SPECIAL SECTION

After a year of isolation, social distancing, and closed businesses, revelers are thrilled to be back out in the community and experiencing the vibrant Southwest Louisiana entertainment scene. With a wide variety of genres and settings, there’s something for everyone!

OUT ON THE TOWN

SWLA NIGHTLIFE IS BACK!

by Angie Kay Dilmore

RIKENJAKS

3716 Ryan St, Lake Charles rikenjaks.com Open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Known for craft beers, modern pub fare, and live music, Rikenjaks has been feeding, quenching, and entertaining patrons since 2016. Centrally located in Lake Charles’ midtown, their spacious patio is a popular gathering spot.

Nightly themes:

Monday – Open Mic 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Tuesday – Team Trivia 7:00 p.m. Wednesday – Bingo 7:00 p.m. Thursday – Karaoke 7:00 p.m. Fri. and Sat. – Acoustic Patio Music 7:30 p.m. Sunday – “Secret Jam” 7:00 p.m.

All entertainment takes place on the patio. Live music announcements can be found on their Facebook page.

1165 E. McNeese St., Lake Charles cryingeagle.com Sunday: 11 AM - 9 PM Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 11 AM - 10 PM Friday- Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM

Crying Eagle Brewing has become one of the region’s premier venues to dine, drink, listen to great music, and just hang out and relax. Their sprawling patio area feels like a playground for grown-ups. Kids are welcome, too. Their Bistro menu has expanded over the years from a few delicious pizzas in the early days, to a current full menu of sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads . . . and more delicious pizzas. You’ll find over 20 of their creative craft brews on tap, along with wine and craft cocktails, and nightly entertainment, including trivia, karaoke, and live music. Check their Facebook page for weekly schedules.

PAUL’S RIB SHACK BARBECUE

4800 Nelson Rd, Lake Charles Open Wed. – Sat. 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. www.paulsribshackbarbecue.com

From humble beginnings in a big red food truck, Paul Pettefer opened his brick and mortar Paul’s Rib Shack in 2019. While BBQ is boss, they host live musicians and other entertainment in the backyard every Wed. – Sat. nights. Grand oaks adorned with twinkling lights create a magical space perfect for an evening of good food and music.

Here’s their current June/July lineup:

6/4: Paddio Daddios 6/5: Ronnie Fruge 6/9: TBA 6/10: Disney Trivia 6/11: Charlie Wayne 6/12: TBA 6/18: Layne Allen 7/9: Caden Gillard 7/17: Casey Peveto 7/30: Rusty Metoyer

MY PLACE AMERICAN PUB

630 W. Prien Lake Rd. Ste. G, Lake Charles Open 24/7 @myplaceisyourplace

My Place presents live music most Wednesdays and weekends. Happy Hour every day 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., including drink specials, free pool, slot machines, and a rewards program.

Nightly themes:

Monday and Tuesday – Karaoke, 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Wednesday – Service Industry Night Thursday – Trivia, 8:00 p.m.

L’AUBERGE CASINO RESORT

777 Ave L’Auberge, Lake Charles llakecharles.com Open 24 hours

L’Auberge Casino Resort features a 1400 seat concert venue hosting big-name headliners. And the every-popular Party by the Pool is back! Version 2.0.

WATCH FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:

Party by the Pool 2.0 Featuring Flo Rida

June 24 Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show at 8:00 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets available on ticketmaster.com

Rodney Carrington

July 23 and 24 8:00 p.m. L’Auberge Event Center Tickets available on ticketmster.com

COUSHATTA CASINO RESORT

777 Coushatta Dr, Kinder, LA https://www.coushattacasinoresort.com Open 24 hours

Entertainment in the form of live music events is still in the works at Coushatta Casino Resort, but there is still plenty of fun and excitement to be had.

On June 20, Coushatta presents the Father's Day Hot Grills & Cool Cash Giveaway, exclusively for men. Every hour from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. one lucky gentleman will win a cutting-edge Traeger wood pellet grill plus accessories and cash. The grand prize winner will take home the Traeger grill package and $15,000 in cash.

In addition, mask restrictions have been lifted for players at Coushatta and the poker room is open with exciting promotions during the month of June.

• Mondays and Wednesdays – Splash the

Pot bonuses of $100 • Tuesdays and Thursdays – Full House Pay

Days of $200 • Fridays, 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Blackout Bingo (win up to $5000!)

GOLDEN NUGGET LAKE CHARLES HOTEL & CASINO

2550 Golden Nugget Blvd goldennugget.com/lake-charles Open 24 hours

GOLDEN NUGGET LAKE CHARLES OFFERS SEVERAL ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS:

Blue Martini opens Thursday – Saturday starting at 5:00 p.m. Serving tapas, wine, spirits, award-winning signature martinis, and featuring live music, there’s never a dull moment.

For a more intimate, relaxing experience, Rush Lounge opens Thursday – Sunday, 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. You’ll find live music, premium spirits and crafted cocktails, blackjack, and TVs.

Headliner Concerts in June and July:

June 5 – Travis Tritt June 11 – Johnny Rivers June 12 – Gladys Knight June 18 – Gary Allan June 25 – Jeff Dunham July 2 – Gabby Barrett July 3 – Neal McCoy July 10 – Hank Williams, Jr. July 16 – Ashley McBryde July 17 – Stoney LaRue July 23 – Three Dog Night July 31 – Brian McKnight