Open Tuesdays - Sundays from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Showcasing the works of local and national artists, the Baton Rouge Gallery (BRG) provides a space where art lovers can come together to celebrate and appreciate the array of paintings, sculptures, multimedia pieces and installations on site. Be sure to plan a return visit to BRG, as the exhibitions change frequently. 

• Sundays@4 (Free Event Series) 
  • Ellen Aronofsky Cole (Artist Talk Event on Sunday, October 17 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.) Poet Ellen Aronofsky Cole presents her newest works from “Notes from the Dry County.” In this work, Ellen discusses life’s ending in poems that pull from myths, fairy tales, fantasy, pop culture and reality. Listen as Ellen talks about her experiences with a rare blood cancer, a bone marrow transplant that spared her life and the depression, anxiety, and vulnerability that comes with being a cancer survivor and woman in this world. 
  • Blake Sanz (Artist Talk Event on Sunday, October 24 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.) Blake Sanz will be delivering a special reading from his latest book, The Boundaries of Their Dwelling. Listen as Blake’s characters discover what it means to truly be alive through his story’s hilarious, painful and beautiful moments that ultimately reveal the truth of what it means to search for home, family, love and a place where one can fully be their true self. 
  • Louisiana Poet Laureate, John Warner Smith (Artist Talk Event on Sunday, November 7 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.) Named Louisiana’s Poet Laureate by Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019, John Warner Smith is the first African-American man to serve in this position. Among his many accomplishments, he has published four collections of poetry and was the winner of the 2019 Linda Hodge Bromberg Poetry Award. At BRG, Smith will host a special reading of works that span his career.

• October Exhibitions: Bryant/Goodell/Lee (Limited Time Exhibitions Open until Thursday, October 28)
  • Justin Tyler Bryant: Back to Black - Justin Tyler Bryant’s “Back to Black” exhibition sparks a conversation around Black representation by incorporating black into his paintings. He uses the ancient technique of fresco with contemporary imagery to create works that aren’t regulated by a white gaze. 
  • Rosemary Goodell: Improvisations - Coming from a family of musicians, Rosemary Goodell’s work uses the elements of line, color, shape, texture and value as her instruments to create one of a kind pieces. Each image is unique,representing personal experiences and feelings about certain places and entities. 
  • Haejung Lee: Namoo - Haejung Lee’s work emphasizes her love of being a mother to her son, Hayden, by the incorporation of his early childhood drawings into her work. While Jaejung admits to not using many colors in the past, this exhibition is full of many colors that are based around her son’s drawings. Her works strive to represent how much she loves him.
  • KINETICS: Baton Rouge's Premier Visual Art Auction (Limited Time Exhibition Open November 2 - 18; Virtual Auction Event on Friday, November 19) Celebrating the art of Baton Rouge, Kinetics returns this year with a virtual twist. This event allows art lovers to bid on over 30 original pieces of art from some of the local artists in the area. The virtual event will include close-up looks at these works. The bidding for each piece of work will open online at the beginning of the month, with each piece starting at $100. On November 19th, everyone will have a final chance to place a bid before the winners are announced!

• November Exhibitions: Alleyne/Dufour/Eggart/Oddlokken (Limited Time Exhibitions Open from November 23 - December 29; First Wednesday Opening Reception: Wednesday, December 1 from 6 p.m. -9 p.m.)
  • John Alleyne - Alleyne challenges representations of Blackness, masculinity and spaces of healing through his presentations of allegorical narratives through the use of spray paint and silk-screen collage. 
  • Paulo Dufour  - Inspired by glass and the arts since childhood, Paulo Dufour uses glass vessels to develop allegorical metaphors. His work suggests the struggle of where real conflict and myth evolve.
  • Mary Lee Eggart  - Mary Lee Eggart works in the drawing medium. In love with nature and animals from early on, her work provides a focus on avian wildlife and other natural forms through the use of colored pencil and watercolor designs.
  • Nonney Oddlokken - Visit BRG’s website for details on this upcoming exhibition.

Open Tuesdays - Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Visit the Capitol Park Museum to learn about the contributions Louisiana has made to our country. From Mardi Gras to jazz music to the agricultural industry, Louisiana’s lively culture is on display throughout the museum’s many exhibits. Although the Capitol Park Museum doesn’t participate in Free First Sundays, patrons can enjoy free admission every third Thursday of the month. 

• The Negro Motorist Green Book (Limited Time Exhibition Closing Sunday, November 14) 
  • This exhibition offers an immersive look at what mid-century U.S. travel was like for African Americans. Explore this unique collection of artifacts like postcards, business signs, historic footage, images and firsthand witness accounts. 

Open Wednesdays - Fridays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m, Sundays from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.)

Have your child engage in a fun, educational experience when you visit the Knock Knock Children's Museum. Full of engaging activities, this museum promotes learning through literacy, science, technology, engineering, art and math in ways that extend beyond the classroom.

• 4th Annual Duck Derby (Open to the Public Event on November 7 at 1 p.m.)
  • Get in on the fun at the Knock Knock Children’s Museum’s 4th Annual Duck Derby. Watch as thousands of colorful ducks race down Knock Knock’s Driveway, known as the Hill of Zoom. Adopt an individual duck for $5 each, or choose from one of the many duck adoption bundles. Come for the fun, and stay for the cash prizes. May the best duck win! 

Open Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. 

Channel your inner scientist when you visit the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM). Discover a newfound love of art, or explore what lies in the nighttime sky as you dive into the many exhibitions and presentations offered at LASM. 

• Saturday Stargazings in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium (Saturdays in October at 10 a.m.)
  • Shoot for the stars when you head over to LASM each Saturday in October! Learn about the stars and constellations in the Baton Rouge nighttime sky within the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium. Enjoy the presentation, and sit back after for a planetarium show that everyone will enjoy! 

Open Tuesdays - Fridays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m - 3 p.m.

A national, historic landmark of the state, the Louisiana Old State Capitol transports its visitors back in time for a unique Baton Rouge experience. Walk the halls of the Old State Capitol as you imagine what times must’ve been like when it was constructed in 1852. With exhibits and ticketed attractions that offer one-of-a-kind experiences, plan on spending an afternoon here to make the most of all this historic museum has to offer. 

• Spirits of Louisiana 2021 (Ticketed 21+ Event on Thursday, October 28 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)
  • Get dressed up and head to the Louisiana Old State Capitol for a night of festive libations at the 5th Annual Spirits of Louisiana. With catering provided by Heirloom Cuisine and tastings from local distilleries, you don’t want to miss this event, which also features music, games and raffles. Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets are $85.

• Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland (Limited Time Exhibition Closing October 21)
  • With its magnetic array of attractions, Coney Island has become a centerpoint in history for the explosion of American mass culture. This exhibit details the excitement of Coney Island for those in search of the American way of life. Artifacts, photographs, ephemera, film clips and hands-on interactives allow visitors to truly immerse themselves into the Coney Island experience.

• Louisiana's Lionhearted Ladies: Championing the Right to Vote (Limited Time Exhibition Closing December 17)
  • Travel back in time to meet all those who took a stand and continuously fought for women’s rights in the state of Louisiana.

• Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy (Limited Time Exhibition Open October 12 - December 17)
  • Produced by The National WWII Museum, this exhibit takes visitors on the journey that transformed the United States from being a country unprepared for war to a global sovereignty. Come explore how the United States hit a turning point during World War II that steered allies to victory. 

Open Tuesdays - Fridays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Built under governor Huey P. Long, the Louisiana Old Governor's Mansion now serves as a historic house museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop by for a tour of Louisiana's White House, and learn about Louisiana’s governors. 

• The First Ladies of the Old Governor’s Mansion (Limited Time Exhibition Closing January 1, 2022)
  • Explore the lives and impact of the Louisiana First Ladies who called this mansion their home between the years of 1930 to 1964. 

Open Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursdays & Fridays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The LSU Museum of Art is known for their unique and vast collection of art pieces from local, national and international artists. Take an afternoon to experience the culture and beauty!

• Candice Lin: The Agnotology of Tigers (Limited Time Exhibition Opening Wednesday, October 20)
  • This exhibit from Candice Lin features recent works based on archival images from LSU with a new configuration of Lin’s tobacco version of La Charada China. This exhibition is part of an annual collaboration featuring an LSU School of Art visiting artist. Opening Reception on Wednesday, October 20 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

• Free First Sunday: Form and Fire Tour (Free Event on Sunday, November 7 from 1 p.m - 5 p.m.)
  • The Museum of Art is taking part in Free First Sunday! Learn about ceramic works from the Form & Fire Exhibit tour at 2 p.m., and view all other current exhibitions while you are at it!

• Museum Store Sunday (Sale Event on Sunday, November 28 from 1 p.m .- 5 p.m.)
  • ​Holiday shopping? Enjoy 25% off one item (excluding sale items) at the LSU Museum of Art Store. Enter for the chance to win a household membership from the museum while you are there!

• LSU Museum Store Holiday Shopping Event (Sale Event on Friday, December 3 from 12 p.m .- 8 p.m.) 
  • The LSU Museum of Art hosts the 17th Annual Holiday Shopping Event. Get 20% off one item (excluding sale merchandise) and free gift wrapping for your items. While you are shopping, enter to win their raffle prizes!

Open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. to LSU staff, students and faculty members only.

The LSU Museum of Natural Science is back open for LSU staff, students and faculty members! Located on LSU’s campus, it is home to eight unique exhibits highlighting the ecosystems of Louisiana, a history of Mike the Tiger and Louisiana Native Americans.

• Fall 2021 Seminars (Free Seminars held every other Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the Main Gallery of Foster Hall)
  • Professors from the LSU community speak from their expertise about all things relating to science, from life cycles to new species! 
    • October 29: Dr. Arthur Porto
    • November 12: Dr. Anna Tigano (hosted via Zoom)
    • December 3: Dr. Angelo Soto- Centeno

• Special Saturdays (Monthly Children’s Event Series)
  • Every month, the LSU Museum of Natural Science hosts an event to promote STEM among children ages 5-12. The aim is to introduce children and their parents to the world of natural science by inviting experts from LSU to speak and conduct hands-on activities. See below for dates and topics. Due to COVID-19, Special Saturdays will be virtual. Register here.
    • November 6: Luis Santiago-Rosario - The Importance and Beauty of Insects
    • December 18: Jackson Roberts - Where Do All the Herps Go?

Open Mondays - Sundays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

When you visit the LSU Rural Life Museum, you might feel like you are stepping back into the 18th and 19th century in Louisiana! The Museum is dedicated to providing educational resources to illuminate what life was like for early settlers of this region.

• Zapp’s International Beerfest (Ticketed Event on Saturday, October 23 from 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
  • Love beer? Get the opportunity to taste over 200 foreign, domestic and home-brewed beers and ales at the Zapp’s International Beerfest hosted by the LSU Rural Life Museum. Must be 21+ to attend. Ticket prices vary.

• Haints, Haunts and Halloween (Ticketed Event on Sunday, October 31 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
  • Looking for a fall fest for your kiddos? Look no further! Immerse yourselves in an old-fashioned country fair at the LSU Rural Life Museum. It will feature cake walks, storytelling, games and trick-or-treating. Admission is $5.

• A Rural Life Christmas (Ticketed Event on Sunday, December 5 from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
  • Step into a 19th-century Louisiana winter wonderland at the LSU Rural Life Museum. Experience sights, sounds and stories as you walk through their replicated Christmas village!

Open Mondays - Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. 

Due to COVID-19, guided tours are currently limited to four visitors.

Magnolia Mound Plantation was once a 900-acre sugar plantation on the banks of the Mississippi River built in 1791. The home features original furniture, artwork and drapery unique to the time period. It now serves as a museum to educate people on plantation life in early Louisiana.

• Creole Mourning Customs Tour (Limited Time Tour Offering Available from October 19 - November 2)
  • Ever wondered about the mourning customs in Creole culture? Magnolia Mound is hosting tours depicting everything from how the house would have been decorated to the rituals and customs celebrated. This will be a non-scary educational tour that seeks to inform visitors about life in 19th century Louisiana.

• Creole Christmas + Holiday Fair (Open to the Public Event on Sunday, November 28 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
  • ​Hop into a Creole Christmas at Magnolia Mound! Experience traditional French and Spanish songs, demonstrations and an annual bonfire to welcome Papa Noel.

Unless otherwise stated, the ticket office is open Mondays - Fridays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Manship Theatre hosts some of the city’s best concerts, film screenings and comedy shows! Make it a date night or go on a family outing to any of these “can’t miss” events!

Comedy

• The Family Dinner Improv Comedy Show (Ticketed Event at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 29 and Friday, November 18) 
  • Rated R-ish due to improv content. Enjoy hilarious commentary on a Halloween classic, or settle in for a night of spontaneity. Come with no expectations because everything that this troupe has in store will blow you away!
    • Spoof Night! With The Addams Family on Friday, October 29
    • Improv Comedy Night on Friday, November 18 

Live Music

• Chris Hillman: An Evening of Stories and Songs Featuring Herb Pederson and John Jorgenson (Ticketed Event on Tuesday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.)
  • ​Enjoy a concert from the “Pioneer of Country Rock,” Chris Hillman!
• Tab Benoit’s Swampland Jam (Ticketed Event on Wednesday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m.) 
  • ​Tab Benoit takes the stage showing his Louisiana roots and rhythm with his blues tracks.
• Red Dragon Presents: Band of Heathens (Ticketed Event on Friday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m.) 
  • Americana Supergroup "Band of Heathens" returns to the Manship Theatre for a country-rock extravaganza!
• Peabo Bryson (Ticketed event on Sunday, November 21 at 7 p.m.) 
  • Join Peabo Bryson as he performs some of his most legendary songs, plus a new album titled “Stand For Love.”
• Red Dragon & Wylie World Music Present: Ray Wylie Hubbard in Concert (Ticketed Event on Friday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.)
  • ​Witness Ray Wylie Hubbard’s funky, fresh and real songs in person!
• Brian Shaw’s Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz (Ticketed Event from December 8-9 at 7:30 p.m.)
  • You won’t want to miss the 10th Annual Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz featuring Brian Shaw, Willis Delony, Fr. Greg Daigle, Sasha Masakowski, Bill Grimes and a 15-piece jazz ensemble for a beautiful evening of new arrangements and holiday favorites!
• Crystal Gale’s Holiday Show (Ticketed Event on Saturday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.)
  • Crystal Gale was ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 100 greatest country artists of all time, and she’s coming to Baton Rouge to perform her classic holiday show!
• 12th Annual Home for the Holidays (Ticketed Event on Tuesday, December 28 at 7:30 p.m.) 
  • Celebrate the holiday homecoming of Louisiana songwriters and artists with a night filled with joyful music and storytelling!

Film

• The Velvet Underground 2021 (Ticketed Event on Friday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.)
• Without Getting Killed or Caught 2021 (Ticketed Event on Thursday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m.)
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Ticketed Event on Friday, October 29 at 10:30 p.m.)
• The Nowhere Inn (Ticketed Event at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 and Friday, November 5)
• The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses (Ticketed Event on Sunday, November 14 at 2 p.m.)

Open Tuesdays - Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The West Baton Rouge Museum is home to exhibits dedicated to 19th-century living in Louisiana. Spanning across 6 acres, it was once a sugar plantation that is now dedicated to educating people about the history and reality of life in early Louisiana.

• Cajun French Music Association Open Jam (Free Live Music Event on the Third Sunday of Every Month from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.)
  • ​Join the Cajun French Music Association for singing, dancing and live music!
    • Sunday, October 17
    • Sunday, November 21 
    • Sunday, December 19

• Breed All About Us Lunchtime Lecture and Book Signing (Free Event on Wednesday, October 20 at 12 p.m.)
  • Join Yvonne Krumins (author) and Katherine Klimitas (illustrator) for a lecture and book signing of their book, “Breed All About Us.” The book features over 60 watercolor paintings of various dog breeds.

• Merry not Scary—Still Socially Distant—Halloween (Free Event on Friday, October 22 from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.)
  • Come in your costumes, and enjoy tricks and Halloween treats! After the trick or treating, join the WBR Museum for a showing of a family-friendly Halloween movie on the lawn.

• Evangeline: Evolution of an Icon (Limited Time Exhibition Closing Sunday, October 31)
  • Discover the evolution of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s character Evangeline, a young woman who he wrote about being separated from her fiance on their wedding day in Nova Scotia during the deportation of the Acadian people.

• 1968: A Folsom Redemption (Limited Time Exhibition Opening in November 2021)
  • This exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of Johnny Cash’s concerts at Folsom Prison. It will feature a collection of photographs and stories from one of America’s most beloved singers.

• Cafe Francais (Free Event Series on the First Friday of Every Month from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
  • Join French speakers of all levels for guided conversations and a yummy treat!
    • Friday, November 5
    • Friday, December 3

• Old Time Music Open Jam (Free Event Series on the Second Sunday of Every Month from 3 - 5 p.m.)
  • ​Do you play an acoustic instrument? Join in at the museum to play or listen to old time country, bluegrass, Cajun and folk tunes!
    • Sunday, November 14
    • Sunday, December 12

• Places People Remember: Selected Drawings by Stan Routh (Limited Time Exhibition Closing in December 2021)
  • ​This exhibit features watercolors and drawings by local artist Stan Routh.