Make the most of a football-filled Labor Day weekend in the Capital City
LSU’s 2026 season opener is at home for the first time since 2020, which means Labor Day weekend in Baton Rouge is lining up to be a seismic event. Tiger fans will be ready to bring the energy as LSU faces off against Clemson amid home field traditions and the unmistakable roar of Death Valley.
Visitors from both teams will descend on the Capital City for the big game, but they’ll find plenty of other things to do in Baton Rouge as well. Here’s how to make the most of the long weekend.
Friday, 3 p.m.
Arrive in Baton Rouge and check into a downtown hotel. Unpack and stretch your legs, then head for the top floor of the Shaw Center for the Arts for a stunning view of the majestic Mississippi River. Snap a few pics, then move inside to Tsunami Sushi for a Blushing Geisha cocktail at the bar.
Friday, 7 p.m.
Hop over to Mid City for dinner. Queue up for a table at the Michelin-recommended hometown favorite Elsie’s Plate and Pie, or make a reservation at Rocca Pizzeria for a wood-fired Neapolitan pie with curated toppings. End the night with a chef-driven cocktail at the stylish new speakeasy Hearsay, inside Circa 1857.
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Start the morning off at the beloved downtown Red Stick Farmers Market, where dozens of farmers and producers sell local-only items. Munch on a scone, sweet potato pie or loaded biscuit from a market vendor and sip sustainable, fair-trade coffee at River & Roots inside Main Street Market. Stroll through the adjacent monthly Arts Market and peruse the impressive wares of regional artisans.
Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
Let the game festivities begin. Walk or rideshare to The Pastime Restaurant downtown, a local institution famous for pizza and po-boys whose origins date back to the 1920s. Scribble your order on a piece of paper, grab a pitcher of beer and head for a table. After a stomach-coating nosh, reserve your seat on the Pastime’s Tiger Transit bus, which will take you to and from the game for a nominal fee.
Saturday, 3 p.m.
Stroll through LSU’s iconic tailgate scene and witness over-the-top fan traditions. Grab a strategic spot and prepare to watch the Golden Band from Tigerland march down Victory Hill. After the goosebumps recede, head to Mike the Tiger’s habitat for a peek at Louisiana’s favorite feline. It’s almost gametime. Head inside Tiger Stadium and take your seat.
Saturday 6:30 p.m.
Kickoff. Geaux Tigers!
Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
Relish the chance to sleep in, then head for brunch downtown. Savor detailed global dishes at Cocha or opt for Creole favorites at Cecilia.
Sunday, 12:30 p.m.
Meander through the 440-acre Burden Museum & Gardens in the heart of Baton Rouge. A state-of-the-art welcome center completed this spring orients visitors to the site’s three memorable experiences: the renowned LSU Rural Life Museum, Windrush Gardens and the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens.
Sunday, 4 p.m.
Journey to Court to Table Kitchen & Bar for a round of pickleball or cornhole followed by dinner in the onsite modern American restaurant. The Hot Yardbird fried chicken sandwich and banh mi craft tacos will ease your appetite after all that friendly competition.
Monday, 9 a.m.
Check out of your hotel and head for home, but not before stopping at Coffee Call, the 50-year-old local treasure famous for made-from-scratch beignets and café au lait. Grab a table and sink your teeth into deep-fried clouds of dough showered in powdered sugar. Don’t forget to take some for the road.
This article was originally published in 225 Magazine’s 2026 Tiger Pride edition.
