Lake Charles loves a great party and with multiple festivals for nearly every occasion, there’s always a reason to celebrate! From pageantry and parades to exciting cultural showcases, our local festivals highlight the best of Southwest Louisiana. So which festival should you attend first? Take this personality-packed quiz to find out!

1. You've got a free weekend coming up. What's your ideal way to play?

 

A. Exploring local artifacts and shopping with local vendors.
B. Picnicking and dancing the night away, surrounded by family and friends.
C. Celebrating culture through art exhibits, storytelling, and soulful performances.
D. Kicking back at the beach, indulging in fresh seafood, and soaking up the sun.
trumpet player performs at the juneteenth freedom festival
Enjoy soulful performances at Juneteenth Freedom Festival!

2. Which festival snack are you munching on?

 

A. Must-have fair foods like funnel cakes, turkey legs, and corn dogs.
B. A steaming-hot tray of fresh crawfish, corn, and potatoes straight from the boil.
C. Tender BBQ and decadent homemade desserts (because you can’t pick just one).
D. Larger than life crab legs, dipped in butter.

 

Boiled Crawfish
Enjoy flavorful crawfish and sides at This is Home Fest!

3. You’re off the clock! What’s your go-to style?

 

A. A festival t-shirt, comfy jeans, and sneakers
B. Something light and loose-fitting with your favorite dancing shoes.
C. Something bright, colorful, and meaningful—perfect for a cultural celebration.
D. A swimsuit, sun hat, and sunglasses—no shoes necessary!
a couple dances barefoot in front of the stage as a band performs with a washboard, drum kit, and other musical instruments
Enjoy fun in the sun at the Holly Beach Crab Festival!

4. Which of the following is the most memorable?

 

A. Catching a trinket during the parade and meeting festival royalty.
B. Dancing with your loved ones to live music, drink in hand.
C. Watching powerful performances and celebrating cultural achievements.
D. The smell of seafood boiling and the salty Gulf breeze.
 
railroad days royalty rides on top of a vehicle and tosses candy
Enjoy live music and parade throws at Louisiana Railroad Days Festival!

Mostly A’s – You're Louisiana Railroad Days Festival!

You appreciate rich history and small-town charm. Whether it's snapping a pic with festival royalty, savoring oversized turkey legs, or exploring historic locomotives, you’ll find joy in simple traditions and carnival fun at the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival.

 

Mostly B’s – You’re This Is Home Fest!

You love good food, great music, and even better company─and Lake Charles has that and more! Whether you’re indulging in all the crawfish you can handle, supporting local artists, or dancing until the sun sets, you’ll find joy at the welcoming atmosphere of This Is Home Fest.

 

Mostly C’s – You’re Juneteenth Freedom Festival!

You honor history and culture and appreciate powerful storytelling. Whether through music and spoken word, or artwork and dance, you’ll find joy in celebrating the future while reflecting on the past at Juneteenth Freedom Festival.

 

Mostly D’s – You’re Holly Beach Crab Festival!

You’re happiest when laid-back, carefree, with your toes in the sand, and a seafood platter in hand. From warm breezes and endless sunshine to mouthwatering Gulf Coast flavors, you’ll find joy soaking up fun at the Holly Beach Crab Festival.

 

Plan Your Visit

No matter which festival matches your vibe, each one is sure to leave you with lasting memories of a weekend well spent in Louisiana’s Playground. So grab your festival crew and celebrate the best of the season at each of these exciting festivals!