Calling all foodies, wine lovers and do gooders. Tickets are still available for The Louisiana Food & Wine Festival, Thursday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 17. Presented by Rouses Markets and hosted by Visit Lake Charles, this event celebrates the best of Louisiana and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts to Southwest Louisiana’s unique Cajun and Creole heritage and culture, seafood, artisans, live musicians and more.

Ticket prices range from $65 to $225. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

Louisiana Celebrity Chefs Wine Dinner kicks off the weekend Thursday, Sept. 14, with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception at the Sowela Culinary, Gaming and Hospitality Center, 3841 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave., Lake Charles. Guest chefs will include James Beard Foundation award-winning and nominated chefs. Each of the six courses will be paired with the perfect wine.

The Louisiana Inspired Master Classes are Friday, Feb. 15. The first three will take place at Sowela and the last at Bayou Rum Distillery, 20909 Frontage Rd., Lacassine. At 10:30 Chef Edgar “Dook” Chase IV will share famous recipes inspired by his renowned grandmother, Leah Chase, “Queen of Creole Cuisine.” Samples will be paired with Stella Artois wines.

At noon, Celebrity Chef Tiffany Derry will demonstrate how to make her famous Fried Shrimp and Grits and guests will enjoy four Jackson Family Wines and hearing from Master of Wine Mollie Battenhouse.

Beginning at 1:30 p.m., 17-year-old Mijenta Tequila mixologist Oscar Vallae will choreograph  guests through their sampling of cocktails accompanied by Cajun cuisine.

At 3:30 p.m., Bayou Rum Master Distiller Reiniel Vicente, a second generation rum maker, guides the tasting.

Also on Friday is Fire on the Lake, at 1111 Bord du Lac Dr., Lake Charles, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This grilling and BBQ extravaganza includes unlimited food and beverage tastings with a souvenir glass. The Paragon Casino Resort Music Stage will feature live music from Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express.

The Grand Tasting is Saturday, Sept. 16, 2 -5 p.m. at Bord du Lac Park. This is a fun afternoon of culinary and beverage tastings, with live music, artisan booths, live music, cooking demonstration stages and the Best Taste Awards  in beautiful surroundings.

The Sunday Jazz Brunch, Sept. 17, will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. at Coffee 30 at Southlake Theater, 4720 Nelson Road, Suite 110, Lake Charles. It offers beverage tastings, jazz, a lavish brunch with carving stations, Louisiana Seafood stations, made-to-order omelet stations, desserts and bloody Marys, mimosas, sparkling wines, spirits, wine and beer.

“This is an event I’m definitely looking forward to,” said Denise Durel, United Way of SWLA President and CEO, not just the great food and wine tasting, not just how ticket sales will help us help those who need it most. I am looking forward to how this region will be highlighted by an event with a reach much broader than this region, into Texas and Louisiana and other locations. We know Southwest Louisiana is a great place to live, work and play. Now others will too.”

All persons must be 21 years or older to attend events, including brunch. No dogs or pets are allowed at any event venues. Any advance discount tickets are released in limited quantities, and may sell out at any time without notice. All ticket sales may be subject to state/local taxes and are final and nonrefundable.

All events are rain or shine & event programs are subject to change without notice. Some talent and/or event presentations may be held virtually or by live feed. Go to louisianafoodandwinefestival.com to find out more and purchase tickets.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Volunteer opportunities are available for the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival. Volunteers can earn free tickets, meet celebrity guests, receive a Festival apron, souvenir glassware and the opportunity to enjoy the event for which they volunteer. A variety of positions are available for adults 21 and older: admissions and general registration, beverage/culinary serving and assistance, wine and food booths set-up, assistance with guest relations/ambassadors and signage.

Find details at louisianafoodandwinefestival.com.