By Patrick Deaville
Published: Apr. 18, 2024 at 9:46 AM CDT
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - We have a list of family-friendly events this weekend happening across Calcasieu Parish.
For a complete list of area events, you can visitwww.visitlakecharles.org.
You can also submit an event to Visit Lake CharlesHERE.
THIS IS HOME FEST
PRICE: FREE
WHO: thisishomefest@gmail.com
WHEN: 12:00 PM, April 20, 2024
WHERE:LakeCharlesEvent Center, 900Lakeshore Dr.,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT: The 4th annual This is Home Fest will be Saturday, April 20, 2024.
The Mission of This is Home Fest is to enhance the unique quality of life in Southwest Louisiana by sharing music and culture that celebrate local and global artistry. The festival will promote our rich culture by presenting the area’s finest musicians along with national touring acts in a family-friendly outdoor setting. Proceeds from the festival benefit The SWLA Arts Council and other local non-profits. This Is Home Festival is free and open to the public.
FESTIVAL LINEUP
Dunham Price Stage
- Big Sam’s Funky Nation
- Maggie Koerner
- Bon Bon Vivant
- Deltaphonic
- Justin Martindale and the Backstabbers
- Young Band Nation
Good Day Farm Stage
- Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush
- Mason Trail and Zydeco Rhythm
- Corey Young and Zydeco Embrace
- St. Louis Catholic High School Show Choir
The Kids Zone, where the magic of music meets the joy of play! Our vibrant space at This is Home Fest is available from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; it is designed especially for our littlest festival goers. Dive into a world of rhythm and laughter with interactive games, creative crafts, and musical adventures that will make your hearts sing. The Kids Zone features:
- Joining Hands for Autism Walk
- West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital lactating and diaper changing station
- Bishop Noland High School National Honor Society Activity Area
- Almosta Ranch Petting Zoo
- Softplay Sisters
- Calcasieu Parish Public Library
- Kulture City Mobile Sensory Station
- Families for Inclusion
- Millennium Park
- Face Painting by Marguerite
- Plus, Inclusion Play Hour from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
THE ORIGINAL HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS WORLD TOUR
PRICE:Tickets start at $20, buy tickets online through Ticketmaster or click here:https://bit.ly/3vO9wPU
WHO:Harlem Globetrotters
WHEN:7:00 PM, April 18, 2024
WHERE:LakeCharlesEvent Center, 900Lakeshore Dr.,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT: Every game is filled with WOW, DID YOU SEE THAT?! moments from these basketball superstars.
Keep your phones ready as you witness the heat of the Magic Circle® epic ball-handling and high-speed dribbling, the sinking of the HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 4 POINTS® SHOTS on 4 POINTS SHOTS, and unbelievable full-court, half-court, and beyond-the-court shots! Did someone say SLAM DUNKS?
It wouldn’t be a showstopper without the intense Slam-Dunk contest between the Globetrotters and Generals.
FHF SWLA EMPOWERMENT RESOURCE FAIR
PRICE: FREE
WHO: FHF SWLA
WHEN: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, April 20, 2024
WHERE: 496 W. PrienLakeRd,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT:
Get ready for a day filled with empowerment, community support, and valuable resources for families. Families Helping Families SWLA is excited to bring together individuals with disabilities and their families for a virtual Empowerment Resource Fair.
This event is aimed at providing essential resources, fostering connections, and offering support to families within our community. From educational resources to healthcare information, advocacy support to recreational activities, there’s something for everyone!
ACCORDION KINGS
PRICE: $20 Adults - MSU and Sowela Students Free - Over 80, under 12, Educators, First Responders, Military FREE
WHO: Banners at McNeese State University
WHEN: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, April 19, 2024
WHERE: 275 Lawton Dr,LakeCharles, LA 70609
WHAT: The accordion, a well-known instrument in south Louisiana, is an important part of many forms of traditional music throughout the world including Cajun & Creole, French Canadian, Jazz, Eastern European, Conjunto, Polka & more.
Cajun accordion virtuoso Steve Riley presents a musical journey through many different accordion styles and cultures featuring some of today’s top accordionists in the world. International Accordion Kings features duo performances, interviews, and intriguing stories that will transport each listener on a musical odyssey to the many parts of the world where the accordion has become a musical mainstay!
JOINING HANDS FOR AUTISM WALK
PRICE: You can register here:https://www.classy.org/event/joining-hands-for-autism-2024/e552852/register/new/select-tickets
WHO: Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana and St. Nicholas Center for Children
WHEN: 10:00 AM, April 20, 2024
WHERE:LakeCharlesEvent Center, 900Lakeshore Dr.,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT: Join St. Nicholas Center for Children and Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana for our annual Autism awareness walk. Our event goal is to raise awareness and promote inclusion for children, adults, and families affected by autism in our community.
For more informationvisit:https://www.classy.org/event/joining-hands-for-autism-2024/e552852
KEEP CAMERON PARISH BEAUTIFUL BEACH CLEANUP
PRICE: FREE
WHO: mlong0813@yahoo.com
WHEN: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, April 20, 2024
WHERE: For locations,visitthis website:https://keeplouisianabeautiful.org/love-the-boot/volunteer/or read more below
WHAT: Join us for the Keep Cameron Parish Beautiful Beach Cleanup on April 20th! Let’s come together to preserve the natural beauty of our beaches and make a positive impact on our community. Pre-register atwww.lovetheboot.org.
Search for “Keep Cameron Parish Beautiful Beach Cleanup Cameron Parish Beachfront Development District 1″. Check out the event schedule below:
Event Schedule:
9:00 – 11:00 Beach Cleanup: Kick off the day by participating in our beach cleanup. Let’s work together to keep Cameron Parish Beautiful! Refer to the “Beach Assignment Stations” for locations.
11:30 – 1:00 Lunch and Play: After the cleanup, treat yourself to a delicious lunch and enjoy some quality time at the splash pad and playground at our Johnson Bayou Recreation Center.
12:30 – 4:00 Touch A Truck: Wrap up the day by meeting our incredible First Responders at the Touch-A-Truck event in the parking lot of the Johnson Bayou Recreation Center.
Beach Assignment Stations:
1. Mae’s Beach on Jim Erbelding Rd: Register at a table at Mae’s Beach. Receive wristbands, gloves, and trash bags. Place full trash bags on the beach. Crews and volunteers will transport bags to the entrance of Mae’s Beach. The parish road crew will dispose of the bags.
2. Holly Beach on Riviera: Register at a table on Riviera. Receive wristbands, gloves, and trash bags. Place full trash bags on the beach. Crews and volunteers will transport bags to Riviera and Hwy 82.The parish road crew will dispose of the bags.
3. 5-mile Stretch (LNG) at mile marker 24: Register at a table at mile marker 24. Receive wristbands, gloves, and trash bags. Place full trash bags along Hwy 82. The parish road crew will dispose of the bags.
4. Constance Beach on John ‘Tec Lane: Register at a table on John ‘Tec Lane. Receive wristbands, gloves, and trash bags. Place full trash bags on John T’ce Lane. The parish road crew will dispose of the bags. (Note: No driving any type of vehicle on Constance Beach due to state law.)
5. Gulf Breeze Beach on Surf Drive: Register at a table on Surf Drive. Receive wristbands, gloves, and trash bags. Place full trash bags on Surf Drive. The parish road crew will dispose of the bags.
6. Little Florida Beach at Snead’s camp on Beach Blvd: Register at a table at the Snead’s camp on Beach Blvd. Receive wristbands, gloves, and trash bags. Place full trash bags on Beach Blvd/Gulfview. The parish will dispose of the bags.
Additionally, volunteers are instructed to report to the Johnson Bayou Recreation Center at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, prizes, and fun. Let’s make a difference together!
PARTNERS IN PARKS CREATING COMMUNITY HEROES WORKSHOP SERIES
PRICE: FREE
WHO: City ofLakeCharles
WHEN: Recurring weekly on Tuesday, 6:00 PM, April 16, 2024 - April 23, 2024
WHERE: Contact for location: (337) 491-1280, parks@cityoflc.us
WHAT: The City ofLakeCharlesPartners in Parks Initiative and Acadian Ambulance are teaming up to host aCreating Community Heroes Workshop Series.
This free series will feature four workshops during the month of April. The workshops will feature CPR training, career opportunity information and details on Acadian’s Explorer Program, as well as tuition information.
All workshops will begin at 6 pm and are set for the following dates:
- Tuesday, April 2 – Cpl Donald Ray Stevens Community Center (1619 Cessford St.)
- Tuesday, April 9 – Bellard Recreation Center (2808 Hillcrest Dr.)
- Tuesday, April 16 – Henry Heights Community Center (801 E. School St.)
- Tuesday, April 23 – College Oaks Recreation Center (3518 Ernest St.)
LOUISIANA CHORAL FOUNDATION SPRING CONCERT
PRICE: $15 for adults; free for children & students with an ID
WHO: Louisiana Choral Foundation
WHEN: Friday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM, April 19, 2024, and April 21, 2024
WHERE: 3501 Patrick St,LakeCharles, LA 70605
WHAT: The Spring Concerts will be held in the newly renovated sanctuary of University United Methodist Church on April 19 at 7:00 p.m. and on April 21 at 3:00 p.m.
These concerts will feature the major work Jubilate Deo by Dan Forrest. This multi-movement work is centered around the text of Psalm 100, “O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands.” In Forrest’s words: “Jubilate Deobrings to life the global aspect of the traditional Psalm 100 text, by setting it in seven different languages and drawing from a wide spectrum of global musical influences. The result is a stunning global celebration of joy, as all the earth sings as one, ‘omnis terra, jubilate.’” Masterworks Chorale will be joined by the Sulphur High School Advanced Treble Choir to present this work.
Adult tickets ($15). Students with an ID and children are admitted free of charge.
Like us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/thelouisianachoralfoundation
CHARLESTOWN FARMERS MARKET(DOWNTOWN) -LAKECHARLES
PRICE:FREE
WHEN:Every Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WHERE:1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, 1001 Ryan Street,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT: The DowntownCharlestown Farmers Markethappens each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and highlights Louisiana-made products, including grains such as brown jasmine rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats, gumbo, canned goods, baked goods, plants, and homemade arts and crafts, and boutique clothing and jewelry shops.
The first Saturday of the month is Meet Me at the Market, where food trucks and live music also accompany the market. The marketis pet and family-friendly.
Check theFacebook pagefor the latest updates.
MOSS BLUFF FARMERS MARKET
PRICE:FREE
WHEN:Every Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WHERE:325 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy,LakeCharles, LA 70611
WHAT: Shop local at the Moss Bluff weekly farmers marketwhere you’ll find locally produced goods including grass-fed beef and pork, BBQ, Jalapeno Mustard, Salsa, Jellies, Pickles, sugar free ellies, fresh bread, stuffed breads, baby items, wood crafts, hand sewn items, caramel popcorn, cookies, homemade soaps, custom artwork, and more seasonal items from 30+ vendors each weekend.
Located in front of Little Bit of This and That Monograms and next to McDonald’s.
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, reach out to Linda Harvey Fontenot via theMoss Bluff Farners MarketFacebook page.
WESTLAKE FARMERS MARKET
PRICE:FREE
WHEN:Every Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WHERE:1514 Sampson St., Westlake, LA
WHAT: The Westlake Farmers Marketis held every Saturday outside of Miller’s Super Saver (1514 Sampson St, Westlake, LA 70669)—weather permitting.
CASH & CARRY FARMERS MARKET-LAKECHARLES
PRICE:FREE
WHEN:Every Tuesday, 3:30-4 p.m. Seniors; 4-6 p.m. General Public
WHERE:Cash & Carry Building - 801 Enterprise Blvd.,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT: The Cash & Carry Farmers Markethappens each Tuesday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. at the beautifully restored historic Cash & Carry building on the corner of Enterprise and Broad in downtownLakeCharles.
Here, you will enjoy a unique marketexperience with friendly vendors fromLakeCharlesand the surrounding area, providing fresh and locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and other homemade products like bread, jams, and jellies.
The marketexperience includes live music from locals as they entertain us with the homegrown sounds of some great bluegrass and zydeco tunes.
Visitthe Facebook page for the most up-to-date list of weekly vendors.
Listen toepisode 11 of Louisana’s Playground podcastfor a fun conversation with marketmanager Giva Foy about all that’s happening at the Cash & Carry Farmers Market.
“PIECESOFYOUI STOLE FOR MY SOUL” GROUP ART EXHIBITION
PRICE: Free
WHO:Gallery by theLake
WHEN: March 6, 2024 - May 3, 2024, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
WHERE: 1001 Ryan Street,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT: Gallery by theLakeannounces the opening ofits member group exhibition “PiecesofYouI Stole for my Soul” at the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center Second Floor East gallery.
The exhibition features ink-based portraits by artist Kat Bertrand. Kat is a Southwest Louisiana native who recently graduated from McNeese State University with a concentration in drawing and graphic design. With a focus on portraiture and the human form, she works most commonly in ink, using fineline pens and India inks. She often creates with the intention to process emotions, situations, and document her appreciation for the little things in life. She tends to jump into any medium that sparks her interest and hopes to try it all someday!
Says Bertrand about this body ofwork:
“I think the most confusing part ofyour early 20s is trying to figure out whoyouare exactly. There’s a constant flux depending on whereyouare and whoyou’re around. I’ve noticed, though, that I have a favorite version ofmyself, influenced by characteristics ofpeople I tend to surround myself with the most. I’ve watched them navigate the world in a way I really admire—in a way that was once foreign to me. Now, I’m watching their habits morph into something we share, until it becomes a part ofme; until every time I catch myself doing it, I’m thinking ofthem, and feeling grateful they could teach me to live so fruitfully. It’s as though these people reached into my heart and left a piece ofthemselves for me, and with all the love I have for them, I have no choice but to love this version ofmyself that they all exist in.”
Other Gallery by theLakemembers will contribute art to the exhibition through their own interpretations ofthe “PiecesofYou…” theme. The exhibition will run through Saturday, May 4th, 2024, and will be viewable during normal hours for the Historic City Call Arts & Cultural Center ofTuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
37TH ANNUALMCNEESENATIONALWORKSONPAPEREXHIBITION
PRICE:Free
WHO:Banners atMcNeeseState University
WHEN:6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Recurring weeklyonMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, March 21, 2024 - May 3, 2024
WHERE:4205 Ryan St,LakeCharles, LA 70609
WHAT: The 37th AnnualMcNeeseNationalWorksonPaperExhibitionwill run March 21 - May 3 in the Shearman Fine Arts Center Grand Gallery.
ANGEL ALLEN ARTS
PRICE: FREE
WHO: Black Heritage Gallery
WHEN: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from April 17, 2024, to May 31, 2024
WHERE: Black Heritage Gallery, 1001 Ryan Street,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT: Angel Allen is an African-American oil painter who currently lives and works in Martinique. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, a city rich in art culture, she was drawn to the art world, and thus greatly influenced her admiration for fine arts.
Allen’s paintings are characterized by black people surrounded or infused with symbolic elements, painted with a vibrant and lively color palette, against a simple background. Her work aims to represent the Black/African American community and culture in a positive light.
Allen’s art journey began in high school when she took her first real art class. Every year of high school after, she continued to take the class. Allen went on to receive a B.A. in French and International Business, then an M.A. in International Business. Throughout all of her education, she continued to teach herself art history, different techniques, and mediums. Allen’s skills progressed tremendously throughout years of self-teaching, and so upon graduating from business school, she decided to make her talent a career.
Though her career is very young, Allen has grown followers, clients, and admirers of her work. From selling originals to single clients, to commissioning for other artists and musicians, Allen has already begun to popularize her name and expand her visibility. Her goal for the near future is to participate in fairs and exhibitions, and to organize a solo art show.
SAYAKAGANZ’S RECLAIMED CREATIONS
PRICE:Free
WHO:1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
WHEN:March 6, 2024 - May 4, 2024, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
WHERE:1001 Ryan Street,LakeCharles, LA 70601
WHAT: SayakaGanz, born in Yokohama, Japan, utilizes reclaimed plastic objects like brush strokes, which appear visibly unified at a distance, though separate at close proximity. She describes her style as “3-d impressionism.” Sculptures in this exhibition include recent work depicting animals in motion which are rich in color and energy that create an illusion of form.
From the Artist
My work is also about perceiving harmony, even in situations that appear chaotic from the inside. When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes and items being held on only by small points; step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general (but not identical) direction. Similarly, it is important to gain perspective by stepping back from current problems and look at the larger picture. Then one can perceive the beauty and patterns that exist. I tend to be very analytical about problems, but when I look too hard and closely at the details, all I see are gaps and differences of opinions. When I step back, I can see that although we may approach the problem from different angles, we often have larger goals in common.
-SayakaGanzArtist Statement 2015
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