Whether it’s Crawfish season, Hurricane season, Hunting season, or Football season there is always something going on Downtown! Visitors and citizens can experience a wide variety of celebrations in the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District including concerts, parades, races, and festivals... all reflecting the vibrant culture and energy of Downtown Baton Rouge!
December 2026
Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition is transforming the winter sky into a wonderland. The Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 25-foot Christmas tree in North Boulevard Town Square. Enjoy free ice skating and play in six tons of real snow at the Snow Village. Learn More
December 31, 2026
Baton Rouge’s New Year’s celebration-Ring in the New Year Downtown by dropping a custom designed, LED-lighted Red Stick on top of the Town Square Beacon at the stroke of midnight. Before the countdown, rock out to LIVE music at The Crest, Baton Rouge’s newest stage in Galvez Plaza. Website
January 18-19, 2026
The Louisiana Marathon® celebrates the unique culture and lifestyle of the state with a passion for running. The event brings a nationally recognized running festival to the state capital, Baton Rouge. And with a multi-race format, there’s something for every runner: the kids, the couch-to-5Kers, and the serious long distance competitors. Website
12 Concerts (6 in Spring, 6 in Fall)
Live After Five in Downtown Baton Rouge is the Capital City’s premier FREE live, outdoor, music entertainment. Hosted by the Downtown Business Association, it takes place every spring and fall with various genres of music. The concert series is held yearly to entice people to visit and journey through downtown Baton Rouge. Website
AAPI Month Festival
One of downtown's largest festivals showcasing a wide variety of local, cultural food vendors and performers all honoring Asian American Heritage month!
April 17-18, 2026
The free-to-the-public, family-friendly festival will be held in April in downtown Baton Rouge. An impressive lineup of blues legends and newcomers will be featured. Website
Month of April
A month-long experience dedicated to celebrating Baton Rouge's unique intersection of arts, culture, and ecology.
July 4, 2026
The USS KIDD’s 4th of July Spectacular is the Annual Independence Day Celebration for friends and families gather to commemorate our nation’s independence while enjoying ice cold drinks, delicious food and a variety of musical performances, VIP viewing of the “Fireworks on the Mississippi” presented by WBRZ!
October 31, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana is proud to present the 13th edition of this free, world-class literary celebration. The Louisiana Book Festival is your chance to meet exceptional writers while enjoying book-related activities and presentations. Website
NOVEMBER 1, 2026
Cap City Beer Fest is hosted annually on the first Sunday of November. Cap City Beer Fest is organized by Companion Animal Alliance, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
All tickets include commemorative tasting glasses and unlimited 2 oz. samplings of unique regional, national, and international specialty craft brews. Tickets can be purchased in advance or upon entry. Ticket availability is not guaranteed upon entry, so get your tickets early!
Cap City Beer Fest is free to enter, but you must purchase a ticket to receive a wristband to participate in the brew sampling. Attendees must be over the age of 21 with proof of ID to receive their wristband upon entry. Only attendees with wristbands are permitted to consume alcohol.
Is it just beer?
NO! Aside from the unlimited brew samplings, Cap City Beer Fest offers food, fun, & more! We have a variety of food vendors including a variety of food options available for purchase. We also have lawn games available such as Giant Jenga, cornhole, and musical entertainment.
