Free Family-Friendly Events in Southwest Louisiana April 8 – 14, 2019

A weekly list of free family-friendly events in Southwest Louisiana during Spring and Summer.

If you are viewing this after April 14, 2019, please check the Life section of our website for an updated list.

Unthinkable: Inside Criminal Minds Presented By Banners at McNeese

Dates: April 9, 2019

Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center – Directions

Time: 7:00 PM

Gallery Talk: The Birds of Audubon and Hitnes

Dates: April 10, 2019

Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center – Directions

Time: 6:00 PM

Groovin at the Grove with the Royal BluGarou featuring Wayne Toups

Dates: Wednesday, April 10, 2019

This event was originally scheduled for last week but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Location: Walnut Grove Neighborhood – Directions

Time: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

People are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the music. Food and beverages will be available from local vendors. Street and lot parking is available throughout the neighborhood.

Louisiana Railroad Days Festival Presented By DeQuincy Federated Service League

Dates: Daily April 11, 2019 – April 13, 2019

Time: Thurs. 5-11 p.m.; Fri. 3 p.m. -11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- midnight

Location: DeQuincy Railroad Museum Park – Directions

The Poetry and Travel Stories of Robert Cooper Presented By Banners at McNeese

Dates: April 11, 2019

Location: Stokes Auditorium, inside Hardtner Hall – Directions

Time: 7 p.m.

Tickets are free but will be required due to limited seating.

More information and tickets.

Despicable Me 3 – Movies Under the Stars

Dates: April 12, 2019

Location: Prien Lake Park – Directions

Time: 7:30 PM

5th Annual Family Fishing Festival at Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Dates: April 13, 2019

This event was originally scheduled for last week but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Location: Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge – Directions

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

State licensing and fishing regulations apply.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own baits, life jackets, lawn chairs, ice-filled coolers for fish, sunscreen, drinks, bug repellent, and a wagon or cart to transport gear from the parking lot to the festival area, which is about a quarter mile walking distance. Participants will have an opportunity to fish for bass, bream and/or catfish from three ponds covering 6.5 acres. There will be a variety of learning activities for children to participate in as well as exhibits to explore. Drinks and snacks provided by sponsors will be available while supplies last. A limited supply of loaner fishing poles may be checked out on a first come first served basis. Bait worms and minnows will be provided while supplies last.

Earth Day Festival

Dates: April 13, 2019

Location: Central Library – Directions

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Gateway Church Community Easter Egg Hunt

Dates: April 13, 2019

Location: Gateway Church of God – Directions

Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Autism Awareness and Family Fun Day Presented By The Missing Piece

Dates: April 14, 2019

Location: Westcal Arena – Directions

Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Douglas Doty Exhibit

Dates: Weekdays until April 30, 2019

Location: Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA – Directions

Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Hitnes, The Image Hunter: On the Trail of John James Audubon

Dates: Recurring daily except Sunday until April 27, 2019

Location: 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center – Directions

Time: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

No Man’s Land Free For All Bass Tournament

Presented By: Louisiana Travel & Kayak Bass Fishing

Dates: Ongoing until October 30, 2019

Location: Publically accessible waterways in Western Louisiana

More information

32nd Annual National Works on Paper Exhibition

Dates: Weekdays until May 9, 2019; Closed Saturday and Sunday

Location: McNeese State University, Grand Gallery – Directions

Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Charlestown Downtown Farmers Market in Lake Charles

Dates: Weekly on Saturday

Location: Behind the 1911 Historic Lake Charles City Hall or inside the Historic City Hall if there is inclement weather – Directions

Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

More information

Reflections Exhibit

Dates: Monday – Friday, Continuing through May 17, 2019

Location: Black Heritage Gallery – Directions

Time: Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

If you are hosting or know of any free family-friendly events in Southwest Louisiana, please let us know using our Contact Us page.