Holidays, annual events and local traditions fill the calendar
MONROE-WEST MONROE, LOUISIANA–JUNE 2024–In Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana, there is always a reason to celebrate. The festivities reveal a love of the land, waters, people and spirit of this unique North Louisiana destination. Located on the banks of the Ouachita River, this is home to many festivals, special events and celebrations throughout the year that highlight attractions, businesses and causes that make Monroe-West Monroe special.
This is Louisiana, so of course, Mardi Gras is a favorite time of year. Here, carnival season means two krewes, two parades and two weekends of fun. The result is a tapestry that celebrates the food, culture and traditions of the region.
Holidays are special here and there is no place better to celebrate the Christmas season than at Christmas on the River, which takes place in November and December in Monroe-West Monroe, and is a part of the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights. The annual extravaganza includes parades and shopping, of course. But there are also wagon rides, movies in the park and an art crawl. Perennial highlights are the festive light displays throughout downtown West Monroe, special holiday happenings at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens (2000 Riverside Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-387-5281) and Santa’s Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum (323 Walnut Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-361‑9611) and fireworks over the river.
Between major holidays, there are many, many more ways and reasons to celebrate in Monroe-West Monroe. Ouachita River Fest (Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-396-2600) is held each April in downtown West Monroe. The celebration starts with a kick-off concert on Friday followed by a day filled with live music, art vendors and makers, food trucks, kid’s play area, live duck races a rubber duck drop, fishing tournament and more.
There are new collaborations, too, like Up Yonder Food & Wine Festival (Bayou Pointe Event Center, Warhawk Way, Monroe, Louisiana 71201), a feast of flavors featuring creative recipes presented by regional and local chefs. Local groups add to the fun on the annual calendar with events like Blend, which celebrates culinary artists.
Landry Vineyards (5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe, Louisiana 71292; 318-557-9050) not only produce 20 different wines, they also host an outdoor concert series each year along with two harvest festivals. The Lucy Look Alike Contest is a fun feature of the annual Grape Stomp Celebration.
In both Monroe and West Monroe, Downtown Gallery Crawls are held on the first Thursday bi-monthly, starting in February. Visitors stroll the walkable downtowns and take in the amazing art on exhibit at the eight participating galleries. Food, drinks and live music add to the festive atmosphere. An even bigger celebration of art takes place each year. The Masur Museum of Art’s (1400 South Grand Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71202; 318-329-2237) Annual Juried Competition, showcases contemporary artists from throughout the country, working in any medium. Hundreds of submissions come in each year in hopes of being a part of this long-running and well-respected show.
A taste of the season–and the region
If it’s Mardi Gras, there must be King Cake and finding one to enjoy here is easy. Check out this advice on where to find the best King Cakes in Monroe-West Monroe. For a gluten-free option, Butter: A Louisiana Bakery (2001 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-855-3774) tops the list. Here are some other classic dishes that are favorites here in any season:
Trapp’s (113 South Riverfront Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-855-6428) menu features Maw Maw’s Classic Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. This casual spot sits on the Ouachita in West Monroe and has views of downtown Monroe. Cajun favorites abound on this menu.
Red Beans and Rice at Catfish Charlie’s (2329 Louisville Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-807-7070) is another favorite. The menu is filled with scratch-made appetizers, crispy farm-raised catfish and seafood favorites.
Ray’s PeGe is the spot for Louisiana Po’ Boys. A local staple since the 1960s, Ray’s is famous for the roast beef with gravy option, but there is much more to choose from. Shrimp, catfish, crawfish and, of course, the curly fries are a must, too.
At Parish Restaurant & Bar (318 North 2nd Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; 318-376-2423), award-winning Chef Cory Bahr creates a new menu daily and always features favorites of his beloved home region. The North Delta Shrimp and Grits, Crawfish Etouffee and locally sourced duck dishes are always amazing.