Family-Friendly Summer Arts and Performances in Lake Charles
With school out, combat those familiar cries of "There's nothing to do!" or "I'm so bored!" by treating your family to enriching local arts and performance experiences in Lake Charles.
We've curated a selection of family-oriented arts events to keep everyone engaged and culturally enriched throughout the summer season.
Summer Catch A Concert Series - June 12, recurring weekly on Mondays until June 26
Enjoy the Lake Charles Community Band's "Once Upon A Time" performances at the air-conditioned Lake Charles Civic Center. Highlights include symphonic arrangements from The Addams Family Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Star Wars. Best of all, it's FREE! The series culminates in the Red, White, Blue & You Festival on July 4.
The Awakening: A Choir Concert – June 15
Over 60 youth performers (ages 10-17) deliver an inspiring concert at the Historic Calcasieu Marine Bank Building. This acclaimed group has toured the U.S. and Europe for over 30 years. The event is 100% free, with Pops and Rockets refreshments in the courtyard afterward.
Summer Pops: The Rat Pack – July 15
Introduce your kids to the Lake Charles Symphony and the iconic sounds of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra. Dance and sing to classics like That's Amore, The Lady is a Tramp, Mr. Bojangles, My Way, and New York, New York. Pizza, popcorn, and ice cream available. For tickets, visit the symphony's site.
Freddie Pate’s Be-Bop Hop – August 12
A Southwest Louisiana favorite, Freddie Pate and his ensemble have entertained families for over 20 years with lively musical jamborees. This year's show features be-bop classics, a 10-piece band, costumes, and comedy. Tickets available at www.theminestheatre.com.
Art & Theatre Camps
Summer offers abundant opportunities in fine arts, visual arts, music production, pottery, theatre, and more.
Watercolor Magic with Nancy Melton – June 26-30
Part of McNeese’s KIDS COLLEGE, this week-long class explores all aspects of color in watercolor.
Branch Out Summer Art Camp – Four sessions available through June 30
Hosted by the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, daily classes cover drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and beyond.
Young Band Nation Music & Recording/Engineering Camps – June & July
Recording/Engineering Camp (June 26-30) teaches sound technology, live sound techniques, and provides a mini studio take-home. Music Camp (July 17-21) ignites passion for young rockers aiming for the next America’s Got Talent. Register here.
The Art Factory – June 12-August 3
Half- and full-day camps offer themed fun like Fashion Week, Nothin’ but Mud, Super Hero, and Advanced Art. Each four-day session ends with a summer art show on August 27, featuring campers' work. Call (337) 802-2999 for details.
Children’s Theatre Summer Workshops – July 6-28
Perfect for budding stars, these workshops introduce theatre basics or advanced techniques. Kids culminate in a live stage production for family and friends.
For more arts exhibits and culture, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/arts.
*Portions adapted from Thrive Magazine.
