McNeese Announces the 2026 Banners Season

The 2026 season of Banners at McNeese State University kicks off with 17 events spread out over several weeks from March 4 to April 30.

This year’s entertainment offers an exciting lineup showcasing Celtic stepdance, the Lake Charles Symphony, the 39rd Annual McNeese National Works on Paper Exhibit, the Lake Area Ballet Theatre, an outside family film night, a Louisiana documentary, a historical panel discussion on America’s 250th birthday, a large brass ensemble, poetry, several concerts and so much more.

For more information on this year’s Banners lineup, various levels of membership available or ticket prices for some of the events, check out the Banners website at www.banners.org or call the Banners office at 337-475-5123. Tickets to Banners events are also available at the door and McNeese and SOWELA students are admitted free with valid student IDs.

2026 Calendar of Events

Relic, a period-instrumental chamber orchestra concert, March 4, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m. 

Calcasieu Orchid Society Sale and Show, March 14-15, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, varied times, free 

Orchid-Stra, Lake Charles Symphony concert, March 14, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m. 

Tartan Terrors, Celtic concert, March 21, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m. 

U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants in concert,March 24, McNeese F.G.,Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m., free 

39th Annual McNeese National Works on Paper Exhibition, March 26-May 15, Grand Gallery, McNeese Shearman Fine Arts Annex, free and March 26, juror’s gallery talk and awards presentation, 6-8 p.m., Grand Gallery, free  

Ballet, Bobby Socks and Big Band – presented with the Lake Area Ballet Theatre, March 26, Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Event Center, 7 p.m. 

Inside the World of George Rodrigue: A Gallery Talk With Wendy Rodrigue Magnus, March 27, Old Historic Lake Charles City Hall, 6 p.m., free 

CPPJ Movies Under the Stars – presented with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, April 10, McNeese F.G. Bulber lawn, 6 p.m., free 

Louisiana Grass Roots: A Cajun Prairie Documentary (panel discussion to follow), April 12, Elizabeth and Leslie Richard Student Union, 3 p.m., free 

Fun With Energy with Jeff Boyer (lecture/interactive performance), April 15, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m. 

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass jazz concert, April 17, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m. 

Shawn Hagen’s Wellness Concert, alphorn musician, April 21, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m., free 

Doctor Nativo, one of Central America’s most outstanding talents, in concert, April 22, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 7 p.m. 

250 Years – Historical Panel Discussion, April 25, Ben Mount Auditorium, Lake Charles Central School, 6 p.m., free 

Kevin Thomason: Poetry Reading and Discussion, April 26, McNeese F.G. Bulber Auditorium, 5 p.m., free 

Jolly Roger and Pirate’s Alley, lecture and book signing by author Thomas Leveque, April 30, Riverside Park, 1701 Fitzenreiter Road, 6 p.m., free 

Persons requesting accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility at least 72 hours before the event. Additional information is available from the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility, located in the Burton Business Center, Suite 407, by phone at 337-475-5428, by fax at 337-475-5603 or by email at compliance@mcneese.edu.