One of the best things about visiting and living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is that there is so much to do – all year round! Below we are going to share a few of our favorite annual events that you must check out!
Baton Rouge Blues Festival
The Baton Rouge Blues Festival is one of the only free blues festivals left. Its held in the Spring and offers great local talent mixed with blues from around the globe. Speaking of local talent, the fans love the enthusiasm and talent from the local high school blues bands which can rival the main stage’s performers. The festival is presented by the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization striving to promote, preserve and celebrate the Baton Rouge blues culture and bring the best of Louisiana swamp blues music to the world.
Jambalaya Festival
While this festival is held annually in Downtown Gonzales, just a few minutes sound of Baton Rouge, we felt it was noteworthy to include on our list of great events this area hosts. The Jambalaya Festival features World Champion Jambalaya served daily, live music and entertainment, carnival rides, a cooking contest and a wide diverse variety of food. Plan to stop by this event on Memorial Day weekend.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
The wide open spaces just south of Baton Rouge is the location of the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival held every year in September. For those that are in the area and haven’t been to a hot air balloon festival, you are in for a treat. The three day festival consists of hot air balloon glows, live entertainment, great food, nightly fireworks shows, carnival rides and plenty of fun activities for children of all ages.
Festival of Lights
If you find yourself in beautiful Baton Rouge during holiday season, there is no better way to kick it off by enjoying the Festival of Lights. The city holds many joyous and fun activities for people of all ages. Just a few of the many activities during this one day include beautiful Christmas décor, a snow village, a magical train ride at the Old Governor’s Mansion, a visit from Santa at the Old State Capitol, Reindeer Fun Run and so much more! Gather with your friends and family as the magic lights up before your eyes with a fireworks show and the annual tree lighting ceremony in North Boulevard Town Square.
Red Stick Revelry
Ringing in the New Year is done a different way in Baton Rouge. Instead of watching the ball drop on TV, join the party in Downtown Baton Rouge to watch the Red Stick drop! People can to ring in the New Year downtown at the annual Red Stick Revelry with the drop of a custom designed, LED-lighted Red Stick on top of the Town Square Beacon at Midnight. Before the clock strikes 12, rock out to live entertainment with friends, family and friendly Baton Rouge locals!