Best Things to Do in Baton Rouge This May: Outdoor Activities & Festivals

by Rêve Team

May is one of the best times to be in Baton Rouge — the crawfish are hot, the music is soulful, and the art scene is buzzing. Whether you're a proud local or just visiting for a taste of Louisiana life, there's no shortage of things to enjoy around here this month. Here's everything you need to know to soak it all up like a true Baton Rougean.

Visit Baton Rouge. (n.d.)*. Crawfish King Cookoff* [Photograph]. Visit Baton Rouge. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/event/crawfish-king-cookoff/229290/

Crawfish King Cook-Off – May 2

If you ask anyone around here, a proper Louisiana spring isn't complete without a good crawfish boil. And downtown Baton Rouge is bringing the heat on May 2 with the 11th Annual Crawfish King Cook-Off!

Picture this: the smell of spicy crawfish filling the air, teams battling it out to claim the title of Best Boil, and you—pinching, peeling, and savoring every bite. It’s one of those days where the whole city feels like family. Bring your appetite, cast your vote for your favorite boil, and stay for the music, laughter, and unbeatable Louisiana vibes. You don't want to miss it.

Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival – May 17-18

Get ready to feed your soul — literally and figuratively — at the 8th Annual Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival!

It kicks off with a pre-party on May 15, giving you a sneak peek of the incredible food and the talented artists who’ll be taking the stage. Expect a powerful lineup of blues, soul, R&B, gospel, and Christian music that’ll have you dancing and feeling all the good energy.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Soul Food Festival without mouth-watering dishes. Think fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, mac and cheese—the works. Plus, there's a Soul Food Cooking Competition that'll have you cheering for your favorite chefs as they bring their best recipes to the table. If you love good eats and great music (who doesn’t?), this is a can’t-miss.

Music Lovers’ Corner: Live After Five

Baton Rouge’s favorite free concert series, Live After Five, is wrapping up its spring season, but you still have three more Fridays to catch the magic.

Held downtown at Rhorer Plaza from 5 PM to 8 PM, Live After Five is where the community comes alive with local bands, dancing, and a sunset that paints the Mississippi River just right. Bring a chair, bring your friends, and let the good times roll — Baton Rouge style.

Visit Baton Rouge. (n.d.)*. Live After 5 Concerts* [Photograph]. Visit Baton Rouge. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/event/live-after-5%3a-fall-concerts/229514/

Art Lovers, Take Note: First Sunday at LSU Museum of Art

Looking for something a little slower-paced? Every first Sunday of the month, you can stroll through the LSU Museum of Art at the Shaw Center for the Arts for free.

It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon — exploring exhibits, discovering local artists, and soaking up creativity, all against the backdrop of beautiful downtown Baton Rouge. Whether you're a serious art lover or just looking for something different to do, it's a great way to dive into the city's cultural scene.

LSU College of Art + Design MFA Exhibitions

And speaking of art, if you want to see some fresh, exciting work, check out the LSU College of Art + Design exhibitions happening this May.

The MFA Exhibitions are scheduled for May 3 and May 17, featuring the works of Amber Hart, Alex Jacob, and Chase Romore. These showcases are totally free and give you a firsthand look at the next generation of artists making waves right here in Baton Rouge.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Whether you're chasing down the best crawfish in town, moving to the beat of soul music, or getting lost in an art exhibit, Baton Rouge has something special lined up for you this May. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to celebrate everything that makes this city so full of life.

See you out there, Baton Rouge!