World Famous Gumbo Cookoff Returns to Lake Charles This Weekend

🐊 KNGT 🐊 | Lake Charles, LA — If you know me and Mike, you already know this weekend has been marked on our calendar since last year. One of our favorite events is The Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana World Famous Gumbo Cookoff.

When is the Gumbo Cook-off in Lake Charles?

This year's Cookoff will take place at the Lake Charles Event Center Amphitheater on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The party lasts until 3:00 PM, with gates opening at 9:00 AM.

So many different flavors of gumbo will be available. We are talking chicken and sausage, seafood, and wild game gumbo made by Mardi Gras Krewes.

Now let’s talk about the stage. Me and Mike plan on taking it over. Every year we try to think of the craziest things to get crowd participation. In the past we have had a jitterbug contest, and its always a crowd favorite. You just never know what we might pull outof our bag of tricks.

There is so much more to the Cookoff than just the gumbo. This is a tradition here in Southwest, Louisiana.

Tickets are easy. Admission is $10 per person if you buy early, or $15 the day of the event. Trust me, getting them early is the move. You can grab your tickets right here:
BUY TICKETS HERE

This event makes me appreciate Southwest Louisiana even more. A lot of heart, wonderful food, and nice people. Come experience a gumbo extravaganza  at the Lake Charles Event Center Amphitheater. Prepare to have fun, come early, and come hungry.