Good morning, Lake Charles.

A new Calcasieu Parish program called Ride Safe SWLA will help parents use proper car seats to keep children safe.

The initiative is set to begin soon in Lake Charles.

Lake Charles offers a weekend of music and food.

Enjoy Babyface live at Golden Nugget Casino on Friday at 8:00 p.m., a crawfish boil showdown with live tunes at Jellystone RV Park on Saturday, and Reggae Fest featuring UB40 at L'Auberge Casino Resort on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

The Friends of the Welsh Museum is hosting a retrospective exhibit of Elton Louviere artwork today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hazel Benoit Center, 420 West Hudspeth Street, Welsh, where about 40 original paintings and prints will be on view along with wine and refreshments.

The first-ever SWLA Hot Sauce Fest will debut in August 2026 at West-Cal Arena and Events Center in Sulphur.

The festival will feature vendor booths, food trucks, live DJ music, and contests (including a pepper-eating challenge and a hot sauce chugging contest) designed for all ages.

The Calcasieu Parish Assessor’s Office held a free sign-up event at Sulphur Senior Center on April 18 to help eligible seniors freeze their home’s assessed value to protect against tax hikes and will visit several Calcasieu senior centers through June, with applications also accepted at their Lake Charles office.

Calcasieu Parish deputies can now provide a Safety 1st car seat on scene to children in need when families cannot afford proper restraints—Sheriff Stitch Guillory said the Ride Safe SWLA program is used during emergency calls to keep kids safe.

A 90-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott is under construction near I-10 and College Drive and will open in early 2027.

Built by Patel Construction at 5451 Hilton Ave — the hotel will offer a furnished kitchen, continental breakfast and a fitness center, said developer Sam Sayania.

A legal corner article explains rules for co-owning property and buy-outs, outlining steps and precautions that partners should follow to safeguard investments.

The guide helps owners understand responsibilities and avoid disputes during shared ownership.

Corine Poncho has returned to help McNeese softball after a season break — her four home runs in four conference games last week boosted the team's drive to host the Southland tournament, according to head coach James Landreneau.

UTRGV Vaqueros at McNeese State Cowboys Men's Baseball

6 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Check for ticket prices — Watch the UTRGV Vaqueros battle the McNeese State Cowboys in a crucial season finale.

A Market Soirée at Le Bocage

10 AM – 5 PM — The Stables At LeBocage — Free entry — Celebrate spring with shopping, music, and pony rides in a beautiful Southern setting.

UTRGV at McNeese Baseball Game

1 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling conclusion of McNeese's regular season with significant postseason implications at this home game against UTRGV.

Jolly Roger and Pirates Alley Book Signing

Time not specified — Riverside Park Complex — Book purchase required — Thomas Leveque discusses his novels and signs copies, sharing mysteries and adventures from Southern Louisiana.

Yacht Rock at the Beach with Yachtley Crew

1-2:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket required — Enjoy the smooth sounds of Yachtley Crew as they bring Yacht Rock to life at the beach.

Wellness On The Water 5K

8 AM – 2 PM — Lake Charles Civic Center — Registration info available — Perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike to enjoy a scenic race on the water.

Swing for the Spectrum

8 AM – 2 PM — Contraband Bayou Golf Club — Fundraising event — Tee off to support safe housing for adults on the autism spectrum in Southwest Louisiana.

Masters Of Illusion

8-11 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — All Ages — Experience an enchanting evening of magic and wonder with the Masters of Illusion.