Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Mardi gras parades

Krewe of Artemis Parade
The Krewe of Artemis will roll through the streets of downtown Baton Rouge on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 7 p.m. Join the excited revelers as they line the parade route while joining in the festivities and experiencing Baton Rouge Mardi Gras… Artemis style!! Revelers will be treated with themed throws, along with footballs, light up tambourines, stuffed animals, float beads and lighted throws.

Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 7–9:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Baton Rouge - view the parade route here

Krewe of Orion Parade
The Krewe of Orion’s 26th annual Mardi Gras parade in downtown Baton Rouge will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Parade goers will be treated to a line of exciting, colorfully-lighted, and tractor-pulled floats. On the floats, masked and costumed riders will throw plenty of themed parade medallions, Krewe of Orion signature footballs, lighted throws, and beads. Marching bands, dance groups, and marching units (all of 20 members or more) will be among the great sights and sounds at this wonderful family-oriented parade.

Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 6:30–9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Baton Rouge - view the parade route here

Mid City Gras Parade
The parade will be rolling on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 1 p.m. down North Blvd. The parade typically lasts between 45 minutes to an 1 hour, and you will see krewes of all kinds: music, dance, performance, floats, walkers, skaters, cyclists, humans, and squirrels. Click here to learn more.

Date: Sunday, February 23
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Parade rolls straight down North Boulevard, beginning at 19th Street and ending at Baton Rouge Community College

POP-UPS AND MARKETS

Local Pop-Up Market
Local Pop-Up, organized by Local Supply, is a monthly market in Baton Rouge that connects Louisiana creators and makers directly with customers, celebrating all things local. Held on the last Saturday of each month at Electric Depot, the market features a diverse array of small-batch products, art, and crafts from local artisans.

Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Electric Depot - 1509 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Red Stick Farmers Market
Red Stick Farmers is an open-air, producer-only market, with over 50 member farmers and a variety of locally grown products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, artisan breads, homemade pies, honey, milk and cheese, native plants, herbs, and specialty food items. Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted. Red Stick Farmers Market has a no pet policy.

Location: 5th and Main Streets (Downtown Baton Rouge)
Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Museums and Attractions

Baton Rouge Zoo
Discover the animal kingdom at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. The adventure awaits those of all ages, so bring the entire family and visit with all the marvelous animals through walking paths, train rides, and up-close experiences.

Location: Through Greenwood Community Park located at 13350 Highway 19, Baker, LA 70714. When you reach the roundabout, take the first exit to enter the zoo at 3000 Zoo Circle.
Hours: Gates open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Zoo grounds close at 5 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults and teens, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for ages 2–12, and free for ages 1 and under

BREC's Guided Trail Horse Rides
BREC's Farr Park Equestrian center is proud to offer guided trail rides on select Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy a one-hour gentle ride through the park or in the indoor arena on one of the BREC horses. This fun activity is perfect for families, groups, and friends. Trail rides are by appointment only, and all riders must be at least 9 years old. Maximum 8 per ride time. Click here to learn more. 

Location: Farr Park Horse Activity Center, a BREC Facility - 6402 River Rd; Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Hours: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.
Cost: $50

Knock Knock Children’s Museum
Families and children of all backgrounds and experiences can interact and learn through play. The Knock Knock Children’s Museum is fill with hands-on, fun-filled interactive exhibits anchored in developing children through literacy skills while also expanding knowledge and raising interest in STEM subjects and careers.

Location: 1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
Hours: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $15 for all visitors over age 2

Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Join those at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum to meet with lifelong explorers inspired by art and science. Enjoy exhibitions, planetarium shows, hands-on galleries, interactive performances, and more. 

Location: 100 River Road South, Downtown Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Hours: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for children and senior citizens 

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, a Gothic architectural treasure, stands high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The 165-year-old statehouse has withstood war, fire, scandal, bitter debate, abandonment, and occasional fistfight. Today, the building stands as a testament to bold, inspired leadership and active citizenship. 

Location: 100 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Hours: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission for self-guided tour

LSU Museum of Art
Get inspired through collections, exhibitions, conservation, and education at the LSU Museum of Art. The museum “supports ambitious art outreach initiatives ranging from collaborative projects with local artists and LSU faculty and students to thriving primary and secondary school art programs.” Join the Louisiana Museum of Art on September 22 for the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day for free admission!

Location: Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette Street, 5th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Hours: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older. Free for children 12 and under and those with a University student ID.
**The first Sunday of every month is FREE admission.