A guide to this year’s Hot Art Cool Nights: Where to shop, eat and explore
Rained out and rescheduled, this market is back with a packed route of vendors 🛍️🖼️
Live music, local vendors and plenty of art—that’s right, Hot Art Cool Nights returns Friday, May 15, bringing crowds to Mid City for one of Baton Rouge’s most anticipated events.
Rescheduled after being rained out last Friday, the event, hosted by Mid City Merchants, is set to take place from 6 to 10 p.m., giving locals a chance to experience Baton Rouge’s creative community all in one place. Expect businesses along the route to stay open late with live music, local artists and an abundance of food and drink.
“It’s a good way to meet a bunch of the community that we’re in every day, as well as new artists and musicians,” Mid City Merchants president Amber Wroten says.
With nearly 30 participating businesses and hundreds of vendors spread out across Mid City, Hot Art Cool Nights gives local artists and businesses a chance to showcase their work while turning part of Jefferson Highway and all of Government Street into a lively celebration of Baton Rouge talent.
Ahead of the event, Wroten recommends checking out the event map to plan must-see stops before heading out.
Here’s what participating businesses have planned for the night:
Red Stick Spice Co.
660 Jefferson Hwy.
Peruse aisles of spice blends, cookware, olive oils and balsamic vinegars inside the shop while checking out what guest vendors are selling.
Electric Pickle
1509 Government St.
Need a break from browsing? Stop by Electric Pickle for $10 open play pickleball from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., plus live music and food from Los Compadres Birria Taco Truck. Register for open play on their website.
Giraphic Prints
4556 Government St., Ste. 3
Stop by Giraphic Prints for the free beer, stay for the music and art. DJs John Young, MIC Phedusha and Herb Christopher are set to perform.
La Carreta Mid City
4065 Government St.
Grab a margarita and browse vendors selling clothes, jewlery, food, art and even a mobile bookstore.
Mimosa Handcrafted
541 S. Eugene St.
Looking for your next favorite piece? Mimosa Handcrafted jewelry features 20-plus artisans and jewelry makers, including Julio Naudin Art, Mattea Studio, Birdhouse & Co. and more, with food from City Pork and live music from Sinister Hand.
Curbside Burgers
4158 Government St.
Live music, drinks and burgers. Say less.
Parish Pets
4414 Government St.
Bring your four-legged friends along to Parish Pets, where vendors will offer handmade accessories, treats and pet goodies.
Rocca Pizzeria
3897 Government St.
Hear live music and indulge in free samples of bruschetta and limoncello. Hungry for more? Purchase pizza slices, popcorn, beer, wine and cocktails with card or Apple Pay.
Pelican to Mars
2678 Government St.
Shop vendors and feast on a variety of eats from food pop-ups at this Mid City watering hole.
Good Choices Co.
3115 Government St.
Make a purchase at this secondhand shop and spin a wheel for other prizes and deals. Every $20 purchase will be entered to win a $50 gift card.
Mid City Beer Garden
3808 Government St.
Grab a seat in the garden for cocktails and crowlers, or take a stroll around the building to find vendors to shop.
Rad Dad Alternative
2558 Government St.
This alternative alcohol shop will serve seltzer samples from brands like Indigo, St. Rains, Cann, Hiatus and Louie Louie. Enjoy them while listening to music by Drunken Bluejay Productions.
The Pink Elephant Antiques
2648 Government St.
Vintage lovers won’t want to miss this stop. Shop the Pink Elephant’s selection of 20 vendors selling one-of-a-kind treasures while enjoying free wine and snacks inside.
Time Warp Boutique
3001 Government St.
Shop local fashion, catch The Lady DeeJay spinning tracks outside and grab a bite to eat from Cheba Hut.
Fleurty Girl
3622 Government St.
Stop by Fleurty Girl for its selection of nine vendors gathering in the parking lot.
Cannatella Grocery
3869 Government St.
With seven vendors, music by Emmy Award winner Doc Hearl and muffulettas, this Italian shop is a must-stop.
Other Participating Businesses:
Shop House Consignment and Retail Shop
