This Friday night, Baton Rouge residents can immerse themselves in local art and music while exploring all Government Street has to offer by attending White Light Night, the large-scale annual art-hop aimed at bringing the arts to the heart of the Capital City.
The 20th annual event has established itself as a staple of Baton Rouge culture, but this year marks the festival’s biggest event yet.
From 6 to 10 p.m., local businesses located on and around Government Street will stay open late, opening their doors to local artists, makers and musicians for a night full of culture and togetherness.
The event, organized by Mid City Merchants, is community-centered through and through. Proceeds from the night’s event will go toward the purchase of public art in the Mid City area, furthering the area’s current redevelopment and the influx of local businesses that have come with it.
Government Street staples like The Market at Circa 1857 and Kerry Beary Atomic Pop Shop will be participating in the night’s festivities. The Market at Circa 1857 will feature an array of over 20 local artists and makers as well as blues musician Jonathon “Boogie” Long while local artist Paris Williams will display his art amidst the sea of records at Atomic Pop Shop.
With the recent development of Government Street, White Light Night has expanded to include some of Mid City’s newest businesses.
Head over to French Truck Coffee, which came to Government Street last August, to get your evening caffeine fix and see art by University alumnae. Meanwhile, you can dance to the experimental rock beats of Hydra Plane and snap your fingers to the poetry of University alumna Emily McCollister.
Just down the road, Sweet Leather Goods will be making its first debut at White Light Night since Denise and graphic design senior Danielle Kerr opened their storefront last December. The mother-daughter duo will host a hands-on pottery project at their ceramic school, The Hive, that you won’t want to miss.
If all that was not enough, a special edition of the Mid City Makers Market will also occur on 541 South Eugene Street just off Government.
A free shuttle service will run during the festival between Jefferson Highway at Goodwood Boulevard and the intersection of Government and 14th streets. Uber discounts are also offered during the event.
White Light Night chairman Geordy Waters said his strong belief in Government Street’s potential drew him to the event.
“I believe in Government Street,” Waters said. “I believe that Government is the next best thing in Baton Rouge.”
Alabaster Stag performs on Nov. 18, 2016 during this year's White Light Night art festival just outside of Circa 1847.
