Calendar of Events

For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com

May 5-7

Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages!

Time: Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Cost: Free

Address: Big Creek Trade Days Grounds | 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach, LA 71235 Phone: (318) 680-1304

May 5-7

Red White & Blue Airshow

The Red White & Blue Airshow is back for a 2nd year! Gaze into the sky as aircrafts fly by saluting America's heroes. Bring a chair, sunscreen, and lots of excitement! Food vendors will be on site.

Time: Friday and Saturday at 3:00 PM. Sunday at 11:00 AM.

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: Monroe Regional Airport | 5400 Operations Road, Monroe

May 6-7

National Crappie League Ouachita River Qualifier and Kids Fishing Rodeo

The National Crappie League Ouachita River Qualifier fishing tournament is taking place on May 6th and 7th. This tournament is Open Division and will be located at the Forsythe Boat Dock in Monroe. The Kids Fishing Rodeo also takes place on May 6th at 9:00 AM with prizes, giveaways, and loads of fun!

Time: 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Address: Forsythe Boat Dock | 2100 Riverside Drive, Monroe Phone: (318) 791-2266

May 6, 13, 20, 27

Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat, and support local producers and creators every Saturday morning!

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Ruston Farmers Marketplace | 220 E. Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 957-130

May 6

Kindness in the Park

Kindness in the Park 2023, designed for elementary through high students and their families, features a family fun run, DJ Sonder, Rated E’s bike ride, a dunking booth, hot air balloon, an obstacle course, Corn Hole Tournament, music, a petting zoo and many more activities!

Time: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Forsythe Park | 2300 Sycamore Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 322-6000

May 6

Hats and Horses Derby Party

Have you ever wanted to attend the Kentucky Derby? Well, Louisiana Delta Community College has you covered with Hats and Horses! This authentic derby party features live music by the ULM Jazz Ensemble, a silent auction, photo booth, live viewing of the derby, as well as games and prizes!

Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Address: Louisiana Delta Community College | 7500 Millhaven Road, Monroe Phone: (866) 500-5322

May 7

Mother Daughter Tea

Go to the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens on May 7th for a Mother Daughter Tea! Celebrate your mom a week before Mother's Day at these beautiful and elegant gardens.

Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Cost: $25.00

Address: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens | 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281

May 12

Jurassic World Dominion & The Dinosaur Experience

Get ready for a fun and educational evening with The Dinosaur Experience and their liveaction dinosaurs, then stick around for the movie JURASSIC PARK WORLD DOMINION (rated PG13)! It's going to be a beastly good time at the Dixie Center for the Arts.

Time: 6:00 PM

Cost: $15.00

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts | 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 255-1450

May 13

Ouachita RiverFest

A huge new festival is happening in Downtown West Monroe! Ouachita RiverFest will have live music, delicious food trucks, artisan vendors, the Big Bass Classic fishing tournament at Lazarre Park, a kid's play area, and a rubber duck drop into the Ouachita River. You do not want to miss out on this day full of excitement!

Time: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Address: Downtown West Monroe | Trenton Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-2600

May 13

Landry Vineyards Concert- Code Blue & The Flatliners

The Landry Vineyards outdoor music concerts are here once again. Rock out to Code Blue & The Flatliners while sipping on Landry Vineyards wine! They will be playing classic rock and a dance mix. Wine by the glass and bottle, wine tastings, and peach wine bellinis will be available. Local food trucks will be serving meals. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and relax!

Time: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Cost: $10.00 Adults. $5.00 13-18 Years. Free 12 & Under.

Address: Landry Vineyards | 5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe

Phone: (318) 557-9050

May 14

Mother's Day Tea and a Tour

To celebrate Mother's Day, Layton Castle is hosting an afternoon Tea and a Tour! Treat your mother to local baked goods and a cup of tea while learning about the history behind the beautiful grounds and architecture that make up this serene venue.

Time: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Cost: $48.00 Per Ticket

Address: Layton Castle | 1133 South Grand Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 322-4869

May 18

H2 Go Kayak Paddles Free Workshop

This H2 Go workshop will teach you how to pick the paddle that is right for you. You will learn everything from paddle stroke techniques to how to avoid paddling errors and trouble shooting from poor kayaking performance.

Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Cost: Free

Address: H2 Go Paddle | 2814 Desoto Street, Monroe

Phone: (318) 732-9533

May 19

The Dixie Presents: Yesterday and Today

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is the nation’s most innovative and unique show utilizing the works of the Beatles. This amazing band, anchored by brothers Billy, Matthew, and Ryan McGuigan, perform as themselves and leave the song choices completely in the hands of the audience. Every show is different, every show is interactive, and every show is amazing.

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $10.00-$35.00

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts | 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270

Phone: (318) 255-1450

May 20

Layton Castle Tour

Explore Layton Castle and learn about its evolution from a creole cottage to a castle. Learn about Swiss immigrant Judge Henry Bry and his role in helping to develop Northern Louisiana and beyond. What role did he play in Fort Miro changing its name to Monroe? It’s one of the few historic homes in the United States still lived in by descendants of the first European settlers to the area.

Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Cost: $15.00

Address: Layton Castle | 1133 South Grand Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 322-4869

May 21

Goat Yoga at the Farm

Goat Yoga at the Farm is back at Double BB Farms! This class is for people of all skill levels. Bring your yoga mat and dress for the outdoors. The class will be taught by Elizabeth Griffon and includes a tour of the farm. Disclaimer: Class could be interrupted at any moment by baby goat cuddles!

Time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Cost: $25.00

Address: Double BB Farms | 1816

Stubbs Vinson Road, Monroe

May 26

Ouachita Live Concert- NELA Blues Masters Showcase

Join Downtown West Monroe at Ouachita Live for a free concert on the last Friday of the month through October! With great local food trucks and great music, it's sure to be a great time! This concert is a NELA Blues Masters Showcase. Artists such as Toby Traylor, Ira Barger, D.K. Harrell, and surprise special guests will take the stage with unforgettable moments of soul-stirring sounds!

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Alley Park | 250 Trenton Street, West Monroe

May 27

A Day of Plein Air

The Ruston Art Encounter hosts interactive art experiences for the community to be a part of on the last Saturday of every other month starting in July. The sixth and final installment of the Ruston Art Encounter is the Day of Plein Air. Come downtown to see artists line the streets with easels and paintbrushes in hand to create artworks LIVE right before your eyes.

Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Downtown Ruston Phone: (318) 251-8647