Looking for family-friendly things to do in Baton Rouge and around Southeast Louisiana this weekend? We’ve got you covered!

From FREE family events and farmers markets to reptiles, art, astronomy, live music and sensory-friendly play, there’s plenty happening around the Baton Rouge area August 21–23.

As always, event details can change, especially when weather is involved, so we recommend checking with the event organizer before heading out.

🌟 SPONSORED | Explore the Universe at Highland Road Park Observatory! 🔭✨

Looking for something a little out of this world? BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory offers year-round programs for youth, teens and adults, from hands-on Science Academy and STEM Expansion programs to Friday Night Lectures, solar viewing and family-friendly Saturday night telescope viewing! 🌙🪐 Whether you’ve got a budding astronomer or simply want a unique family night under the stars, there’s always something new to discover at the Observatory. 👉 Explore upcoming programs, dates & details:
https://www.brec.org/facility/HighlandRoadParkObservatory

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

🔭 Friday Night Lecture Series: The Martian Apparition

📅 Friday, August 21 | 7:30–8:30 PM
📍 Highland Road Park Observatory | 13800 Highland Road
💲 FREE
👨‍👩‍👧 Ages 14+

Mars is getting bigger and brighter! Head to Highland Road Park Observatory for this week’s Friday Night Lecture, “The Martian Apparition,” exploring the Red Planet as it rises earlier and heads toward opposition.

Details: https://www.brec.org/facility/HighlandRoadParkObservatory

🌌 Evening Sky Viewing

📅 Friday, August 21 | 8:30–10 PM
📍 Highland Road Park Observatory
💲 FREE
👨‍👩‍👧 Ages 6+
☁️ Weather permitting

Stick around after the lecture – or come just for the telescopes! HRPO’s professional telescopes will be open for public sky viewing, weather permitting.

Details: https://www.brec.org/facility/HighlandRoadParkObservatory

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

🥕 Red Stick Farmers Market

📅 Saturday, August 22 | 8 AM–Noon
📍 5th & Main Streets | Downtown Baton Rouge
💲 FREE admission

Start Saturday morning downtown shopping local! Find fresh Louisiana produce, seafood, meats, dairy, breads, baked goods, plants and more directly from local producers.

The Saturday market also features live music, children’s activities and cooking demonstrations and is held rain or shine.

Details: https://breada.org/

🪐 Science Academy: Saturn

📅 Saturday, August 22 | 10 AM–Noon
📍 Highland Road Park Observatory
💲 $5
👧 Ages 8–12

Calling all budding astronomers! This week’s Science Academy topic is SATURN. Kids will dive into astronomy through hands-on demonstrations, crafts and experiments designed especially for ages 8–12.

Each session stands alone, so children do not have to attend previous Science Academy programs.

Registration deadline is 4 PM Friday.

Details & Registration: https://www.brec.org/facility/HighlandRoadParkObservatory

🐍 HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show

One of the largest reptile and exotic pet shows in Louisiana returns to Gonzales with thousands of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates plus vendors, supplies and an educational section where families can get an up-close look at some fascinating creatures.

This one is indoors, too – a definite bonus during an August weekend!

Event Info: https://www.lamardixonexpocenter.com/

🎨 FREE Children’s Art Workshop: What the Fox Knows

📅 Saturday, August 22
⏰ Ages 4–6: 10:30–11:30 AM
⏰ Ages 7–12: Noon–1 PM
📍 West Baton Rouge Museum | 845 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen
💲 FREE
⚠️ Advance registration required

Children will create art inspired by the museum’s whimsical watercolor exhibition, What the Fox Knows.

All supplies are provided, but each workshop is limited to only 10 children, so advance registration is required.

Details: https://www.westbatonrougemuseum.com/

🏈 Sweet Baton Rouge Ultimate Tailgate

📅 Saturday, August 22 | Noon–7 PM
📍 Perkins Rowe | Baton Rouge
💲 FREE admission

Football season is almost here! 💜💛

Get ready for game day while shopping Louisiana makers and boutiques along the streets of Perkins Rowe. Look for game-day apparel, jewelry, accessories, crafts, tailgating goodies and more.

A fun stop for families who are ready to start getting excited about fall and football season!

Details: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/events/sweet-baton-rouge-ultimate-tailgate/

🎶 Scotland Saturdays

📅 Saturday, August 22
📍 Scotlandville Plaza | Baton Rouge
💲 FREE

Celebrate community at Scotland Saturdays!

This free, family-friendly summer event brings together live music, food vendors, local artisans and community organizations for an afternoon of fun in Scotlandville.

Bring a lawn chair, grab something to eat and enjoy the community atmosphere.

More Info: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/

🌌 Saturday Evening Sky Viewing

📅 Saturday, August 22 | 7:30–10 PM
📍 Highland Road Park Observatory
💲 FREE
👨‍👩‍👧 Ages 6+
☁️ Weather permitting

Saturday night is family night at the Observatory!

Look through HRPO’s professional telescopes to see the moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae and other objects visible in the Baton Rouge night sky.

Saturday family viewing may also include small science demonstrations and a marshmallow roast.

Details: https://www.brec.org/facility/HighlandRoadParkObservatory

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

🐍 HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show

📅 Sunday, August 23 | 10 AM–4 PM
📍 Lamar-Dixon Expo Center | Gonzales
💲 Adults $10 | Kids ages 5–12 $5 | Ages 4 & under FREE

Miss it Saturday? You’ve got another chance Sunday!

Explore thousands of reptiles, amphibians and exotic animals, meet knowledgeable exhibitors and visit the educational section for an up-close look at some seriously fascinating creatures.

Details: https://www.lamardixonexpocenter.com/

♿️ Play 4 All at Knock Knock Children’s Museum

📅 Sunday, August 23 | 4–6 PM
📍 Knock Knock Children’s Museum | 1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge
💲 FREE – Registration Required

Come experience sensory-friendly play at Knock Knock! 💙

Play 4 All is a special after-hours event designed for children with disabilities and special needs, along with their families, caregivers and therapists.

The museum is thoughtfully adapted with reduced lighting, lower noise levels, adaptive equipment and specially designed activities, creating a welcoming environment where every child can explore, play and learn throughout Knock Knock’s 18 Learning Zones.

The program was designed in collaboration with organizations including the Emerge Center, McMains Children’s Developmental Center and Blind Grace.

FREE, but space is limited — advance registration is required!

Register: https://knockknockmuseum.org/event/play4all/