Top Ways to Play This July in Lake Charles

Red, White, Blue and You! | July 4

Grab your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and head to Downtown Lake Charles for Red, White, Blue and You!, an America250 and 4th of July celebration! The activities begin at noon with games and activities at Crying Eagle Lakefront. A convenient shuttle will bring guests to and from Crying Eagle to the Arcade Amphitheatre until 6 PM.

Beginning at 2 PM, families can participate in recreational games at Millennium Park. New this year is the Hot Dog Eating Competition at the Arcade Amphitheatre followed by performances from the Rosedown Rockers, the Lake Charles Community Band, the Flamethrowers, and the Pine Leaf Boys. The evening concludes with a stunning fireworks display over the lake.

Upgrade your Independence Day experience at the Crying Eagle Lakefront Beach Club. Enjoy premium VIP parking, private bar access, a catered buffet, two complimentary drink tickets and prime viewing space for the evening fireworks.

Cajun Music and Food Festival | July 19

Experience true Cajun culture and cuisine at the annual Cajun Music and Food Festival! Savor steaming bowls of gumbo and étoufee, then hit the dance floor to celebrate Cajun music and influence in Southwest Louisiana. Shop from over 30 vendors, bid on silent and live auction items, and watch(or participate in) the accordion playing competition.

Chicken Fest | July 25

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 and activity filled kids zone and a wing eating competition with a $100 cash prize.

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. Marshland Festival is a summer concert series supporting popular local artists and bands, talented musicians on the rise, and a few traveling names we know and love. The much anticipated lineup, (kept under wraps until about a month before the festival) is always an exciting mix of Swamp Pop, Rock, Zydeco, and Country. Don't miss this year's headliners, Zydeco legend Keith Frank and The Voice season 16 runner-up and rising country star Gyth Rigdon!

Yogi Bear Big Top Birthday Bash | July 10-12

Get ready for a BIG birthday weekend packed with celebrations, family activities, live music, and campground fun with Yogi Bear™ and friends during the Yogi Bear Big Top Birthday Bash at Yogi Bear' Jellystone Park.

Friday Night at the Movies | July 24

Head to the MLK Jr. Community Center for a special showing of Smurfs during Friday Night at the Movies. Before the movie guests can enjoy free popcorn and refreshments, games, fun jumps and prizes.

Encanto | July 30-August 2

Enjoy a multi-sensory musical experience during a special presentation of Disney's Encanto at Southlake Theater.

From local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert! Embark on a musical journey through America's greatest hits during the Lake Charles Symphony's Summer Pops: America 250-The Soundtrack at the Lake Charles Event Center. Enjoy a multi-sensory musical experience during a special presentation of Disney's Encanto at Southlake Theater . Celebrate 10 years of brews, cuisine, and entertainment with the Molly Ringwalds at Crying Eagle Brewing University's birthday bash during the Crying Eagle Summer Concert Series.

Our casino resorts offer an all-star entertainment lineup each month. This month catch Collective Soul, Randy Rogers Band, Dwight Yoakam, Drew Baldridge, and Jamey Johnson on the Golden Nugget stage. Party by the Pool with the Jefferson Starship: Runaway Again Tour at L'Auberge Casino Resort.