Traveling Around Louisiana
Red River Balloon Rally Festival
Founded in 1714 and known for being Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches’ rich history set the stage for the cultural city’s hereafter. Celebration on the Cane is a riveting event to look forward to in the area, and it’s to take place July 1st on the panoramic Cane River Lake. The event encompasses a phenomenal fireworks show at 9 pm, delicious food, and musical entertainment! Not too far to follow, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction is to be held July 27th through the 29th. This noteworthy event highlights and introduces the most deserving Louisiana athletes of 2023.
Famous for being home of the movie, Steel Magnolias, Natchitoches bestows the adored filming sites of this classic picture. Also beyond worth the gallivant is the fascinating plantations that each tell a story of their own. They include Melrose on the Cane with the art of Clementine Hunter and the Cane River Creole National Historical Park at Oakland Magnolia Plantations. To plan your next trip, visit natchitoches.com.
Whether you enjoy fishing in Toledo Bend or watching living history reenactments of Civil War battlefield sites, unearthing DeSoto Parish is something everyone should relish in. Located on the Louisiana/Texas state line, DeSoto and all its beauty showcase some of the most alluring piney woods you’ll ever see on a scenic drive. Its rural charm is just one of many of the great things the lovely area has to offer.
If you’re looking to experience the region, Balloons Over DeSoto taking place July 16th is the perfect chance to view the area! It’s a free event for families to get together and enjoy air balloon rides, live entertainment, delicious food, a car show, and a fireworks show! Mansfield State Historic Site maintains over 175 acres of Civil War battlefield where the Battle of Mansfield took place. Visitors can absorb the site through the research library, museum, gift shop, picnic area, and much more. Discover DeSoto’s unique history and woodsy feel at discoverdesoto.com.
Baton Rouge Blues Fest
Home of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol and all things Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge exudes all that Louisiana is about. Originally built in 1847, the iconic Old State Capitol holds such rich history that boasts the stories of Louisiana’s 1800s through 1900s. Anyone from children to adults are guaranteed to enjoy their visit whether you’re there to learn about Huey P. Long or just to take in its decadent design. Make sure to include a visit to the awe-inspiring Louisiana State Capitol building, proudly standing as the tallest capitol in the entire country.
Calling all art and science enthusiasts to explore the Louisiana Art & Science Museum! The museum houses a large and diverse range of exhibits that incorporate engaging learning programs, artwork that leaves you in awe, and interactive displays. Small children would take more than just a liking at the Knock Knock Children’s Museum. The institution is meant for little ones to “learn through play” by exploring 18 different learning zones!
Other beloved Baton Rouge must-visits are Mike the Tiger’s Habitat and the countless delicious restaurants in the region that will leave you wanting more. To learn more about all that Baton Rouge has to offer, go to visitbatonrouge.com.
Take a visit to the soulful and multicultural Shreveport-Bossier, located in northern Louisiana, where they are gearing up for the most captivating experience. The Red River Balloon Rally Festival, scheduled for July 14th and 15th, will feature hot air balloons of all kinds at Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack. This memorable event offers a plethora of attractions, including AEP Swepco kid zones and sky-high tethered balloon rides for those seeking a bird’s-eye view of the festival!
As the sun sets, the balloons illuminate the night sky creating a mesmerizing view that is dazzling to attendees of all ages. Along with this magical balloon glow, enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and unique retail vendors that will only add to this unforgettable experience.
In addition, art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Red River Revel Arts Festival, scheduled to take place September 30th through October 8th. This delightful event will showcase a diverse group of artistic talent, enjoyable for visitors with all tastes and interests! To learn more about these upcoming events and others, go to visitshreveportbossier.org.
Helis Foundation
The Helis Foundation, a Louisiana private foundation established and funded by the William Helis Family in 1955, is committed to the mission of advancing access to the arts in New Orleans for all. Through various initiatives from large-scale murals to the South’s largest rotating sculpture exhibition, there is so much to see and do. The Helis Foundation’s Art for All program also provides access to New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage by underwriting free admission for all Louisiana residents at leading local institutions including the New Orleans Museum of Art, Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Ogden Southern Museum of Art, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum on select days throughout the year. As an extension of this program, during Louisiana’s infamously hot summer days, Art & A/C focuses on free admission for Louisiana residents every Saturday in August at several of these same institutions. So come indulge your inner art lover and enjoy the cool luxury of staying fresh indoors by visiting thehelisfoundation.org.
