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. 

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…

Live @ the Lakefront Concert Series Mar 22

The 2024 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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Rum Revival Apr 06

Launched in 2022, Rum Revival is a celebration of the Gulf Coast’s colorful ties to the Caribbean and captures the vibrant energy of that region. Located in the Green Event Space near H20 Pool at Golden Nugget Lake Charles, this fabulous production transforms the space into a…

Louisiana Railroad Days Festival Apr 11

Join the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival for its 40th celebration since it evolved in the spring of 1984. The festival is held annually on the second weekend in April at the Railroad Museum Park, with many local businesses, clubs, churches, and schools participating. The…

This is Home Fest Apr 20

The 4th annual This is Home Fest will be Saturday, April 20, 2024. 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 artistry. The festival will promote…

Spring Art Walk Apr 27

The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is bringing back the annual 2024 Spring Art Walk on Saturday, April 27, from 2 – 6 p.m. with multiple arts and music events happening simultaneously. The Spring Art Walk is a free event open to the public that will…

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…

July - September

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Cajun Music and Food Festival Jul 13

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 13, through Sunday, July 14, 2024. Get ready for great food, arts & crafts, live & silent auctions, cold beer…

Marshland Festival Jul 26

The Marshland Festival returns July 26 and 27, 2024 at the Lake Charles Event 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 a…

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…

Gallery Promenade Sep 27

The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will host our annual Gallery Promenade Friday, September 27th, from 5PM – 9PM, showcasing SWLA artists in galleries, venues, and businesses throughout Downtown Lake Charles. To view the full map and learn more about…

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 Oct 19

Chuck Fest will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, 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…