Fall in
Lake Charles

Gumbo in Lake Charles

No visit to Louisiana is complete without a steaming bowl of gumbo and Southwest Louisiana is no exception. Discover where to get gumbo in Lake Charles from upscale eateries, to down home establishments. Whether you crave gumbo with a dark roux like at Pujo St. Café or an award-winning bowl loaded with chicken and sausage from Nina P's Café, Lake Charles is your gumbo hot spot.

Attend Concerts and Live Performances

Lake Charles is a mecca of live music venues. From award winning artists at our casinos resorts to talented local bands at popular bars and restaurants with live music, our event calendar is packed with concerts and live music events. Downtown Lake Charles features several venues like the Lake Charles Event Center hosting world renowned talent across multiple stages and Panorama Music House, a downtown gem featuring a trendy rooftop bar, nightly music and events. Other popular live music venues include Luna Bar & Grill-Downtown, Tia Juanita's, Crying Eagle Brewing Company, Rikenjak’s, and Paul’s Rib Shack. 

Attend an Annual Fall Festival

The Cal Cam Fair captures the essence of traditional Southern fairs. With thrilling rides, live entertainment, and an array of indulgent treats, this event delights attendees of all ages, making it a cherished family tradition. The Louisiana Food & Wine Festival, a four-day foodie extravaganza returns with celebrity chefs, wine and spirits vendors, and tasting experiences highlighting the Louisiana's culinary scene. Rouge et Blanc Wine and Food Festival highlights local chefs and regional wine vendors under the majestic oaks of McNeese State University. 

Head to downtown Lake Charles for the return of Chuck Fest, a spirited live music event featuring local and regional musicians, talented artists, and delicious food, while capturing the spirit of the Southwest Louisiana community. Smoke & Barrel a multi-day festival is a true feast for the senses, combining the allure of smoky, savory barbecue with the smoothness of perfectly paired bourbons, creating an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Top Museums and Galleries in Lake Charles

Explore numerous galleries and exhibits in Southwest Louisiana! The Henning Cultural Center, located inside of a turn of the 20th Century home in Sulphur features two stories of exhibit space. Located in the heart of downtown Lake Charles, the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center houses three stories of exhibits and galleries including the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake. Browse our event calendar for free cultural programming like opening receptions and gallery talks and discover local artists and their work featured in the virtual Heartbeat Tour of Southwest Louisiana. For a list of all museums and galleries in Southwest Louisiana check out our Must-See Museum Guide.

Where to Shop this Fall in Lake Charles

Usher in the holiday season at annual markets and events in Southwest Louisiana. Don't miss Flea Fest a major shopping event held at Burton Complex. This bargain hunter’s dream features thousands of antiques, handcrafted treasures, collectibles, furniture, and plants. The Holiday Art Walk features local artisans, food trucks, a kid zone, and an open-air market.

Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market, an expansive holiday shopping event returns the third weekend of November showcasing merchants from Louisiana and the surrounding states that offer one-of-a-kind gifts. The following month, the grounds of the Henning Cultural Center transform to a winter wonderland covered with local artists, bakers, and custom-made goods at Christmas Under the Oaks and Holiday House! 

Experince Tailgating During McNeese Football Season

McNeese State University’s Cowboy fans gear up for football season every year with tailgating festivities. Part of the NCAA Division I Championship Division in the Southland Conference, the Cowboys have an action-packed schedule. Southwest Louisianans bleed blue and gold, so prepare your outfits accordingly!  Pre-game activities include tailgating with jambalaya, barbecue, gumbo, boudin, beer, or old-fashioned burgers.

Attendees will also always catch a glimpse of the “Pride of McNeese” MSU Marching Band, cheerleaders, and the Cowgirl Kickers’ dance team as they parade through the tailgate area on their way to Cowboy Stadium. Review the full schedule and plan your game day activities!

Experience Award Winning Golf Courses & Dine in Style

Golf in Lake Charles features lush scenery and indigenous plants, making the courses picturesque backdrops for playing a round or two this fall. Mallard Golf Club and Clubhouse is the newest addition to the area which is a Scottish links-inspired design.

Contraband Bayou Golf Course at L'Auberge Casino Resort and the Country Club at Golden Nugget are side-by-side courses, with the Chart House restaurant and clubhouse overlooking the course at Golden Nugget. The Chart House includes a full bar, elegant seating, and firepits on the back porch with stunning sunset views.

The Max at The National Golf Club of Louisiana has scrumptious Louisiana cuisine with a new clubhouse and pro shop attached in case you need gear. Traditional Cajun/Creole cuisine is served at The Max with an outdoor, screened-in porch with seating, ideal for soaking in a birds’ eve view of the course.  

Birding in Southwest Louisiana 

During the fall, the birding population along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road soars as hundreds of migrating birds make their annual migration and create a convergence of the Central and Mississippi Flyways. Southwest Louisiana is home to more than 400 bird species, making it one of the Top 10 Birding/Birdwatch Destinations in the country.

Year-round you will be treated to a seemingly endless array of raptors, waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds residing in this rich environment. Pintail Wildlife Drive is one of the best places to see waterfowl in the area from your car, while Grosse Savanne Ecotours can offer a more immersive experience on the water. Another hot spot by the Gulf is Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary. If you plan on coming other times of the year, spring and winter migrations offer chances to see migratory birds in addition to the fall season.  

Explore Parks with Hiking Trails to Explore 

Sam Houston Jones State Park has over 1,000 acres of lakes, trees, and rivers. Recently, the park underwent a series of renovations and now features a brand new 500-foot boardwalk along the river, 10 cabins, and two boat launches. Three hiking trails are available with “old stagecoach road” being of particular interest where hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River.

Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles is a 29-acre park that also includes walking trails as well as a kids’ playground and canoe and boat launches. In Sulphur, there’s an intricate, paved walking path at The Grove complete with landscaping, water features, and a mini free library. Walkers can also enjoy a paved walking trail at Maplewood Commons or McMurry Park.