Baton Rouge is known for having festivals year-round, but festival season really ramps up when spring rolls around. There’s a festival nearly every weekend for every interest you can think of – from food festivals to cultural celebrations. It can be hard to keep up with all that’s going on in the Capital City from March to July, so we’ve rounded up some can’t-miss festivals this season.
ROCK N ROWE LIVE MUSIC SERIES
Every Thursday from March 9 until April 27
Rock N Rowe is back at Perkins Rowe for the spring season! Grab your lawn chairs and dancing shoes because this live music series begins on March 9 and will be rockin’ the Town Square at Perkins Rowe every Thursday until April 27!
SUNDAY IN THE PARK
Every Sunday from April 2 until April 30, excluding Sunday, April 9
Presented by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, this spring series of Sunday in the Park kicks off on April 2 and runs until April 30, with the exception of April 9. Held at the Shaw Center for Arts plaza in downtown Baton Rouge, you’re going to want to make sure to add this free concert series to your Sunday Funday plans!
THE FLOWER FEST
Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 2
The Flower Fest celebrates the talent and ingenuity of floral artists through this collaborative event bringing together florists and other creatives in a spirit of camaraderie, fellowship and culture. Held at Pointe-Marie, This family-friendly festival has different options for all levels of flower lovers and philanthropists and includes a floral market, food trucks, an endless supply of selfie-worthy backdrops, plus the ability to watch these installations come to life right before your eyes. All profits of the festival and gala will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
EDIBLE BOOK FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 1
The Edible Book Festival is an international celebration of books, food, and bad puns, held on or around April Fools’ Day each year. Participants are invited to choose a book and create an edible representation of its title or a wordplay on its title. This event will be held at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m. and you're invited to view the bookish fare concocted to amuse, amaze, or, yes, even disgust onlookers and fellow participants. Vote for your favorites in categories such as Best in Show, Wittiest Wordplay, Least Appetizing and more!
LIVE AFTER FIVE CONCERT SERIES
Every Friday from April 14 until May 26, with the exception of Friday, May 12
Live After Five Concert Series is kicking off the spring series on April 14! Running each Friday evening until May 26 (with the exception of Friday, May 12), you can catch all the action at 5 p.m. in downtown Baton Rouge at Rhorer Plaza.
BATON ROUGE IMPROV FESTIVAL
Wednesday, April 19 – Saturday, April 22
The Baton Rouge Improv Festival is a multi-day festival filled with shows, workshops and fun, bringing people together to celebrate improv comedy. All tickets sales support teaching artists, and its mission is to bring joy and build community.
BATON ROUGE BLUES FESTIVAL
Friday, April 21 – Saturday, April 22
Being that Baton Rouge is home to the swamp blues, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival is one you don’t want to miss! Featuring an always impressive lineup with both locally known blues performances and internationally recognized musicians, this free festival is a favorite among locals and visitors and is full of activities and entertainment for everyone.
CRAWFISH KING COOK-OFF
Friday, May 5
Have your crawfish…? And eat it, too! The 9th Annual Crawfish King Cook-Off will be returning to downtown Baton Rouge in partnership with the Live After Five concert series on Friday, May 5. Benefitting the Junior Achievement and Big Buddy Program, bring an appetite, because tickets will get you all-you-can-eat crawfish and tons of vendors to sample from!
BATON ROUGE SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, May 21
The Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival is back and full of good eats for the entire family! This family-friendly event is free to the public and features blues, soul, R&B, gospel and Christian music, as well as a Vendor’s Village and soul food cooking contest.
