Things to Do in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do. We encourage you to make the most of your time in the city by exploring all that Baton Rouge has to offer.
Please note that these events are not held in conjunction with Spring Family Fling, and additional costs may be associated with these events. Visit visitbatonrouge.com and betterinbtr.com for lists of additional events and attractions.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Louisiana Red Beans & Rice Heritage and Music Festival
Louisiana's official statewide Red Beans and Rice Day is celebrated on March 22, established
by proclamation by former Governor John Bel Edwards to honor the iconic dish and its
cultural importance. Celebrate all weekend long at the Louisiana Red Beans & Rice
Heritage and Music Festival, featuring live music, local food vendors, and Louisiana
culture. Click here to learn more.
Location: Downtown Baton Rouge (various locations)
Dates: March 20-22
Southen Palette: Food & Drink Experience
The Friends of the LSU Museum of Art (LSUMOA) are thrilled to announce the launch
of the Southern Palette: Food & Drink Experience, the Museum’s new signature culinary
and cultural festival. Scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026, this inaugural celebration
will bring together award-winning chefs, rising culinary stars, and beverage makers
from across the South to showcase the region’s extraordinary flavors and creativity
— all in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge. Click here to learn more.
Location: LSU Museum of Art at Shaw Center for the Arts – 100 Lafayette Street, 5th
Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Cost: $50–$225
MUSEUMS & 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 Equestrian Center, a BREC Facility - 6400 River Rd; Baton Rouge,
LA 70820
Date: Saturday, March 21
Hours: 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 & Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays from 12 to 4 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: $16 for adults, $13 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.”
Location: Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette Street, 5th Floor, Baton Rouge,
LA 70801
Hours: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 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.
MARKETS
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.