Events in Baton Rouge today

Discover an immersive visual and audio experience at the Gallery at Manship, located in the loft above the Manship Theatre bar within the Jones Walker Foyer. Admission is free during standard Shaw Center for the Arts building hours, unless the space is reserved for a private event. The Monsters We Sometimes Become features visual artist Nathaniel A.J. Landry with original scores by Monoblack, presenting artworks that each carry a bespoke soundscape to guide the journey. The exhibition explores emotion, identity, transformation, and vulnerability, encouraging quiet reflection and a deeply felt encounter with the work. Shaped by an interdisciplinary collective curated by Ellemnop.Art, the project brings together Landry, gallery curator and creative engineer Keidrick Alford, and designer and audio composer Monoblack. Through the fusion of visual storytelling, spatial design, and cinematic sound, the team examines the masks people wear, the roles they inherit, and the inner struggles that surface while striving to become whole.

Bring a plant to share and take home a different one. This free swap features seeds, rhizomes, bulbs, and rooted plants. It is held in coordination with the Botanical Gardens plant sale.

This farmers market highlights locally sourced goods such as fresh vegetables and fruit, dairy and cheeses, eggs, breads, meats, seafood, plants, baked goods, prepared meals, goat milk soaps, and more. Visitors can also enjoy live music, kids activities, and cooking demonstrations while they browse. The market operates year-round, rain or shine. If the weather is dreary, it shifts indoors so the experience can continue comfortably.

Enjoy open play pickleball at Electric Pickle. Players of all experience levels are welcome. The cost is $5, and Electric Club members play at no charge.

Volunteer shifts run about three hours, with flexibility to arrive and leave as needed. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to learn and be part of a community. Please complete the volunteer form before arriving, and you only need to do this once. Sunscreen and bug spray will be available. Bring gloves, water, a hat, and a snack to stay energized. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for a working garden, and be ready to get a little dirty.

The Cover Kid Event 2026 is a one-day kids’ interview event where judges choose the children who may appear in the pages of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. Kids ages 2 to 17 can participate, and there is no dress code, so children can wear whatever helps them feel comfortable and confident. Families will select an interview time for their child, the judges will do a quick chat, and participants are told right after whether they have a call back. If there’s a call back, families return at the scheduled time for one more look before the final selections are made.

Enjoy a free foam-blaster experience with a mix of team-based and solo game modes designed for ages 8 and up. Eye protection is required, and loaner eyewear is available if needed. Participants may bring a NERF blaster, or borrow a loaner blaster with ammo for the Casual FPS rounds. Casual game modes are open to ages 8+, while the High FPS game mode is limited to ages 14+.

This one hour intuitive movement session focuses on releasing stuck energy and inviting fresh, restorative energy. Randi, a certified and experienced facilitator, guides the group to encourage connection with body and spirit. Participants do not need to bring anything, as the experience is fully guided. The fee is $25 per person.

Join local authors Dr. Terri Whitley Jackson and Myra Lowe for an in-store book signing. Come meet the authors and get your copies signed for Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: What is Bipolar Disorder? and Well Within: A 40 Day Faith and Wellness Reset.

Beyond the Backpack is a community program at the Main Library at Goodwood that centers on practical help for students experiencing anxiety, ADHD, or learning disabilities and for the adults who support them, including parents, educators, counselors, social workers, and advocates. Attendees will hear guidance from a panel of experts, explore community resources, and build connections with local organizations. Giveaways are included. Social workers can earn 3 clinical CEUs with a $40 ticket, and admission is free for parents and community members. Registration information is available in the event listing.

This session offers children fun, hands-on activities that encourage connection between body and mind. Each week features a different approach, including movement, art, or sound. The cost is $15 per child.

Bring the family together for a calm, guided meditation experience that encourages connection. Activities may include creative art and gentle movement, with guidance provided throughout to make the practice approachable. The cost is $20 per family.

This Gundam Newtype challenge at Gamers Paradise LLC has a $25 entry fee, and prizes are guaranteed.

Rock the Dome: Laser Beatles fills the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium with a dome-wide laser show set to music by The Beatles. The dome comes alive with vivid beams, vibrant visuals, and dynamic sound for an immersive blend of light, audio, and motion. Presented as part of the Rock the Dome Laser Series.

One Piece Locals at Gamers Paradise LLC features a $10 entry. Store credit will be awarded to the top two to four participants, depending on attendance.

Group registration is open for the 2nd Annual Louisiana Theatre Fest hosted by 225 Theatre Collective. Set at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center in downtown Baton Rouge, the festival invites schools, nonprofits, community theatres, organizations, and actor groups from across the state to take part in a statewide celebration of the arts. A total of 12 groups will be accepted to present either an original piece or a scene from the public domain, with festival prizes on offer. The event spans a full day with a schedule that includes workshops, classes, and live performances. Each participating group must include at least two actors, and participants of all ages are welcome. Registration provides access to festival classes along with lunch for registered participants, and an early bird group rate of $100 is available. Space is limited for performing groups.

Splash Nightclub presents its annual Gleaux Party, transforming the venue with radiant color, pulsing beats, and lively performances. Neon attire is part of the fun, matched with a summertime vibe and a dance floor built for high energy. The lineup features special performances by Mahogany Campbell, Miss Thing, and Savage, with DJ 2EZ powering the music to keep the crowd moving. Expect bold looks, a glowing atmosphere, and an electrifying celebration from start to finish.

Practice Tai Chi under the guidance of Master Tehuti at Focus & Flow. With more than three decades in Baduan Jin Chi Gong and Tai Chi, his path began in karate and led him to these disciplines, where he experienced meaningful benefits for his health, mind, and body. He is dedicated to ongoing study and to teaching people who want to learn Tai Chi and Chi Gong, and this class reflects that commitment. The price is $35 per person.

A screening of The Birdcage is presented by Films at Manship in collaboration with Baton Rouge Pride. This R rated comedy drama with LGBTQ themes runs 1 hour and 58 minutes and features Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman. The story follows Val Goldman, whose engagement to Barbara Keely stirs up tension between their families. Val’s father, Armand, owns a gay nightclub, and his longtime partner Albert performs under the name Starina. When Barbara’s parents, Senator Kevin Keely and his wife Louise, ask to meet Val’s parents, Armand and Albert decide that Albert will present as a woman to help the meeting go smoothly. Tickets are $9.50, with fees included.

Tap into inner strength with a self-healing practice that blends yoga, meditation, and mindful awareness. Yoga with Yogi provides space to connect within, navigate life’s ups and downs, and explore your potential. No special gear is needed, and mats are available to borrow or purchase, or you may bring your own. Admission is $18 per person.

This group mat class blends slow flow Pilates and yoga to help build stamina and support steady energy. Designed for all bodies and experience levels, it emphasizes mindful movement, core engagement, and a calm, supportive pace. The session takes place at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge.

Daytime sessions in July and August are offered at half price, and this Cajun and Creole themed class spotlights the flavors of South Louisiana. Each $55 registration is for one person, not a couple. Participants share a workstation with another attendee and prepare a dish that becomes part of a shared meal. Led by Red Stick Spice Company owner and chef Anne Milneck, a graduate of the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University and an adjunct instructor for Spices in the Professional Kitchen, the class blends family traditions from her LaPlace roots with formal training and insights from 12 years of running Red Stick Spice Company. Learn to chop the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell peppers, explore the seafood and spices that define the cuisine, and take home techniques for quick meals suited to weeknights or weekend entertaining. The menu features options such as Creole tomato salad when in season or Sensation Salad, hot shrimp remoulade, corn and pork tasso macque choux, weeknight chicken and pork sausage jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and gateau di sirop. This hands-on experience concludes with a full meal, and all students receive a store discount.

At the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Essen location, this support group offers a welcoming space to discuss questions, concerns, and emotions while connecting with others who share similar experiences. Participation is free. For more information, contact Kitzia Bordlee at (225) 215-0225 or kbordlee@marybird.com.

Reconnect with your inner self in a class that weaves yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to support self-healing and unlock your potential. The experience centers on meeting yourself on the mat, cultivating inner strength, and navigating life’s ups and downs with compassion and clarity. Mats are available to use, you may bring your own, and there is also an option to purchase one. The cost is $18 per person.

Electric Pickle hosts an open play pickleball session for players of every skill level. The cost is $5, and Electric Club Members play for free.

Settle into a guided Max Meditation held in person, designed to highlight the uplift that can come from practicing together with shared intention. The session supports deep ease in both body and mind, offers a calming reset for the nervous system, and encourages clearer thinking, steadier focus, and more balanced emotions. It is a gentle pause to slow down, reconnect inwardly, and realign alongside a friendly group. Cacao or herbal tea is available beforehand. Open to every level, with no prior experience required. Attend as a walk-in or reserve ahead of time. Pricing is $20 for a single session or $99 for a six session bundle.

Daytime classes are offered at half price in July and August. A $55 ticket is for one person, not a pair. Participants share a workstation with another guest and prepare a dish that becomes part of a shared meal. This session centers on practical ways to use spices, from deciding between whole or ground to understanding and applying techniques like toasting and blooming. Anne leads a hands-on blending activity that concludes with a snack, and a simple pot of lentil soup shows how one ingredient can change a dish in 60 minutes. The menu features crispy chickpeas seasoned with blends you create, red lentil soup finished with Aleppo chile oil, and banana bread made with browned butter and cardamom.

Volunteer shifts run about three hours, and participants can come and go as they are able. No experience is required, only an openness to learn and be in community. Sunscreen and bug spray are provided. Please bring gloves, water, a hat, and a snack to stay hydrated and energized. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for a working garden, where getting a little dirty is expected.

The Baton Rouge Chess Club gathers at Boba ParTea for casual pick up games. All experience levels are welcome to take part. If you have a board, please bring it.

Celebrate the Excellence in Healthcare Awards, recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations that are improving access, elevating outcomes, and strengthening the region’s ability to deliver high-quality care. The evening includes cocktails from 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM, with the program and dinner starting at 7:00 PM.

Flagship Book Club turns its attention to A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams. Set as the 1938 hurricane nears Rhode Island, the novel builds both atmospheric and personal tension. It is a New York Times bestseller from the author of The Golden Hour and Husbands & Lovers. Participants can share their impressions and discuss the book together.

Designed for dancers with a solid foundation beyond the basics, this class is intended for level 3 and above. It focuses on elevating your dancing through refined technique, moving beyond set patterns, and deepening musicality. If you are unsure whether you qualify, please confirm with an instructor. Each class is followed by a practice session so you can apply new material and continue developing other skills. The class is held at Bryan's studio in Prairieville and is $15 per class.

In Baton Rouge, The Station Sports Bar and Grill hosts an open mic comedy night that welcomes performers at every experience level. Look for a lively mix of fresh jokes and unexpected moments as comics present sets ranging from polished to wild. Audience members can enjoy drinks while taking in a free evening of stand-up.

Enjoy a HALF PRICE summertime daytime cooking class focused on Greek cuisine, with each $55 purchase for one person, not a couple. Instructors lead a hands-on experience that spotlights robust herbs, bold flavors and the wholesome taste of extra virgin olive oil. Participants work at shared stations to prepare dishes that become a group meal. The menu includes hummus with marinated feta, artichoke and feta chicken bake, easy orzo pilaf, individual spanakopita, Mediterranean salad with crispy pita, chickpeas and yogurt dressing, and Kouramedies, Greek crescent cookies. The class ends with a full meal, and all students receive a store discount.

Enjoy an intimate live music set featuring Peter Simon and Ben Bell swapping original songs and stories. The night is set up for a relaxed evening with select wines, supper, and gelato, with two South Louisiana troubadours taking the stage together for about two hours.

One Piece Locals at Gamers Paradise LLC features an entry fee of ten dollars, with a pack awarded for every win. A simple format that rewards each victory throughout the event.

Discover a fun and growing dance style through a two-tier class series. Level 1 introduces the fundamentals and welcomes participants with no prior dance experience. Level 2 builds on those basics by refining technique, adding variations, and teaching new patterns. Please check with an instructor to confirm readiness for Level 2. Pricing is $15 for a single class or $20 to take both in the same night.

Enjoy an 18+ soul-blues night featuring Jed Harrelson at Chelsea’s Live. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show beginning at 8:00 PM. Tickets are general admission or a VIP package, available for will call pickup at the venue box office.