LAKE CHARLES - The lineup for the 2026 Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Party has been announced, one that features a variety of music genres from Grammy Award artists and local musicians who are nationally recognized.
 
The free event which is held on Friday nights before Saturday home games at the Alumni Grove next to the Robert Noland Alumni Pavilion, is presented by Lake Charles Toyota and the McNeese Athletic Foundation. The first block party of the season on August 28, will take place inside the Townsley Law Arena and for the second straight year, will feature world renowned and Grammy Award winning artist Wayne Toups.
 
"We're excited to continue our partnership with the Tarver's for the Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Parties on Friday nights before our home football games," said Matt Fontenot, McNeese Deputy AD and MAF Executive Director. "This event has become a much-anticipated expectation for our fanbase, bringing together thousands of our fans, students, community members, and even opposing team fans who are visiting. This is a great way to kick off the football weekend!"
 
"Cowboy athletics and the Toyota Tailgate Experience have become part of the fabric of game day in Lake Charles, and we are proud to help kick off another season of Cowboy Block Party," said Corey Tarver, general manager of Lake Charles Toyota. "These free, family friendly events bring people together, showcase incredible live music and create the kind of hometown atmosphere that makes McNeese so special. For us, this partnership is about more than tailgating. It is about investing in the quality of life in Southwest Louisiana and celebrating the community we are grateful to call home."
 
"The LC Toyota Block Parties add to the value of our tailgate holders as well," Fontenot said. "With the block party on Friday nights, it gives them more of a reason to go set up at noon on Fridays instead of trickling in on Friday nights or Saturday mornings. This adds to the game day weekend and experience."
 
Gates will open at 6 p.m. with the bands taking the stage at 7. Fans are allowed to bring their lawn chairs and ice chests while food trucks will be on site to purchase food and drinks.
 
Following the Wayne Toups season-opening concert on Aug. 28, Lake Charles-based band The Flamethrowers will headline the September 4 block party. Chee Weez will perform on Sept. 11 then country music artist Dustin Sonnier will take the stage on Sept. 25. On Oct. 30, McNeese graduate and "Zydeco Boss" Keith Frank, a Grammy Award winner, will make his first-ever appearance at the Cowboy Block Party and LA ROXX will close out the lineup at the Nov. 20 block party.
 
2026 Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Party Lineup
Aug. 28            Wayne Toups
Sept. 4             The Flamethrowers
Sept. 11           Chee Weez
Sept. 25           Dustin Sonnier
Oct. 30            Keith Frank
Nov. 20            LA ROXX