20 Top Events in Lake Charles for May 2018: Festivals, Concerts & Family Fun
Southwest Louisiana comes alive with vibrant festivals, performances, and community events throughout May 2018. This curated guide highlights 20 standout happenings. Stay informed via our Calendar of Events and download the free Events App.
Date Order
1. Louisiana Pirate Festival | May 3–13 | FREE Gate Admission
Experience two weeks of pirate-themed excitement, including the Pirate’s Landing, Street Parade, inaugural Pirate Costume Ball, arm wrestling, bed and bathtub races, pirogue building, and barbecue contests. Enjoy performances by local acts like The Flamethrowers, Sean Ardoin, and Rusty Metoyer, plus country star Dylan Scott and fiddler Amanda Shaw.
2. Groovin at the Grove with Nik-L Beer | May 3 | FREE
Pack picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and dancing shoes for an open-air concert at Walnut Grove’s Great Lawn. Food trucks and local vendors offer Southwest Louisiana’s finest cuisine.
3. Louisiana Choral Foundation Spring Concert | May 4–6
Songs of Hope and Peace features Mack Wilberg’s Five American Folk-Hymns, Patrick Hawes’ Beatitudes, and Mac Huff’s The Musical World of Walt Disney.
4. Seussical Jr. | May 4–6
Join the Cat in the Hat for a family-friendly journey from the Jungle of Nool to Circus McGurkus, following Horton the Elephant and the Whos. Five weekend shows ensure easy attendance.
5. Derby for Dollars | May 5
Celebrate with gourmet food from top Lake Area restaurants, mint juleps, live Kentucky Derby viewing, equestrian exhibitions, and contests for best hat and attire. Proceeds support children’s programs at Shannon Cox Counseling Center, a Family & Youth division.
6. Allstate Sugar Bowl/LHSAA Baseball State Tournament | May 9–12
Watch top student-athletes vie for the state title. Purchase tickets in advance at www.lhsaa.org.
7. Gator Grand Prix Go-Kart Races | May 12
Thrilling four-division races at Lake Charles Civic Center, with kids’ track time during intermission. Part of Louisiana Pirate Festival and Lake Charles Sesquicentennial; funds benefit local veterans.
8. Bottoms Up Yoga + Beer | May 12
All-levels yoga class followed by food and festivities in the beer garden—perfect for beginners and non-drinkers.
9. The Jungle Book | May 11–13
Safari into Mowgli’s adventurous and perilous jungle world at Central School—a hit for kids!
10. American Craft Beer Week at Crying Eagle Brewing | May 16–19
Celebrate local craft brewers with taproom specials, growler discounts, and merchandise deals.
11. Starks Mayhaw Festival | May 17–19 | FREE
Indulge in biscuits, butter, mayhaw jelly, carnival rides, crafts, live music, and Southern fare.
12. Movies in the Square | May 19 | FREE
Catch Disney’s Coco at Heritage Square in Sulphur—Miguel’s magical quest in the Land of the Dead.
13. Downtown at Sundown: The Tugboats + Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Krush | May 18 & 25 | FREE
Ryan Street transforms into a street fair with music, art, food trucks, and dancing. Proceeds benefit Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana.
14. Lake Charles Civic Ballet Spring Performance | May 20 | FREE
Lady Leah Lafargue School showcases ballet, tap, and jazz from an acclaimed repertoire, highlighting future artists.
15. Louisiana Junior High/High School Rodeo Finals | May 24–June 2
Boots and hats ready at Burton Complex: Junior High Finals May 24–27; High School May 28–June 2.
16. Lake Charles Dance Academy Annual Recital | May 27
Tiny to teen dancers perform ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop at Rosa Hart Theatre.
17. Live Music at Gator Lounge - Delta Downs | FREE Fridays & Saturdays from 9 PM
Catch Midnight Release, Louisiana Express, Boomerang, and The Fruge Family—plus horse racing!
18. Jack Gets Back to Its Roots - L’Auberge Casino Resort | Fridays & Saturdays
Live music and DJs: DJ R!llo, Let It Rock, Junior Gordon, Joey Thomas Band.
19. Live Music at Golden Nugget | Fridays & Saturdays
Top acts including Hank Williams Jr., Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Charlie Daniels Band, Air Supply, The O’Jays.
20. Weekend Concerts at The Lone Wolf – Isle of Capri | FREE Fridays & Saturdays from 8 PM
Featured: Paper Chase, Electric 5, Jackpot.
Explore ongoing art exhibits too. Visit our Calendar of Events and download the free Events App for more.
