Events in Lake Charles, LA

Alumni Grove hosts an evening of live country music featuring Louisiana artist Dustin Sonnier as part of the Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Party. This free event is open to all ages and offers a lively kickoff to the football weekend. Attendees may bring their own chairs and beverages.

At the Lake Charles Event Center, the annual Southwest Louisiana Out of the Darkness Walk brings people together to advance suicide prevention and support those affected. The event draws hundreds of participants who walk to help save lives and offer hope to individuals and families impacted by suicide. Registration is free, with options to start or join a team or participate as an individual. Volunteer roles are available on the planning committee and on event day, and sponsorship opportunities allow businesses to be recognized. Suicide ranks as the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and funds raised through this walk support research, advocacy, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across Louisiana. For event information, contact Susan White at 985-974-6462 or snwhite182030@yahoo.com, Jenny LaRocca at 337-764-0435 or jennylarocca988@yahoo.com, or Meghan Goldbeck at 504-220-6100 or Mgoldbeck@afsp.org.

McNeese Football goes up against East Texas A&M at Navarre Stadium. For ticket details, contact the McNeese Ticket Office at (337) 562-4678. Game themes and promotions will be announced later.

Retired, current, and former first responders are invited to a casual morning gathering at Coffee:30 Cafe on Ryan Street in Lake Charles. Enjoy coffee, friendly conversation, and some sweet bites while connecting with others in a supportive community setting.

A relaxed monthly meetup bringing together creatives and community partners for coffee, conversation, and resource sharing. Participants share updates on current projects, learn about opportunities and tools, and take part in an easygoing group chat focused on a rotating theme. Organizers also use the time to listen to what is working, what is not, and where support is needed, with the aim of advocating for attendees and strengthening the creative community across Southwest Louisiana.

Shots for Tots offers affordable vaccinations for children from 6 weeks through 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, have Medicaid, or are American Indian or Alaska Native. Recommended vaccine milestones include birth, 2, 4, and 6 months, 12 months, 4 years, and 11 years. Clinics are by appointment only, an up to date shot record is required, and the fee is $10 per child, payable by cash or check. For details or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 527-4361.

Step into a 90s-themed celebration with throwback hits, upbeat vibes, and nostalgic fun, all in support of a meaningful cause. Enjoy live music from RK Party Band, delicious food, and plenty of dancing. Pull out flannel, denim, and scrunchies to match the theme. Proceeds benefit Autism Services of SWLA and help support adults with autism in the community. Expect a high-energy night that brings back the best of the decade while making a difference.

Panorama First Thursday Jazz Lounge pairs live music from a quintet with a pop-up market featuring vinyl albums, posters, T-shirts, hot sauces, and vintage fashions. There is no cover charge.

Remember settling in with a classic record and letting it play from the first track to the last? This concert brings that feeling back as The Black Jacket Symphony performs Def Leppard’s Hysteria from beginning to end, recreating every part with meticulous accuracy, then follows it with a second set featuring the band’s biggest hits. Over the last ten years, the group has presented more than forty classic rock albums to over a million music fans throughout the U.S. A custom lineup chosen for each album captures every sonic detail, and vivid visuals heighten the experience for a full evening of rock and roll. See it once and chances are you will want to come back for more.

Shots for Tots offers affordable vaccinations for children from 6 weeks through 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or Alaska Native, or covered by Medicaid. Appointments are required for every clinic. The cost is $10 per child, payable by cash or check, and an updated shot record is needed. Routine vaccine timing typically falls at birth, 2, 4, 6, and 12 months, with additional doses at ages 4 and 11. For more information or to schedule, call 337-527-4361.

This spooky weekend includes trick-or-treating, contests, DJs, and a Haunted Trail.

Enjoy a relaxed, walk-in creative experience with a friend, choosing from hands-on projects like soaps, candles, pottery, and jewelry, with additional options available. While there, you can reserve a future class to unlock a special discount, and every guest will receive a scratch-off revealing a surprise deal. Spend time making memories, explore your creativity, and head home with something you made yourself. Prospective vendors can inquire through Messenger or by email with details about what they sell.

This market supports Livingway’s Embrace Grace, a ministry dedicated to providing hope, education, and support for single women facing unplanned pregnancies. Vendors taking part are contributing to the cause through their participation. Vendor registration is open through the official sign up only, and prospective vendors should be cautious of scam links that may appear in comments.

Truck Stop Tuesday is a monthly community lunch that brings people together to enjoy local flavors in the fresh air. Set on the front plaza of Historic City Hall, it offers a relaxed, open-air setting to share a meal. A rotating lineup of food trucks changes each month, so there is always something new to try. This event is open to the public.

Shots for Tots offers affordable immunizations at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital for children from 6 weeks to 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or Alaska Native, or have Medicaid. Recommended vaccine milestones include birth, 2, 4, 6, and 12 months, with additional doses at 4 and 11 years. Appointments are required. The cost is $10 per child, payable by cash or check, and an up-to-date shot record is needed. For details or to book an appointment, call (337) 527-4361.

A basketball matchup at Townsley Law Arena features McNeese taking on LSU. Game time and ticket information will be shared later. Season ticket holders will receive further details by email. Look for additional updates as they become available.

A chess meet-up at the Central Library in Lake Charles brings together players ages 6 to 16. The session welcomes both beginners and experienced players, offering a friendly space to play and meet others who enjoy the game.

Explore a spooky campground featuring costume contests, scares, treats, and a chilling haunted trail. Show off your costume, test your nerves on the trail, and enjoy a mix of festive fun and fright.

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital hosts a diabetes support group meeting in the hospital’s cafeteria conference room, focused on practical, day to day management of diabetes. The session explores regular monitoring, how to track and understand blood sugar readings, and ways to stay on schedule with insulin or oral medications. Attendees receive guidance from healthcare professionals and encouragement from others living with diabetes. There is no charge to attend, and the group is open to the public.

Enjoy a free, 45-minute cooking demonstration at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital that makes healthy eating feel easy. Registered dietitians will share recipe ideas and practical strategies for planning meals, guide participants through step-by-step techniques to simplify cooking, and show how preparing nutritious dishes can be quick and enjoyable. Attendees can sample the foods prepared. This quarterly session will be held in the WCCH Cafeteria Conference Room. There is no cost to attend and it is open to the public. For more information or to register, call (337) 527-4261 or email vhardy@wcch.com.

A weekend gathering brings witches and wizards together for magical fun, Halloween-themed contests, and a haunted trail.

Inkwell Night Market brings an adults-only book fair to Magnolia House Events in Lake Charles, pairing cocktails with cozy fall ambiance and a hint of playful literary mischief. Independent authors and book-themed vendors create a lively space to discover new reads, shop creative goods, enjoy a delicious drink, and connect with fellow readers for an evening of bookish fun. The roster of authors and vendors is still being finalized. Ticket prices are listed before applicable taxes and Eventbrite fees. VIP tickets will not be available at the door, and a limited number of general admission tickets may be offered at the door for $30 without a tote bag. Purchasing in advance is recommended for the most complete experience.

At the Lake Charles Event Center, the 2026 Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Walk of WCCH raises funds for local breast cancer survivors and patients. Activities include registration, a ceremony, and a group walk. Contributions directly support people in Calcasieu and Cameron parishes who are receiving treatment, and all proceeds remain in the community. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor booth space are available. For details, contact foundation@wcch.com.

Explore more than 100 tables filled with trading cards and other collectibles at the SWLA Collectibles Convention at the Habibi Shriners Event Center. There will be opportunities to buy, sell, and trade, and attendees are welcome to bring a trade binder. Admission is $5, with free entry for ages 12 and under. Concessions will be sold on site, and security will be present. Vendor tables are available to reserve.

Set at Oak Crossing, the event uses two spaces. The Tree House is an indoor area covering the entire second floor with views of the oak trees, and outside is the venue known as The Gazebo. VIP access includes Champagne Under the Oaks, a Q&A with VIP vendors, a goodie bag, and reserved seating for the fashion presentations. One VIP bride will also be selected for a grand prize, receiving a feature in Weddings Your Style Magazine valued at $2,500.

Spooky fun awaits with trick-or-treating, eerie contests, dancing, and a Haunted Trail for extra thrills.

Stories from Southwest Louisiana rise from the past in an immersive, family-friendly evening presented by the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Costumed performers portray pioneers, educators, veterans, artists, and community leaders, sharing carefully researched accounts through live theatrical scenes set among historic headstones. The experience is self-guided, so participants may begin at any participating cemetery, visit others in any order, and explore at their own pace throughout the evening. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students, and children 5 and under are free. These tours provide a way to connect with the people and stories that shaped the region.

McVey’s Seafood 1st Annual Gumbo Cook-Off brings a lively Cajun-style competition to the pots and ladles. The event will recognize two gumbo champions, two potato salad champions, and a single People’s Choice winner. Competitors can enter Seafood Gumbo, where all meat must be seafood, or Chef’s Choice Gumbo, which welcomes creativity as long as no seafood is used. A Potato Salad Showdown accompanies the action, with one potato salad champion named from each gumbo category. Expect spirited flavors and friendly rivalry as participants stir, season, and serve their best.

Prepare for life with a newborn at a Breastfeeding Foundations class hosted by the WCCH Women’s Center. This session focuses on breastfeeding basics and understanding your baby in the early weeks, with guidance rooted in practices that encourage bonding and support infant health. A lactation counselor with certification and a childbirth educator will be available for individual Q&A to address specific concerns. Conversation covers the benefits of skin-to-skin contact, recognizing feeding cues, keeping baby close, practical breastfeeding education, building a support team, and comfort strategies. The class is free for OBG-1 patients and couples, and the fee is $10 for non-patient participants or couples. Space is limited, and registration is available by calling (337) 527-4361. The class meets in the WCCH North Conference Room.

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering Shots for Tots, a low cost immunization clinic for children ages 6 weeks through 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, have Medicaid, or are American Indian or Alaska Native. Vaccines follow the recommended milestones at birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 4 years, and 11 years. Appointments are required. The fee is $10 per child, payable by cash or check, and an up-to-date shot record is needed. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 527-4361.

Low cost vaccinations are available through the Shots for Tots immunization program. Children from 6 weeks through 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or Alaska Native, or covered by Medicaid are eligible. Appointments are required, and the cost is $10 per child, payable by cash or check. An up to date shot record must be provided. Routine vaccines are typically scheduled at birth, 2, 4, 6, and 12 months, with additional doses at 4 and 11 years. For details or to make an appointment, call (337) 527-4361.

Embrace the Halloween spirit with bonfires, contests, trick-or-treating, and a final trip through the Haunted Trail.

Homecoming weekend turns up the zydeco beat as McNeese graduate and Grammy Award winner Keith Frank, known as the Zydeco Boss, makes his debut at the Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Party. The event is free and welcomes all ages, offering a lively start to Cowboy football weekend. Attendees may bring their own chairs and beverages.

McNeese Football meets Nicholls at Navarre Stadium with a special kickoff planned to help families enjoy the game and still have time for trick-or-treating afterward. Ticket information is available through the McNeese Ticket Office at (337) 562-4678. Game themes and promotions for 2026 will be shared at a later date.

More than 300 parents, educators, therapists, first responders, and community members come together for the Louisiana Autism Conference, with sessions designed for caregivers, teachers, law enforcement professionals, and neighbors. Expert-led workshops focus on practical ways to support people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including approaches for feeding difficulties, strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, and techniques that can be applied in the classroom. Registration will open soon. For sponsorship opportunities or early questions, contact Chris Jones at coach@stnickcenter.org.

Shots for Tots offers affordable vaccinations for children from six weeks through 18 years. Eligible participants include those who are uninsured or underinsured, American Indian or Alaska Native children, and children with Medicaid. Recommended vaccine milestones include birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 4 years, and 11 years, and this program helps families stay on track. Appointments are required. The fee is $10 per child, payable by cash or check, and an up to date shot record is needed. For more information or to schedule, call (337) 527-4361.

Shots for Tots provides low-cost immunizations for children from 6 weeks to 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or Alaska Native, or covered by Medicaid. Vaccinations are recommended at birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 4 years, and 11 years. All clinics are by appointment only. The fee is $10 per child, payable by cash or check, and an up to date shot record is required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 527-4361.

A candlelit tribute to the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons fills Southlake Theatre in Lake Charles with a live, multi-sensory atmosphere. The Listeso String Quartet presents an hour-long program that includes Clocks, Radioactive, Adventure of a Lifetime, Fix You, Eyes Closed, Nice to Meet You, The Scientist, feelslikeimfallinginlove, Follow You, Bad Liar, Believer, Sky Full of Stars, and Viva la Vida. This is a tribute performance and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the artists or their representatives. Doors open one hour before the performance begins, and late entry is not allowed. Seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis within each zone. The event is ADA accessible. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must attend with an adult. Multiple dates and times are offered.

Strings take center stage as the Listeso String Quartet reimagines 90s hip hop in an intimate candlelit setting at Southlake Theatre in Lake Charles. The set spans medleys honoring Fugees and Lauryn Hill, Outkast, Missy Misdemeanor Elliott, Nas, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Dr. Dre, weaving in favorites like Ready or Not, Doo-Wop, Fu-Gee-La, Killing Me Softly, Rosa Parks, Elevators (Me & You), SpottieOttieDopaliscious, The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Sock It to Me, It Ain't Hard to Tell, N.Y. State of Mind, The World Is Yours, Can I Get A…, Big Pimpin, Money Ain't a Thing, Can I Kick It, Check the Rhime, Scenario, C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me), Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit, Protect Ya Neck, Dear Mama, California Love, Juicy, Big Poppa, Hypnotize, Still D.R.E., Forgot About Dre, and Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang. The concert runs 60 minutes, doors open one hour earlier, and late arrivals will not be admitted after the music begins. Seating is allocated by zone in order of arrival. The venue is ADA accessible. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with anyone under 16 attending with an adult. This program is a tribute with no affiliation, endorsement, or sponsorship from the original artists, their estates, or official representatives.

Celebrate the season with hands-on autumn crafts, a spirited chili showdown, and live music that ties the experience together. Creative projects and friendly competition unfold to a lively soundtrack, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Hosted at the Rosa Hart Theatre inside the Lake Charles Event Center, this Queens Pageant welcomes contestants ages 5 and older, with each participant competing in the division that matches her age on the day of the event. Divisions include Tiny for ages 5 to 6, Petite for 7 to 8, Little for 9 to 10, Deb for 11 to 12, Teen for 13 to 15, Junior Miss for 16 to 17, Miss for 18 to 23, and Ms. for 24 and up. Long formal attire is required for every division. Eligibility is limited to those with ties to Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, or Jeff Davis Parish. A competitor, parent, stepparent, grandparent, or another family member must reside in one of these parishes, or the family must own property there, or the competitor must attend school in one of them. Ms., Junior Miss, and Miss contestants take part in an interview that covers each participant’s bio along with the history of Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana and Mardi Gras in general. Teen, Ms., Junior Miss, and Miss also present a decorated mask. The pageant is organized in two sessions, with younger divisions competing earlier and older divisions later. Entry materials are available, and confirmation requires an entry form, payment, and a signed Zero-Tolerance Agreement submitted by the stated deadline with no exceptions. Competitors should review the requirement related to holding multiple titles with state, fair or festival, local, or organizational pageants, which is outlined on the entry form. Queens named at this event are expected to attend all MGSWLA events, parades, media opportunities, and balls.

Presented by the WCCH Diabetes Education team in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, this no-cost seminar at Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers focuses on practical ways to live well with diabetes. Participants can take part in exercise guidance, watch a live cooking demonstration, and pick up recipes. Lunch is included, and there will be door prizes along with additional activities. The event is free and open to the public.

A breast cancer support group meets at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, offering answers to common questions and compassionate support through every step of the journey. Meetings take place monthly, are free to attend, and refreshments are provided. For more information, call (337) 528-7320.

A special appreciation event for first responders featuring discounts, meet and greets, fire truck rides, and activities in their honor. The schedule includes a performance by Four Horses.

Browse a wide selection of reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals at the West Cal Event Center. Vendors will offer animals, feeders, and supplies to purchase at discounted prices. Tickets are available at the door by cash or card, and concessions will be on site. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for kids 4 and under.

Shots for Tots offers affordable vaccinations for children from 6 weeks through 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or Alaska Native, or covered by Medicaid. Appointments are required, and the fee is $10 per child, payable by cash or check. An up to date immunization record must be provided. Routine vaccines are recommended at birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 4 years, and 11 years. For details or to schedule an appointment, call (337) 527-4361.

Keep kids protected with affordable vaccinations through Shots for Tots, an immunization program for children ages 6 weeks to 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, are American Indian or Alaskan Native, or have Medicaid. Vaccines are recommended at birth, at 2, 4, and 6 months, at 12 months, then again at 4 years and 11 years. Visits are by appointment only. The cost is $10 per child, payable by cash or check, and an updated immunization record is required. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 337-527-4361.

A gumbo cook-off pairs with a swamp pop performance by Ryan Foret, creating a showcase of Louisiana food and music.

LA ROXX is back at the Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Party for a free, all-ages night that kicks off the Cowboy football weekend. Bring your own chairs and beverages and get ready for an evening of rock.

McNeese Football faces Lamar at Navarre Stadium. For ticket details, call the McNeese Ticket Office at (337) 562-4678. Plans for 2026 game themes and promotions will be shared at a later time.

Get ready for life with a newborn at a foundational breastfeeding class hosted by the WCCH Women's Center at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Learn practical steps for starting to nurse and understanding your baby’s needs during the first weeks. The session includes time for individual questions with a certified lactation counselor and a childbirth educator. Topics include the benefits of skin-to-skin contact, feeding on cue, keeping baby close, essential breastfeeding know-how, building a support network, and comfort techniques. The practices shared are evidence based and support bonding and infant health. The class is free for OBG-1 patients and couples, and costs $10 per non-patient participant or couple. Space is limited. To register, call (337) 527-4361. The class takes place in the WCCH North Conference Room.

Families can explore a cheerful holiday market featuring more than seventy local vendors offering gifts and seasonal finds. Expect raffles and prize drawings, plus complimentary swag bags for the first fifty paying shoppers. Admission is $5 for adults and kids get in free. Santa will stop by to visit with children, and the atmosphere stays festive with upbeat Christmas music, food trucks, and plenty of fun.

Depart from Sulphur, LA for a six day, five night motorcoach getaway centered on Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The package includes motorcoach transportation, five nights of lodging with three consecutive nights in the Asheville area, and eight meals featuring five breakfasts and three dinners. Experience a guided tour of Asheville, spend a full day at the Biltmore Estate, enjoy a guided scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and visit both the Folk Art Center and the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. The price is $978 per person based on double occupancy, single occupancy adds $228, and a $75 per person deposit is required.

Celebrate the start of the holidays in a warm, welcoming setting with live entertainment in the bar and grill. Make festive Christmas crafts, then gather by the campfire to sing traditional carols.

Holiday enchantment arrives with World Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker performed with a live orchestra. A cast of 40 accomplished dancers, more than 150 hand sewn costumes, and richly crafted sets create a festive production for audiences of all ages. The story follows Marie on Christmas Eve as her Nutcracker springs to life, leading her through swirling snow, a battle with mice, and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. The performance runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission, and is suitable for ages 2 and up. World Ballet Company is based in Los Angeles under the direction of Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, touring beloved ballets to cities nationwide for both newcomers and longtime fans. The ensemble features professional artists from more than ten countries and has appeared in over 300 cities, reaching more than 500,000 audience members. Group pricing is available for parties of 10 or more.

Candlelight brings an intimate, multi sensory concert to Southlake Theatre in Lake Charles, celebrating the music of Queen and The Beatles by candlelight. The Listeso String Quartet performs a program of favorites that may include Here Comes the Sun, Blackbird, Help!, Come Together, Yesterday, and All You Need Is Love, along with Queen classics such as Love of My Life, Another One Bites the Dust, I Want to Break Free, We Are the Champions, We Will Rock You, Radio Ga Ga, and Bohemian Rhapsody. The experience lasts 60 minutes, doors open one hour before the performance, and late entry is not allowed once the show begins. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must attend with an adult. The venue is ADA compliant. Seating is assigned within each zone on a first come, first served basis. Multiple date and time options are available at purchase. This is a tribute event and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the original artists, their estates, or official representatives.

A candlelit celebration of neo-soul arrives at Southlake Theatre in Lake Charles, where the Listeso String Quartet reimagines beloved tracks in an intimate setting. Hear string arrangements of favorites including SZA’s Good Days, Lauryn Hill’s Ex-Factor, Solange’s Don’t Touch My Hair, Miguel’s Adorn, Frank Ocean’s Thinkin Bout You, Prince’s Purple Rain, Sade’s Smooth Operator, D’Angelo’s Untitled (How Does It Feel), Childish Gambino’s Redbone, H.E.R.’s The Best Part, Alicia Keys’ You Don’t Know My Name, and Boyz II Men’s End of the Road. The performance lasts 60 minutes. Doors open 60 minutes before the show, and late entry is not allowed once the music begins. Seating is assigned within zones on a first come, first served basis. The venue is ADA compliant. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with anyone under 16 accompanied by an adult. This is a tribute concert and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the original artists, their estates, or official representatives.

Celebrate the season with a weekend of live entertainment, festive Christmas crafts, and joyful caroling. Creative activities and performances continue throughout the weekend.