How to celebrate 250 in BR
From Repentance Park to L'Auberge, Baton Rouge has its own way of marking 250.
It may lack the flair of the Boston Pops banging out Tchaikovsky's canon-infused "1812 Overture" on the banks of the Charles River, but Baton Rouge will mark America's 250th with a free, all-day concert and its own night-ending rocket's technicolor glare.
Why it matters: It's a holiday weekend, a milestone year for our experiment in democracy, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate—and the anchor event is a freebie.
America 250 on the River runs Saturday at Repentance Park, between the Old State Capitol and the River Center. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and Mayor-President Sid Edwards are hosting. Fireworks over the Mississippi close the night at 9 p.m.
The lineup:
- 2:15 p.m.—Military Concert Band.
- 3:30 p.m.—Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters.
- 5 p.m.—Amanda Shaw.
- 6:30 p.m.—John Schneider.
- 8 p.m.—Wayne Toups.
The levee, Rhorer Plaza, North Boulevard Town Square and the rest of downtown are open throughout the day and evening.
Want a better view? Tsunami's rooftop terrace bash at the Shaw Center runs 6–10 p.m. with ticketed access to the fireworks from above.
Not heading downtown? L'Auberge has its own fireworks show 10 miles south. Jovin Webb plays the free all-ages lawn party starting at 6 p.m. The 21+ rooftop pool party is $40.
More ways to mark the day:
- Napoleon's signed Louisiana Purchase agreement is on display at the Old State Capitol through July 11. Free.
- Baton Rouge Concert Band plays the Main Library at Goodwood, 7–9 p.m. Free.
The bottom line: Free concert, live music, fireworks ... Happy Birthday, America.
