
City of Lake Charles Announces Fall and Holiday Events for Families
Lake Charles, Louisiana - The City of Lake Charles does a great job giving families plenty of things to do throughout the year. If you're looking for something fun to do with the family this fall, the City of Lake Charles has plenty of options, and they just released their schedule of events for the next few months.
The City's Partners in Parks program is packed with events over the next few months. From Halloween fun and live music to pumpkins, Christmas lights, and even a holiday train, there will be something for just about everyone.
READ MORE: Halloween Events & Attractions Around Southwest Louisiana

City of Lake Charles Announces Holiday 4th Quarter Events
Things get started Saturday, October 3, with the annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Bark du Lac Dog Park. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at 111 West Pine Street. Bring your dog, put them in their best costume, and enjoy a morning of Halloween fun. On Saturday, October 10, you can grab a flashlight and head to Riverside Park for a Nature in Focus Bat Walk. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and gives families a chance to explore the park while learning more about bats and their nighttime habits.
If live music is more your thing, Music in the Park returns Sunday, October 18, at Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park. The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, sit back and enjoy some live music outside. The Great Pumpkin Trail takes over Tuten Park from October 21 through October 25. The trail will be open each day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Costumes are encouraged, so this could be a fun chance to get the family dressed up and take some pictures along the way.
October will also include a special celebration for the Lake Charles Fire Department. LCFD Family Day will take place Saturday, October 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Millennium Park. The event will celebrate 150 years of service and will include activities, live music, and more. Then, just in time for Halloween, Ghost Port: Haunted House returns to Gossport Park on Saturday, October 31. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. for anyone looking for a little spooky fun.
November brings another popular event to Lake Charles with Pumpkin Chunkin' on Saturday, November 7. If you've never seen pumpkins flying through the air, this is probably one to put on the calendar. Book It to the Park returns to McMillan Park on Saturday, November 21. The event combines reading and outdoor fun for families. Then, on Saturday, November 28, the Christmas season officially gets started with the Light Up the Lake Christmas Festival.
The holiday events continue into December. Music in the Park returns December 6, followed by a Christmas Ornament Workshop on December 12 and a Christmas Movie Night on December 19. Also, throughout December, keep an eye out for Chuck the Holiday Train at Millennium Park. The holiday train will make its way through the park each Saturday leading up to Christmas.
READ MORE: The Stories Behind Lake Charles' Biggest Roads

City of Lake Charles Announces 4th Quarter 2026 Partners in Parks Events
October 3 - Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest (Bark du Lac Dog Park, 10 a.m. - Noon)
October 10 - Nature in Focus Bat Walk (Riverside Park, 6 - 8 p.m)
October 18 - Music in the Park (Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park, 5 - 7 p.m)
October 21-25 - The Great Pumpkin Trail (Tuten Park, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily)
October 24 - LCFD Family Day (Millennium Park, 3 - 6 p.m)
October 31 - Ghost Port: Haunted House (Gossport Park, 6 - 8 p.m)
November 7 - Pumpkin Chunkin' (Location and time not provided)
November 21 - Book It to the Park (McMillan Park, time not provided)
November 28 - Light Up the Lake Christmas Festival (Location and time not provided)
December 6 - Music in the Park (Location and time not provided)
December 12 - Christmas Ornament Workshop (Location and time not provided)
December 19 - Christmas Movie Night (Location and time not provided)
Every Saturday in December - Chuck the Holiday Train (Millennium Park, time not provided)
If You've Done These 7 Things, You're Definitely From Louisiana
Gallery Credit: Gina Cook
