November in Lake Charles kicks off Christmas and holiday events, perfect for spending time with family and exploring Louisiana's Playground! Throughout the week shop from local vendors and artisans at a farmers market or find a new favorite bottle of wine at tasting events. Then on the weekend, enjoy extravagant holiday markets with everything from meet and greets with St. Nick to delicious eats, especially steaming bowls of gumbo! See our top picks for November picks below!
Annual Festivals
Dia De Los Muertos Festival | November 2 at 2PM
Get ready to expand your knowledge and immerse yourself in a festival celebrating vibrant culture, invigorating music, captivating art, and traditions brought to you by the Culture, Art, and Music Association of America.
The Lighting of the Oak | November 8 at 6 PM
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum invites you to an evening of artistic delight, culinary excellence, and a celebration of giving. The annual fundraiser promotes the museum's mission to enrich the community by promoting the unique culture and heritage of Southwest Louisiana. Mingle through the gallery, enjoy the live entertainment, and dine on gourmet bites and desserts from 121 Artisan Bistro all while a live painting of the Sallier Oak is created.
Smoke & Barrel | November 14-17
Follow the smoke to the Smoke and Barrel Festival for four delicious tasting events. Explore the city by tasting unique bourbon-centric cocktails from over a dozen local restaurants during the Cocktail Royal Competition leading up to the Finale Party on November 14th. Meet, greet, and drink with distillers, founders, and brand ambassadors of your favorite bourbons at the Meet the Makers: Distiller's Dinner on Friday.
On Saturday, dance til you drop and shop from food and craft vendors on the Calcasieu Parish Courtyard lawn. Securing a VIP wristband grants you front-row seats to entertainment, unlimited tastings of the finest bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches, and endless mouthwatering BBQ. The festival winds down with a delightful Sunday morning Smoking Brunch at Chart House.
Celebrate Culture and Community
McNeese Homecoming | November 1-2 at 7 PM
Kick off your weekend with spirited fans and a lively performance by Rusty Metoyer at the Homecoming Cowboy Block Party. On Saturday, enjoy the community tailgate, packed with delicious food, outdoor games, and fanfare gearing up for the big game against Texas A&M Commerce.
Living History Cemetery Tour | November 2 at 5 PM
Embark on a guided walking tour through four cemeteries where actors dressed in authentic period pieces will bring the past to life by portraying historical Lake Charles figures. Recount stories of those buried at Bilbo Cemetery, Sallier Cemetery, Combre Memorial Park, and Orange Grove Cemetery. Keep an eye out for wandering spirits— individuals who've left a lasting impact, but their final resting places remain a mystery.
Veterans Day Celebrations | November 9 - 11
On October 9th, grab your friends, ready your taste buds, and head to Crying Eagle Brewing for a 3-Meat BBQ Cook-Off supporting the SWLA Veterans Associations. Local pitmasters and BBQ gurus will be vying for the best in Lake Charles across three delicious categories: brisket, pork ribs, and chicken. Also on the 9th, make your way downtown for Boot Fest honoring past and present servicemen and women. This free festival is packed with joy—from fun outdoor games and live music to a book signing with author Patti Corbello Archer.
On Veteran's Day, hear from Commander Elizabeth Newton, USCG during a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park with a special focus on women who've served. Immediately following the program is the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Louisiana Vietnam Veterans Memorial—the sole State of Louisiana Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Over at the Event Center is the Lake Charles Veterans Outreach, where veterans and their families can gather information on various programs for mental health counseling, job assistance, and more.
Don't miss the Women Who Served and WWII Fighter Aircraft Lithographs exhibits on display at 1911 Historic City Hall and Lake Charles City Hall all month long.
Holiday Celebrations & Shopping
Light Up the Lakefront | November 30 at 12 PM
Embrace the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, festive performances, delicious hot chocolate at the beverage tent, and more leading up to the tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks over the lake. Families can enjoy extended park hours in Millennium Park, larger-than-life displays of the 12 days of Christmas, and the annual Lighted Boat Parade. During the day explore the Holiday Art Walk downtown and shop from local artisans and vendors for unique pieces, perfect for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.
Bargain hunters can rummage through acres of antiques, handcrafted goods, collectibles, and more over two days at Flea Fest. Over in Sulphur, visit three charming holiday market events: Magnolia Town Market, Cajun Santa at Etie's, and Creole Christmas Market.
Enjoy a premier shopping experience during the 3-day Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market. Be the first to shop crowd-free and receive a complimentary goodie bag during Premier Shopping Hours. Additional activities include Sip & Shop, Santa's Workshop, and general market hours. Whether shopping for your loved ones or treating yourself, these markets are a must!
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 at the intimate Candlelight Concert at Southlake Theater. Jam to local band, The Turneys, on the front lawn of a historic home in downtown Lake Charles during the final installment of the Charpentier District Front Porch Series.
Our casino resorts offer an all-star diverse entertainment lineup nearly every week. This month catch Crystal Gayle at Delta Downs, Clint Black at L'Auberge. Over at Golden Nugget enjoy performances from Chris Cagle, Gabby Barrett, Three Dog Night, and Neal McCoy 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 Christmas Lights Displays in Lake Charles, Fall Festival Weekend Itinerary, and Cajun Christmas.
