Watch lively Mardi Gras and Christmas parades march by. Savor first-rate wines and the culinary creations of top chefs. Explore the arts and shop the goods of one-of-a-kind vendors from around the country. These are just a few of the adventures that you’ll have at the many annual events in Monroe-West Monroe. From the Landry Vineyards Outdoor Concert Series to the North Delta Food and Wine Festival and Christmas on the River, you’ll find some of North Louisiana’s most unique festivals here. Check out the following events so you don’t miss out when you visit Monroe-West Monroe.
February
Mardi Gras
Colorful beads, lively parades, and all the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras can be found in Monroe-West Monroe throughout two weekends in February. The long-running celebration includes the Krewe of Janus Children’s Mardi Gras Parade, a 5K run, and a party where you can find jambalaya and all the Mardi Gras merchandise you never knew you needed.
Monroe, LA 71203
March
Junior League Spring Market
Browse the one-of-a-kind wares of more than 90 merchants from across the country during this three-day, late March shopping extravaganza. Held at the Monroe Civic Center Arena, the market features everything from children’s apparel to handmade home décor.
401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway
Monroe, LA 71210
March – May
Landry Vineyard Outdoor Concert Series
Find a cozy spot on the lawn and sip and savor world-class wines as you listen to local bands play country, jazz, and everything in between. Bring a blanket or chair and kick back for one of the shows that make up Landry Vineyards’ Outdoor Concert Series.
5699 New Natchitoches Road
West Monroe, LA 71292
April
Ballet Under the Stars
Take in the remarkable strength and beauty of ballet during one of North Louisiana’s top arts events, Ballet Under the Stars. Picturesque Kiroli Park provides a scenic backdrop to the event held in the evening for three days in late April.
820 Kiroli Road
West Monroe, LA 71291
May
Louisiana State Games
Every year, athletes from around the Bayou State gather for an Olympics-style event that can lead to national glory. Archery, boxing, BMX racing, pickleball, and racquetball are among the Louisiana State Games’ 15 sports. Winners in each event move on to competing in the State Games of America, a national event that attracts athletes from more than 30 states.
Monroe-West Monroe, LA
August
Landry Vineyards Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp
Outdoor concerts, ladies dressed like Lucille Ball, grape stomping, and an enticing selection of delicious wine. What more could you ask for? At Landry Vineyards’ annual August celebration marking the grape harvest, this is all part of the fun. Stop by the tasting room in the early afternoon, then go on a wagon tour through the vineyard before getting some Cajun food and a glass of wine and settling in for the concert.
5699 New Natchitoches Road
West Monroe, LA 71292
November
Twin City Marathon
Run through Monroe and West Monroe’s beautiful historic downtowns, tree-lined neighborhoods full of majestic homes, and along bayous during the Twin City Marathon. Known as one of the most beautiful urban marathons in the country, the USA Track & Field-certified course starts and ends at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe.
501 Mane Street
West Monroe, LA 71292
November – December
Christmas on the River
Festive holiday parades, a spectacular fireworks show, and an abundance of yuletide cheer. If Monroe-West Monroe’s Christmas on the River doesn’t put you in a joyful mood, nothing will. Taking place in the first weekend of December, the festival includes Christmas in DoMo, when Monroe’s downtown Riverwalk is full of vendors from across the region, performing bands, and even Santa Claus himself.
Monroe-West Monroe, LA
