Mardi Gras season is in full swing, and this weekend is packed with family-friendly fun across Baton Rouge and beyond! From storytime with swamp creatures and stargazing under the stars to parades, festivals, and LSU sports, there’s plenty of Things To Do in Baton Rouge This Weekend!
Weekend Weather
Friday: Mid to upper 70s, mostly cloudy
Saturday: 70s with a chance of rain or storms
Sunday: Low 70s with a chance of rain or storms
Monday: Mid 70s and mostly sunny
Event details can change due to weather or other circumstances. We always recommend checking with event hosts or official websites before heading out.
Things To Do in Baton Rouge This Weekend
Thursday, February 12
Storytime at the Swamp
📍 Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
🕐 10:00–10:30 AM
👶 Ages 2–5 (with an adult)
Details: A sweet midweek outing for little ones featuring themed stories, rhymes, and a chance to meet an education animal. This program is included with general admission and is perfect for curious preschoolers.
Learn more: brec.org/calendar/detail/storytime-at-the-swamp
Friday, February 13
Krewe of Southdowns Mardi Gras Parade
📍 Southdowns Neighborhood, Baton Rouge
🕖 7:00 PM | Rain or shine
Details: One of Baton Rouge’s most beloved neighborhood parades returns for its 39th year! Expect classic Mardi Gras charm, family-friendly vibes, and plenty of throws. Children and pets are welcome. Please do not park on the parade route; off-route parking will be available.
Hosted by: Krewe of Southdowns
More info: southdowns.org
LSU Women’s Gymnastics vs. Auburn
📍 Pete Maravich Assembly Center
🕢 7:45 PM
Details: Watch the Tigers take on Auburn in an exciting SEC showdown inside the PMAC. A high-energy night that’s fun for sports-loving families.
Saturday, February 14
Plus Night at Highland Road Park Observatory
📍 Highland Road Park Observatory
🕖 7:00–10:00 PM
Details: Go beyond standard sky viewing with a special Plus Night featuring unaided-eye sky tours, telescope viewing with filters, hands-on physical science demos, “birth stars,” and the always-popular marshmallow roast (weather permitting). Each Plus Night has a unique theme and is a favorite for curious kids and adults alike.
Learn more: brec.org/calendar/detail/plus-night
13th Annual Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival
📍 North Boulevard Town Square
🕙 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Details: This free, family-friendly festival features continuous live music across blues, soul, R&B, reggae, gospel, jazz, pop/rock, spoken word, and Mardi Gras Indians. Enjoy a Vendor Village, Food Court, and lawn seating (bring your chairs).
Bonus: The documentary We’re Going Down to the Mardi Gras will be screened at the River Center Library at 2:30, 3:30, and 5:00 PM.
Event: Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival
More info: batonrougemardigrasfestival.com
Friday – Sunday, February 13-15
Zachary Mardi Gras
📍 Zachary
Details: A grassroots, nonprofit Mardi Gras celebration focused on youth, health, and culture, serving the communities of Zachary, Baker, and Scotlandville. Expect a hometown feel and community pride throughout the weekend.
Sunday, February 15
Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks Mardi Gras Parade
📍 Port Allen
🕐 1:00 PM
Details: The parade begins and ends near LA-1 Service Road and Oaks Avenue and winds through Port Allen neighborhoods. 2026 Parade Theme: That’s Amore! Please come out and join us for this family friendly parade, Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 1 pm.
Monday, February 16
Krewe of Shenandoah Mardi Gras Parade
📍 Shenandoah
🕡 6:30 PM
Details: A neighborhood favorite rooted in community spirit. Look for mascot Dimples the golf ball, a fun nod to Shenandoah’s golf-course beginnings and a reminder of Mardi Gras traditions close to home.
Hosted by: Krewe of Shenandoah
All Weekend
LSU Baseball at Alex Box Stadium
📍 Alex Box Stadium
🕐 1:00 PM
💲 Ticketed event
Details: There’s nothing quite like LSU Baseball at The Box. With one of the best atmospheres in college baseball, passionate fans, and deep-rooted tradition, this is a classic Baton Rouge experience for sports fans of all ages.
Team: LSU Tigers baseball
Tickets & info: lsusports.net
Mardi Gras at the Museum
📍 Knock Knock Children’s Museum
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
💲 $10 members | $20 non-members | Children under 2 FREE
Details: Celebrate Lundi Gras with a kid-friendly Mardi Gras experience that highlights Louisiana’s rich culture in a fun, positive, and educational way. Families can enjoy special Mardi Gras activities including arts and crafts, mini king cake decorating, crawfish races, a collaborative community art project, and more.
Each session concludes with a festive second-line parade featuring the LSU School of Music Jazz Ensemble escorting guests out of the museum — the perfect Carnival celebration for little ones!
Please note: Knock Knock will be closed to the public on Tuesday, February 17th.
Whether you’re catching throws at a neighborhood parade, gazing at the stars, cheering on the Tigers, or soaking in the sounds of Mardi Gras season, this weekend is full of ways to make memories together.
Here’s to more connection, making memories, and always finding your fun. 💜💛💚
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