Looking for family-friendly activities in Baton Rouge this weekend? With Mardi Gras celebrations in full swing, this is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s vibrant parades, music, and festivities! From the family-friendly Krewe of Southdowns to 225 Fest, there’s something for everyone to experience the magic of Carnival season. Alongside the parades, check out other fun events happening around town. Here’s your guide to a beautiful weekend:
Weather Forecast:
- Saturday, March 1: Sunny with a high of 75°F and a low of 46°F
- Sunday, March 2: Sunny with a high of 68°F and a low of 46°F
Baton Rouge Weekend Planner:
Krewe of Southdowns Parade
Friday 28th – 7:00 PM
Location: Southdowns Neighborhood
Details: Embark on a wild safari with us on February 28th, 2025, rain or shine, in the Southdowns neighborhood for our 38th annual parade. Children and pets are welcome.
Attendees are asked not to park on the parade route itself.
Off-route parking will be available.
Train Day at the Library
Saturday, March 1st- 9 am – 4 pm

Location: Main Library at Goodwood
Details: All aboard! EBRPL, Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders/Old Hickory Train Museum, and TCA Louisiana Chapter invite your family to Train Day at the Library on Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Main Library at Goodwood. Join the library for an exciting day of operating model trains, including Thomas and Friends and toy train classics; LEGO displays; model and toy train vendors; a train set raffle; door prizes and more!
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival
Saturday, March 1st, 10am – 7 pm
Location: 200 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Details: Festival Highlights:
• Live performances from local bands, including headliner Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor
• Vendor Village featuring art, crafts, and delicious Louisiana cuisine
• Art exhibits and family-friendly entertainment
Additional Festivals by This Team:
• Baton Rouge Soul Food Fest
• Baton Rouge Neighborhood Fest
• Taste of the Deep South
Experience Baton Rouge’s Mardi Gras spirit!
Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks
Sunday, March 2nd, 1 PM
Details: The west side’s only nighttime parade. Lighted throws, street parties, family fun! The 40th Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks Mardi Gras parade will begin and end at the corner of the LA-1 Service Rd and Oaks Ave. The parade route is as follows: east on Oaks Ave to Jefferson Ave, north on Jefferson Ave to Court St, west on Court St to Sixth St, north on Sixth St to Louisiana Ave, east on Louisiana Ave to Jefferson Ave, south on Jefferson Ave to Oaks Ave, west on Oaks Ave to LA-1 Service Rd.
225 Fest
Sunday, March 2nd, 10am – 6pm
Location: Baton Rouge Community College
Details: 225Fest, the premier celebration of Baton Rouge culture, emerged from the annual 225Day, a social media phenomenon that celebrated the food, music, memes, and memories associated with the iconic Baton Rouge area code, 225. In 2022, 225Fest Founder Myra N. Richardson united various leaders and organizations to champion culture in the capital region, aiming to boost morale and reshape the narrative about the beloved city.
Krewe of Shenandoah Mardi Gras Parade 2025
Monday, March 3rd, 6:30 PM
Join the inaugural Krewe of Shenandoah parade! This is a family-friendly event for everyone!
With such a variety of events, there’s something for every family member to enjoy this weekend in Baton Rouge. Have a fantastic weekend filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit!