Southwest Louisiana’s Labor Day activities and festivities include everything from live music and lounging under the sun to themed Sunday brunches and luxurious experiences at casino resorts. From Thursday, Sept. 1 through Labor Day, Sept. 5, Lake Charles offers families, friends, couples, and solo travelers a reason to celebrate how they want. Although this holiday has traditionally paid tribute to American workers since 1894, Labor Day Weekend is also known as the last day of summer, and this is why you should choose Louisiana’s Playground as your summer send-off.
"What The Fig" pizza and seasonal brew at Crying Eagle Brewing Co.
More than 40 events happening from Sept. 1-5.
The best thing about three-day weekends is that you can party at your own pace. Whether you want to dance the night away to live music or kick off the holidays with cocktails and activities like karaoke, trivia games, live music, and more, let your hair down in Lake Charles. You can experience Louisiana’s Playground first-hand at popular hangouts for all ages, like Crying Eagle Brewing Company, or choose to unwind without the little ones at The Wine Store, and more. You can even catch the American Cornhole Association tournament Sept. 2-3. View our full list of upcoming events.
Pontoon boat rental with Lake Area Adventures
Soak up the sun in more ways than one.
Spend a day road tripping the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. It’s a 180-mile self-driving tour through Louisiana’s Outback that offers travelers a deeper look at the area’s outdoor jewels, like alligators, birds, beaches, sunsets, and more. If you’re seeking some downtown fun in our lake, you can rent jet skis, kayaks, pontoon boats and more from Lake Area Adventures. Make your outdoor explorations into a getaway by booking a new cabin at Sam Houston Jones State Park. For a full list of outdoor adventures, click here.
Jazz Band on Luna Bar & Grill Patio
Sunday Funday in Louisiana’s Playground.
Usually, it’s wise to tread lightly on a Sunday in preparation for the work week ahead, but it is encouraged to plunge into Louisiana’s Playground on your own terms during Labor Day Weekend. Extend your Sunday fun day with live music at Rikenjaks Brewing Company and Panorama Music House, or indulge in a musical Sunday brunch at Luna Bar & Grill and Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp. For a full list of events happening on Sunday, Sept. 4, click here.
BeSpoke Hat Company in Downtown Lake Charles
Cross these five things off your Lake Charles bucket list.
Southwest Louisiana is full of specific gems and jewels that can only be found near Lake Charles. Since you’ve got an extra day to explore, make the best use of your time by knocking these things off your bucket list:
Drive the SWLA Boudin Trail for an authentic taste of Cajun/Creole Culture. Boudin is South Louisiana’s favorite finger food at any time of day that is made of rice, various meats and vegetables and seasonings.
Give your family an unorthodox experience at Almosta Ranch, a 39-acre farm and petting zoo with chickens, guineas, rabbits, peafowl, turkeys, cows, mini donkeys, horses, sheep, goats, and more.
Pose for a selfie and more Instagrammable content in the newest exhibit at the 1911 Historic City Hall, Love Your Selfie!.
It’s Labor Day Weekend, so you’ve earned a spa day. Celebrate the holiday right and splurge on yourself with a massage, facial, day pass, fresh shave, and more at one of our day spas.
Lazy river relaxation at L'Auberge and Golden Nugget Casino Resorts
Make the most of your three-day weekend at our resort casinos.
Take the pain out of planning by booking your stay at one of our resort casinos. You can bounce between properties on a lakeside boardwalk to enjoy the side-by-side resorts, Golden Nugget and L’Auberge, for concerts, various restaurants, pool parties, spa retreats, lakeside fun, golf getaways, lazy rivers, and more. At Delta Downs, you can place your bets on more than table games by watching live thoroughbred horse races. Stay there, play there, and the planning is all done.
Meet The Author
Shalisa Roland
Hey, y'all! I'm the director of public relations for Visit Lake Charles, and I tell travel stories about things to eat, explore, and experience in Southwest Louisiana. As a Texas native and Louisiana adoptee, I share a fresh and familiar perspective on the area's offerings. Whether you're visiting for an extended stay or day tripping for a quick taste, the Lake Area welcomes you with Southern charm and open arms. The more you read, the more you'll discover luxury and laidback experiences that can fit every price point, such as rural gems, foodie fun, and countless events to help you grasp the Lake Charles area like a local. You’ll fall in love with Southwest Louisiana through my eyes, one bite or excursion at a time.
