Lake Charles, Louisiana – As Mardi Gras approaches, Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana are set to celebrate with a weekend full of family-friendly events, live music, parades, and cultural activities. We’ve put together our weekly list of events happening Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, offering a diverse range of entertainment for community members and visitors alike.
A full list of events for February 28 – March 2 can be found at the end of the article.
The weekend begins with live music performances, including the Doc Wilder Band at Luna Bar and Grill from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Additionally, Ray’s Lounge will host its February Week 5 Weekend Entertainment featuring Mark Portier, providing a lively atmosphere from 7:00 PM until midnight. For those looking to unwind and learn, Creative Roots will offer an Herbal Tea Tasting and Energetics Class starting at 4:00 PM on Friday.
Friday night also features the Mardi Gras After Party at The Cove from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, alongside the Merchants’ Parade Pre-Game & Post Party at Cajun’s Wharf Grill & Bar from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp will showcase Paul Piazza from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, ensuring that music lovers have plenty of options to enjoy.
The following day, Saturday, March 1, will include the Charlestown Farmers Market, which takes place behind the 1911 Historic City Hall from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This event is an opportunity for locals to purchase fresh produce and handmade goods from area vendors. At 10:00 AM, Twanie’s Terrific Treats will host Lucy’s Lake Charles Adventure book signing and treat tasting, a delightful event for families and children.
As the day progresses, the Saturday Gras with That 90’s Show will entertain attendees at Panorama Music House from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM, promising a nostalgic musical journey through the decade.
Sunday, March 2, marks the highlight of the Mardi Gras celebrations with several key events. The Mardi Gras Children’s Day will take place at the Lake Charles Event Center from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by the Mardi Gras Children’s Day Parade starting at 3:30 PM, which will travel from Downtown Ryan Street to Sale Road. The day will conclude with the Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade at Lakefront Promenade, starting at 7:00 PM.
In addition, community-oriented events such as the Pajama Jam Open Mic at Panorama Music House and the Sunday Fun Day Zydeco Brunch with Zydecane at Rikenjaks will take place, making it an entertaining day for music enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy Sunday Jazz Brunches at Luna Bar & Grill and Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, providing a delightful culinary experience.
Local galleries and art exhibits will remain open throughout the weekend, including the McNeese Student Art Association Showcase at City Hall and the Exquisite Miniatures exhibit at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center.
With a packed schedule of events, Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana are poised for a vibrant and festive Mardi Gras weekend. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in the celebrations and enjoy the rich culture and community spirit that define this time of year.
Upcoming Events in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana
Friday, February 28
Doc Wilder Band
Location: Luna Bar and Grill Downtown
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
February Week 5 Weekend Entertainment at Ray’s Lounge – Mark Portier
Location: Ray’s Lounge
Time: 7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Herbal Tea Tasting and Energetics Class
Location: Creative Roots
Time: Starting: 4:00 PM
Mardi Gras (Friday Parades) After Party
Location: The Cove
Time: 9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Merchants’ Parade Pre-Game & Post Party
Location: Cajun’s Wharf Grill & Bar
Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Paul Piazza @ Tia Juanita’s
Location: Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Weekend Entertainment at Buffi’s – Kylie & The Truth
Location: Buffi’s Peaux Boys
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
McNeese Student Art Association Showcase
Location: Lake Charles City Hall
Time: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Praise: Is What I Do
Location: Black Heritage Gallery
Time: Tuesdays – Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Exquisite Miniatures
Location: Lake Charles 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Kaw-Liga’s Karaoke with DJ Savage Rayne
Location: Kaw-Liga’s
Time: Friday from 8 PM – Midnight
Live Music at The Max
Location: The Max Restaurant at The National
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Live Music in #TheBackyard
Location: Paul’s Rib Shack Barbecue
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
RealArt DeRidder
Location: Lake Charles 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sounds of the Sixties
Location: Lake Charles 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Hottest DJ’s in Lake Charles
Location: Cajun’s Wharf Grill & Bar
Time: Fridays: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Saturdays: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday, March 1
Lucy’s Lake Charles Adventure Book Signing & Treat Tasting
Location: Twanie’s Terrific Treats
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday Gras with That 90’s Show
Location: Panorama Music House
Time: 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Charlestown Farmers Market (Downtown)
Location: Behind Lake Charles 1911 Historic City Hall
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Iowa Farmers Market
Location: Iowa City Hall
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Meet Me at the Market
Location: Lake Charles 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Crying Eagle Brewing – Kris Harper & Jacob Cooley
Location: Crying Eagle Brewing
Time: Saturday @ 7:00 PM
Mary’s Lounge – Jason Stutes
Location: Mary’s Lounge
Time: Friday from 7 PM – 10 PM
The Cove Westlake – Bayou Fusion
Location: The Cove Westlake
Time: Friday from 9 PM – 1 AM
Kaw-Liga’s Shawn P Saucier & Louisiana Scramble
Location: Kaw-Liga’s
Time: Saturday from 8 PM – Midnight
Sunday, March 2
Mardi Gras Children’s Day
Date: Mar 02
Location: Lake Charles Event Center
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Crawfish, 8 Ball & Dart Tournaments
Date: Mar 02
Location: Time: Sunday starting at 1 PM
Mardi Gras Children’s Day Parade
Date: Mar 02
Location: Route is Downtown Ryan St to Sale Rd
Time: Starting: 3:30 PM
Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade
Date: Mar 02
Location: Lakefront Promenade
Time: Starting: 7:00 PM
Community Playdate!
Date: Mar 02
Location: Pinederosa Park
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pajama Jam Open Mic at Panorama Music House
Date: Mar 02
Location: The Panorama Music House
Time: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sunday Fun Day Zydeco Brunch w/ Zydecane
Date: Mar 02
Location: Rikenjaks
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday Jazz Brunch at Luna Bar & Grill
Date: Mar 02
Location: Luna Bar & Grill Downtown
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday Jazz Brunch at Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
Date: Mar 02
Location: Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
Time: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Crying Eagle Brewing – Clay and Markie
Date: Mar 02
Location: Crying Eagle Brewing
Time: Friday @ 7:00 PM
Crying Eagle Brewing – JP Primeaux
Date: Mar 02
Location: Crying Eagle Brewing
Time: Sunday @ 11:00 AM