Good morning, Lake Charles.

The City of Lake Charles plans to host a free screening of She's the Man on Friday, November 21 at the LaGrange Soccer Complex from 6 to 8:30 p.m., offering free popcorn and soft drinks while reminding families that all minors must be with an adult.

The McNeese Pre-Vet Society will host a Pawliday Extravaganza from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Robert Nolan Alumni Pavilion on Common St—where pet owners can have Santa Paws photos taken and join a costume contest with a gift basket prize from Gill Bright Animal Hospital.

The event will also include a selfie station, food trucks, vendors, a crafting station for paw ornaments and a chili cookoff as the society works to give back to the community.

According to Niche.com’s 2025 rankings, Prien is the best place to raise a family in Calcasieu Parish because of its good schools, safety, and friendly community.

Westlake and Moss Bluff follow as strong picks for families seeking safe, steady neighborhoods — each area offers reliable living benefits.

Earth Church in Vinton resumed building its sanctuary using local clay, bottles, straw and other earth-based materials from nearby sources in a Habitat Recovery Project that began last November.

The annual Bioconstruction and Natural Building Workshop began Nov 19 and will continue until Nov 23 + local businesses and farmers donated materials for the project.

Local residents voted in a friendly contest to choose the top Thanksgiving dessert, and the poll results were tabulated on the day of posting—revealing which sweet treat stood out.

The outcome may help local families decide on their holiday dessert options.

Smoke & Barrel returns downtown for its 7th year, bringing bourbon, whiskey, BBQ and live music along with tasting events and a curated retail area.

The festival will feature a cocktail competition ending today, a distiller’s dinner on November 21, a grand tasting on November 22 and a smokin’ brunch on November 23 in historic Lake Charles.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board honored three educators as 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year—Kayla Armentor of Dolby Elementary, Sara Logan of S.P.

Arnett Middle School, and Nelkika Colquitt of LaGrange High School—recognizing their dedication to student success. Superintendent Dr. Jason VanMetre said their passion and commitment strengthen the entire district.

Robert Prejean is a popular math teacher at Sulphur High School who is known for his collection of over 20 fedoras and his love for Dr. Pepper.

He leads the math club (and sponsors events) where his passion for teaching makes a big impression on students.

West Cal Arena closed its doors to horses today after an outbreak of equine herpesvirus one (EHV-1) emerged in Texas, and no Louisiana cases have been confirmed.

Three Texas horses are now treated and quarantined at LSU while local veterinarians stress vaccination as key to protecting horses.

LSU Tigers will play Oklahoma on Saturday, November 29 at 2:30 p.m. in Norman, Oklahoma—this game is the season finale for LSU—and it will air on either ABC or ESPN with the channel to be confirmed after upcoming contests.

The Vinton Lions won a playoff game by shutting out DeQuincy 28-0 on Friday—marking their first postseason win since 2014—and they will host Jonesboro-Hodge on Friday.

The Bucs upset Northwood-Lena 49-21 with strong runs from Jordin Griffin and Jelandon Gray and will travel to West Monroe on Friday.

Hathaway High senior Kaitlyn Sawyer ran in the state cross country championships Monday at Northwestern State in Natchitoches and finished as the Division IV runner-up after Metairie Park Country Day’s Varenka Zhuk beat her by 11 seconds with a time of 18 minutes, 19.9 seconds—Sawyer plans to run in more postseason races before starting daily training for the indoor and outdoor track season.

The Nutcracker

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this classic holiday ballet.

Christmas In The Air

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive event for the whole family.

Cowboy Christmas Celebration

9 AM - 5 PM — The Stables At LeBocage — Free admission — Experience the magic of Christmas with festive shopping, live music, and Southern traditions.

Santa's Hot Chocolate Run

2-4 p.m. — Downtown Lake Charles — Registration fee required — Enjoy a festive 3.1-mile adventure with a blend of running and holiday cheer.

East Texas A&M Lions vs. McNeese State Cowgirls Basketball

3:30-6:30 a.m. — The Legacy Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting college basketball matchup live in Lake Charles.

LAR's Swamp Stomp Half Marathon & Fun Run

7-11 a.m. — Graywood Golf & Racquet Club — Registration fees apply — Test your endurance at the Swamp Stomp and enjoy a fun run experience.

Candlelight Christmas Concert

7-10 p.m. — Ray's Lounge, Lake Charles, LA — Free entry — Experience a magical evening of holiday music by candlelight.

Arenacross Racing Spectacle

7-8:30 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Tickets required — Experience a thrilling blend of motocross racing and freestyle MX with lights and pyrotechnics.