2025 Summer Camps & Activities
May 2025
Rouge et Blanc is saddling up. It’s not just sipping and strolling—it’s riding for the brand.
This phrase means something special to McNeese folks. It’s a call to show up, stand tall and represent what we believe in. And this year Rouge et Blanc patrons can do just that. So dust off your boots, polish your belt buckle and get ready to join in on the classiest cowboy-inspired wine and food experience Southwest Louisiana has ever seen. We’re talking cowboy hats and crushed velvet jackets, rhinestones and rugged denim, leather fringe and luxury wines. The spirit of McNeese is riding tall at this year’s festival, and everyone is invited to play along.
From the moment guests arrive, they’ll hear the sounds of cowboy-inspired music drifting across the lawn—true to McNeese’s western heritage, but elevated, just like the food and wine. Aerialists (yes, they’re back!) will be engaging with the theme as well, bringing a little high-flying grit and glamour to the party for a sensory experience grounded in creativity and community.
This year’s event hours will make Rouge et Blanc even more enjoyable. VIP Gold Imbibers (those who’ve purchased wine at a significant level in the past) will be invited to an exclusive hour from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., getting early access to the food, wine and ambiance. General admission kicks off at 4:00 p.m. and runs through 7:00 p.m., bringing the crowd into the cooler, golden hours of the evening—perfect for lingering with a glass of something wonderful.
The entry process this year is streamlined, making it quicker and easier for guests to get from the gate to the good stuff. That means less waiting and more tasting.
And the view has changed! Visitors familiar with the McNeese campus will notice that the east side of the Quad looks dramatically different—thanks to ongoing construction and a major transformation in the works. The festival’s backdrop will reflect the evolution of the university, giving guests a front-row seat to the next chapter in McNeese’s story.
So yes, there’s wine. Yes, there’s incredible food. But there’s also something bigger happening—a celebration of where McNeese has been, where it’s headed and the pride carried along the way.
This year, Rouge et Blanc isn’t just themed. It’s a full-on experience, so show up, dress up and cowboy up. Ride For The Brand!
THE IMBIBER PROGRAM
You bought wine from Rouge last year?
You’re not just a wine lover—you’re the reason this event can exist.
Rouge et Blanc only works because the wine distributors believe in this community and believe they’ll see some bottle love in return. That means Imbibers are essential. You’re not just tasting—you’re powering the whole pour. So, hat’s off to you, and hats off to those who couldn’t make the event last year but secured your Imbiber status purchasing online!
This year, Rouge is showing its gratitude in style. If you’ve purchased $250+ in wine from Rouge in the past (before tax), congratulations—you’re officially an Imbiber (or Imperial Imbiber if you crossed the $500 threshold), and you’ve unlocked some sweet perks:
• Early Entry: Main Tasting opens just for you from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.—get the first sip, the first bite and the best stroll before the crowd arrives.
• Gold Ticket Access: You get dibs on two premium tickets during pre-sale.
• VIP Treatment: Enjoy the larger wine glass, VIP entrance and (if you move quick) the option to purchase VIP parking and table spots.
• Bragging Rights: You’re funding arts, culture and education for an entire region. That makes you not just a supporter, but a wine-fueled philanthropist.
So don’t wait. Let’s keep the wine (and the arts) flowing.
