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1. Order a Steaming Bowl of Gumbo 

“Gumbo Weather” is actually a phrase that you might hear in Southwest Louisiana if you are in the area on a cool day. The base of the gumbo, or the roux in Lake Charles, is a deep brown color, but a little lighter than in some areas of the state – with ingredients varying by location too. The go-to gumbo for Southwest Louisianans is chicken & sausage gumbo, but there is a variety of seafood gumbos to be found as well. Gumbo hot spots such as Seafood Palace, Steamboat Bill’s, Hollier’s, LeBleu’s Landing, Leonard’s Food Quarters and Southern Spice will satisfy your soul on a chilly day. Check out our gumbo blog for more great tips! 

3. Annual Fall Festivals

Kicking off the festivities is the highly anticipated Louisiana Food & Wine Festival, a four-day extravaganza from September 19-22. Culinary enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs gather to indulge in an exquisite fusion of delectable Louisiana cuisine and a curated selection of fine wines. The energy continues to rise with Chuck Fest on October 19. This dynamic event showcases the region's burgeoning arts and music scene, featuring local bands, talented artists, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the spirit of the community.

Smoke & Barrel on November 16 is a true feast for the senses, combining the allure of smoky, savory barbecue with the smoothness of perfectly paired bourbons, creating an unforgettable culinary adventure. From October 3-5, the Cal Cam Fair captures the essence of traditional Southern fairs. With thrilling rides, live entertainment, and an array of indulgent treats, this event delights attendees of all ages, making it a cherished family tradition.

5. The Lost Hollows + Halloween Events 

The Lost Hollows is a popular Halloween attraction in Southwest Louisiana that features a winding walk through the Deadly Pines Trail. The trail includes full sets to explore, costumed actors along the way, and an imaginative experience through Southwest Louisiana’s natural forest. Shuttles take guests to The Lost Hollows with nightly tours each Friday and Saturday night in October, culminating with the “Lights Out” experience on Halloween Night.

The Living History Cemetery Tour features cast members re-enacting memoirs of the founders and notable people from Lake Charles’ history at their actual gravesites, date TBA. Finally, experience the CYPHACON Halloween Pub Crawl returning to Downtown Lake Charles on Saturday, October 26th.

7. Football Season & McNeese Tailgating 

McNeese State University’s Cowboy fans gear up for football season every year with tailgating festivities. Part of the NCAA Division I Championship Division in the Southland Conference, the Cowboys have an action-packed schedule. Southwest Louisianans bleed blue and gold, so prepare your outfits accordingly!  Pre-game, everyone is tailgating with jambalaya, barbecue, gumbo, boudin, beer, or old-fashioned burgers, and you can catch a glimpse of the “Pride of McNeese” MSU Marching Band, cheerleaders, and the Cowgirl Kickers’ dance team as they parade through the tailgate area on their way to Cowboy Stadium. You can see the full schedule and mark your calendar for home games against Southern University on August 31, Alcorn State on September 21, and Homecoming on November 2, when the Cowboys take on Texas A&M Commerce. 

9. Birding in Southwest Louisiana 

During the fall, the birding population along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road soars as hundreds of migrating birds make their annual migration and create a convergence of the Central and Mississippi Flyways. Southwest Louisiana is home to more than 400 bird species, making it one of the Top 10 Birding/Birdwatch Destinations in the country. Year-round you will be treated to a seemingly endless array of raptors, waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds residing in this rich environment. Pintail Wildlife Drive is one of the best places to see waterfowl in the area from your car, while Grosse Savanne Ecotours can offer a more immersive experience on the water. Another hot spot by the Gulf of Mexico is Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary. If you plan on coming other times of the year, spring and winter migrations offer chances to see migratory birds in addition to the fall season.