Spring Event Planner

Exhibits

1911 Historic City Hall
& Cultural Center
Tuesday-Saturday
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Free admission
cityoflakecharles.com

Through March 8
RealArt DeRidder
Showcasing the talent of local artists, the gallery is focusing on embracing greater diversity in its exhibitions.

Through March 8
Krewe of Contraband 60th Diamond Anniversary
This exhibit promotes the celebration of Mardi Gras in SWLA by showcasing 10 royal gowns representing various musical genres of the 1960s.

Through March 8
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler
An exhibit about good times before a season of reflection that is deeply rooted in faith and culture as Cajun/Creole people.

Through April 30
Luster
Features over 55 paintings by contemporary realists and hyperrealists, encompassing a broad range of cars and motorcycles from vintage vehicles from the 1940s to more recent classics.

Through March 29
‘Praise What I Do’
Experience the incredible craftsmanship of the National African American Quilt Guild.

Through May 4
Exquisite Miniatures
Wes and Rachelle Siegrist are an American husband and wife team who mesmerize viewers with miniature paintings often mistaken for tiny photographs.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
204 W. Sallier St.
Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Free admission
imperialcalcasieumuseum.org

Through March 29
A Moment in Time (in collaboration with Black Heritage Gallery)
This exhibit delves into themes of cultural pride, emotional reflection, and the rich tapestry of experiences that define diverse artistic identities.

Through March 22
History of Mardi Gras
View royal gowns by designer Deborah Lynn Dixon and a tribute to the Courier de Mardi Gras and the Black history of Mardi Gras.

McNeese Banners

Various locations, times and
ticket prices – banners.org

March 8
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
in concert
7:00 p.m.
Together for over 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy celebrates jazz and swing music.

March 14
Tom Briscoe – Comedian
7:00 p.m.
Tom Briscoe offers slants and rants on bad jobs, a good marriage, travel mishaps, raising daughters, empty nesting, ungracefully aging, unsolicited advice and living each day as a cautionary tale.

March 15
Zebra
7:00 p.m.
Get ready for a night of pure rock as Zebra hits the stage with their original lineup—Randy Jackson, Felix Hanemann, and Guy Gelso!

March 25
A Day in Colonial
Haiti – Phillipe Girard
6:00 p.m.
Story-telling by actors in a portrayal of real people in the 18th century as documented through the book written by Phillipe Girard.

March 27 (Lecture)
38th Annual Works on Paper Exhibition
6:00 p.m. • On display March 20-May 2

April 3
A Blessing, Not a Burden…
6:00 p.m.
By chronicling the lives of his two parents who narrowly escaped death during the Holocaust, Alex Kor’s book is a reminder that the human spirit can overcome even the darkest of circumstances. (Eva Kor lectured at McNeese in 2016).

April 8
Atakapa Ishak – Maaliyah Papillion
6:00 p.m.
There are many questions regarding the history within our region. The lecture takes decades of research into account.

April 10
Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Ache!
7:00 p.m.
Experience a quartet, integrating Bobby Sanabria’s understanding of rhythm into a flexible unit that can turn on a dime from surging bebop to an infectious Cuban songo, from delicate waltz time swing to a lively mambo or Trinidadian soca!

April 15
String Art……and a Concert by Barbe High Orchestra
6:30 p.m.
The Concert Buccaneer Orchestra, the Select Chamber String Ensemble, and the String Band will perform musical numbers that have been rehearsed throughout the school year.

April 18
CPPJ Movies Under the Stars
7:00 p.m.
Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a free movie, popcorn, cotton candy, and beverages provided by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and Banners at McNeese State University.

April 24
YAGODY
7:00 p.m.
YAGODY is a Ukrainian theater and music group performing in the genre of ethno-drama and theatrical performance.

April 25
JIGJAM
7:00 p.m.
When virtuoso Irish playing jumped the pond and took inspiration from bluegrass/Americana, JigJam was born.

April 29
McLeod Lecture Series
7:00 p.m.
Two former governors share their experiences and discuss the multitude of daily choices that were faced during their terms in public office.

May 1
Cocktail Hour: The Show
by Ballets with a Twist
7:00 p.m.
This floorshow-to-stage experience reinvents the glamour and excitement of classic entertainment with an original mix of charismatic choreography, intoxicating music, and exquisite costume design.

Festivals & Performances

March 12-14, 7:00 p.m.
March 15, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Polaroid Stories
Shearman Fine Arts Center
Naomi lizuka’s Polaroid Stories journeys into a dangerous world where myth-making fulfills a fierce need for transcendence, where storytelling has the power to transform a reality in which characters’ lives are continually threatened, devalued and effaced.

March 13, 15, 16
Black Heritage Festival
MLK Center, Lake Charles
Free entry, except to Live From Ball’s Auditorium
Tickets online: single ticket, $30 + $3 fee; a table of 8, $250 + $4 fee
blackheritagefestivallouisiana.com
Senior Citizen Bingo takes place at the MLK Center on March 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 15 marks Black Heritage Day and will be celebrated at the MLK Center with music, dance, food and merchandise vendors, empowerment sessions, a health fair, kids’ zone and more. At 7:00 p.m., attend Live From Ball’s Auditorium, the KPC Hall, where performers will recreate a night out on the town where the likes of Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, and Marvin Gaye would have graced the stage. They’re also paying homage to a historic business.
On Sunday, March 16, experience a Gospel Extravaganza at Christian Baptist Church in Lake Charles at 6:00 p.m.

March 14, 7:00 p.m.
March 15, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Frozen, Jr.
LaGrange High School Auditorium
Tickets: $15
Go on a journey with sisters Elsa and Anna to the magical land of Arendelle.

March 14-23
Acts Theatre
Jake’s Women
actstheatre.com
This play centers on a writer suffering from psychosis, and the women, real and imagined, in his life. Jake is dealing with trouble in his marriage as he struggles to distinguish his visions from reality.

March 16
Lake Charles Community Band
The Hero’s Journey
6:00 p.m.
Tritico Theatre at McNeese
Free admission
What does it take to become a hero? Courage, resilience, and the determination to face the unknown. Experience a musical exploration of adventure, challenge, and triumph.

March 20 (7:00 p.m.),
March 22 (1:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.)
Lake Area Ballet Theatre Spring Gala
Swan Lake and Peter and the Wolf
Rosa Hart Theatre
Admission: Varies
lakeareaballettheatre.com

March 20-22
Iowa Rabbit Festival
Burton Coliseum
March 20 – Family Night. No gate admission. Carnival and craft and food vendors.
March 21 – Carnival and musical entertainment inside the Coliseum. Admission $15, Kids 12 & under free.
March 22 – Rabbit Cook off, Carnival open, Rabbit Show, and entertainment inside Burton Coliseum. Admission $20, Kids 12 & under free.
iowarabbitfestival.com
The Iowa Rabbit Festival attracts over 20,000 people throughout the festival weekend and is considered one of the top 20 events in the Southeastern United States. The festival features a rabbit show, vendor booths, carnival, rides a pageant, and plenty of live entertainment by local, regional, and national artists. The Rabbit Cook-Off features all types of rabbit cuisine and the popular People’s Choice Award where spectators can taste a variety of rabbit dishes.

Fridays, March 21, 28,
April 4, 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Live @ the Lakefront Concert Series
Arcade Amphitheatre
900 Lakeshore Dr.
Free admission
artscouncilswla.org
This annual popular concert series is hosted by the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA and features local bands, art market, and food trucks, all overlooking the beautiful lake. Set up your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for some great entertainment! Band lineup includes Rome Murray Jr. and Infinite Bus on March 21, Justin Martindale & the Backstabbers and The Loaded 44RZ on March 28, and Flamethrowers and Fools & Sages on April 4.

March 22
Suds & Buds
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The Stables at Le Bocage
Admission: $40 general admission, $15 kid’s wristband (under 13 yrs), $100 family of 4 value pack
Benefiting Reins of Hope, Local vendors will share their best brew while local nurseries showcase spectacular spring flowers. Sip and shop with live music, wonderful food, and a kids’ creation station filled with nature and fun.

March 28-29
SWLA Garden Conference & Expo
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Burton Coliseum
Admission: $3 (cash only); children under 12 admitted free
swlmg.weebly.com/gardenexpo
This festival showcases local non-profit horticultural clubs, Master Gardeners, 4-H members and over 60 vendors selling vegetable plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, herbs, soil enhancers, plant containers, lawn and garden ornaments, outdoor furniture and decorating items.

March 29
The Great Gatsby Ballet
7:30 p.m.
Rosa Hart Theatre
Tickets: Various prices
visitlakecharles.org
Audiences will step into the world of 1920s jazz and excess as 40 international dancers, accompanied by an original score and lavish handcrafted costumes, bring the tragic love story of Jay Gatsby to life.

April 4-6
Lake Charles Little Theatre
Crimes of the Heart
Tickets: Adult: $25.00 + $3.50 fees Senior – 65+: $20.00 + $3.50 fees Student – under 21: $15.00 + $3.50 fees
lclittletheatre.com
This tragicomedy relates the story of the three Magrath sisters, Meg, Babe, and Lenny, who reunite at Old Granddaddy’s home in Hazlehurst, Miss., after Babe shoots her abusive husband. The sisters were raised in a dysfunctional family with a penchant for ugly predicaments. Each has endured her share of hardship and misery. Past resentments bubble to the surface as the sisters deal with assorted relatives and past relationships while coping with Babe’s latest incident.

April 10-12
Louisiana Railroad Days Festival
Dequincy, La.
larailroaddaysfestival.com
DeQuincy celebrates its railroading heritage with a fun-filled four-day festival. See their website for a full schedule of events.

April 12-13
Flea Fest
Burton Coliseum
Admission: $5
www.fleafest.com
Flea Fest’s offerings include antiques, retro & vintage items, handcrafted items, toys, collectibles, unique clothing, artwork, comic books, furniture, gifts, unique & handcrafted jewelry, plants, records, military surplus, and many other flea market style goods.

April 12-13
SWLA Yoga Fest
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Drew Park
swlayogafest.com
Two-day festival featuring yoga, breathwork, sound baths, ice baths, IV therapy, meditation, breakout classes, Pilates, mobility, and more!

April 26
This is Home Fest
12:00 p.m.
Lake Charles Event Center
Admission: Free, VIP wristbands available
thisishomefest.com
This is Home Fest celebrates Southwest Louisiana culture through eclectic music and art. Concert-goers can visit two different stages. For a full list of artists, see their website.

April 26
Spring Art Walk
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles
Free admission
artscouncilswla.com
The Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA hosts Art Walk each spring. This event features area artists in pop-up galleries, art activities and demonstrations, adult and student Art War competitions, food truck and booths, live performances, and an impressive Outdoor Art Market with vendors offering a wide variety of items. Artists, both individual and teams, are invited to create a mural live in front of a street-side audience in only an hour.

April 26
Chamber Fest
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Pinederosa Park, 3104 Westwood Road, Westlake
Free admission
Get ready for the ultimate experience at Chamber Fest – the festival with a business twist in Southwest Louisiana! Featuring senior bingo, an outdoor festival, food trucks, vendor booths, live entertainment and a car show.

May 10
The Children’s Theatre Company
The Jungle Book
Central School Arts & Humanities Center
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15
All of the unforgettable characters from this beloved tale by Rudyard Kipling come to life in CTC’s adaptation of this popular literary classic.

May 23, May 30, June 6, June 13
Downtown at Sundown Concert Series
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles
cityoflakecharles.com
Hosted by the City of Lake Charles, the ever-popular Downtown at Sundown takes place on Ryan Street between Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center and the Parish Courthouse. While music is the primary draw, you’ll also find tabletop art galleries, activities for children, and food booths for downtown restaurants. Each concert features a different local or regional artist performing favorite music genres, including swamp pop, Cajun, zydeco, and classic rock. Stay tuned for this year’s lineup!

Southeast Texas Events

Lutcher Theatre
lutcher.org

March 7
Alice
7:30 p.m. • Tickets: $35-$75
Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy, Momix sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation.

March 29
Gentlemen’s Quartet
7:30 p.m. • Tickets: $45-$55
GQ is a modern, elegant take on some of the most famous classical and popular music the world has ever known. From Beethoven to John Legend, their one-of-kind arrangements fuse multiple genres together in a perfect symphony of sophistication, virtuosity and humor.

April 4
The Cher Show
7:30 p.m. • Tickets: $45-$95
Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture – breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way.

April 21, 22
Hadestown
7:30 p.m. • Tickets: $45-$100
This performance intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.

Other Events in SETX

March 7-9
Mural Festival
beaumontcvb.com/mural-festival
Artists from around the globe come together to create lifelong masterpieces on the walls of buildings in Beaumont.

March 16
Sleeping Beauty
Julie Rogers Theatre, Beaumont
7:00 p.m. • Tickets: $39 and up
beaumonteventstx.com/event/sleeping-beauty
Experience the enchanting tale brought to life in a ballet by Classical Arts Entertainment.

March 27-April 6
South Texas State Fair & Rodeo
www.ymbl.org/events
The YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo brings thousands of visitors to Beaumont each spring with food, entertainment and carnival rides.