THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend two hours crafting a custom Mardi Gras mask with local instructors in Lake Charles. This hands-on workshop ties craft to regional Courir de Mardi Gras tradition—perfect for families, travelers, and anyone wanting a meaningful souvenir.
Spend two hours crafting a custom Mardi Gras mask with local instructors in Lake Charles. This hands-on workshop ties craft to regional Courir de Mardi Gras tradition—perfect for families, travelers, and anyone wanting a meaningful souvenir.
Book with Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Imperial Calcasieu Museum · Lake Charles, Louisiana
The Courir de Mardi Gras Mask Workshop in Lake Charles, Louisiana, turns a centuries-old Cajun celebration into a hands-on studio session. Located in Lake Charles, this two-hour class invites makers of all levels to build a wearable keepsake while learning the local traditions behind Mardi Gras. The Museum's exhibit 'The Black History of Mardi Gras' provides historical context; instructors Ashley Royer and Abby Brumett lead step-by-step demonstrations from base form to final flourish.
Participants begin with a blank mask from the crafting bar and a palette of feathers, trims, paints, and found trimmings. Hot glue guns are used for structure and secure embellishment; younger attendees should expect parental assistance with hot tools. The session covers basic structural techniques, color choices that read well in daylight and under parade lights, and simple fastening methods so masks travel well. Materials are provided and the completed mask is yours to take home.
What sets this workshop apart is how it ties a creative moment to a living local ritual. Courir de Mardi Gras is a rural Cajun run traditionally marked by homemade masks, capes, and communal food—this class gives visitors a direct way to participate while learning from locals deeply involved in preserving the custom. The Museum's accessible layout means stroller and wheelchair users can join, and the modest two-hour duration fits into touring schedules alongside Lake Charles's other cultural sites.
Practical details: the workshop is family-friendly for ages eight and up, limited to roughly ten participants, and priced affordably (with a member discount). Dress for mess and be prepared for glue work. Because masks are three-dimensional objects, allow time for paint and glue to set if you plan to carry your piece on a flight.
Nearby, Lake Charles offers creole and Cajun dining, waterfront parks, and historic streets worth exploring after class. For visitors who want deeper context, ask instructors about regional mask styles and the historic role of handmade costumes in community festivals.
This workshop is ideal for travelers who want a tactile souvenir, families seeking a short cultural activity, and anyone interested in craft as cultural preservation. It's also a smart stop if you're visiting during Mardi Gras season and want a custom piece for a run or parade. Whether you keep your mask on a wall or in a parade, the Courir de Mardi Gras Mask Workshop provides an approachable, grounded way to learn a local art form and take home something made with your own hands. Sessions are scheduled regularly during festival season and by special arrangement; check the Museum's schedule and book early—small groups fill fast, especially around February and local parade weekends when demand spikes and materials inventories are limited. Bring a small bag for drying.
easy.
2 hours.
Light: standing and seated craft work; minimal mobility required
The workshop is suitable for ages 8 and up; younger children should have a guardian assist with hot glue tools.
Yes—masks and crafting materials are provided as part of the class fee and you take your finished mask home.
Yes—the Museum's space is stroller and wheelchair accessible according to the listing.
Allow extra time for paint and glue to cure; bring a small bag or box if you plan to fly the same day.
No—this is beginner friendly and instructors guide each step of the process.
Check the booking page via the referral link provided for current cancellation and refund policies.
Courir de Mardi Gras is a rural Cajun run historically centered on homemade masks, capes, and communal food—this workshop connects visitors directly to that tradition.
Bring reusable trims when possible and dispose of adhesive waste in designated bins; instructors use shared materials to limit single-use packaging.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and creative traditions of Southwest Louisiana. The museum presents rotating exhibits, community programs, and special events that highlight local heritage and visual arts. Programming ranges from family-focused experiences to seasonal public events staged under the museum’s historic Sallier Oak, a landmark setting that connects visitors with regional stories. The museum’s events include signature experiences such as Lighting of the Oak: SPIRITS, held on October 23. That evening combines storytelling by local historian Adley Cormier, immersive performances by roaming interpreters, and support for the museum’s nonprofit mission. Another public offering is the Kidz Birthday Party program, which provides a guided painting session, a curated museum tour, and free playtime, with cleanup handled by staff to simplify planning for families. These programs are designed to engage children and adults with hands-on art-making and local history. Imperial Calcasieu Museum partners with regional artists, historians, and community organizations to maintain programming that is both educational and welcoming. The museum’s nonprofit status and reliance on community support underscore a commitment to access and preservation. Visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences in Lake Charles will find museum events that prioritize storytelling, creative participation, and the unique traditions of Southwest Louisiana. As a civic resource in Lake Charles, the museum maintains regular hours, hosts community-driven exhibitions, and documents regional stories through collections, educational outreach, and event programming that reflect local identity and support cultural tourism in Southwest Louisiana.
Book with Imperial Calcasieu Museum