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Crying Eagle Brewing Company-Lakefront
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Every fall, Smoke & Barrel returns as one of Lake Charles’ most anticipated fundraising events—a celebration with fine bourbon, great barbecue and incredible live music. This festival is an entire weekend, giving locals and visitors alike the chance to sip and savor while giving back to a worthy cause.
Cocktail Royale: Six Weeks of Spirits & Creativity
The road to Smoke & Barrel weekend begins with Cocktail Royale, a six-week competition where over 15 restaurants and bars across Lake Charles showcase inventive cocktails featuring Penelope Bourbon. Local bartenders push boundaries with their creations, introducing bourbon lovers and newcomers alike to fresh and exciting ways to enjoy this premium spirit.
Along the way, guests are invited to explore the town, support local businesses and vote in the People’s Choice competition. The contest culminates in the Cocktail Royale Finale on Thursday, November 20, which will feature a dozen of the top cocktails paired with small bites at LeBocage Stables. Tickets are all-inclusive, giving attendees the chance to sip, sample and help crown the People’s Choice winner while a panel of judges selects the Critic’s Choice champion.
Friday Night: Meet the Makers Distiller’s Dinner
For the true bourbon enthusiast, Friday night’s Meet the Makers Distiller’s Dinner offers one of the most exclusive experiences in Louisiana. Ten brands come together, each represented by their leading creators—from distillers and master blenders to CEOs, presidents and founders. Guests can enjoy the rare opportunity to hear their stories and share a glass directly with the people behind the bottles.
The evening will be elevated with hors d’oeuvres and small plates prepared by acclaimed local chef and restaurateur Dave Evans (Luna Bar & Grill, Luna South and the newly opened Augustine).
The celebration continues with the official afterparty at Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Lake Charles.
Saturday: The Grand Tasting
On Saturday, downtown Lake Charles will come alive under the majestic oaks of the historic parish courthouse. The Grand Tasting Event features over a dozen award-winning pitmasters from South Louisiana and Texas filling the streets with the mouthwatering aroma of oak and hickory barbecue.
With a keepsake glass in hand, guests can stroll through a vibrant lineup of bourbon, barbecue, wine, beer and more. Live music will fill the air. Festival-goers can also shop from vendors offering everything from custom hats and boots to boutique finds and premium cigars.
When the tasting wraps, the party continues with the official afterparty at Rush Lounge.
Sunday: Smokin’ Brunch
For those needing a cure after a spirited weekend, Chart House’s Smokin’ Brunch will offer the perfect send-off—hearty plates, refreshing cocktails and one more chance to gather with friends before the festival ends.
More Than a Festival
At its core, Smoke & Barrel is about community. Proceeds benefit United Way of Southwest Louisiana and its Success by Six program, funding early childhood education. Research shows that children who start ahead stay ahead, while those who fall behind often never catch up. By helping children access accredited day schools during their most formative years, the program sets them up for long-term success while also empowering parents to rejoin the workforce without the barrier of unaffordable childcare.
Smoke & Barrel Weekend
November 20–23, 2025
Lake Charles
Tickets & details: smokeandbarrel.org/2025
Event Specs
Cocktail Royale Finale
Thursday, November 20
6:30-9:00 p.m.
LeBocage Stables
Participants
• 121 Artisan Bistro – The Cobbler
• Area 337 – Pear Pressure
• Calla – Calla Cola
• Golden Nugget – Peach & Basil Smash
• Crying Eagle – Pear Pressure
• Library Riot – Hemingway & Havana
• Luna Downtown/South – Dark Side of the Moon
• Salt Revival Oyster Co. – Revival Flip
• The Pioneer Club – The Chemist
• The Taproom – Pene-wise
• The Terrace – Penelope Breeze
• The Villa – The Xpresso Martini
• Augustine – 60+
Meet the Makers: Distiller’s Dinner
Friday, November 21
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Historic City Hall
Distiller’s/Brands
• Penelope Bourbon
• Jefferson’s
• Redbreast
• Kentucky Owl
• K.Luke
• Pinhook
• World Whiskey Society
• Hard Truth
Grand Tasting Event
Saturday, November 22
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Calcasieu Parish Courthouse Front Lawn
Food Vendors
• Blood Bros BBQ – Houston, Texas
• Rosseler’s Blue Cord BBQ – Harker Heights, Texas
• Boerne – Boerne, Texas
• Fontenot’s Beef – Iowa, Louisiana
• LJ’s BBQ – Brenham, Texas
• Mimsy’s Craft BBQ – Crockett, Texas
• Old West Smoke Co
• Paul’s Rib Shack – Lake Charles, Louisiana
• Peace, Love, & Smoke – New Iberia, Louisiana
• Slaughter’s BBQ – Sulphur Springs, Texas
• Teja’s Chocolate + Barbecue – Tomball, Texas
• The Hut – Orange, Texas
• Firebull Charcoal
• Big Green Egg
• Pitts & Spitts
• LeGriddle
Entertainment Lineup
• The Wilder Blue – Austin, Texas
• Rusty Metoyer – Lake Charles, Louisiana
