Things to Do in Baton Rouge this August
Summer is winding down and before you know it, we'll be heading into fall.
But before we bid adieu to summer, Baton Rouge is closing out the season with a celebration of film at the Baton Rouge Irish Film Festival and the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival. If you're on the hunt for unique clothing and gifts, the arts market, Totally Rad Vintage Fest, and Sweet Baton Rouge Ultimate Tailgate will showcase local talent with plenty for you to choose from.
Here's what's happening in Baton Rouge this August.
16th Annual Baton Rouge Irish Film Festival
The Irish Film Festival has long showcased Irish feature films, short films, and documentaries created by Irish filmmakers or produced in Ireland. This year's festival kicks off on Saturday with a packed schedule, leading up to the reception with live music later in the evening. With day passes and single film screening tickets available for purchase, come celebrate Irish heritage and culture in downtown Baton Rouge.
2026 Capital Area Craft Trail
Sampling the best of Baton Rouge's brewery scene just got simpler. The Capital Area Craft Trail brings together the best of Baton Rouge’s breweries and distilleries, allowing you to sip your way through the city while also giving you the chance to discover something new along the way. Pick up a free passport at any of the participating businesses, collect a stamp at each location, and turn in your finished passport at your final stop to redeem for a prize.
Participating locations include:
- Cypress Coast Brewing
- Gilla Brewing Company
- Grain Creations Brewing Co.
- Laissez Versez Distillery
- Le Chien Brewing Company
- Oxbow Rum Distillery
- Rally Cap Brewing Co.
- What If Distillery
Shop Local Markets
Year–Round Farmers Markets
Thursdays: 8 a.m. – Noon
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Saturdays: 8 a.m. – Noon
Main Street Market
Seasonal Farmers Markets: April to June
Tuesdays: 3 – 6 p.m.
The Main Library at Goodwood
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – Noon
ExxonMobil YMCA
Baton Rouge Arts Market
First Saturday of the month
Downtown Baton Rouge at 5th and Main Streets
Stock up on fresh, seasonal produce and handcrafted goods while supporting local farmers and artisans. Stroll through the Red Stick Farmers Market, held in tandem with the Baton Rouge Arts Market, and find unique art, jewelry, and home goods.
First Free Sunday
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.
Scotland Saturdays
Celebrate community at this summer's edition of Scotland Saturdays at Scotlandville Plaza. This free, family-friendly series brings together live music, food vendors, local artisans, and community organizations. Pull up a lawn chair, grab a bite, and let the good vibes roll.
Sweet Baton Rouge® Ultimate Tailgate
There's no better way to usher in fall football season (we're less than one month away, btw) then with a tailgate! Shop game day apparel, crafts, and more at this year Ultimate Tailgate, hosted by Sweet Baton Rouge. Different makers will line the streets of Perkins Rowe in front of Barnes & Noble, giving you the opportunity to purchase purple and gold t-shirts, jewelry, and even jambalaya from the Jambalaya Cook-Off.
Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival
Lights, camera, ACTION: Baton Rouge's premier film festival is returning for its sophomore year! The Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival will screen nine length films, two extended short films, and 56 short film projects, highlighting independent film in Louisiana and across the globe. In addition to these screenings, BRUFF will host several panels and workshops, giving creators the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals. Get your passes and get ready for another incredible year of celebrating film.
Fête Rouge
The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society's 19th Annual Fête Rouge brings together top local chefs and a global wine selection for an evening that's equal parts delicious and meaningful. Sample standout dishes from over 25 of Baton Rouge's best restaurants, sip your way through tastings from around the world, and catch the live chef competition where local talent goes head-to-head for best dish honors and cash prizes. Get your tickets and get ready to be wined and dined!
The Ultimate End of Summer Bash
Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean we have to say goodbye in a bittersweet way. Celebrate the final days of summer at the Crowne Plaza's Ultimate End of Summer Bash with drinks, live music, and an outdoor feast fit for all. Whether you're renting a cabana or just there to catch live music, this is a finale you will not want to miss.
Totally Rad Vintage Fest
Score something nostalgically sweet at Totally Rad Vintage Fest, where you'll be able to browse clothing from the 80s all the way to the Y2K eras, unleash your inner child at the Free-Play Vintage Arcade, and marvel at aged tech at the Rad Relic Museum. It's the perfect place for a photo-op, so come ready to shop 'till you drop!
Can't get enough of Baton Rouge? Check out our complete calendar of events to plan your next adventure.
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