Lake Charles is conveniently located off I-10, between Houston and New Orleans. The developing downtown and welcoming community make it the ideal place for a fun, easy getaway. Plan a long weekend with Southwest Louisiana's annual festival and fairs celebrating our Creole and Cajun heritage and food, stellar performances by regional and national acts at our multiple casino resort concerts, and thrilling sporting events and expos showcasing Louisiana's best outdoor recreation. In addition to these exciting annual events, the Lake Area hosts a fun, family-friendly Mardi Gras and 10-day Chuck Eats Restaurant Week extravaganza. 

July - September

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The festival is held inside the Burton Coliseum in South Lake Charles on the corner of Gauthier Road and Gulf Hwy. The festival gets underway on Saturday, July 15, through Sunday, July 16, 2023. Get ready for great food, arts & crafts, live & silent auctions, cold beer…

The 2023 Marshland Festival returns July 28th & 29th at the Lake Charles Civic Center, which guarantees an inside and air-conditioned experience. The Marshland Festival originated in Hackberry over 30 years ago. It began at the community center and, over the years, has become…

Louisiana Food & Wine Festival Sep 19
  • Recurring daily

The Louisiana Food & Wine Festival takes place September 19-22, 2024 in Lake Charles, with all-inclusive food and drink tasting events, including over 300 varieties of culinary, wine, beer, and spirit tastings experiences and 40+ restaurants. Learn more about the…

The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will host our annual Gallery Promenade this Friday, September 29th, from 5PM – 9PM, showcasing SWLA artists in galleries, venues, and businesses throughout Downtown Lake Charles. Central School Arts & Humanities…

October - December

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The Cal Cam Fair will be celebrating our 101st Anniversary this October! Sulphur’s annual Cal-Cam Fair is a fall tradition for many Southwest Louisiana residents - and for good reason. Sponsored by the Cal-Cam Fair Association, the fair will take place Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 5-8…

Chuck Fest will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Downtown Lake Charles and will feature a full lineup of everything Louisiana. From bands to beers and more, Chuck Fest will be a celebration of Louisiana culture! What initially began as an idea to celebrate Luna Bar and…

January - March

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  • Recurring daily

January 13-14, 2023, in downtown Cameron, LA. Held annually. The "oldest and coldest" Southwest Louisiana festival, as it's billed by organizers, caters to all ages and interests, featuring parades, a gumbo cook-off, pageants, a 5k and 1-mile run/walk, dances, Cajun music…

Celebrating the economic and culinary impact rabbits have in Southwest Louisiana, the annual Iowa Rabbit Festival is a one-of-a-kind event. The festival will be held at Burton Complex, 7001 Gulf Highway, Lake Charles. The family-friendly event has some of the best music in the…

The 2023 Live at the Lakefront concert series is back by popular demand and continues to be a fantastic free-to-the-public music and art festival. For the 11th anniversary, Live @ the Lakefront (L@LF) will feature local bands, live art demonstrations, an outdoor art market , and…

April - June

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This is Home Fest Apr 20

The 4th annual This is Home Fest will be Saturday, April 20, 2024. More information coming soon. Festival Mission The Mission of This is Home Fest is to enhance the unique quality of life in Southwest Louisiana by sharing music and culture that celebrate local and global…

The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is bringing back the annual 2023 Spring Art Walk on Saturday, April 29, from 2 – 6 p.m. with multiple arts and music events happening simultaneously including the Downtown Lake Charles Jazz Festival and art openings…

The Louisiana Pirate Festival will take place May 4-14, 2023. The event is a multi-day festival held on the grounds of the Lake Charles Civic Center and Seawall. Pirates take over the city for two weeks for Contraband Days. The festival includes carnival rides, live music…

Join Southwest Louisiana June 16-19, 2023, for four days of festivities centered around celebrating the history of African Americans and Juneteenth! Friday, June 16, 2023 - 5th Annual Movie Under the Stars This year’s movie will be “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” presented by…