Lake Charles Community Band at two free performances during their Summer Concert. Our casino resorts offer an all-star entertainment lineup each month. This month catch Frank Foster, Todd Rundgren, and comedian Dusty Slay on the Golden Nugget stage.
Plan Your Visit
This is just a taste of the exciting events happening this month! For additional ways to play and summer content, check out Top 7 Summer Activities, Fishing in Southwest Louisiana: Best Spots, Seasons, Bait & Local Tackle Shops, and Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in Lake Charles.
