Things to Do in Baton Rouge this July
July in Baton Rouge is hitting different this year, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.
The Capital City is going all out this month, from Fourth of July festivities and America 250 celebrations on the riverfront to free concerts, community festivals, and a summer edition of Baton Rouge Restaurant Week that gives you every excuse to finally try that spot you've been eyeing. Whether you're here for the fireworks, the food, or just the good vibes, July has something for everyone.
Here's what's happening in Baton Rouge this July.
America 250 on the River
Saturday, July 4 | 2-9pm
Celebrate the Fourth the Baton Rouge way with a free concert right on the Mississippi. America 250 on the River brings a stacked lineup to Repentance Park, with live performances from Amanda Shaw, Rockin Dopsie Jr., John Schneider, and Wayne Toups. It's a full afternoon and evening of live music marking 250 years of American history, and when the last set wraps up, you're already in the perfect spot for WBRZ's Fireworks on the Mississippi.
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
Saturday, July 11, 8 a.m. – Noon
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.
WBRZ's Fireworks on the Mississippi
Saturday, July 4 | 9pm
The grand finale of Baton Rouge's Fourth of July is always worth sticking around for. WBRZ's Fireworks on the Mississippi is an annual tradition that lights up the downtown sky right over the river. Grab a spot along the levee and watch the show, it's the perfect ending to a full day of music, food, and celebrating in the city.
First Free Sunday
Sunday, July 5
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.
America 250 Celebration at Highland Road Park
Sunday, July 5, 11am-3pm
Keep the holiday weekend going at Highland Road Park on Sunday. The City of St. George is hosting a free, family-friendly patriotic celebration in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Expect a full afternoon of history, music, food trucks, and activities, including a presentation on the Battle of Baton Rouge.
View Original Louisiana Purchase Document On Display
Now through July 11
This one is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so don't let it slip by. Through July 11, Louisiana's Old State Capitol is displaying the original Louisiana Purchase document signed by Napoleon Bonaparte, the deal that nearly doubled the size of the United States back in 1803. It's a rare piece of American and Louisiana history you can see right here in Baton Rouge, and time is running out to catch it.
Sip & Shop at Perkins Rowe
Wednesday, July 15 | 5-8pm
If you're looking for a reason to treat yourself mid-July, this is it. Stroll through Perkins Rowe, enjoy featured sips at participating retailers, and take advantage of exclusive promos and deals along the way. Grab a BINGO card at Town Hall, get stamped at each stop, and you could even walk away with a $500 shopping spree!
Scotland Saturdays
Saturday, July 18 & Saturday, July 25
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.
3rd Annual (Neighbor) Hood Festival
Saturday, July 18
This free festival is all about celebrating Baton Rouge's history and Louisiana's diverse cultural communities. Expect live music from Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor, Ervin Foster, King Solomon Willis, and more, plus a Vendor Village, food court, children's area, and a Hot Dog Eating Contest. There's also a film component this year showcasing Louisiana industries and adventure, with documentary screenings and filmmaker Q&As to follow.
Baton Rouge Summer Restaurant Week
Sunday, July 20 – Friday, July 25
One of the best weeks in Baton Rouge is back. Restaurant Week gives you the excuse to finally try that spot you've been eyeing, with prix-fixe menus at some of the city's best restaurants. Think three-course meals, appetizer through dessert, at prices that make it easy to go back more than once. Spots fill up fast, so make your reservations early and don't forget to ask for the Restaurant Week menu when you go! Find out which restaurants are participating below.
Can't get enough of Baton Rouge? Check out our complete calendar of events to plan your next adventure.
Hero Image Credit: Turner Avenue LLC
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