Good morning, Lake Charles.

The 2nd Annual KDFA Mardi Gras Golf Classic will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Lake Charles at 8:30 a.m. with contests, food, and a live concert; only two team spots remain available to benefit the Buddy Russ Foundation (supporting cancer patients and families).

This weekend in Lake Charles and nearby areas, the Coushatta Casino Resort will host its annual powwow on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13 (featuring dancing and over 70 Native American vendors).

GI Joe's Gym in Moss Bluff will hold its second Battle In The Bluff Tug of War on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., and Swamp Pop legend Don Rich will perform live at Jellystone RV Park and Resort from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Construction crews began clearing a site at the corner of West Prien Lake Road and Contraband Parkway to set up a new restaurant location.

A recent city council variance approved a reduced buffer (10 ft instead of 15 ft) for the property, although the opening date is still unknown.

Louisiana legend Wayne Toups will perform live at Crying Eagle Brewery during the Summer Concert Series on Saturday, June 20 (gates open at 6:00, show starts at 9:00) with ticket prices at $20 presale and $25 at the door (VIP available at $125).

Award-winning Crescent Circus will perform free magic and circus arts shows at Calcasieu Parish Public Library branches this week.

Performances are scheduled for Monday, June 15 (10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) in Sulphur and DeQuincy and Tuesday, June 16 (10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) in Epps and Carnegie.

Sempra Infrastructure began operating its Port Arthur Louisiana Connector pipeline that links gas producers in Louisiana & Texas.

The 42-inch pipeline creates a 2-billion-cubic-feet-per-day corridor for the export terminal and will ship liquefied natural gas in 2027.

Digital Arts and Communication student Autumn Buck earned a silver medal in Screen Printing at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference earlier this month, marking the first time a SOWELA student has received a national medal in the category & her achievement reflects the college’s commitment to hands-on training.

Louisiana students in kindergarten to third grade reading improved by 16.5% last school year, with Allen Parish registering a 25% jump.

Kindergartners advanced by 59.5%, and the report credited structured literacy methods and teacher training for early success.

The Louisiana Department of Health announced that the Louisiana Carrot Initiative now gives SNAP recipients a bonus of 30 cents per dollar for fresh fruits and vegetables at all Walmart locations statewide.

The bonus, which can reach up to $25 monthly, will be credited automatically to EBT cards.

A free CPR lesson is set to take place in Sulphur this weekend, giving local residents a chance to learn essential life-saving skills at a community venue.

Seven rodeo team members from McNeese earned spots to compete in the College National Finals Rodeo from June 15 to 20 in Casper, Wyoming (after the men’s team clinched its fifth straight Southern Region title and the women’s team placed third).

McNeese State coach Bill Armstrong will open his season with a game against UAB on Nov.

2 in Rock Hill + host an exhibition featuring LSU with Will Wade returning on Oct. 8 at Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles. Armstrong said the games will boost the program's profile.

Dusty Slay Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the observational and blue-collar humor of Southern comedian Dusty Slay.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators vs. San Antonio River Monsters

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Gumbeaux Gators as they battle the River Monsters in an exciting game of local sports action.

Collective Soul Live Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — 21+ event — Celebrate three decades of Collective Soul's music at this lively concert.

Randy Rogers Concert

7:00 – 11:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket info unavailable — Enjoy a night of country music with Randy Rogers and his band.