Stay up to date with the latest news, creative events, and local stories from Lake Charles, DeRidder, and Southwest Louisiana. SWLA News covers photography highlights, upcoming festivals, community happenings, and urgent updates for our region
It’s a funny thing, character. It’s not something you can advertise on a brochure or list in a package of services. You can’t taste it in the cake or see it in the floral arrangements. But in certain corners of…
You know, sometimes you go looking for one thing, and you end up finding something you didn’t even realize you were missing. I was on a mission for milk. Not just any milk, but that Jarrell Bro’s Raw Milk everyone’s…
BY DALTON BARRON swlaphoto.com Summer is here, and the sizzle isn’t just coming from the weather. Lake Charles is lighting up with an incredible lineup of live music throughout July, offering a little something for everyone. From intimate local sets…
By Dalton Barron, SWLA Photo LAKE CHARLES, La. – June 22, 2025– In a landmark move celebrating a legacy of business innovation and community building, the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center on the McNeese State University campus…
By Dalton Barron Published: June 21, 2025 LAKE CHARLES, LA – Crying Eagle Brewing Company has officially named the veteran leadership team that will helm its highly-anticipated lakefront location, signaling a major step forward for the project slated to open…
As a photographer exploring Southwest Louisiana, I’m constantly searching for places that tell a story. And Little Willow Mercantile in DeRidder tells a beautiful one. The moment I walked through the door, I felt a powerful connection to the past.…
Get ready, SWLA—the biggest literary event in the region is making its grand return. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 13, 2025, when the South Coast Book Festival takes over the Lake Charles Event Center for a day filled with…
It’s that time again! The Beauregard Watermelon Festival returns to the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 28, 2025 for a full day of contests, games, food, crafts, and country fun. Whether you’re tossing rings around melons, churning homemade ice…
Lake Charles, LA – As a working photographer in Southwest Louisiana, I’ve spent years navigating the unpredictable world of gig work — from photo shoots to long drives and late nights editing. But what frustrated me most wasn’t the hustle…
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMLocation: 506 West Drive, DeRidder, LA 70634 (Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds)Price: FreeHosted By: City of DeRidderContact: tracy.williams@cityofderidder.org Celebrate the Fourth in DeRidder! Join the City of DeRidder for its annual Fourth Fest,…