For shoppers, enjoy a day strolling through Antiques Alley or wander through the unique shops in downtown West Monroe. Enjoy shopping at North Louisiana's largest shopping mall, Pecanland Mall. There are shops and boutiques which offer the savvy shopper the latest fashion and home decor trends. Visit Paul Michael Company, Kim's Kloset, K-sera, Herringstone's, Mojo's Boutique, and Imperial Galleries to name a few.
There are over 70 locally owned, distinct restaurants in Monroe-West Monroe. Eat traditional Southern comfort food, Cajun fare or sample some of the unique flavors of the area. Local restaurants serve up fried chicken, smothered pork chops, catfish, gumbo, poboys, black-eyed peas and other local favorites daily.
For those who love to live on the wild side, Northeast Louisiana has some amazing scenery. There is something for every outdoor enthusiast: fishing, boating, hunting, camping, hiking, golf or just hang out at one of the area's many parks.
According to the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor's Bureau the Ouachita River was voted by National Geographic as one of the world’s 10 most scenic Rivers.
For lovers of history visit the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum or tour the Biedenharn Bible Museum & Gardens.
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August - December 2009 Special Events in Monroe-West Monroe
August 3, 13th Annual Community Bridal Fair, Bridal dresses, tuxedos, caterers, videographers and photographers all on site. Plus many more helpful ideas to plan your big day and thousands in door prizes! 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. $5 West Monroe Convention Center, West Monroe, 318-322-8349
August 3-7, Zoo Summer Camp: For the Birds! Walk, waddle, swim, or run to this feathery, fun-filled camp. Campers will learn all sorts of neat information about birds. For ages 4-5. 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., $40 Zoo Society members; $55 non-members, Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, Monroe, 318-329-2400 or www.monroezoo.org
August 3-7, Zoo Summer Camp: Birdiacs, Campers will become “birdiacs” as they meet a variety of birds, conduct feather and beak experiments, make bird feeders, and more! For ages 5-12. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $90 Zoo Society members; $110 non-members, Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, Monroe, 318-329-2400 or www.monroezoo.org
August 6, Downtown Monroe Art Crawl, Make your way from one historic jewel to the next, each filled with fine art and friendly faces. The Downtown Gallery Art Crawl is hosted by a community of artists and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and provides art, live entertainment, and more!, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Free to attend, Downtown Monroe, 318-329-1921 or www.downtowngallerycrawl.com
August 7, Biedenharn Special Evening Hours: Astronomy Night, Special evening hours are perfect for couples, families, and friends! They are also ideal for night photography, marriage proposals and garden enthusiasts. This month features special guest Don Wheeler, Assoc. Professor of Science at Delta Community College. Delta’s telescopes will be set-up for all to enjoy. Learn more about astronomy while exploring the moon up close. Subject to change without notice pending weather conditions. 9:00 – 11:00 p.m., Free, Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Monroe, 318-387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org
August 29, Downtown Cinema, Come enjoy this outdoor movie experience in Downtown Monroe! Each month features a new movie. Remember to bring your own seating. Movie begins after dark – 7:30ish, Free, 128 South Grand, Downtown Monroe, www.thedowntowncinema.com
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September 24-October 4, Ark-La-Miss Fair, Come to the fair for rides, games, prizes, carnival food, and fun for all ages!, Monroe Civic Center, Monroe, 318-329-3342 or www.arklamissfair.info
September 26, Downtown Cinema, Come enjoy this outdoor movie experience in Downtown Monroe! Each month features a new movie. Remember to bring your own seating. Movie begins after dark – 7:30ish, Free, 128 South Grand, Downtown Monroe, www.thedowntowncinema.com
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October 1, Downtown Monroe Art Crawl. Make your way from one historic jewel to the next, each filled with fine art and friendly faces. The Downtown Gallery Art Crawl is hosted by a community of artists and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and provides art, live entertainment, and more! 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Free to attend, Downtown Monroe, 318-329-1921 or www.downtowngallerycrawl.com
October 10, Community Days: Woods, Woodworking, & Tools, Starr Homeplace boosts seven museums along with a working quilting room, woodworking shop, blacksmith, and 50’s cottage. Great for a family outing! A program is provided along with the noon meal. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $5 entry fee; $8 for community meal, Starr Homeplace Heritage & Creativity Center, LA 133/US 425, Oak Ridge, 318-244-5700 or 318-651-8311
October 10, Louisiana Art & Folk Festival, The festival will include fine art exhibits & demonstrations, continuous music in 2 areas, children’s area, art & crafts booths, food, and more.. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Cost: $3; Children 3-12 $1, Main Street, Columbia, 318-649-0726
October 17, 19th Annual St. Patrick’s Herbal Harvest, Features over 50 vendors with plants and herbs, original arts and crafts, jewelry, children’s clothes, and garden accessories. Jellies, soups, and sausages will be available for purchase; there will also be an herbal display inside church. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Free to attend, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 1712 Wellerman Road, West Monroe, 318-396-1341
October 24-25, Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival, The festival honors the rich Celtic heritage of Northeast Louisiana. www.nelacelticfest.net
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November 1, Antique Alley Fall & Holiday Open House. Antique Alley merchants have held the Open House each year for approximately 20 years to usher in the holiday shopping season. Each store is open with refreshments and musicians often play music up and down Trenton Street. 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free to attend, Antique Alley, Trenton Street, West Monroe, 318-387-1933 or 318-387-5691
November 7
Starr Homeplace Road Trip: Soule’ Live Stream Festival, Meridian, MS, The Soule’ Stream Engine Works has been preserved intact and is being turned into the Mississippi Industrial Arts Museum. Exhibits include tractors, cars, engines print shops, and weaving guilds. Roadtrip leaves from Wal-Mart in West Monroe. All fees refunded and events cancel if there are not an adequate numbers of reservations. 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (8 hours drive time) Cost: $65, Starr Homeplace Heritage & Creativity Center, LA 133/US 425, Oak Ridge, 318-244-5700 or 318-651-8311
November 7, M2M Barbeque & Blues on the Ouachita, A M2M event features a BBQ contest and blues music. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $10; includes music & a meal, Main Street, Columbia, 318-649-2138
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December 3, Downtown Monroe Art Crawl, Make your way from one historic jewel to the next, each filled with fine art and friendly faces. The Downtown Gallery Art Crawl is hosted by a community of artists and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and provides art, live entertainment, and more! 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free to attend, Downtown Monroe, Monroe, 318-329-1921 or www.downtowngallerycrawl.com
December 5, Caldwell Country Christmas Parade & Fireworks, Beautifully decorated and lighted parade entries will roll through downtown Columbia with Christmas music playing. A fireworks display will start as the parade crosses the Ouachita River. 6:30 p.m. Free, Main Street, Columbia, 318-649-0726
December 5, Starr Homeplace Road Trip: Chimneyville Craft Festival - Jackson, MS, This is the best exhibition of fine hand made crafts anywhere in the mid south; a real treat for the eye and senses. All fees refunded and events canceled if there are not an adequate number of reservations. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Cost: $40, Starr Homeplace Heritage & Creativity Center, Oak Ridge, 318-244-5700
For more events in the Monroe-West Monroe Area click the link below
Calendar of Events from Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Note: the events listed here were supplied by the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Before traveling to an event, call ahead to be sure the event wasn't canceled or changed to a different date. Happy trekking!
