In Southwest Louisiana, we’re proud of our culture and heritage, and we celebrate our favorite things best through our many festivals. The region is home to over 70 festivals each year. Here’s a lineup of what Spring 2020 has to offer.
Live @ the Lakefront
March 13, 20, and 27, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheatre
Admission free
www.artscouncilswla.org
The 2020 Live @ the Lakefront season features fan favorites like The Flamethrowers, the art market, and food truck gallery. However, this year brings in some new elements such as a side stage band shell that will showcase newcomers like the Washington Marion Marching Band, the Michael Davis Band, and more. The 2020 lineup includes 12 acts total, the most bands to date!
Black Heritage Festival
March 14, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Lake Charles Civic Center
Admission $5
www.bhflc.org
Celebrate African American culture with good food, entertainment, a Kid Zone and vendor market.
Iowa Rabbit Festival
March 19 – 21
Burton Coliseum
Thurs. 5:00 – 10:00 p.m., free admission
Fri. 5:00 p.m. – midnight
Sat. 10:00 a.m. – midnight
Admission $10 (ages 12 and up)
www.iowarabbitfestival.org
Show some love to all things rabbit and enjoy non-stop music, including Gyth Rigdon on Saturday, 10:00 p.m. On Thursday, carnival and vendors open, but Burton closed.
Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival
March 28, gates open at 11:00 a.m.
Lake Charles Civic Center
Tickets $10 in advance, kids 10 and under free when accompanied by an adult with a ticket.
www.downtowncrawfest.com
Music, dancing, and plenty of mug bugs available for purchase. Go pass a good time!
SWLA Garden Conference & Expo
March 27 – 28
Burton Coliseum
Fee for admission
www.gardenfest.org
Southwest Louisiana’s premier garden show and plant sale. It’s an educational experience in horticulture for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
Flea Fest
April 4-5, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Burton Complex Event Barn
Admission $5, kids 12 and under free
fleafest.com
A unique market featuring nearly four covered acres of anything and everything in a fun country fair-like atmosphere. Approx. 300 vendors sell antiques, retro & vintage items, handcrafted items, toys, collectibles, unique clothing, artwork, comic books, furniture, gifts, unique jewelry, plants, a farmers market and more. Pony rides, a petting zoo, and food vendors available.
Louisiana Railroad Days Festival
April. 9-11
Dequincy Railroad Museum Park
Admission Free
www.larailroaddaysfestival.com
Commemorate Dequincy’s railroading history with a 5K Cannonball Run, K9 Caboose Pageant, Railroad Days Pageant, a parade and bicycle parade, gospel music, carnival rides, food booths, and crafts.
Spring Art Walk
April 24, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Ryan St., Downtown Lake Charles.
Free admission
www.artscouncilswla.org
Pop-up galleries, Art Market, Art Wars competition, live music, food trucks . . . come celebrate our vibrant arts community!
Louisiana Pirate Festival
Apr. 30-May 10
Lake Charles Lakefront/Civic Center
Admission free
www.louisianapiratefestival.com
Experience carnival rides, a car/bike show, barbecue cookoff, parade, entertainment, and pirates. Watch the Mayor of Lake Charles walk the plank!
Louisiana Beer Festival
May 9, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
1911 Historic City Hall and Courthouse Grounds
1001 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Tickets $50 regular admission, $100 VIP
www.louisianabeerfestival.com
Event will feature over 100 different craft beers from a variety of American brewers, including Louisiana favorites and local brews from Crying Eagle Brewing Company. Several brewers will have beers special to the festival. The event will also feature live music and a variety of local food vendors.
