A guide to White Light Night, with hundreds of vendors and several local businesses open late this Friday

Knock out your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses at Mid City Merchants’ annual White Light Night on Friday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Baton Rouge’s biggest art festival returns with over 40 local businesses keeping their doors open late and welcoming pop-up vendors into their space. Spy for the twinkling lights along Jefferson Highway, Government Street and neighboring areas to find hundreds of local artists and vendors selling their wares.

Each business has its own unique offerings for the night, from live music to food trucks. Navigating the miles-long fest might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but Amber Wroten, the president of Mid City Merchants’ board of directors, has some insider knowledge to have the best experience.

“It’s vibrant,” Wroten says. “It’s loud. It’s colorful and very community-driven. You can go out there and you’ll make friends and meet tons of new people. It’s really a great community event.”

She says the best way to get the most out of the event is to scan the list of participating businesses and makers, find where they are set up and follow them there. Want to make sure you hit all the spots? Back by popular demand, White Light Night’s shuttle system will be making 12 stops, starting at the Family & Youth Service Center on Government Street and ending near Jefferson Highway.

Mid City Merchants, the organization behind White Light Night, started as a way to bring community and culture to the heart of Baton Rouge through events like this one. It aims to celebrate local artists and their art through its Public Art Fund. A portion of the proceeds from White Light Night go to this fund, meaning your shopping experience not only benefits you but also supports the local art scene.

Plan an evening of shopping by browsing the following list of participating businesses. Check out Mid City Merchants’ site to find more spots along the route, or flock to businesses’ social media pages for more info.

Electric Depot

1509 Government St.

Stop by Electric Pickle to get warmed up for the vendor stroll ahead. Electric Depot’s resident businesses like Emporium Signature Spa will be open, and there will also be a Local Pop-up Market hosting plenty of local makers, creators, artists, musicians and more on site.

The Red Shoes

2303 Government St.

Enjoy live shows by Vaudeville Entertainment and sound healing, plus community connection. There will also be Henna, tarot readings and refreshments with warm intentions.

Tipton Associates and Mid City Redevelopment Alliance

449 Westmoreland Dr.

419 N 19th St.

Welcome to Cirque du White Light Night, a block party hosted by these two Mid City spots. Enjoy carnival games, face painting, local vendors and more. Special performances by Third Eye Music Group are sure to put some pep in your step.

Arnold & Associates Interiors

3707 Governemnt St.

Enjoy live music by Sara Bug Official, wine tastings, a photo booth and more. And don’t miss a visit from Santa, who is sure to bring some festive fun.

Time Warp

3001 Government St.

Comb through racks of vintage garb and check out vendors set up right outside. There will also be tunes to jam to while you shop.

Pelican to Mars

2678 Government St.

Pelican to Mars is bringing the holiday spirit to this fest with its festive Sippin’ Santa pop-up. It’ll also have a packed lineup of food pop-ups, along with a group of makers selling everything from paintings to pottery.

The Pink Elephant Antiques

2648 Government St.

This antiques shop boasts “vintage, vendors and booze” for White Light Night. Find pop-ups in the parking lot and items from the past inside. There will also be free drinks and snacks inside the shop.

MIMOSA Handcrafted

541 S. Eugene St.

Shop jewelry inside this tiny treasure shop and find 20 makers and artists tucked around every corner outside. Enjoy free jambalaya, drinks from Rad Dad Alternative and live music by Denton Hatcher.

Cannatella Grocery

3869 Government St.

This grocery’s parking lot will be filled with nine vendors. Stop to shop, stroll through the grocery or listen to live music from Doc Hearl.

La Carreta Mid City

4065 Government St.

Stroll around the vendors set up right outside this Mexican grub hub.

Calandro’s Supermarket

4142 Government St.

This local grocer will pack its parking lot with hundreds of local vendors and food trucks all night.

Parish Pets

4414 Government St.

Celebrate Parish Pets’ soft opening by exploring its new location on Government Street. Also enjoy vendors, giveaways, dog beer and more.

Giraphic Prints

4556 Government St.

Free beer, artists and DJ sets. Need we say more?

Brasserie Byronz

515 Mouton St.

All that walking making you hungry? Slow the night down and indulge in small bites and an extensive cocktail menu overlooking a sea of local art vendors outside.

MJ’s Cafe

5162 Government St.

Stop by this longtime White Light Night participant and grab a bite to eat while shopping with local vendors.

The Modern Munchkin Co.

5466 Government St.

This toy store is unveiling its new digs with a “grand-ish reopening” for White Light Night. Besides showing off the shop, it’ll also host makers selling permanent jewelry, custom hair bows, women’s clothing and more.

Superior Grill Mid City

5435 Government St.

Nosh on seasonal fall specials with yummy bites like street tacos, pork ribeye fajitas and pumpkin flan. Or nab a marg to sip while you stroll.

Soul Roots, LLC

711 Jefferson Hwy.

Shop unique crystals, tinctures, herbs and more from this wellness shop and festival first timer.

Elizabethan Gallery

680 Jefferson Hwy.

Nibble on wine and cheese from 5 to 7 p.m. while enjoying the gallery’s annual fall art show with paintings of local nature.