The International Culture Festival of SWLA is a free, family-friendly celebration of global heritage, culture, and community — presented by the International Club of Southwest Louisiana at the Lake Charles Event Center.
Who We Are
The International Culture Festival of SWLA connects local and global communities through food, dance, music, and cultural storytelling at the Lake Charles Event Center.
Read Our MissionOur Mission
We give every culture a stage — its music, dress, cuisine, and craft — shared proudly and passed forward to the next generation.
Rooted in partnership with our faith communities, the festival honors the spiritual heritage that has long bound Southwest Louisiana together.
One free, welcoming day where families of every origin meet as neighbors — come as a guest, leave as part of the family.
Our Story
Southwest Louisiana has long gathered to celebrate the many nations that call it home. That earlier spirit of the Festival of Nations — neighbors sharing the food, dress, and music of their heritage — laid the groundwork for what the festival is today.
On September 20, 2025, the International Culture Festival of SWLA debuted at the Lake Charles Event Center, drawing thousands of attendees. The City of Lake Charles officially proclaimed the day “International Culture Festival Day.”
Returning to Lake Charles in September 2026, the festival is growing in reach, sponsorship, and cultural representation — carrying the same mission forward for the communities of the I-10 corridor and beyond.
Our Impact
Leadership
The International Culture Festival is produced under the International Club of Southwest Louisiana. Each is led independently — the Club as the presenting organization, the Festival as the event it brings to life.
The community organization that founds, governs, and presents the festival.
President
As President of the International Club of Southwest Louisiana, Erin Morales sets the strategic direction for the organization and the festival it presents. She leads partner and community relations, guides the board through its annual priorities, and champions the cultural exchange the festival was created to celebrate.
The annual celebration produced under the Club, with its own executive leadership.
Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive of the International Culture Festival, Dalia R. Matheus carries the festival from vision to celebration. She stewards the programming, partnerships, and on-the-ground experience that bring thousands of neighbors together each September, ensuring every culture has a place at the table and a story to share.
Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive for the 2026 International Culture Festival, Diana Guileaux Ross leads the festival’s vision, programming, and partnerships for the year ahead. She brings the communities of Southwest Louisiana together around a shared celebration of culture — ensuring every tradition has a place at the table and every guest leaves as part of the family.
Our Community
CITGO
Lotte Chemical
Phillips 66
Townsley Law Firm
Shamieh Law Firm
Whether you sponsor, vend, volunteer, or simply join us as a guest — there’s a place for you in Lake Charles this September.