Good morning, Lake Charles.

The Children's Day event wrapped up the weekend Mardi Gras celebrations in SWLA.

Families enjoyed music and playful activities (reflecting local traditions) as the festivities closed.

Lake Charles families planning Mardi Gras celebrations are advised by Safe Kids Louisiana to keep beads and trinkets from toddlers and set a meeting spot near parade routes to stay safe.

The guidelines also warn to remain cautious around crowds (advice from safety experts).

Sam Houston State (Bearkats) hit four home runs Sunday to win the season-opening series against McNeese at Joe Miller Ballpark, with Ryan Franden hitting two homers to lead the team to an 8 to 3 victory.

McNeese State Cowgirls Basketball vs. UTRGV

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena, Doland Fieldhouse — Check for ticket prices — Witness a critical Southland Conference matchup as the Cowgirls battle UTRGV for tournament seeding.

Senior Night: UTRGV vs. McNeese State Cowboys Mens Basketball

6:30-9:59 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate graduating student-athletes in an emotional final home game of the regular season.

LSU Tigers vs McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

6-9 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Ticket info not provided — Catch the Cowgirls as they take on the LSU Tigers in a thrilling softball matchup.

Iowa Hawkeyes at McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

3-6 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Admission details not provided — Catch the exciting midweek softball showdown as the Cowgirls aim for victory against Iowa.

AWS Certified Machine Learning: Specialty Training

8 a.m. — Health and Safety Council (HASC) Louisiana — $2100 — Master machine learning with expert-led training in a hands-on environment.

Groove on the Green

5-7 p.m. — Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of jazz under the lush oaks with friends.

Houston Christian Huskies vs. McNeese State Cowboys Baseball

2 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting afternoon of baseball as the Huskies face off against the Cowboys in this thrilling series continuation.

Southland Conference Men's Basketball Championships - First Round

5 PM – 9 PM — Townsley Law Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness thrilling single-elimination games as teams battle for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Southland Conference Women's Championship Game

4-7 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena — Tickets from $75 — Experience thrilling college basketball as teams compete for the Southland Conference title.

Banners 2026 Presents: Orchid-Stra

12-6 p.m. — F.G. Bulber Auditorium — Admission varies — Experience a stunning orchid exhibition presented by the Calcasieu Orchid Society.