Celebrate freedom, culture, and cuisine this July in Lake Charles! This month marks the return of popular summer festivals and events including Red, White, Blue and You, Cajun Music and Food Festival, and Marshland Festival, as well as another month of exciting Gumbeaux Gators baseball games. Get ready for breathtaking fireworks, lively summer concerts, and outdoor recreation in our top ways to play!
Festivals
Back to Top of ListRed, White, Blue and You! | July 4
Grab your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and head to Downtown Lake Charles for a 4th of July celebration! The all-day celebration kicks off with games and activities at North Beach provided by Game2Life and Olympic style games at Millennium Park. New this year is the Hot Dog Cook-Off at the Arcade Amphitheater followed by performances from Dani LaCour, the Lake Charles Community Band, and L.A. ROXX. The evening concludes with a stunning fireworks display over the lake.
Cajun Music and Food Festival | July 19
Indulge in authentic Cajun dishes including gumbo and étoufee while celebrating Cajun music and culture at the annual Cajun Music and Food Festival! Shop from over 30 vendors, bid on silent and live auction items, and enjoy events like the accordion playing competition and live performances throughout the day.
Chicken Fest | July 19
From chicken races and a chicken pot pie baking competition to a robust artisan market, the Chicken Fest is a beloved festival returning to Southwest Louisiana. Enjoy live performances, an inflatable obstacle course, a pageant and more!
Marshland Festival | July 25
What began as a small festival in Hackberry has evolved into one of Southwest Louisiana's most highly anticipated summer festivals. Don't miss the exciting line-up of local and regional talents including Zydeco legend Keith Frank, American Idol runner-up John Foster, and rising Nashville star, Dillon Carmichael.
Sporting Events
Back to Top of ListGumbeaux Gators Home Games | 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!
Gumbeaux Gators Home Games
Concerts & Casino Entertainment
Back to Top of ListFrom local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert! Experience some of Broadway's most beloved musical numbers during the Lake Charles Symphony's Summer Pops-Bravo to Broadway showcase at the Lake Charles Event Center. Celebrate 9 years of brews, cuisine, and entertainment with Bag of Donuts at Crying Eagle's birthday bash during the Crying Eagle Summer Concert Series.
Our casino resorts offer an all-star entertainment lineup each month. This month catch Casey Donahew Band, Pat Green, The Wallflowers and comedian Matt Mathews on the Golden Nugget stage plus comedian and singer Rodney Carrington at L'Auberge Casino Resort.
Also in July
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Tuesday with Friends
Austin & Allie
Sit How You Like Storytime – Cozy Kids Storytime Thursdays
Yogi's Birthday: Holiday Mash Up
Residency at the Museum Open House
Annual Cajun Classic Horse Show
SWLA Cyber Security Summit
Christmas in July: Winter Wonderland
Flipping Through the Sand
Caught Up
Lake Area Music: Roots, Rhythms, and Resonance
Cultural Currency: Contemporary Art from the Riemer Collection
El Neuvo Constante Exhibit
Flora & Fauna
This is just a taste of the exciting events happening this month! Browse recurring weekly events like comedy nights, local tournaments, live music at restaurants, dance classes, art exhibits, and more. Pack your dancing shoes, sunscreen, and appetite, then explore our full event calendar for more fun-filled activities. For additional ways to play check out Top Things to Do This Summer.