Baton Rouge Turns Up the Holiday Season With Jazz, Comedy and White Light Night
From a jazz anniversary celebration and ’90s rock to Mid City’s White Light Night, Baton Rouge’s November and December calendar offers entertainment for music lovers, families and holiday crowds.
By Derek Payne
The Weekly Press
BATON ROUGE, La. — Jazz, rock, comedy and neighborhood art celebrations will share the spotlight in Baton Rouge as the city heads into the holiday season, with November’s entertainment calendar building toward a particularly busy night Nov. 20.
That Friday will bring White Light Night to Mid City, comedy to downtown and L’Auberge, and a family concert at Manship Theatre — giving residents several ways to spend an evening across the capital city.
Music gets an early spotlight Nov. 11 when Wendell Brunious and the New Orleans Legends perform at Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The concert celebrates the 20th anniversary of the River City Jazz Masters series, presented by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.
Two nights later, Fastball brings its ’90s rock catalog to the theater for a Nov. 13 performance at 7:30 p.m. The band, known for “The Way” and “Out of My Head,” will be joined by Baby In The ’90s, an opening act recently announced by the venue.
For residents looking for an evening that combines entertainment with local shopping, White Light Night returns Nov. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. along Mid City’s Government Street corridor and surrounding participating businesses.
The free festival brings together Louisiana artists, makers, live music and restaurants, turning the neighborhood into a place to browse artwork, meet creators and begin holiday shopping. Organizers have posted an event map to help visitors find participating locations and plan their evening.
Downtown, families can catch the Okee Dokee Brothers at Manship Theatre on Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. A free Kids Fest begins at 5 p.m., ahead of the ticketed concert, with activities, music, stories and animal encounters.
Film audiences also have an upcoming cultural offering: “Who In Da Mornin” screens Nov. 22 at 2 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. The documentary explores Junkanoo and its connections to Black culture and the African diaspora.
Comedy fans face a choice Nov. 20. “Whose Live Anyway?” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the River Center Theatre, while Michael Blaustein brings “The Taste Me Tour — The Final Leg” to L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge at 8 p.m.
The River Center’s calendar also includes “A Celtic Christmas” on Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Animeverse Fest on Nov. 21-22, expanding the month’s offerings beyond traditional concerts.
December will carry the entertainment calendar deeper into the holidays. “Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol” is scheduled for Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the River Center Theatre. That same night, John Foster performs at L’Auberge at 8 p.m.
The River Center Theatre will host comedian John Crist on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., followed later in the month by “The Nutcracker — A Tale From the Bayou,” with performances scheduled Dec. 18-20. Gary Owen is also listed for a Dec. 29 appearance at 8 p.m.
Residents should check directly with venues and event organizers for ticket availability, admission policies and schedule changes before heading out.
Event information checked Nov. 8, 2026. All times are Central.
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