Hey y’all — Beaux LeBeak here, comin’ atcha with your weekly flight plan for life in Lake Charles.

This week’s jam-packed with summer vibes: we’re talkin’ crab cook-offs on the coast, jazzed-up art exhibits, riverside hikes, and a good ol’ fashioned Dads vs. Kids water showdown (bring a towel and your best aim). Plus, I’m tipping my beak to a charming Louisiana town for your next weekend escape — and you just might spot me perched on a rooftop out there.

So stretch your wings, soak up the sun, and make some memories that stick like sand in your flip-flops.

Catch ya in the wild —
— Beaux 🐦

🏠 Dream Big for a Great Cause with St. Jude!

Hey y’all, here's somethin’ special: tickets for this year’s St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Lake Charles are officially up for grabs! Our friends at LaRocque Homes built a beautiful New Orleans-inspired cottage right here in our own Terre Sainte neighborhood—and it could be yours! Not only do you get the chance to snag this stunning house, but every ticket helps support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in their life-saving mission for kids fighting serious illnesses.

It’s a win-win: support a wonderful cause and maybe walk away with your dream home. Tickets are already flyin', so don't dilly-dally!

Beaux’s Tip: Snag a ticket soon—once they're gone, they're gone! And hey, if you win, invite your favorite pelican over for a housewarming crawfish boil, will ya?

📍 Restaurant Calla | 1400 Market St, Lake Charles, LA 70601

If you're craving a bite that's both indulgent and uniquely Lake Charles, look no further than the Blue Crab Beignets at Restaurant Calla. These savory delights combine fresh Louisiana blue crab with a light, fluffy batter, fried to golden perfection. Served with a zesty avocado crema, a hint of basil, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds, it's a dish that dances between comfort food and culinary artistry.

Restaurant Calla, known for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and innovative takes on Southern classics, has made these beignets a standout on their menu. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this dish offers a taste of Lake Charles that's hard to forget.

Beaux’s Tip: Pair these beignets with a crisp white wine or a refreshing local craft beer to elevate the experience. And if you're inspired to recreate a similar dish at home, a reliable deep fryer can make all the difference in achieving that perfect golden crust.

6:00–9:00 PM | 1001 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA
Enjoy live music from local bands, food trucks, and art vendors in the heart of downtown. This free, family-friendly event is perfect for kicking off your weekend.
🔗 Event Details

All Weekend | Holly Beach, LA
Join the fun at the Holly Beach Crab Festival with live music, crab cook-offs, a crab calling contest, and more. It's a coastal celebration you won't want to miss!
🔗 Festival Info

8:00 PM | Luna Bar & Grill, Lake Charles, LA
Catch Infinite Bus in their final performance of the year. Enjoy great music, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere at Luna Bar & Grill.
🔗 Event Details

9:00 AM | L'Auberge Casino Resort, Lake Charles, LA
Start your Saturday with a refreshing blend of yoga and pilates by the pool at L'Auberge Casino Resort. This invigorating session is perfect for all fitness levels and includes a pool pass for post-workout relaxation. Don't forget your mat and water bottle!
🔗 Event Details

10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Luna Bar & Grill, Lake Charles, LA
Enjoy a delicious brunch accompanied by live jazz music. It's the perfect way to wrap up your weekend with good food and great tunes.
🔗 Menu & Info

📍 Minden, LA
🛣️ Nearly 4 hours North of Lake Charles

Nestled in northern Louisiana, Minden is a delightful town offering a blend of history, outdoor adventures, and antique shopping. Established in 1836, Minden boasts preserved brick architecture and a welcoming community known as "The Friendliest City in the South."

🛍️ Antiques and Shopping:
Explore numerous antique shops like Heavenly Treasures and Possibilities Antiques, where you can find unique collectibles and support local artisans.

🌳 Outdoor Adventures:
Enjoy kayaking and fishing at picturesque locations like Lake Bistineau and Caney Lake, or hike trails in Kisatchie National Forest.

🍽️ Dining Delights:
Savor Southern cuisine at local favorites such as Seafood Empire and Neta's Bar-B-Q, and don't miss a cozy coffee break at Brick Street Coffee.

🏨 Stay in Style:
Experience the town's hospitality by staying at these unique accommodations:

Beaux’s Tip: Pack your walking shoes and a sense of curiosity—Minden's downtown is perfect for leisurely strolls and unexpected discoveries.

Looking to stretch your legs and soak in nature this weekend? Head to Sam Houston Jones State Park and hit the White Tail Trail. This easy-to-moderate, 1.6-mile loop offers lush greenery, glimpses of wildlife, and beautiful river views—perfect for hikers of all skill levels.

🧢 Beaux’s Gear Tip: Keep your hands free and your gear close with this water-resistant chest pack — ideal for stashing your phone, keys, trail snacks, and even a small pair of binoculars.

📍 Trailhead: Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles, LA

Well hey there, art lovers — Beaux LeBeak here, flappin’ in with a cultural pick that’s got real texture. If you haven’t made your way to the Black Heritage Gallery lately, now’s the time to waddle over and catch Sacred Threads: The Art of Ryann Sterling.

This exhibit is a soulful patchwork of fabric, faith, and storytelling. Through rich textiles and mixed media, Ryann threads together themes of ancestry, identity, and the sacredness of everyday life. It's thoughtful, powerful, and beautifully stitched with care — like your grandma’s quilt but with a modern twist and a whole lot of heart.

✨ Beaux’s Tip: Take your time with this one. Each piece holds a story worth sitting with — and if you’re the journaling type, bring a notebook. These threads might just unravel something in you too.

📍 Black Heritage Gallery | Central School Arts & Humanities Center

📍 Sam Houston Jones State Park

Grab your picnic blankets and your game face, y’all — it’s time for some serious family fun at Sam Houston Jones State Park. This Father’s Day weekend, the park is throwing down with a full lineup of camp-style competitions: cornhole, horseshoes, yard pong, and the legendary Dads vs. Kids water fight. (Word is, the kids are already strategizing...)

Top it all off with a laid-back picnic and a live concert by Louisiana legend Wayne Toups on Saturday evening. Accordion + sunset = perfection.

💦 Beaux’s Tip: If you’re steppin’ into that water war, bring your A-game and this high-capacity water blaster — may the driest team win.

🎟️ Learn more & grab wristbands

💌 Love LCHappens?
Forward this issue to a friend who lives in or loves Lake Charles! It’s the best way to help us grow our flock.

📱 Tag Us on Instagram:
Snapped a pic at one of this week’s events? Tag us @LCHappens and use #BeauxKnows for a chance to be featured!

🗳️ Don’t Miss the LC Showdown!
Cast your vote and help crown Lake Charles’ Shrimp & Grits champion—every vote counts!

📢 Want to promote an event, business, or fundraiser?
Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to help spread the word.

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That’s a wrap for this week, friends! From crab festivals and cornbag battles to hidden art threads and riverside hikes, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy our little corner of the boot.

If you made it this far, give yourself a high-five (or a wing-bump). Be sure to forward this to a fellow local, and if you spot me out and about — yes, that’s a pelican with a planner — don’t be shy.

See y’all next week!

— Beaux LeBeak 🐦

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