Attractions and Places to visit Lake Charles

Contraband Days Festival

This festival takes place in May and the city is taken over by the pirates and buccaneers. This is the largest festival in the Southwest Louisiana and for twelve days and visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts, children events, carnival rides and above all food.

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

This is located at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu offers a true taste of Mardi Gras in Louisiana and featuring a large collection of Mardi Gras Costumes on the Gulf Coast.  The museum is situated in several converted classrooms in a former school, features rooms devoted to the major events of the Mardi Gras Season, including Preparation/Costume Construction, 12th Night, Ball Night, and Parade Day. Every visitor gets a bit of the glitz, glamour and revelry of the Mardi Gras Season while visiting the museum. Open Tuesday- Saturday 13:00 to 17:00.

Louisiana Railroad Days Festival

On every second weekend in April Lake Charles welcomes thousands honoring all those who worked on the railroad all the live long day. In 1896, there had been an intersection of two major railroads- the Kansas City Southern and the Union Pacific Railroads which resulted in establishing the town of DeQuincy. Both railroads have provided a living for DeQuincy residents since generations.

This Festival pays tribute to this historical event along with a three day festival offering numerous food stalls, arts and crafts, a model train show, numerous food booths, carnival rides, classic car shows and a bicycle parade. There is a variety of entertainment including Gospel Night, a talent show and live bands with national and local artists.