White Light Night done right

For the past 15 years, White Light Night has illuminated the Friday before Thanksgiving in Mid City with twinkling lights, live music and Baton Rouge’s biggest art showcase and open house event. Knowing where to begin can be a daunting task, considering the participating businesses are dotted along nearly 2.5 miles of Government Street, down side streets and clustered around Goodwood Shopping Center. So what’s the secret to doing it right? Liz Walker, Arts District chairman for Mid City Merchants and owner of Elizabethan Gallery, offers her top five tips to get the most out of your evening.

The 16th annual fall art hop White Light Night is Nov. 22, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. For more information and a full list of participating venues, go to midcitymerchants.org.

“The No. 1 thing I always tell people about White Light Night is to get yourself a copy of the invitation booklet and plan ahead,” Walker says. Booklets are available at all participating businesses and include lists of vendors to visit and a handy map to help sort out your strategy. Bonus tip: Look for the “nodes,” or clusters of several businesses in the same area that can be tackled with a single stop.

If finger foods and mocktails aren’t enough to fuel your art hopping, part of your schedule for White Light Night could include finding somewhere close by to eat a full meal at dinnertime. Walker says there’s no need to head elsewhere to fill your stomach—participating restaurants like Monjuni’s, Bistro Byronz and Superior Grill will serve up specials all night.

Though places like law firms and auto shops may not be high on your list of priorities for the evening, these hidden gems still proudly display great local art just like the bigger venues. Ease into the night at one of the less popular stops instead of fighting the crowds that cram the doorways of well-known galleries. Walker says many of these venues also have the best food offerings you can find for the night.

No more searching for parking spots or sitting on laps in overcrowded buses like previous years. According to Walker, the transportation setup this year will be “bigger and better than ever.” White Light Night will be using four buses, two Gerry Lane passenger vans and shuttles loaned by Baton Rouge Community College to transport visitors between venues. Hop on between 6:30 and 10:30 p.m.

Friends flake out? Spouse would rather stay home? Don’t be intimidated by the thought of taking on White Light Night alone. “So many people are like, ‘Well, you know, nobody wants to get out,'” Walker says. “Come by yourself. You can do twice as many businesses.”

November 15
6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Another art hop worth checking out this month, Highland Nights will take over a stretch of the historic road with art, food and celebration of local artists and vendors. From Matherne’s Supermarket to Bustle Bridal Gowns and Accessories, this group open house offers an intimate look at members of the Highland Road Merchants Association while featuring a local artist at each location. Stop by serenity centers like The Wellness Studio and Yoga Bliss or browse collections at Frameworks Gallery and Bienville Antiques & Framing, just to name few.