Baton Rouge Free Concerts: Live After 5's Spring Schedule

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Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.

Live After Five’s Spring Schedule: The Granddaddy of Downtown Free Concerts

Baton Rouge’s longest-running free concert series is back and better than ever. Produced by the Downtown Business Association, Live After Five turns Friday nights into a party in the heart of downtown at Rhorer Plaza / North Boulevard Town Square (Galvez Plaza).

Shows run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every Friday through May 22, 2026. Bring your own lawn chairs, grab food and drinks from nearby vendors or trucks, and get ready to move.

Spring 2026 Lineup (all free!):

April 10 – The Michael Foster Project (high-energy BR brass band mixing jazz, funk, Latin, pop, and hip-hop)
April 17 – BR Blues Fest Kick-Off with Garry Burnside (son of blues legend R.L. Burnside) + Doussan Garrett Benoit LeBlanc (Louisiana blues/rock supergroup)
April 24 – Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas (accordion-driven Creole zydeco that’ll fill any dance floor)
May 8 – The Rumble (Grammy-nominated NOLA funk with Mardi Gras Indian vibes) + N’TUNE (nonstop party hits)
May 15 – Big Sam’s Funky Nation (explosive NOLA funk led by trombone king Big Sam Williams) + Ambush Reggae Band (roots reggae grooves)
May 22 – Rouge Krewe Party Band (high-energy crowd favorites and dance hits)

This series has been bringing the city together for decades – families, college kids, young professionals, and old-timers all vibing under the oaks and city lights. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend and support local and regional talent.

wafb.comRock ‘n’ Rowe: Thursday Nights at Perkins RoweIf Fridays aren’t enough, head to Perkins Rowe on Thursdays for Rock ‘n’ Rowe in the Town Square. These shows run 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (rain or shine – indoor backup if needed) through April 23, 2026. It’s a more laid-back, shopping-center vibe with easy parking, nearby restaurants, and that open-air energy perfect for families and date nights alike.Spring 2026 Schedule:

March 5 – Michael Foster Project (sponsored by EBR Parish Library)
March 12 – The Gillis Silo
March 19 – After 8 (Family Night with face painting & balloon animals!)
March 26 – Longneck Society
April 2 – Na Na Sha
April 9 – The Walrus (Beatles tribute)
April 16 – Phat Hat
April 23 – Travis Matte & The Kingpins

All shows are free and open to the public. Lawn chairs encouraged, dancing mandatory.

perkinsrowe.comWhy the Scene is BoomingDowntown BR has invested heavy in these public spaces over the years – North Boulevard Town Square, Galvez Plaza, Rhorer Plaza, and the whole Third Street corridor with its bars, restaurants, and venues like The Basin Music Hall keep the party going after the free shows wrap up.

You can catch a concert, stroll over for dinner or drinks, and make a full night of it without spending a fortune.

These events aren’t just concerts – they’re community builders. They showcase homegrown talent, bring in regional stars, and give everyone from LSU students to lifelong locals a reason to come downtown and remember why we love this city.

Pro Tips from the Bayou Beat Crew:

Arrive early for good spots.
Download the Visit Baton Rouge app or check downtownbr.org for last-minute updates.
Hydrate, wear comfy shoes, and don’t forget the bug spray if you’re staying late.
Bring the kids – many nights are super family-friendly.

So mark your calendars, tag your crew, and let’s pack these plazas! Whether you’re into brass bands, zydeco, funk, reggae, or straight-up rock, Baton Rouge is serving up free music on a silver (or purple, green, and gold) platter this spring.

What’s your favorite free concert memory in BR? Drop it in the comments, and tell us which show you’re hitting first. We’ll see y’all out there – laissez les bons temps rouler!

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