How to Celebrate Juneteenth and Diversity Year-Round
Dining and Entertainment
Celebrate freedom and honor diversity year-round by supporting Black and minority-owned businesses in Southwest Louisiana. Enjoy delicious Creole recipes, soul food, and desserts from restaurants like Mama Reta's, Biscuits n Jamz, Mrs. Johnnie's Gingerbread House, Ball's Fried Chicken, Famous Foods, Twanie's Terrific Treats, and Leonard's Food Quarters.
Enjoy live performances from diverse bands and musicians, music bingo, comedy shows, and special events at popular restaurants and bars like The M Bar, Geebeaux's, Area 337, Prestige 337, Orinoco, Panorama Music House, Cousin's Lebanese Cuisine, Luna Bar and Grill, The Terrace Restaurant, and Coffee:30. These restaurants each offer unique menus and friendly staff eager to welcome you to Southwest Louisiana and if you're a local, you'll feel right at home!
Things to Do
Let Bayou Glamping Co. help you plan a serene escape on their campgrounds or hit the waterways with rentable kayaks and explore Louisiana's Outback. Secure the perfect ensemble at Mia's Downtown and Mia's at the Mall, where women of all sizes can walk away feeling beautiful. Browse the traveling exhibits from Black artists year-round at the Black Heritage Gallery located in Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, or delve into the stories, notable figures, and landmarks of the past on a Historic Walking Tour through Downtown Lake Charles with the Imperial Calcasieu Museum.
Creative Roots and Bux Kajun Korner display artwork, jewelry, décor, herbs, and more from a variety of local artisans and vendors. The Charmed Page and Krew's Books and Brews frequently host author signings, book talks, and poetry readings highlighting diverse voices in the community. Grounded in Nature is a welcoming space combining horticulture and the arts. Shop for new plants, create and design crafts, or host an event in the peaceful escape.
Festivals and Events
There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate culture and community in Southwest Louisiana. From delicious cook-offs and tasting events to powerful spoken word performances and charitable causes, experience the joy of indulgence and the sense of belonging at popular festivals and events each season in Lake Charles. In the spring, celebrate railroad history, resilience, and international influences on cuisine at the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival, the Black Heritage Festival, This is Home Fest, and Rum Revival.
The summer heats up with exciting cultural festivals. In addition to Juneteenth, music lovers can hit the streets of Downtown Lake Charles for the Downtown at Sundown Concert Series. Holly Beach Crab Festival and Cajun Music and Food Festival feature quirky contests, Cajun bands, and mouthwatering seafood boils. Celebrate America's birthday with fireworks, patriotic concerts, all-day water activities, and a hot dog-eating contest at Red, White, Blue and You!
Cal-Cam Fair is on the cusp of fall and is steeped in nostalgia with carnival rides, livestock shows, a pageant, and hearty fair foods. Rouge et Blanc and Smoke & Barrel are two elevated tasting events featuring numerous local and regional chefs and showcasing wines, spirits, cocktails, and more while reinvesting in the community. Chuck Fest is an electric display of the arts and culture scene in Southwest Louisiana with musicians spanning five stages, local artisans, and tasty food truck and restaurant options.
From twinkling lights to Mardi Gras balls, winter festival season in Louisiana is a continuous celebration. Immediately after Thanksgiving, our cities and towns transform into winter wonderlands with creative light displays, Christmas glow shows, and community programs. Light Up the Lake Christmas Celebration kicks off the season with holiday performances, extended play hours in Millennium Park, and snow! Christmas Under the Oaks and Holiday House keeps the jolly spirit rolling with gift shopping, a concert, and carnival rides.
Just after the start of the New Year, Mardi Gras celebrations commence at Mardi Gras Twelfth Night, followed by numerous parades, strolls, balls, chicken runs, and cook-offs leading up to the Krewe of Krew's Parade on Fat Tuesday. Don't miss the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, an authentic celebration of wildlife and Cajun heritage packed with dancing, pageantry, and all the gumbo you can eat!
