Things to Do in Louisiana This Month
Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival
January 15-19
Baton Rouge
Enjoy fantastic films highlighting universal themes against the backdrop of the Jewish experience at the Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival. Experience four showings of films from different genres that explore themes like childhood, friendship, public education and journalism.
Before your film screening, grab a bite at a Baton Rouge culinary institution: Louie’s Cafe. Enjoy nostalgic old-school-diner vibes as you nom on Louisiana-style dishes, like omelets featuring Gulf shrimp, bowls of spicy chicken and sausage gumbo and Louisiana crawfish stir-fry.
King Cakes & Cocktails
January 16
Shreveport
Taste the best of Mardi Gras season at King Cakes & Cocktails, a culinary shindig in downtown Shreveport. Enjoy a complimentary King Cake Daiquiri, a cash bar and live music by Windstorm, a Louisiana-based jam band.
While you’re in one of Louisiana’s most culturally diverse communities, dive into the local art scene. The city boasts creative projects that sing, from local shows at the Robinson Film Center to revolving modern-art installations at Southern Museum of Art Shreveport.
Louisiana Marathon
January 18-19
Baton Rouge
The Louisiana Marathon is more than a Boston Qualifier run — it’s a festival. Run a full, half or quarter marathon on a gorgeous lakeside path, where — in true Louisiana fashion — cold brews, live music and Cajun cuisine wait at the finish line.
During the day, meander through the Louisiana State University (LSU) campus to see the live-in mascot, Mike the Tiger, or go on a self-guided tour of the LSU Rural Life Museum. Take in the views of the city and stretch your legs on the Mississippi Riverfront Levee Path — an ADA accessible spot. Or, sample local cuisine, like bread pudding and chargrilled oysters, at Mansurs on the Boulevard.
Cinema on the Bayou
January 22-29
Lafayette
Cinema on the Bayou puts eight days of international, juried film on the silver screen. The annual festival features more than 150 films and filmmakers across narrative, documentary, animated and experiential genres.
After films and panel discussions, treat yourself to a sweet scoop at Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe, a nostalgic diner-style ice cream parlor complete with red vinyl booths and checkered floors. Choose from banana splits speckled in fudge and whipped cream, creamy sherbet flips and fizzy root beer floats.
The 19th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off
January 25
Opelousas
Gumbo scents Opelousas in smoky-sweet fumes. Luckily, at the 19th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off, there’s no shame in stocking up on seconds. Savor delectable dishes, jam to live music and watch a rubber-duck-studded Jeep parade. If you’re a wizard in the kitchen, be sure to sign up for cooking contests.
No trip to the heart of Cajun country is complete without a drink at Blue Moon Saloon or Prejean’s. These Louisiana-famous joints play live Cajun bands nightly while serving up other regional fare like jambalaya and crawfish.
Plan your trip to St. Landry Parish.
Celebrate Mardi Gras
Statewide
Of the hundreds of festivals in Louisiana, none top Mardi Gras. Witness spectacular parades, dazzling costumes and magical galas. Not to mention, Louisiana king cake can’t be beat. Find Mardi Gras celebrations across Louisiana.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
