Mardi Gras Parades
When: February/March (dates vary with Mardi Gras)
West Baton Rouge has its own Mardi Gras parade tradition. Local krewes roll through Port Allen and Brusly on the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday. The parades are family-friendly and a great alternative to the larger (and more crowded) Baton Rouge and New Orleans parades. Check the WBR Parish website and local Facebook groups for the exact parade schedule as it is typically announced in January.
Kite Fest Louisiane
When: Late April (April 25, 2026)
Where: WBR Soccer Complex
Cost: FREE
Kite Fest Louisiane is one of WBR's signature events and a beloved family tradition. Professional kite fliers put on demonstrations, there are kite-making workshops for kids, food vendors, live music, and of course plenty of open space to fly your own kite. The event draws thousands of people from across the region. Bring your own kite or buy one on-site.
Fourth Fest
When: July 4th
WBR's Independence Day celebration features live music, food, family activities, and a fireworks show over the Mississippi River. The fireworks are visible from both sides of the river, making the WBR side a great viewing spot that is typically less crowded than the Baton Rouge riverfront.
SugarFest
When: Early October (approximately October 4, 2026)
Where: West Baton Rouge Museum
SugarFest celebrates the sugar cane heritage of West Baton Rouge Parish. Held at the WBR Museum, the festival features live music, Cajun food, arts and crafts, sugar cane syrup demonstrations, and activities for kids. It is a uniquely WBR event that connects the community to its agricultural roots.
Veterans Celebration
When: November (around Veterans Day)
The parish hosts an annual Veterans Celebration honoring local service members. The event typically includes a ceremony, guest speakers, and community recognition. Check with the WBR Parish Government or local VFW/American Legion posts for details.
Jingle Jeepin' Parade & Market
When: December
A holiday parade featuring decorated Jeeps rolling through the streets, followed by a holiday market with local vendors, food, and seasonal festivities. This newer event has quickly become a community favorite and a fun way to kick off the holiday season in WBR.
Nearby Recurring Events
While not technically in WBR, these recurring events are just a short drive across the bridge:
- Red Stick Farmers Market: Every Saturday, 8:00 AM to noon, at the Main Street Market in downtown Baton Rouge. Fresh produce, baked goods, local meats, and artisan products. A quick trip across the I-10 bridge.
- LSU Football: Fall Saturdays at Tiger Stadium draw over 100,000 fans. Port Allen is less than 15 minutes from campus, making it an ideal base for game day without the parking headaches on the east side.
- Baton Rouge Blues Festival: Annual downtown Baton Rouge music festival, typically in April. Free admission, multiple stages, food vendors. A short drive from WBR.
Recurring Community Activities
Beyond the headline festivals, West Baton Rouge Parish has a steady rhythm of community activities throughout the year that connect residents and build the small-town bonds that make WBR special:
- WBR Youth Sports Leagues: Baseball, softball, basketball, football, and soccer leagues run throughout the year for kids of all ages. Registration typically opens several weeks before each season. See our youth sports guide for details.
- WBR Museum Exhibits and Programs: The West Baton Rouge Museum at 845 N Jefferson Ave in Port Allen hosts rotating exhibits, educational programs, and special events year-round. The museum is free and offers a deep look at the parish's sugar cane heritage, plantation history, and Cajun culture.
- Church Fish Fries and Fundraisers: From Lent through spring, churches across WBR host Friday fish fry events open to the community. These are some of the best meals you will find in the parish -- fried catfish, shrimp, coleslaw, and hush puppies at prices that barely cover the cost of ingredients. Check local Facebook groups for weekly announcements.
- Parish Council Meetings: The WBR Parish Council meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 5:30 PM at 880 N Alexander Ave. These meetings are open to the public and are where decisions affecting the parish are made. See our meeting schedule guide for all government meeting times.
For the latest event announcements, follow the West Baton Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau and the WBR Parish Government social media pages.
Related Guides
- Farmers Markets and Local Produce in WBR -- where to find fresh food year-round
- Best Restaurants in Port Allen -- where to eat before, after, or instead of the festival