Free Things to Do in Baton Rouge

As Louisiana’s capital, Baton Rouge has everything from gorgeous parks to historical monuments and educational museums to fine dining and of course, our famed university. Whether you are visiting the city for vacation or live a short distance from the hustle and bustle of downtown, you can find tons of events, activities and festivals to attend for free in Baton Rouge, LA that will keep the whole family entertained.

If you want to save some cash, here are our favorite free things to do in the Red Stick City.

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Free Entertainment in Baton Rouge

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy world-class entertainment in Baton Rouge. Here are some free entertainment options to check out while in town, many of which are hosted by our own Louisiana State University:

• Swine Palace: Watch a production at Swine Palace, which is associated with LSU’s Department of Theatre. It’s a non-profit organization that holds various events throughout the year — a great way to experience theater and support LSU.
• Louisiana State University sports events: Attend free sports events throughout the year to support LSU athletes. Often, sports such as soccer and gymnastics are free compared to football, baseball and basketball games. You can grab a few snacks and enjoy the game.
• Live After Five: Listen to free concerts on Friday evenings during the spring and fall. In downtown Baton Rouge, you can celebrate the end of the workweek by singing and dancing — the Baton Rouge Downtown Development District hosts Live After Five.
• Movie night at Independence Park Theatre: Bring your kids to watch a free film series, often during October for Halloween.

Free Outdoor Adventures in Baton Rouge

The blue skies and bright Louisiana sunshine beckon locals and visitors alike into the great outdoors. These unique outdoor spaces are perfect for fresh air and exercise:

• North Sherwood Forest Community Park: This local gem boasts plenty of paths, fishing spots and playgrounds, making it a great escape for all ages.
• Blackwater Conservation Area: Take your children hiking or fishing at Blackwater’s two lakes. The conservation area has land set aside to protect wildlife and local habitats around Baton Rouge, LA.
• Highland Road Park Observatory: Spend a few hours at Highland Road Park Observatory where they have reflecting telescopes. You can attend free events such as solar, evening sky and planet viewing.
• Harrell’s Ferry Dog Park: Take your favorite four-legged friend for a stroll around the pond at this local treasure.
• Avery Island: Explore Avery Island, which is home to Jungle Gardens and TABASCO® tours. You can take a picnic to the island and walk around or choose to do a little more exploring.
• Louisiana State University Hilltop Arboretum: Acres of trees, flowers and shrubs overlook a breathtaking ravine. Plus, the arboretum often hosts free events throughout the year.
• University Lake: This tranquil spot on LSU grounds is a great place to stroll, bike or enjoy a picnic lunch. Locals and visitors alike enjoy this four-mile path. 
• BREC Parks: Local parks throughout East Baton Rouge Parish are lovely places to bring the family or get some work done outdoors.

Free Museums in Baton Rouge

Learn about Louisiana culture, art, science and history at a local museum. These interactive and educational settings are perfect for expanding your understanding of Baton Rouge and the Deep South. Plus, many museums in the city participate in Free First Sunday — no admission fee the first Sunday of every month. Here are some museums you will not want to miss: 

• Louisiana State University Museum of Art: Tour the LSU Museum of Art to see more than 6,500 pieces from around the world. The first Sunday of the month is free, so you can view one of the most extensive collections of art in the South ranging from sculptures and photographs to paintings.
• Arsenal Park and Old Arsenal Museum: Multiple flags have flown over Baton Rouge. Stroll the Capitol grounds and explore the city’s extensive military history.
• Louisiana Art and Science Museum: See the art and science galleries of the Louisiana Art and Science Museum for free the first Sunday of every month. You can also view their planetarium and attend their offered lectures, workshops, classes, camps and other programs. Some of their activities include stargazing and an annual gala with a temporary revolving art exhibit.
• Veterans Museum: View aircraft and the names of fallen Americans involved in WWII and other battles at the Veterans Museum. You can see the USS Kidd, which is a Fletcher-Class destroyer, the first Sunday of each month. The Veterans Museum is just one of several free Baton Rouge museums.
• Louisiana State Museum: Check out the history, culture and industry of Louisiana at the Louisiana State Museum. It consists of nine museums covering topics like the Civil War, slavery and civil liberties.
• Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum: Rural life defined Louisiana’s culture during the 18th and 19th centuries. This collection of artifacts and exhibits explores this vital aspect of the city’s history.
• Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science: Take time out of your day to visit LSU’s Museum of Natural Science. With more than a million insects, arthropod specimens and preserved animals, you can learn so much! The museum will also teach you about Louisiana Native Americans, Antarctica and the history of Mike the Tiger — LSU’s mascot!

Fun Stuff for Sports Fans to Do in Baton Rouge

As home to the main campus of Louisiana State University, the sports scene in Baton Rouge is always active. From football and basketball to local classes and sports fields, you’ll find some free sporting events when you’re in town:

• Louisiana State University Tiger Stadium: Lovingly nicknamed “Death Valley,” LSU’s football stadium can hold over 100,000 spectators and is one of the largest outdoor stadiums in the world.
• Mike the Tiger Habitat: Be sure to say “hi” to local legend Mike the tiger at the mascot’s 15,000-square-foot LSU habitat, complete with pond, plants and waterfall.
• Taste of Tiger Tailgating: Start your tailgating experience early and check out the Taste of Tiger Tailgating party where it’s all about LSU and LSU athletes. You’ll find local food, live entertainment and much more.
• LSU Homecoming: Join the Tigers in celebrating homecoming with tons of family events and activities all week. You can even choose to support the football team by attending the game, and you’ll be able to see LSU’s homecoming court.
• Alex Box Stadium: Named for an LSU outfielder killed in action during WWII, the stadium seats over 10,000 spectators.
• Martial arts: Kick it to new levels by watching a martial arts demonstration in Baton Rouge. Many instructors offer your first few classes free!

Investigate the History of Baton Rouge for Free

The Capital City has a rich and storied history that will fascinate you. The best way to learn about the past is to visit some free historical sites: 

• State Capitol: Watch legislatures in session at the state capitol in Baton Rouge and take the elevator to the 27th floor, where you can see across the city on the observation deck.
• Old Governor’s Mansion: Visit the Old Governor’s Mansion, built in 1930. Once known as “Louisiana’s White House,” it’s the headquarters of the Foundation of Historical Louisiana. It features furnishings and artifacts from nine governors, and you can tour the grand ballroom as well as see the crystal chandeliers and marble staircase.
• Old State Capitol: Fill your day in Baton Rouge with the stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture of the Old State Capitol. The historic building reopened in 1944 as the Museum of Political History, where it once housed the Louisiana Legislature from the mid-nineteenth century to the 1930s.
• Magnolia Mound Plantation: The French Creole architectural style defines this converted cottage, which displays the influences of the early settlers to Louisiana.

Fun Things for Kids to Do in Baton Rouge

Children are always ready for a long weekend or summer days, but when it comes down to it, they often find themselves bored

. Here are a few free activities you can do with your kiddos in Baton Rouge:

• Indian Mounds: The mounds are probably the most ancient spots in Baton Rouge. Today, kids love taking in views from the top or sliding down on cardboard sleds.

• Greenwood Community Park: From play structures and splash pads to lakeside adventures, there’s plenty to do and see at this local park.

• Pumpkin and strawberry patches: Local farms are a great place to pick fresh produce and enjoy a day of simple fun.
• Summer reading programs: Sign your kids up for a summer reading program, where they can set reading goals and record the books they complete. Once they turn in their log, your children can receive prizes and coupons. Libraries in Baton Rouge also offer storytime, plays, dance and music performances, crafts and interactive learning programs.
• Circle Bowl: Take your kids to Circle Bowl during the summer, where they receive two free games per day. Children up to age 15 bowl for free, and the event can turn into a fun day for the whole family.

Free Local Activities in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is a great place to stroll, relax and window shop. Here are some fre

e activities that will connect you with locals and give you a taste of the Baton Rouge of today:

• Red Stick Farmers Market: This open-air market brims with fresh veggies, fruits and seasonal foods. Come sample local produce and walk around to meet the locals.
• Downtown Baton Rouge: Explore downtown Baton Rouge for date night ideas or to see the various shops, entertainment venues and restaurants. At the bank of the Mississippi River, downtown has commercial, residential and entertainment spots.
• Tin Roof Brewery: Try fresh and local beer via a free tour at Tin Roof Brewery. It offers the finest American and European malts and five regular brews to choose from. They also produce seasonal brews — perfect for any beer enthusiast.
• Antique and gift shops: Explore Government Street in Baton Rouge to find various antique and gift shops. It’s always fun to look around and find things in an antique shop specific to the city.
• Art and crafts market: Come downtown to see different arts and crafts vendors at the market. The first Saturday of every month allows you to gander at diverse pieces.

Free Events and Festivals in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge boasts a thriving arts, culture and food scene. Every season, the city hosts unique festivals you won’t want to miss. You’ll have plenty of festivities to choose from. Free events are perfect for the family or to get out and about with your significant other or friends.

• Mardi Gras: Attend Baton Rouge Mardi Gras along with thousands of others to enjoy traditional floats, marching bands and dancing. You can’t go wrong by attending the celebration, as you can witness spectacular food and entertainment as well as fancy balls and costumes everyone will love.
• Patrick’s Day: Get ready to celebrate the Baton Rouge way for St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy the annual “Wearin’ of the Green” parade, where you can experience several parades, festivals and food items for a day full of fun and excitement.
• Blues Festival: Enjoy one of the oldest Blues festivals in the country and experience the influence of home-grown blues artists like Rudy Richard, Schoolboy Cleve and Silas Hogan.
• Red Stick Food Fest: Listen to live music, check out local restaurants, view various arts and crafts and check out activities for children at the Red Stick Food Fest. It’s an annual food festival that benefits the Louisiana Hospital Foundation.
• Earth Day: Support Mother Nature and celebrate Louisiana Earth Day in Baton Rouge. You can have fun while also learning through exhibits and hands-on activities. The day is also full of live entertainment and local cuisine.
• Festival of Lights: Join Baton Rouge in kicking off the Christmas and holiday season by attending the Festival of Lights. View Christmas décor, ride the train, visit Santa and see the snow village. At the end of the show, fireworks light up the sky during the tree lighting ceremony.
• Fourth of July: Celebrate the holiday in Baton Rouge with plenty of events and places to eat.
• Fried Chicken Festival: Enjoy this free outdoor festival, where you can taste delicious food, listen to music and take part in other festivities. You can also compete in eating contests!
• Voice of the Wetlands Festival: Attend this free, three-day outdoor music festival to raise awareness about the loss of Louisiana wetlands. Local artists and businesses realize how crucial it is to save their homes and Louisiana culture.

Where to Eat After a Day Full of Fun and Adventure

The Gregory is a go-to spot to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails after a fun-filled day in Baton Rouge. After exploring the city, viewing art galleries, playing in the park or checking out the culture of LSU, you deserve time to relax and enjoy a twist on classic Southern foods.

Located in downtown Baton Rouge, The Gregory is in the adjacent lobby of the Watermark hotel. We use local, fresh and organic ingredients at our restaurant and offer a full bar to help you unwind.

Make Reservations at The Gregory

Make a reservation at The Gregory for lunch or dinner. You can also contact us online with further questions about our dining experience or call 225-408-1800 to speak with a hostess.