On the Half Shell

Since 1987, the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair has been creating lots of fun for area families to experience while helping out a great cause. The volunteer staff puts together this festival every year and the funds raised from the rides, food and admission go to help youth-oriented causes in the greater Baton Rouge area. It happens every year at the State Fair Grounds and for 11 days, the celebration is all about food, music, games, shows and giving back to the community of Baton Rouge.

The Louisiana State Museum is just as good at preserving the area's culture as it is celebrating it. See various thematic exhibits on the diverse aspects of Louisiana's colorful history, industry and culture. See artifacts from the original Louisiana Purchase, a Civil War Submarine and an amazing 48-foot wooden shrimp crawler. See a captivating exhibit on the history and traditions of Mardi Gras as well as the various cultural influences that made the food here so spicy!

If you love birdwatching and want to make a bit of an escape from the usual rat race to do it, look no further than the Peveto Woods Sanctuary. Associated with the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, Peveto Woods Sanctuary encompasses approximately 40 acres and is located along the Louisiana coast in Cameron Parish. This habitat has been carefully preserved by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society and its reputation is so highly regarded that birders, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from all 50 states and 20 foreign countries have journeyed here to take in the beauty of this magnificent slice of nature.

The Independence Park Theatre strives for the freedom of self expression, and judging from the very packed list of events, they seem to be reaching that goal quite often. Concerts, plays, musicals, dance recitals, pageants, lectures, graduations, seminars, workshops and conferences have all taken place at this all-purpose entertainment venue since it opened its doors in 2001. Also, within its walls is where the Louisiana Art and Artists' Guild makes its home, and there, the tradition of self expression continues as you will find several exhibits throughout the year.