July in Baton Rouge is bursting with flavor, fun, and fireworks. From dazzling displays over the Mississippi River to celebrate the Fourth of July to special summertime menus at your favorite local restaurants, the Capital City is the place to be this season. Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth with a riverfront view or treating yourself during Summer Restaurant Week, there are endless ways to make this month memorable. So grab your sunglasses, rally your crew, and get ready to explore everything Baton Rouge has to offer this July.

Here’s your guide to what’s happening this month in Baton Rouge!

First Wednesday at Baton Rouge Gallery

Wednesday, July 2

Get a first look at Baton Rouge Gallery's latest exhibitions and art pieces at First Wednesday! With more than 70 of Baton Rouge's best emerging and established visual artists, this free sneak peek gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal with local art of all kinds. Enjoy live music, refreshments, and kick off the first Wednesday of the month at Baton Rouge Gallery!

Baton Rouge Rougarou Baseball

All month long

Heading out to a Baton Rouge Rougarou game in July is the ultimate summer night experience in Baton Rouge. The season heats up at Pete Goldsby Field with fireworks every Friday,  drink specials, and crowd‑pleasing promotions like Twos Day or dog‑friendly “Bark at the Park” nights. There’s nothing like the buzz of this summer collegiate league under the stadium lights, especially when the Rougarou are riding high on a late‑summer winning streak. Grab a hot dog, settle in, and let this hometown ballpark bring all the energy of summer right to your backyard. Check out their season schedule and make your plans to hit up a game!

Fireworks on the Mississippi

Friday, July 4

Experience the magic as fireworks illuminate the Baton Rouge sky this year! Secure a prime viewing spot along the riverfront to join in on the Capital City’s celebration of America’s independence with the annual WBRZ's Fireworks on the Mississippi. But that's not all — there are tons of events happening that lead up to the grand finale of fireworks along the river. Don't miss out on the celebrations! Check out our guide to celebrating the Fourth of July in Baton Rouge. 

Shop Local Markets

Every Saturday of the month: Fresh Fest at the Red Stick Farmers Market

1st Saturday Only: Baton Rouge Arts Market

Saturday, July 26: Local Pop Up Market

Stock up on fresh, seasonal produce and handcrafted goods while supporting local farmers and artisans. Stroll through the Red Stick Farmers Market, held in conjunction with the Baton Rouge Arts Market, and find unique art, jewelry, and home goods. All summer long at the farmers market, enjoy Fresh Fest – a celebration of the height of Louisiana’s agriculture season! This annual event highlights a different local agricultural product each week with cooking demonstrations from local chefs, food tastings, kids’ activities, live music, and more.

Later in the month, Local Pop-Up at Electric Depot showcases talented local creators—perfect for finding one-of-a-kind treasures!

First Free Sunday

Sunday, July 6

On the first Sunday of every month, you can enjoy free admission to local museums, offering the perfect opportunity to learn more about the state's art, history and culture. Make a plan to check all of these museums off your bucket list and see the unique exhibitions and installations each has to offer. Participating museums include Capitol Park Museum, Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Louisiana's Old Governor's Mansion, Louisiana's Old State Capitol, LSU Museum of Art, LSU Center for River Studies and Magnolia Mound.

BREC SUNSET PADDLE

Wednesday, July 9 & 23

Experience the serene beauty of a Louisiana sunset with BREC’s Sunset Paddle at Milford Wampold Memorial Park. Glide across the LSU Lakes during this 90-minute paddle that's perfect for all skill levels, whether you pick a single or tandem kayak. Spots fill up quickly, so register now before they're all gone!

(Neighbor) Hood Fest

Saturday, July 12

Celebrate community at the second annual (Neighbor) Hood Fest! From noon to 8:00 pm at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library on Goodwood, you can experience Baton Rouge's diverse neighborhoods, enjoy live music and watch captivating films with panel discussions. This family-friendly, free event also features a vendor’s village and food court. Don’t miss the pre-party on Thursday, July 10, from 7:00 pm to midnight at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, with tickets at $30 including a buffet. 

Sip & Shop at Perkins Rowe

Wednesday, July 16

Perkins Rowe’s Sip & Shop is back and better than ever on Wednesday, July 16 from 5–8 p.m.! Enjoy complimentary sips, in-store activations, and exclusive promos as you stroll through participating retailers. Pick up a BINGO card at Town Hall and get it stamped at each stop for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. The more BINGOs you complete, the more entries you earn!

Summer Restaurant Week

Monday, July 21 – Saturday, July 26

Order up, it's the summer edition of Restaurant Week! For this week only, enjoy 3-course meals in some of the best restaurants in town. With over 40 restaurants to choose from, reservations are highly recommended as spots are expected to fill up quickly. Don’t wait — reserve your tables now to ensure you don't miss out on this event! 

Can't get enough of Baton Rouge? Check out our complete calendar of events to plan your next adventure.