As winter fades and the azaleas burst into color, Louisiana’s capital city comes alive with a vibrant array of spring festivals that showcase the area’s rich culture, music, and culinary traditions. From festive Baton Rouge Mardi Gras celebrations to blues beats and crawfish feasts, the city offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Mardi Gras: February 15 – March 4, 2025
The spring festival season kicks off with a bang as Mardi Gras parades roll through the streets. Baton Rouge’s celebration offers a more laid-back alternative to New Orleans, with family-friendly parades featuring colorful floats, live music, and plenty of local flair.
225 Fest: March 1-2, 2025
225Fest offers an innovative festival experience that showcases local talent, craftsmanship, and flavors, allowing revelers to enjoy food trucks, live performances, an art walk, panel discussions, kids’ activities, and more.
Wearin’ of the Green: March 15, 2025
Don your shamrock-inspired apparel and embrace the luck of the Irish for the annual Baton Rouge St. Patrick’s Day parade, featuring marching bands, bagpipers, and colorful “krewes” parading down tree-lined streets.
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Heritage and Music Festival: March 21-23, 2025
This family-friendly weekend brings together chefs, home cooks, and food enthusiasts to showcase their best red beans and rice recipes alongside live music, a car and motorcycle show, a night market, energetic zydeco and line dancing, a Kid Zone, a parade, and more.
Crawfête: March 23, 2025
Enjoy all-you-can-eat boiled crawfish, creative crawfish dishes from top local chefs, live music, and a friendly competition for the best boil — all while supporting the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society. Grab your tickets here!
Holi Festival: March 30, 2025
Get ready for a burst of color, culture, and celebration at Repentance Park! The festival of colors returns, bringing joyful color throws, energetic live entertainment, and delicious food. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of Indian heritage this season!
The Flower Fest: April 5, 2025
Experience the best of spring at The Flower Fest, which offers food trucks, selfie-worthy backdrops, a floral market, and the chance to watch colorful floral installations come to life right before your eyes.
Baton Rouge Blues Fest: April 4-6, 2025
At one of the oldest blues festivals in the country, you can celebrate the unique Swamp Blues style that originated in Baton Rouge in the 1950s. This free, family-friendly live music event brings together musicians and music lovers from near and far.
Crawfish King Cook-Off: May 2, 2025
Spring in Baton Rouge wouldn’t be complete without indulging in local culinary traditions. For a truly tasty experience, make your way to this delicious fest that celebrates the region’s favorite crustacean in a lively cook-off competition.
Hot Art, Cool Nights: May 9, 2025
Art lovers won’t want to miss Hot Art, Cool Nights. This free event, organized by the Mid-City Merchants Association, spans a 2.5-mile stretch of Government Street, featuring original art, live music, and authentic eats.
Night Market BTR: May 10, 2025
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Night Market BTR! This open-air market showcases Asian culture with over 100 local vendors, tasty food trucks, live music, and fun for the whole family under the stars.
Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival: May 17-18, 2025
This judged culinary competition features entrees, side dishes, and desserts that showcase the South’s distinctive flavors. Here you can sample mouthwatering food, enjoy live performances of blues and soul music, and stroll the Vendor’s Village, which offers unique goods and crafts.
Live After Five: April 4, 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16
Baton Rouge’s premier live music event series returns each spring, inviting visitors and locals to jam out during free concerts in downtown Baton Rouge’s North Boulevard Town Square. Many local restaurants join in the celebration, offering specials guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Celebrate an Unforgettable Festival Season
From Mardi Gras to blues festivals, crawfish cook-offs, and art walks, Baton Rouge’s spring festival season offers something for everyone. Here you can delight in this eclectic city’s diverse cultural heritage and community spirit while enjoying incomparable experiences that will keep you coming back for more!