Smoke & Barrel: Lake Charles 2025
Sep 25, 2025 04:42PM ● By Kelsey Swire
Smoke & Barrel Weekend in Lake Charles is Thursday, November 20 - Sunday, November 23. Buy your tickets now!
The main event is the Grand Tasting on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 1-5 PM at the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse (1000 Ryan St.) For the 7th year, Historic Downtown Lake Charles will be filled with the rich aromas of oak, hickory, and smoked meats—and the unmistakable sounds of foot-stomping Southern music and lively conversation over smooth pours of bourbon, whiskey, and scotch. Welcome to Smoke & Barrel 2025—Southwest Louisiana’s premier celebration of bold flavors, soulful music, and community spirit.
Your good time supports a great cause: All proceeds benefit United Way Southwest Louisiana, helping fund programs that strengthen families, support education, and uplift our region.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon collector or just here for the BBQ and good vibes, Smoke & Barrel has something for everyone:
-Award-Winning BBQ & Southern Bites - Feast on bold, smoky bites from leading pitmasters from Southern Louisiana and Texas.
-Live Music & Southern Energy - Enjoy live performances from regional bands on the steps of the historic courthouse—bringing the soul of the South to the heart of Lake Charles.
A Grand Tasting Ticket Includes:
- Unlimited tastings of over 150 spirits
- BBQ prepared by award winning pittmasters
- Complimentary beer and wine
- A Smoke & Barrel 2025 commemorative tasting glass
- Front-row access to live entertainment all night
The event's headliner will be The Wilder Blue, a group known for their gripping five-part harmonies, cinematic storytelling, and a sound that blends soulful country with southern rock, this Texas-based band is making serious waves. Their summer tour features a mix of sold-out headline shows in Colorado Springs and Denver, a spot at Country Jam in Mack, CO, and support slots for Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, American Aquarium, and even a performance inside the Grand Ole Opry. 
The Smoke & Barrel weekend kicks of well before the Grand Tasting, beginning Thursday, November 20, with the Cocktail Royale Finale, the culmination of the six week Cocktail Royale Cocktail Competition. Starting October 3, 2025, 15 of Lake Charles’ finest restaurants and bars will showcase their creativity with handcrafted cocktails made using Penelope Wheated Bourbon.
You can visit each location, enjoy their competing cocktail, then scan the QR code on-site to cast your vote and support a great cause. Every sip helps fund United Way of SWLA’s Success by 6 program, enriching early childhood education in our community.
Check out the participating locations!
At the Cocktail Royale Finale Party at the Stables at LeBocage, guests will enjoy all competing cocktails paired with small bites from the top 12 restaurants, live entertainment, and the crowning of both the Critics’ Choice and People’s Choice champions.
Next up is Meet the Maker's: Distiller's Dinner on Friday, November 21st from 6-7 PM at Historic City Hall (1001 Ryan Street).
Sip exclusive pours, savor paired hors d’oeuvres, and connect with the makers behind the barrel at the Meet the Makers: DISTILLER’S Dinner. This unforgettable night unfolds at Historic City Hall, complete with its magical Winter Wonderland exhibit as the backdrop.
Tickets Include:
- Bourbon tastings from 10 premium distilleries
- Gourmet hors d’oeuvres expertly prepared by the culinary team at Augustine's
- Complimentary beer, wine, & old fashioned
- Exclusive keepsake glass to commemorate the Meet the Makers experience
- Access to War Wagon Cigar Lounge
- access to Christmas Winter Wonderland & selfie art exhibit at historic city hall
Wrap up the weekend in the best way with Sunday Brunch on November 23rd. Brunch is the perfect cure your hangover with delicious food and maybe just a hint of ‘hair of the dog’. Purchase your all inclusive ticket for a Sunday morning SMOKIN BRUNCH, location TBA!