The new year is around the corner, and the fun kicks off right away, so gather your crew for a joyful adventure in Louisiana's Playground! From gaudy celebrations like Mardi Gras Twelfth Night and the Fur and Wildlife Festival to passionate performances and readings at the Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, these annual feats are a great way to experience the unique culture of Southwest Louisiana. Don't miss the chance to explore new restaurants during Chuck Eats Restaurant Week or embrace new hobbies like art classes, yoga, dance lessons and trivia nights. Check out our top January picks below!
Annual Festivals
Mardi Gras Twelfth Night | January 6
Twelfth Night, occurring twelve nights after Christmas kicks off the Mardi Gras season. Each year, hundreds of spectators gather to bid farewell to the previous Mardi Gras season's royal court one last time. The outgoing royalty parades through the Lake Charles Event Center displaying their extravagant costumes while attendees dance and enjoy pieces of king cake. New this year is the Kid Zone, where guests can meet the Mardi Gras Queen, take photos, and participate in activities.
Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival | January 9-11
Celebrate the fur and wildlife industry's influence on Southwest Louisiana during this weekend long celebration! Cut a rug to live Cajun music and enjoy unique competitions like duck and goose calling and lively events including a parade, pageants, a gumbo cook-off and amusement rides.
MLK Festival | January 17 & 19-20
Honor the courageous efforts and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at the three day MLK Festival. The celebration kicks off with the annual Memorial Breakfast featuring pastor, author, and scholar Dr. Scott Hagan. On Sunday enjoy praise and worship, praise dance, and spoken word performances by local artists. The festival concludes with a parade and family day including a gumbo cook-off!
All Month Long
Food Truck Park | January 2-February 22
Get ready for mouthwatering cuisine from popular food trucks in Southwest Louisiana every Thursday through Saturday. With a rotating weekly schedule, live music each night, and fun activities for the family, each evening will offer a unique experience. Enjoy free entry to the outdoor food truck park and activities or head inside to experience Game2Life's thrilling atmosphere with a game of laser tag or axe throwing.
Expos and Shows
Central Gulf Coast Boat, Sport, and RV Show | January 10-12
Explore over 100,000 square feet of the latest boats, RVs, personal watercraft, fishing gear, and ATVs at one of the largest outfitter expos on the Gulf Coast! Shop from dozens of vendors, enjoy entertaining and informative presentations, and spend time at the Fish-O-Rama Rainbow Trout Pond with your little fishing enthusiasts.
Southwest Louisiana District Livestock Show and Rodeo | January 25-February 1
Saddle up for an exciting week of meet and greets, parades, trail rides and more throughout Southwest Louisiana all leading up to thrilling rodeo competitions at the Burton Complex!
A Bridal Affaire Bridal Show | January 26
Calling all brides, grooms, and bridal parties—this elegant affair features wedding vendors from across the region! Brides can enjoy exclusive swag bags and reserved seating for the bridal fashion show and don't miss the chance to win special prizes including a feature in Weddings Your Style magazine and a honeymoon cruise!
Performing Arts
Dracula | January 24-26
Halloween may be over, but the timeless tale of Lucy Stewart's encounter with Count Dracula continues this month at Southlake Theater. While there are plenty of thrills throughout the performance, it is appropriate for all ages.
Finding Nemo Jr. | January 31-February 2
This musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo will have you swimming back for another showing! Join Marlin, Dory, and the rest of their aquatic friends as they search the ocean to bring Nemo home.
Concerts and Entertainment
From local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert. Enjoy a multi-sensory musical experience featuring Jason Boland and the Stragglers during the latest installment of the Southcoast Music Series at Southlake Theater. Journey through the golden age of Rock & Roll and Doo-Wop nostalgia as The Drifters, Cornell Gunter Coasters, and The Platters take the stage at the Lake Charles Event Center, then head back for an evening of laughs with comedian Ali Siddiq during his In The Shadows Tour.
Our casino resorts offer an all-star entertainment lineup each month. This month catch Trace Adkins and Asian Show at L'Auberge Casino Resort, and comedienne Anjelah Johnson-Reyes and Frank Foster on the Golden Nugget stage.
This is just a taste of the exciting events happening this month! Browse our full event calendar for more fun-filled activities. For additional ways to play and holiday content check out 25 Things To Do in 2025, the Ultimate Mardi Gras Bucket List, and SWLA Mardi Gras.
