Friday night concerts and the Toyota Tailgate Experience bring two days of free entertainment to McNeese football weekends
LAKE CHARLES, La. (Aug. 6, 2026) — The Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Party will return for its sixth season with six free Friday night concerts before McNeese home football games, followed by the Toyota Tailgate Experience on game day.
The season begins Aug. 28 with Grammy Award winner and Louisiana music legend Wayne Toups performing inside Townsley Law Arena. The remaining concerts will take place under the oaks at Alumni Grove next to the Robert Noland Alumni Pavilion.
Gates open at 6 p.m., and music begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Fans may bring lawn chairs and ice chests, and a food truck village will offer food and drinks for purchase.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Tarvers for the Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Parties on Friday nights before our home football games. This event has become a much anticipated expectation for our fan base, 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!” — Matt Fontenot, McNeese deputy athletic director and McNeese Athletic Foundation executive director
“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. These free events bring people together, showcase incredible live music and create the hometown atmosphere that makes McNeese so special.” — Corey Tarver, general manager of Lake Charles Toyota
The celebration continues before each home game at the Lake Charles Toyota Tailgate Experience, located on the east side of Cowboy Stadium and free to the public. The Doc Wilder Trio sets the game day soundtrack, while the Lake Charles Toyota Giveback Grill serves some of the best tailgate food in the FCS. Inflatable jumps provide additional fun for children, making the tailgate a welcoming destination for Cowboy fans of all ages.
Family owned and operated by the Tarver family, Lake Charles Toyota serves drivers across Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas with new Toyota vehicles, quality preowned cars, trucks and SUVs, and an experience rooted in hospitality, honesty and transparency.
Community is at the heart of the dealership’s mission. Through its partnership with McNeese Athletics and support of local schools, nonprofits and community events, Lake Charles Toyota proudly invests in the people and places that make Southwest Louisiana home.
Learn more at www.lakecharlestoyota.com or follow Lake Charles Toyota on social media.
Media Contact
Scott Waldrop
Lake Charles Toyota
Phone: (337) 478-3511
Email: swaldrop@lakecharlestoyota.com
Website: www.lakecharlestoyota.com
