April in Lake Charles is packed with activities! Get ready for the return of the Louisiana Railroad Festival, Live @ the Lakefront, and This is Home Fest, each highlighting the music, flavors, and history of Southwest Louisiana. Make the most of the longer days and explore breathtaking wildflowers along the Creole Nature Trail-All American Road or book a round of golf at one of our award-wining courses. 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 some of our top picks below!
Festivals
Back to Top of ListBayou Cigar Fest
Sample premium cigars at the inaugural Bayou Cigar Fest hosted at the Gurkha Cigar Lounge in L'Auberge Casino Resort. The special event follows the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority's Annika Golf Pro-Am at Contraband Bayou Golf Club. Don't miss your chance to get swag bags stuffed with premium cigars and golf gear, plus entry to the Gurkha High Limit Salon and L'Auberge pool area.
Live at the Lakefront Concert
Live at the Lakefront Concert returns with a brand new location! Head to The Lakefront, the green space between Crying Eagle and Port Wonder, for an afternoon packed with delicious food trucks, art vendors, and live music from international touring artists Uncle Lucius. All proceeds from this free spring festival benefit the programs and initiatives hosted by The Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA.
Louisiana Railroad Days Festival
Celebrate the history and impact of railroads in Southwest Louisiana at the 43rd Louisiana Railroad Days Festival in DeQuincy! Enjoy three days of live performances, carnival rides, delicious food, and arts and craft vendors. Don't miss exciting events like the Railroad Days Pageant, the parade, and Railroad Idol. You may even snag a photo with Gumbeaux Gator!
Cyphacon
Grab your cosplay attire and props and head to the 14th Annual Cyphacon hosted at the Lake Charles Event Center. From celebrity guests, musical acts, and cosplay contests to the Cyphacon Gaming Arena, this 3-day event is a sci-fi lover's dream! Don't miss the meet and greets with Laurie Holden, Catherine Sutherland, Cory Phillips, Nadji Jeter, and others, or the gaming extravaganza featuring board gaming groups, LVL1 Gaming and collectibles, Mechcorps Battletech Pods, TEKFGC video/tournament gaming, and more.
The 21-and-over crowd can keep the party going with the Cyphacon Pub Crawl. Free for badge holders, the crawl stops at popular downtown restaurants and bars offering drink specials.
This is Home Fest
Whether you want to two-step to Zydeco beats or cut a rug to your favorite country anthems, This is Home Fest has you covered! This free festival offers two stages for double the entertainment, a dedicated kids zone for families, and food and art vendors. While entry to the festival is free, those looking for an elevated experience can purchase VIP tickets to experience the awesome perks like complimentary drink tickets, free food, shaded seating, and premium views.
Sporting Events
Back to Top of ListAmerican Junior Golf Association Junior Championship
The next generation of golf superstars will compete at the AJGA Lake Charles Junior Championship. The tournament kicks off at the Mallard Golf Club on April 2 with the Qualifier, followed by three days of intense rounds of play and an awards ceremony on Sunday. Throughout the program, talented youth have the opportunity to earn college golf scholarships. Notable program alumni include Tiger Woods, Nelly Korda, and Jordan Spieth.
McNeese Athletics
McNeese State Univerisity's athletic schedule is packed with softball, baseball, tennis, and beach volleyball games scheduled each week. Don your blue and gold gear, head to the diamond, the court, and the sand for exciting displays of peak athleticism, and cheer on the Pokes!
Things to Do with Kids
Back to Top of ListTouch A Truck
Get ready for the ultimate hands-on experience in Lake Charles at Touch A Truck hosted by the Junior League of Lake Charles. Children of all ages can climb, explore, and interact with dozens of "big trucks," including construction, public service, emergency, landscaping, and delivery trucks. Those who are sensitive to noise can still join the fun during the Silent Hour from 9 AM to 10 AM. Spend time with a local hero during Hero Hour, an exclusive craft and meet and greet session with a police officer or firefighter in a private party area.
Casino & Event Center Entertainment
Back to Top of ListFrom local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert! The Banners Cultural Series showcases diverse programming each spring! This month catch Fun with Energy, The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, and DOCTOR NATIVO at Bulber Auditorium.
Our casino resorts offer an all-star entertainment lineup each month. This month, get ready to party by the pool for Reggae Fest at L'Auberge Casino Resort, and ZZ Top, Tracy Lawrence, JJ Grey & Mofro, and Babyface 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 spring content check out Tails and Tales: Your Guide to Enjoying Crawfish Season in Southwest Louisiana, Top Spots for a Picnic in Southwest Louisiana, and Top Places to Play Pickleball in Southwest Louisiana.
