Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana beckon visitors and locals alike this weekend with a dynamic blend of more than 45 cultural heritage, live music, and community events. The first weekend of May 2025 promises an unforgettable lineup of events, from art exhibitions steeped in Creole history to lively zydeco brunches and family-friendly festivals. This guide explores the highlights of May 2–4, offering a taste of the region’s vibrant spirit while ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.
A full list of events can be found below the article.
Immerse Yourself in Cultural and Artistic Excellence
The 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center serves as the epicenter of Lake Charles’ artistic scene this weekend. Kicking off on Friday, May 2, the Heart of Spring Opening Reception (4:00–6:00 PM) invites guests to explore a curated collection of works that capture the season’s renewal. This event coincides with the Cody Broussard Art Exhibition, a showcase of contemporary pieces reflecting Louisiana’s natural landscapes.
For those drawn to cultural heritage, Joie de Vivre: Celebrating the Black Creole Heritage of Lake Charles offers a profound exploration of the region’s Afro-Creole roots. Open all three days, this exhibition features artifacts, oral histories, and multimedia installations that highlight the enduring influence of Creole traditions on local cuisine, music, and community life. Meanwhile, Interpretations of Nature Through Lens and Pencil merges photography and sketching to showcase Southwest Louisiana’s biodiversity, from marshland ecosystems to ancient live oaks.
Live Music and Nightlife: Zydeco, Acoustic Sessions, and Late-Night Vibes
Lake Charles’ reputation as a music hub shines brightly this weekend. On Friday, Live Music at The Max Restaurant (6:00–9:00 PM) pairs Gulf Coast cuisine with soulful performances, while Paul Piazza brings his signature blues-rock sound to Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp. For a late-night experience, Zydecane electrifies Linda’s Lounge (10:00 PM–1:00 AM) with accordion-driven zydeco rhythms, a genre born from the region’s Creole and Cajun communities.
Saturday night ramps up with Boomerang SWLA at Loggerheads Bar Riverside Event Center, featuring special guest Amy Arceneaux (6:00–10:00 PM). Meanwhile, comedy fans can’t miss Stoned vs Drunk vs Sober – A Standup Comedy Competition at Library Riot (8:00 PM), a raucous showdown blending humor and improvisation.
Sunday shifts to mellower tones with the Sunday Jazz Brunch at Luna Bar & Grill (11:00 AM–4:00 PM), where smooth jazz accompanies shrimp and grits or crawfish étouffée. Zydecane returns for a daytime performance at Rikenjaks (11:00 AM–3:00 PM), transforming brunch into a foot-stomping celebration.
Family-Friendly Festivals and Outdoor Adventures
The Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point marks its 10-year anniversary on Saturday (9:00 AM–12:00 PM) with interactive exhibits on local wildlife, guided nature walks, and hands-on activities for kids. Just a short drive away, the Cardboard Canoe Contest at North Beach (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) challenges teams to race handmade vessels—a test of creativity and buoyancy that draws cheers from spectators.
Farmers markets also take center stage. The Charlestown Farmers Market (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) behind the Historic City Hall offers farm-fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and live cooking demonstrations. Families can enjoy the Meet Me at the Market event, where local musicians and face painters create a festive atmosphere.
Savor Southwest Louisiana’s Culinary Traditions
No visit to Lake Charles is complete without indulging in its legendary cuisine. McVey’s Seafood 3rd Annual Crawfish Boil at Mary’s Lounge on Saturday combines spicy boils with live music, starting at 9:00 AM. By 2:00 PM, all-you-can-eat crawfish take center stage, paired with corn, potatoes, and icy local brews or cold drinks.
Sunday brunches elevate the dining experience further. Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp offers a Jazz Brunch (10:30 AM–3:00 PM) featuring Gulf oysters and smoked boudin, while Loggerheads hosts a triple-header of live music: Zydecane (11:30 AM–2:30 PM), Gordon Bourg (3:00–6:00 PM), and Brad Brinkley (6:00–9:00 PM), ensuring a soundtrack for every palate.
Unique Experiences: Quirky, Creative, and Unforgettable
For those seeking offbeat adventures, Friday’s Karaoke at He’s Not Here Lounge (8:00 PM) in Carlyss offers a chance to belt out classics in a laid-back setting. On Saturday, the Pajama Jam Open Mic at Panorama Music House (8:00–11:00 PM) encourages musicians to perform in their sleepwear—a quirky twist on traditional open stages.
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Exquisite Miniatures, a display of intricately detailed small-scale artworks at the Historic City Hall. These pieces, some no larger than a postage stamp, reveal the painstaking craftsmanship of local artists.
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Events in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana
Friday, May 2
The Heart of Spring Opening Reception
Date: May 02
Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center-Artisan’s Gallery
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cody Broussard Art Exhibition
Date: May 02
Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Interpretations of Nature Through Lens and Pencil
Date: May 02
Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Joie de Vivre: Celebrating the Black Creole Heritage of Lake Charles
Date: May 02
Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Heart of Spring
Date: May 02
Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center-Artisan’s Gallery
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Exquisite Miniatures
Date: May 02
Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Live Music at The Max
Date: May 02
Location: The Max Restaurant at The National
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Paul Piazza @ Tia Juanita’s
Date: May 02
Location: Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Kevin Barton Acoustic
Date: May 02
Location: Cajun Jeaux’s in Lake Charles
Time: 8:00 pm
Adam Leger and Raikwon Green Acoustic
Date: May 02
Location: Loggerheads in Lake Charles
Time: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Drop Nine
Date: May 02
Location: Ray’s Lounge in Lake Charles
Time: 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Karaoke at He’s Not Here Lounge
Date: May 02
Location: Carlyss
Time: 8:00 pm
Zydecane
Date: May 02
Location: Linda’s Lounge in Lake Charles
Time: 10:00 pm – 1:00 am
Randall Edwards Acoustic
Date: May 02
Location: Library Riot in Lake Charles
Time: 9:00 pm
Shawn P Saucier and Louisiana Scramble
Date: May 02
Location: Kaw-Liga’s in Sulphur
Time: 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday, May 3
10-Year Anniversary Celebration – Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point
Date: May 03
Location: Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cardboard Canoe Contest
Date: May 03
Location: North Beach
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Charlestown Farmers Market (Downtown)
Date: May 03
Location: Behind 1911 Historic City Hall
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Iowa Farmers Market
Date: May 03
Location:
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Meet Me at the Market
Date: May 03
Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
McVey’s Seafood 3rd Annual Crawfish Boil at Mary’s Lounge
Date: May 03
Location: Mary’s Lounge in Lake Charles
Time: Boil-Off starts at 9:00 am; Live music starts at 11:00 am; All you can eat crawfish starts at 2:00 pm
More information
Matt Gerhard Organ & Piano Concert
Date: May 03
Location: Henning Memorial United Methodist Church
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Boomerang SWLA with Special Guest Amy Arceneaux
Date: May 03
Location: Loggerheads Bar Riverside Event Center
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Drop Nine
Date: May 03
Location: Loggerheads Bar Riverside Event Center
Time: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The River Katz
Date: May 03
Location: Ray’s Lounge in Lake Charles
Time: 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Johnny Chauvin
Date: May 03
Location: Linda’s Lounge in Lake Charles
Time: 10:00 pm – 1:00 am
Mark Reeves & Twisted X
Date: May 03
Location: Brew Brothers in Horseshoe Casino
Time: 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Karaoke with Shawnie V
Date: May 03
Location: Kaw-Liga’s in Sulphur
Time: 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Stoned vs Drunk vs Sober – A Standup Comedy Competition
Date: May 03
Location: Library Riot in Lake Charles
Time: 8:00 pm
Sunday, May 4
May Week 1: Adult Programs at the Library
Date: May 04
Location: Various Locations
Time: Various Times
Pajama Jam Open Mic at Panorama Music House
Date: May 04
Location: The Panorama Music House
Time: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sunday Fun Day Zydeco Brunch w/ Zydecane
Date: May 04
Location: Rikenjaks
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday Jazz Brunch at Luna Bar & Grill
Date: May 04
Location: Luna Bar & Grill Downtown
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday Jazz Brunch at Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
Date: May 04
Location: Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
Time: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Zydecane
Date: May 04
Location: Loggerheads in Lake Charles
Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Gordon Bourg
Date: May 04
Location: Loggerheads in Lake Charles
Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Brad Brinkley
Date: May 04
Location: Loggerheads in Lake Charles
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm