Published Nov 4, 2026

Ways To Celebrate National Louisiana Day in Baton Rouge

National Louisiana Day falls on November 9, and there’s no better place to mark it than Baton Rouge.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, here’s how to celebrate the food, music, history, and culture that make this state one of a kind. After all, if you’re going to celebrate Louisiana, you might as well do it in the capital.

Tour the State Capitol Buildings

Louisiana was admitted into the Union on April 30, 1812, and Baton Rouge was incorporated shortly after in 1817. Dig into that history by visiting some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Old State Capitol, now home to the Museum of Political History, is a great starting point. From there, head to the tallest state capitol in the United States, currently open for tours while the observation deck remains closed for renovations. And if you want to go deeper on Louisiana history, culture, and industry, Capitol Park Museum is worth the stop.

Discover an Oyster Paradise

Here in Louisiana, the calendar revolves around what’s in season, and right now it’s all about oysters. November is prime time for fresh Louisiana oysters, and Baton Rouge has no shortage of spots to enjoy them. Drago’s is always a go-to, and Mike Anderson’s serves them classic, raw, fired up, Bienville, or in a po’boy. At Phil’s Oyster Bar, you can get them raw, charbroiled, or fried. However you take them, fresh Louisiana oysters in season are hard to beat.

Find Your Favorite Gumbo

Gumbo is Louisiana’s state cuisine for a reason, and Baton Rouge has some of the best bowls around. Dempsey’s is a multiple-time winner of Best Gumbo in Baton Rouge by 225 Magazine, and Parrain’s, The Chimes, and Rocco's are all solid picks too. Every spot puts its own spin on the dish, so there’s always a reason to try another bowl.

Enjoy a Beignet

No Louisiana Day is complete without the state doughnut. Beignets are a local staple, and Baton Rouge’s own Coffee Call is one of the most beloved spots in the state to get them. Hot, fluffy, and buried in powdered sugar, it’s the kind of treat worth making a stop for.

Feel the Blues

Baton Rouge has deep roots in the blues, shaped by legendary musicians like Slim Harpo and Lightnin’ Slim who helped put the city on the map as a blues hotspot. You can still catch that sound live at Phil Brady’s, the oldest blues bar in Baton Rouge, or head out to Teddy’s Juke Joint, which keeps the juke joint tradition going strong. And if you’re planning a return trip, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival each spring is worth the visit.