Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a great place to visit any time of year, but fall is especially outstanding. The weather is mild and there are a number of great festivals to enjoy.
Here’s a possible itinerary for a fall festival weekend in Lake Charles:
Thursday, check into your hotel or resort and head out for dinner at Bodega Wine Dive. This cozy restaurant offers a wide selection of wine, pizza, pasta, and more.
On Friday, start your day with breakfast at The Bekery. This popular spot serves up delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
After breakfast, head downtown to do some shopping. Be sure to check out Mia’s Downtown, Recent Relics Antiques and Collectibles, and Candice Alexander Art Studio for fun fashion, art, and one-of-a-kind local finds.
For lunch, head to The James 710 for locally sourced but globally inspired cuisine.
After lunch, relax by the pool or rent a pontoon boat for an evening ride on the water with Lake Area Adventures.
For dinner, try Mazen’s restaurant, which offers delicious and authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
The weekends are when many of Lake Charles’ fall festivals kick into overdrive. Here are a few of the options over the next few months:
- Louisiana Food & Wine Festival (September 14–17): This four-day festival features tastings from over 300 varieties of culinary, wine, beer and spirit tastings experiences and 40+ restaurants.
- Rouge et Blanc (October 7): This wine and food festival features more than 100 wines and food pairings.
- Chuck Fest (October 14): This festival celebrates all things Louisiana, with live music, food, and arts and crafts.
- Rededication of the Rosa Hart Theatre Showcase with Marcia Ball (October 15): This special event marks the reopening of the Rosa Hart Theatre and features a performance by Grammy-winning blues artist Marcia Ball.
- Smoke & Barrel (December 2): This festival celebrates bourbon, barbecue, and whiskey.
After the festival, enjoy dinner near downtown at Pujo St. Cafe. This restaurant offers classic Creole cuisine in a cozy setting.
Before you head out on Sunday, enjoy brunch at The Villa Harlequin. This restaurant offers a variety of upscale brunch dishes in a historic building.
This is just a suggested itinerary, of course. There are many other things to see and do in Lake Charles during fall. Head down and explore this charming community and enjoy all that it has to offer.
