Get ready for a Mardi Gras weekend full of family fun with our curated guide to the best family-friendly things to do in Baton Rouge and beyond. Dive into the heart of Mardi Gras with a Mardi Gras Parade, a bustling Night Market, the dynamic Lion Dance, or a scenic Mardi Gras Boat Parade. These highlights, along with traditional parades, vibrant live music, and exciting bead-catching moments, promise a weekend brimming with fun.
Events are subject to change, so please be sure to check that events are as scheduled before heading out.
WEEKEND PLANNER
THINGS TO DO IN BATON ROUGE
Events are subject to change, so please be sure to check that events are as scheduled before heading out.
Things To Do in Baton Rouge This Weekend
Krewe of Southdowns
Friday, February 9th, 7 PM
Southdowns Neighborhood
Attendees are asked not to park on the parade route itself.
Off-route parking will be available.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Night Market BTR
Saturday, February 9th, 6 PM – 9 PM
North Boulevard Town Square
Feast of Flavors: Prepare for a culinary journey featuring street food dishes prepared by AAPI restaurants across Louisiana! Our market becomes a haven for food lovers, featuring an incredible lineup of vendors serving up authentic and fusion dishes to celebrate the Lunar New Year.Em’s Bakery
Mlem Mlem
Okki Tokki
Deaux Bros & Miso Smokey
Chai Thai Lao
VSOUL (Vietnamese Student Association at UL)
Saigon Noodles
Lufu Nola
Nori Guys
Chocolate Bijoux
BBXO Bakery, LLC
Nola Noods, LLC
Tiger Pho
City Roots Coffee
Oppa Korean Fried Chicken
Nola Cane Juice
Taste Bubble Tea & Korean
MicroPharms
Boba Partea
Off Seat Smoker
Phat So LLC
Seoul of Philly
Kung Fu Tea
Sushi Iku
Chasing Wang
Unique Shopping Experience: Explore a marketplace filled with local crafts, hand-made goods, and artistic creations, perfect for Lunar New Year gifts and souvenirs.
Live Entertainment: Get swept away by vibrant performances that blend traditional and contemporary music and dance, adding to the Lunar New Year cheer.
A Night of Lights: As dusk settles, the market transforms into a magical scene with lanterns and lights, symbolizing luck and fortune for the new year.
Family-Friendly Fun: This is a perfect outing for families to learn about, celebrate, and enjoy the traditions of Lunar New Year.
Mardi Gras Festival
February 10, 10:00am to 7:00pm
North Blvd Town Square
Town Lawn Stage
Downtown Baton Rouge
Annual Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival featuring live music, art, fashion, & food held in N Blvd Town Square, Baton Rouge, LA.
I Heart My Zoo Day at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
Saturday, Feb. 10th
9:30am–5:00pm
Baton Rouge Zoo
Attention all zoo lovers! Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo on Saturday, February 10th, for I Heart My Zoo Day and you can make a Valentine for your favorite Zoo animal! 
Regular admission rates and hours apply.
Lunar New Year Lion Dance
Saturday, Feb. 10th
10 AM–11 AM
Bao Vietnamese Kitchen 8342 Perkins Road
Attention all zoo lovers! Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo on Saturday, February 10th, for I Heart My Zoo Day and you can make a Valentine for your favorite Zoo animal! Regular admission rates and hours apply.
LSU AgCenter Livestock Show
Saturday, Feb. 10th 4 PM – Feb. 17th 1 PM
Lamar Dixon Expo Center
Kroux of Barkus/Bark in the Park – Walker
Saturday, February 10th, 10 AM – 2 PM
Pet Registration: 10:30am
Zumba Demostration with Ztime: 10:30am
Pet Parade: 11am
Live Music with the Cajun Roots Band: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Port Allen
Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks
Sunday, February 11th at 12 PM
The west side’s only nighttime parade. Lighted throws, street parties, family fun! The 39th 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.
Vinh Phat Lunar New Year Lion Dance
Sunday, Feb. 11th
9:30am
Vinh Phat Market 12351 Florida BLVD
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Attention all zoo lovers! Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo on Saturday, February 10th, for I Heart My Zoo Day and you can make a Valentine for your favorite Zoo animal! Regular admission rates and hours apply.