October in Lake Charles brings crisp fall air, perfect for spending time outdoors! Throughout the week test your knowledge and enjoy a few drinks at a trivia night or show off your skills at karaoke. Then on the weekend, enjoy spirited festivals with everything from talented live performances and competitions to delicious eats, especially steaming bowls of gumbo! See a few of our October picks below!
Annual Festivals
Cal Cam Fair | October 3-5
The Cal Cam Fair is one of the longest-standing Southwest Louisiana festivals, celebrating its 102nd anniversary this month at the West Cal Arena. It expertly maintains the nostalgia of a county fair with carnival rides and a pageant, while keeping up with the next generation. With newer elements like Cal Cam “Caraoke” and Cal Cam’s Got Talent, it’s sure to be memorable!
Rouge et Blanc | October 12 at 3 PM
Enjoy an afternoon under the oaks at Rouge et Blanc. Sip and socialize with wine experts and renowned area chefs in the charming McNeese State University Quad. The tasting event serves as Banner's flagship fundraiser, bringing diverse arts and cultural programs to the five-parish area.
Chuck Fest | October 19 at 12 PM
Hit the streets of Downtown Lake Charles for the 10th anniversary of Chuck Fest! What began as a birthday celebration for Luna Bar and Grill-Downtown has evolved into an annual celebration of the best elements of Southwest Louisiana. From noon to midnight festival goers can take their pick of delicious food, endless drinks, and great Louisiana-based entertainment!
Celebrate Culture and Community
Oktoberfest | October 5 at 11 AM
You don’t have to travel to Bavaria to celebrate Oktoberfest. Grab your lederhosen and dirndls and saunter over to Crying Eagle Brewing for the Oktoberfest Beer Festival. Feast on the tasty food specials perfectly paired with traditional Oktoberfest-themed beers, then spend the day playing classic Oktoberfest games!
West Fest | October 5 at 2 PM
Enjoy the sunshine and mild weather at Pinderosa Park as you celebrate the thriving city of Westlake! Start your evening browsing the beautiful vintage cars and choose from several delicious local food trucks. Dance the night away with lively acts from start to finish!
Coushatta Powwow | October 12 at 11 AM
Head to Sam Houston Jones State Park for your chance to meet members of the Coushatta Tribe as they honor their ancestors with celebrations of culture through music and dance. The Coushatta Tribe is based in Louisiana just north of Elton. Click here for Powwow best practices.
Fall Conference with Judge Lynn Toler | October 17 at 8 AM
Each year the Women’s Fall Conference hosts informative and motivational sessions carefully curated to help women develop their personal and professional skills. Attendees can visit local and regional vendors and win prizes leading up to this year’s keynote speaker, Judge Lynn Toler.
McNeese State University Annual Rodeo | October 24-26
Get ready for three days of rodeo action at Burton Complex. The annual McNeese Rodeo gathers some of the best youth, collegiate, and professional rodeo athletes as they compete in speed and skill events like Barrel Racing, Team Roping, and Ladies Steer Riding.
On Thursday athletes will compete in their Halloween costumes for the 7th Annual Costume Rodeo. On Friday, professional and college Rodeo athletes from 12 different institutions throughout Texas and Louisiana will compete for the championship. On Saturday, catch over 40 youth bull riders rounding out the competition at the Dirty South Bull Riding Invitational.
Philanthropy and Community Service
In October, there are many opportunities to support charitable causes. Celebrate diversity and inclusion at the Step Up for Downs walk. Raise awareness and aid research efforts for Alzheimer's and breast cancer at the SWLA Walk to End Alzheimer's and Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Walk. Enjoy a morning on the water landing the perfect catch while supporting our veterans at the Reelin' For Warriors Fishing Rodeo.
Concerts and Entertainment
From local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert. Enjoy classical renditions of Coldplay at the intimate Candlelight Concert or the second installment of the Southcoast Music Series with soulful singer-songwriter John Fullbright at Southlake Theater.
Our casino resorts offer an all-star entertainment lineup crossing musical genres nearly every week. This month George Birge, Travis Tritt, and Sammy Kershaw will grace the Golden Nugget stage.
Rounding out the month is country-rock band Whiskey Myers. From traveling the country to being featured on the hit series Yellowstone, the band brings their gritty authenticity to the Lake Charles Event Center 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 check out Halloween in Southwest Louisiana, Fall Festival Weekend Itinerary, and Top Things to Do This Fall.
