Top Ways to Play this March in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Black Heritage Festival | March 12-15

The Black Heritage Festival is a powerful gathering celebrating Black and African-American culture in Southwest Louisiana. The multi-day celebration features family-friendly activities, an elegant evening affair, and a welcoming environment centered around cultural pride, empowerment, and unity. On Thursday, March 12, senior citizens are invited to an exclusive Senior Citizen Super Bingo with music, food,and prizes. On Friday, enjoy an upscale evening celebrating Black Excellence with a special cover concert celebrating Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Tyrone Davis.

On Saturday, bring the entire family out for an indoor celebration highlighting local and regional Black-owned businesses, games, live performances, and delicious food. The festival concludes with the Gospel Extravaganza, an evening of praise and worship featuring gospel artists, choirs, and groups.

Louisiana Food and Wine Festival | March 12-15

The Louisiana Food and Wine Festival returns NOW IN SPRING! Get ready for four all-inclusive food and drink tasting events showcasing some of the best restaurants, wines, beers, and spirits in the region. On Thursday, sample delicious creations paired with wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails from regional chefs vying for the title of Louisiana's Best Taste. On Friday, enjoy unlimited food and beverage tastings from celebrated chefs, pitmasters, and grillmasters.

Then on Saturday, get ready for the festival's main event, the Grand Tasting! Enjoy award-winning culinary bites and a variety of beverages. While sampling dishes, enjoy live performances, browse artisan booths, and attend live cooking demonstrations from chefs Yvette Marie Bonanno, Roshni Gurnani, Karlos Knott, and Hardette Harris. You don't want to miss the Sunday Jazz Brunch at Ember Grill & Wine Bar. With live jazz music, carving stations, Louisiana Seafood stations, and a Bloody Mary Bar, it's a fantastic finale to a lively festival weekend.

St. Patrick's Day Festival | March 17

From Irish-inspired food and drink to cultural music and dancing, grab your lucky charms, don your green garb, and head to MacFarlane's Celtic Pub for the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival.

Iowa Rabbit Festival | March 19-21

Explore the economic and culinary impact of the rabbit industry in Southwest Louisiana at the annual Iowa Rabbit Festival. What began as a small-town gathering has expanded to a multi-day celebration featuring rabbit cook-offs, petting zoos, carnival rides, and live music. While the festival is hosted at the Burton Complex, the time-honored spectacle still maintains small-town roots with all proceeds benefiting the town of Iowa's community organizations.

Rum Revival | March 28

Indulge in the colorful sounds and flavors of the Caribbean at Rum Revival. Sample rich aged rum, discover new tequilas, or savor bold island flavors at the Grand Tasting Event, celebrating the deep connection of the Gulf Coast region to Caribbean heritage. Grab your tropical attire and bring your dancing shoes for an energetic cultural feast of flavors.

Marucci 1st Pitch Classic | March 5-7

Witness high-level high school baseball action and quality competition at the Marucci 1st Pitch Classic. This major tournament is a foundation for players hoping to advance in their baseball careers and is frequented by college scouts and baseball enthusiasts. Who knows, you may be watching the next MVP!

LHSAA Marsh Madness Basketball State Championship Tournament | March 9-14

Head to the Buton Complex to watch basketball teams from across the state compete for state titles at the LHSAA Marsh Madness Basketball State Championship Tournament, one of the most anticipated high school sporting events in Louisiana.

NJCAA Division 1 Women's Basketball National Championship | March 24-29 & 30-31

From tip-off to the final buzzer, fans can experience the excitement of the NJCAA Division 1 Women's Basketball National Championship at the Townsley Law Arena. Each day, teams will battle through preliminary rounds, semifinals, and ultimately the national championship game. This premier tournament showcases the skill, determination, and athleticism of some of the best student-athletes in the country.

Be Moore Fest | March 7

Venture through downtown Lake Charles for the fourth annual Be Moore Fest honoring the late local music legend Brian Moore, a strong supporter of the arts and mentor to young aspiring musicians. Numerous musicians and bands will take the stage at participating restaurants and businesses in memory of Brian. All proceeds will benefit Music Makers 2 U, a local non-profit donating musical instruments to kids in the community, and a scholarship will be awarded to a music student at Sulphur High School.

Art Under the Oak | March 29

Celebrate the beginning of Spring at Art Under the Oak, a cheerful celebration filled with art and family fun. Meet local artists, artisans, and authors, and don't miss a special appearance by the Easter Rabbit. During the festival, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum will be open and free, allowing guests to explore the Calcasieu Parish School Board Student Art Exhibit and the indoor spring carnival filled with games and activities hosted by local businesses and non-profits.

From local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert! Our live music venues offer an all-star entertainment lineup each month.

Don't miss the American Kombat Alliance 53, Little River Band, and Styx taking the stage at Golden Nugget. Catch the legendary rocker Rick Springfield and soul legends The Temptations & Four Tops, and Billy Ocean at L'Auberge Casino Resort.

Get ready to laugh out loud with comedian Gary Owen's: No Hard Feelings Tour and enjoy an enchanting evening of fine arts during the World Ballet Company: Swan Lake with Live Orchestra at the Lake Charles Event Center.

The Banners Cultural Series kicks off this month with a special Season Preview, along with weekly performances, lectures, and theatrical productions like Orchid-Stra, a botanical-inspired symphony of sights, scents, and sounds, or the legendary talent at the United States Air Force Concert Band & Singing Sergeants.