Get to Know Lake Charles

There's no better introduction to Southwest Louisiana culture than attending one of our fairs and festivals! Lake Charles is home to over 75 fairs and festivals annually celebrating history, cuisine, wildlife, and more. Nearly every weekend, you can enjoy local bands and musicians as well as regional talents, eat delicious Cajun cuisine, dance through the streets, and pass a good time! 

Popular Festivals and Events from January through March in Lake Charles

The year kicks off with the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, also known as the oldest and coldest festival in Southwest Louisiana. Experience quirky contests, live Cajun bands, a pageant, and delicious gumbo! Shortly after is Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras, a family friendly affair with special events beginning on Twelfth Night and ending on Fat Tuesday. From Motor Gras, a parade featuring vintage cars and the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off to the Children's Day activities and pet-friendly Krewe of Barkus stroll, your family will delight in the Mardi Gras celebrations in Southwest Louisiana.

Celebrate the history, culture, and societal contributions from the Black and African-American community at the annual Black Heritage Festival. Enjoy delicious cooking demonstrations, talented performances featuring music, poetry, and dance, art showcases, empowerment sessions and special activities for all ages. Get to know the economic and culinary impact of the rabbit industry in Southwest Louisiana at the Iowa Rabbit Festival. This multi-day celebration features carnival rides, craft tents, Zydeco and Cajun music, and an exciting rabbit cook-off with proceeds benefiting Iowa youth organizations and non-profit organizations.

Savor flavors from across the state of Louisiana at the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival. Choose from several all-inclusive tasting events exploring Louisiana's evolving culinary and beverage scene. Festival proceeds benefit the United Way of Southwest Louisiana and SOWELA Technical Community College's Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality program preparing students for employment in the hospitality field.

Popular Festivals and Events from April through June in Lake Charles

In the spring you'll find plenty of cultural festivals. Rum Revival highlights the impactful influences of Caribbean culture in our music, art, and cuisine. A delicious cocktail competition proceeds the grand tasting event where attendees are transported to a tropical escape at Golden Nugget Lake Charles. Talented chefs with Caribbean-inspired dishes, premium rums and tequilas, and infectious rhythms round out this exciting event.

In DeQuincy, we celebrate the town's rich railroad history at the annual Louisiana Railroad Days Festival. This alcohol-free celebration features carnival rides, model-train exhibits, pageants and more treating locals and visitors with welcoming hospitality.

This Is Home Fest, originally created as a response to back-to-back natural disasters impacting Southwest Louisiana, has grown into a much anticipated music festival on the Lakefront. In addition to a variety of local and nationally recognized musical talent ranging from Zydeco to Rock, the festival uplifts local restaurants and food vendors while catering to families with amenities like a lactation and diaper changing station.

Spend your days relaxing with drink in hand and toes in the sand at the Holly Beach Crab Festival. This coastal celebration includes live music, dancing, and offbeat competitions, like crawfish peeling to crab calling. Experience Cajun flavors during the mouthwatering cook-off featuring crab-infused dishes and a separate category for desserts.

Honor the anniversary of the emancipation of remaining slaves in the United States at the Juneteenth Freedom Festival. During the multi-day festival attendees can participate in athletic competitions, a bingo exclusively for senior citizens, Movies Under the Stars, a parade and more.

Popular Festivals and Events from July through September in Lake Charles

Celebrate America's independence at the Red, White, Blue and You! 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a patriotic concert, Armed Forces Salute, Olympic style games, and more leading up to spectacular fireworks over the lake.

The Cajun Music and Food Festival is a feast for the senses. Delight in delicious Cajun cuisine and music at this popular cultural celebration. You'll find plenty of it crafts, vendors, and competitions, including an accordion playing contest for children and adults.

Marshland Festival sets the stage for local musicians while bringing national names to our region. The best part? It's held inside the Lake Charles Event Center offering a completely air-conditioned experience in the heat of the summer!

Embrace the nostalgia unique to county fairs at the annual Cal-Cam Fair celebrating the impact of the livestock industry in Southwest Louisiana. Enjoy live performances, animal showings, karaoke, and traditional carnival food and rides at this longstanding festival spanning over 100 years.

Popular Festivals and Events from October through December in Lake Charles

Spend the afternoon discovering popular wines and spirits and discovering local and regional chefs at Rouge et Blanc Wine & Food Festival. The flagship fundraiser for the Banners Cultural Series at McNeese enables Southwest Louisiana to experience diverse arts and cultural programming at little to no cost.

Enjoy a live music takeover of Downtown Lake Charles at Chuck Fest, a celebration of Southwest Louisiana art, music, and culture. Local and regional bands span five stages in addition to food, beverage, and art vendors at Lake Charles' largest festival.

Follow the invigorating aromas of delicious smoked meats and premium bourbons and whiskeys to Smoke & Barrel. Experience bourbon and whisky centric cocktails during the Cocktail Royale leading up to the weekend long celebration of food and drink. Meet the makers and distillers, sample tender BBQ, premium cigars, and rich spirits and enjoy live music at the Grand Tasting event.

Keep up with annual festivals and our event calendar for ways to play throughout the week.

Southwest Louisiana is a gaming haven with four world class resorts rivaling those anywhere in the country. 

L’Auberge Casino Resort, a 26-story resort boasts over 1,000 deluxe rooms and luxury suites. Test your luck at the sprawling casino floor featuring 1,400 slots, thrilling video poker, action-packed sports betting, and 82 classic table games. Beyond the casino, indulge in fine dining at the resort's diverse restaurants, explore unique shops, and unwind at vibrant bars. When relaxation calls, take a dip in the refreshing pool area featuring a lazy river and cabanas, perfect for soaking up the Louisiana sun.

Golden Nugget, synonymous with quality, takes its Lake Charles casino to new heights. Wake up in your luxury room with a stunning lake view as your backdrop. Step out to enjoy world-class gambling (over 1,6000 slots, live-action poker tables, and 87 table games), vibrant nightlife, and a variety of Landry’s restaurants. And if that's not enough, there’s a two-acre heated pool complex with cabanas, bars, water slides, and a lazy river, ensuring the ultimate relaxation.

Horseshoe Lake Charles, operated by Caesars Entertainment, offers a luxurious escape with a more intimate feel.  This 253-room property boasts all the excitement you crave under one roof.  Test your luck at the casino featuring over 800 slot machines and 40-plus table games, including a  prestigious poker room and sports betting. Refuel your energy with delicious meals from several on-site restaurants.

Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel, conveniently located just a short 30-minute drive from Lake Charles, is a fantastic choice. The resort boasts all your favorite games, a selection of deluxe rooms, and plenty of dining options. What truly sets it apart is the thrilling racetrack, hosting some of the best horse racing in the region.

Southwest Louisiana is a gumbo pot of flavors and cultural influences. Indulge in traditional Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and étoufée as well as delicacies like smoked sausage, cracklins, and boudin. These staples can be found at markets and restaurants along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail and infused into menu items a restaurants throughout the region.

Popular cultural influences to Southwest Louisiana cuisine include French, African, Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin elements. You'll find savory arepas and tender stew meat at Orinoco or Area 337, popular Tex-Mex dishes like quesadillas and enchiladas at Maria's Cocina Mexicana and Casa Manana, lamb gyros and butter chicken at Raja's Curry Kitchen & Grill and Kibbeh Plates at Shwarmas.

Looking for sweet treats? Cure your sweet tooth at award winning bakeries like Twanie's Terrific Treats, known for supersized cookies and Cypi's Cake Box, creating intricately decorated cakes and cupcakes for any occasion. Sample every flavor and topping at popular sno-cone stands like Lulu's Specialty Snocones and More, PT's Snowballs Coffee and Ice Cream, and Shuga Mama's.

Popular coffee shops like The Bekery, The Village Coffehouse, and The Buzz Coffee & More serve gourmet coffee and tasty pastries including cinnamon rolls and scones. In the midst of Mardi Gras season is the equally loved King Cake season and your chance to try sweet and savory king cakes at bakeries throughout the region like Pronia's Market and Deli, Helen St. Bakehouse, and Misse's Grocery.

Southwest Louisiana is home to several fine dining establishments like Gordon Ramsay Steak, Ember Grille & Wine Bar, Chart House, and Mazen's offering fine wines and dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. From romantic date nights to celebratory evenings these restaurants grant diners an upscale experience no matter the occasion.

Southwest Louisiana is home to numerous waterways filled with exciting wildlife. Spot alligators, deer, popular and rare bird species, and colorful wildflowers while exploring the Creole Nature Trail. Enjoy a dip in the water or kick back on the sand at one of our inland or coastal beaches. 

Fishing is a year-round past time with ample locations to catch a fresh and saltwater species. Crabbing is a fun─ and easy activity also enjoyable nearly all year long. With our prime location on both the Mississippi and Central Flyaways, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to spot migratory birds. Five federal and state wildlife refuges and bird sanctuaries offer unplugged opportunities to explore Louisiana's natural beauty.

RV travelers and campers can choose from a number of RV parks like Lighthouse Bend, Rustic Oak RV Park and Beyonder Resort Cajun Moon offering an outdoor escape while remaining close to nearby amenities. Sam Houston Jones State Park and Yogi Bear Jellystone National Park, a little off the beaten path, have RV hookups, cabins, pavilions, and play areas making it easy to stay on-site. Bayou Glamping, a secluded camp ground elevates your outdoor adventure with premium camp and glamping sites.

Tee off one several premier golf courses in Southwest Louisiana. From the Scottish links-inspired design of Mallard Golf Club to the challenging tracks of the National Golf Club, each offers lush landscaping and a range of difficulty levels.

Your family will love Southwest Louisiana's friendly atmosphere and southern hospitality! Enjoy a range of family-friendly and budget-friendly activities and events. Families with younger children will enjoy spending the day at Port Wonder home to The Children's Museum and The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center, where they can explore interactive exhibits and playscapes and discover fish and other aquatic life found in Southwest Louisiana.

Pet farm animals, zipline, and swim in Almosta Lake at Almosta Ranch, a farm in Sulphur. Soar high at indoor airparks like Urban Air Adventure Park and Lake Area Adventures. For those looking for friendly competitions, check out Bayou Games home to paintball, laser tag and more. For tweens and older, Game2Life offers axe throwing, laser combat, and golf simulation. 

Kids can create unique crafts and keepsakes at art studios like The Art Factory, Paint & Fire, GP's Creative Corner, and Painting with a Twist. Each of our library branches offer free programming for children and adults. From crafting sessions to competitions each week you'll find a variety of activities to explore.

Cajun vs. Creole Heritage

While the terms Cajun and Creole are often used interchangeably, there are some notable differences. Creoles are of French, Spanish, and African descent, mainly aristocracy, but also servants and free people of color. Cajuns or 'les Acadiens' were French settlers from Nova Scotia, Canada, mostly peasants who were exiled by the British in the 1700s and settled along waterways and bayous.

Cajun and Zydeco Music

While both genres incorporate the accordion, Cajun music is heavily influenced by the fiddle and Zydeco by the scrub board and spoon. Cajun music is played by those of Acadian descent and Zydeco is performed by Creoles incorporating Creole lyrics. Many artists blend the traditional elements with influences in R&B, Country, and Funk.

Southwest Louisiana has birthed Zydeco Legends like the Ardoin Family and award-winning musicians who still reside here, raising a new generation. Learn how to Cajun dance here or by attending a weekly class at Central School Arts and Humanities Center. Festivals celebrating Southwest Louisiana culture like the Cajun Food and Music Festival, are a also a great way to practice your two-step!

From live music at bars and restaurants, to trivia nights and karaoke, Lake Charles nightlife offers plenty of fun things to do. Listen to local and regional musicians at popular restaurants like Tia Juanita's Fish Camp, Luna Bar and Grill Downtown, Creole Bar & Grill at Doubletree, Panorama Music House, and The Terrace Restaurant offer live music throughout the week. Casino bars like Blue Martini and the L Bar offer live performances and DJ sets each weekend. While you're there, try your hand on the casino floor!

For more cozy vibes visit pubs like MacFarlane's Celtic Pub and My Place American Pub in Lake Charles. Library Riot and OB's Bar and Grill are frequent spots for comedy shows and trivia nights.

Southwest Louisiana is home to many boutiques, shops, and markets. Downtown Lake Charles is home to popular spots like Bux Kajun Korner where you'll find Louisiana themed décor, crafts from local artists and artisans, and daily plate lunches or Candice Alexander Art Studio, a Lake Charles based artist incorporating Bayou State elements into many of her pieces. Mia's Downtown, a boutique stocked with garments and accessories is a go-to for business, casual, and game-day wear. Iron Shop Provisions, specializes in chic menswear. From heavy duty outerwear to premium accessories.

The Fair Vintage Market, The Emporium, Album Addict, and Lapin Lagniappe are a thrifter's dream, with wall to wall collections of vintage memorabilia and new treasures waiting to be explored. For more boutique options in Lake Charles, explore Accessory Zone, Expressions, Yaya & Company, and Sway Boutique.

In Downtown Sulphur, The Cottage Co-Op offers three adjacent places to shop. Shop for flowers, produce, décor and ingredients for products you can make at home as well as hands on classes visit the Downtown Market. Lydia and Lavender, a women's boutique offering small through plus sizes, offers appointments with a personal stylist to help shoppers find the best looks in a comfortable, private setting. Mainstreet Mercantile, specializes in herbs and trinkets, to help shoppers improve their lives with a holistic approach. They also sell décor and offer custom t-shirt making.

Antique shoppers can visit Recent Relics Antiques and Collectibles and Frances Fitz-Gerald Jewelry and Antiques for fine jewelry, antiques, and design expertise. For fresh produce and homemade goods visit one of several farmers markets throughout the region.