Settled at the epicenter of arts and entertainment, the Residences at Rivermark provides the perfect home to easily experience Louisiana’s vibrant celebrations and rich culture. No matter the season, downtown Baton Rouge stays booked with a wide variety of festivals and exciting events – all within walking distance of the Residences at Rivermark. Check out what festivals and celebrations prime location can provide you!
Mardi Gras
Make Mardi Gras commute free and get the most out of the season with downtown’s unique array of festive parades. From the city’s largest parade, Krewe of Spanish Town, to floats focused on our four-legged friends, CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts, the downtown Mardi Gras scene has events for people of all ages. With the parades and parties all within walking distance, enjoy festive floats without ever having to drive.
Blues Festival
Celebrate Baton Rouge’s rich music scene and history with downtown’s annual Blues Festival. Enjoy live music, food, art and activities in and around Rhorer Plaza, North Boulevard and Lafayette Streets. Each year, the scheduled performances include a range of artists from those that are internationally recognized to local blues legends.
Soul Food Festival
Louisiana’s famous for its food, so of course there are family-friendly festivals dedicated to the state’s iconic dishes. Celebrating locally beloved cuisine, the Soul Food Festival sets the stage for Louisiana locals and surrounding communities to show off their soul food cooking skills and showcase their talents in the entertainment and arts and crafts fields. Festival-goers can enjoy live entertainment, a kid-friendly environment and soul food like no other.
Festival of Lights
One of the best ways to celebrate the holidays is through traditions – and Baton Rouge’s oldest tradition can be found downtown at North Boulevard Town Square. Watch the southern city scene transform into a winter wonderland with the Festival of Lights. The holiday event showcases the lighting of a 35-foot Christmas tree, fireworks and endless family activities, like free ice skating, live entertainment and more. The festival also features a Snow Village with 10 tons of real snow and Santa Claus himself.
Red Stick Revelry
Ring in the New Year downtown at the annual Red Stick Revelry! As Baton Rouge’s official New Year’s celebration, the free festival features entertainment throughout the night, including live music, fireworks over the Mississippi and a countdown to the New Year with the drop of a custom-designed, LED-lighted Red Stick on top of the Town Square Beacon at midnight.
Louisiana Marathon
Get your running shoes on and your heart rate up for the Louisiana Marathon! The two-day-long runners’ event includes the full marathon, half marathon, quarter marathon, 5K and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana’s Kid’s Marathon. Check out race details and registration! Consider yourself more of a spectator than a runner? Join friends and family along the course in various spots to cheer on the runners!
As a USAT&F Certified course and an official Boston Qualifier route, the Louisiana Full Marathon boasts one of the highest BQ rates of all marathons since it features a fast, flat, runner-friendly path through the lakes, along the river, around downtown, on the university campus and through historic neighborhoods.
Live After Five
Baton Rouge’s most popular, free community event is just a short walk away! Enjoy outdoor live music, food, drinks and shopping with downtown’s Live After Five! The Downtown Business Association hosts the concert series each Spring and Fall on Fridays at the Rhorer Plaza, featuring performances from artists of various genres of music. From country and rock to brass and funk, there’s something for everyone!
Sunday in the Park
Held each Fall and Spring in downtown Baton Rouge at the Shaw Center for the Arts Plaza, Sunday in the Park is another free series celebrating community and enjoying music from across Louisiana in a fun, family-friendly environment.
Holi Festival
Sometimes called the “festival of colors” or “festival of love,” Holi Fest originated in India. It is one of its most revered festivals, now celebrated in almost every part of the country. The Holi Festival of Baton Rouge is a unique festival of colors, harmony, friendship and love! Although an Indian festival, this event grows in popularity each year, attracting people from many different cultures and backgrounds in the South Louisiana community.
This event signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and for many, a festive day to unite: forgetting all resentments and bad feelings towards each other.
Ebb & Flow Festival
Celebrate the city’s kaleidoscopic mix of arts, culture and ecology all April long with the annual Ebb & Flow Festival. Inspired by the capital’s unique location on the Mississippi River, the festival celebrates artists, expands cultural understanding and promotes the collective economic and ecological connection to water and all things that ebb and flow.
Experience all that Baton Rouge has to offer, from corporate art battles and art markets to live performances and museum exhibitions with the Ebb & Flow Festival!
Oyster Festival
Seafood is a Louisiana specialty, and oysters take center stage with downtown’s annual Oyster Festival. Celebrate savory Cajun cuisine and the mother of mollusks – the oyster! Check out details from past Oyster Festivals.
Fourth of July Spectacular
Celebrate Independence Day with The USS KIDD’s Annual 4th of July Spectacular! Gather with friends and family to commemorate our nation’s independence while enjoying ice-cold drinks, delicious food, live musical performances and of course, fireworks!
Louisiana Book Festival
Downtown Baton Rouge transforms into a book lover’s paradise during its annual Louisiana Book Festival. Whether you’re a fan of mind-blowing mysteries, an avid cookbook collector or a poetry enthusiast, you can discover page-turners of all genres! Browse books, meet exceptional writers and check out workshops during the Louisiana Book Festival. This family-fun event includes programs for kids and teens, live music, and food and drink!
