September in Lake Charles, ushers in the fall festival season! Celebrate the return of the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival with fabulous tasting events all weekend long or embark on a foodie journey commemorating the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail’s 15th anniversary! Don’t miss the exciting entertainment options this month from all-star talent headlining at our casino resorts to non-stop laughs at comedy shows.
Sip and Savor at the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival
September 19-22
The much-anticipated culinary extravaganza returns with five events boasting mouthwatering flavors, talented local and regional chefs, and delicious wines and spirits. Treat yourself to an exclusive Celebrity Chef Dinner with bites carefully crafted by award-winning chefs and personalities such as Jernard Wells, Paul Fehribach, Kevin McCarthy, and Huy Pham to name a few. Brush up on your culinary skills with your choice of four entertaining and interactive Louisiana Inspired Master Classes.
On Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, dive into delicious samples from local and celebrity chefs, grill masters, and proprietors serving up unlimited food, wine, beer, and spirits—all while enjoying the toe-tapping sounds of Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express and the Flamethrowers.
The festival may end on Sunday, but the party doesn't stop! The lively Jazz Brunch is the grand finale, with a spread of unlimited beverages, a luxurious brunch menu, carving stations, and a Bloody Mary Bar to top it off!
Get Your Groove On at a Concert
From local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert. Let the soothing romantic sounds of the award-winning duo Ariella take you on a soulful journey at Southlake Theater. Grab your dancing shoes and favorite dancing partner for the final installment of Crying Eagle Brewing’s Summer Concert Series with Zydeco legend Chris Ardoin.
Our casino resorts offer an all-star entertainment lineup crossing musical genres nearly every week. This month Randall King, Chris Botti, Dwight Yoakam, Gary Allen, and Brett Young will grace the Golden Nugget stage.
Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail
This month marks 15 years of the tastiest trail in Southwest Louisiana! Celebrate the diverse boudin flavors and styles by visiting the grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants along the trail. Don't stop at boudin! Enjoy other tasty Cajun and Creole favorites like cracklins, sausage, and boudin balls that complete the culinary experience!
Browse Artwork at a Museum
Explore the Finding Home exhibition at Gallery by the Lake, featuring local artists and their friends and families. They’ve turned the challenges of natural disasters into beautiful art, from pencil drawings and acrylic paintings to cyanotypes. At the Black Heritage Gallery don't miss OHSO, a New Orleans native, who creates stunning 3-D compositions of women of color, rich with biblical symbolism and African influences.
Explore other rotating exhibits at 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, Imperial Calcasieu Museum, or Henning Cultural Center. They even host opening receptions where art lovers can meet the artists and chat about their work.
Laugh Out Loud at a Comedy Show
Enjoy great food, delicious drinks, and great vibes while enjoying up-and-coming talent at local bars and restaurants hosting improv shows and game nights. This month, comedienne Mia Jackson is bringing her smart and relatable comedy style to Library Riot. Over at L’Auberge, comedian, actor, and country musician Rodney Carrington promises a show filled with southern charm, witty songs, and unfiltered comedy.
Explore Louisiana's Playground
Fall is the perfect time to venture outdoors and explore the beautiful natural landscapes in Louisiana's Playground. The mild temperatures are perfect for early morning bird watching along the Creole Nature Trail All American Road or hiking through Sam Houston Jones State Park. For the ultimate sporting adventure join Garden and Gun at the seventh annual Cast & Blast event at Grosse Savanne Lodge. Attendees will embark on two fishing outings with experienced guides and spend the opening days of the teal season on two early morning hunts. Top off the adventure with mouthwatering dinners prepared by head chef Matt Whitney.
Cheer on the Pokes
The fall athletic season is here and Southwest Louisiana is ready to rally around the Cowboys! During the week, enjoy fast-paced athleticism on display at a Cowgirls volleyball game against Alcorn, Florida A& M, and Tarleton State. Kick off your weekend with spirited fans and lively performances at the Cowboy Block Party every Friday before a home game. Saturdays are all about community tailgates, packed with outdoor games and fanfare gearing up for the big games against Stephen F. Austin and Alcorn State. the big games against Stephen F. Austin and Alcorn State.
Celebrate the 85th anniversary of McNeese State University by exploring central and downtown Lake Charles! Many businesses will be decked in blue and gold and offering discounts and specials in support of the Pokes!
Enjoy Live Music at Restaurants
In Southwest Louisiana, the vibe extends past the plate to the stage. Throw on your band tees and skinny jeans, and get ready to sing along with pop-punk emo tribute band CRYRS at Panorama Music House. For more live tunes and tasty bites, head to Tia Juanita’s, Legacy 75 Cigar Lounge, Rikenjaks, or The Social Club throughout the week.
Prioritize Self Care at a Wellness Center or Studio
The end of the summer is the perfect time to relax and reset. In addition to a new look or a full body massage at a local spa consider other self-care methods from chair yoga to life coaching and meditation. Fully immerse your mind and body at Ecstatic Dance in the Dark where the spiritual atmosphere, uplifting music, and glow-in-the-dark paint usher in a connection with one's inner self.
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 Fall Festival Weekend Itinerary and Top Things to Do This Fall.
