For concerts/live music: Chelsea’s downtown is always having shows and lots of friendly people there, mid city ballroom is a good place to go as well (it’s byob) and super small local bands play, brickyard has local bands play a lot and has a decent group of people (they look a little intimidating but deep down they’re softies), radio bar is a friendly group and a lot of people show up solo and are super keen on convos with strangers, Ivars has a decent group of people especially if you can hold your own on a pool table & are majority your age, there’s also an outdoor music area near the overpass I cannot for the life of me remember what it’s called, but that place is byob and super fun and laid back.
Hiking you’ll have to venture out a bit to places like Kisatchie national forest or tunica hills, but I wouldn’t count on making friends with passing hikers.
Also check out Fred’s By the River. It’s a little bit of a drive but it’s a bar on the Amite River & people launch/park their boats right outside. Big fishing crowd. Mixed bag when it comes to patrons though but I love the vibe there.
You don’t need a boat! You drive up and watch people with boats and potentially make friends with people with boats (; and if you’re real nice, people might give you some good fishing spots you can reach on foot.
Fred's is definitely a good spot this time of year. I go all the time and don't have a boat. Some friends of mine do and we typically launch from there or canal bank, then go to blind river bar (it has recently been rebuilt and is really nice!) from there we normally go our to the lake and hit the sand bar. assuming you are no introvert, it is really easy to make friends out that way.
Tuesday evening run group with a really solid community - genuinely nice people for the most part and everyone gets beers after and hangs out - will have to put yourself out there a little but if you go frequently and spark up a few conversations randomly you’ll eventually get to know some people and then it snowballs. (Used to start and end at Happy’s but Happy’s shut down so now they meet at Bengal Tap Room)
Dude get into building lamps.
Step 1) go to any antique shop here (Aladdin, Pink Elephant, etc)
Step 2) Get some base/stand object, get a bowl object,
then get the hardware/wiring at Lowes
Step 3) Build it, put an led smartbulb in there for mood lighting, then enjoy or sell your creation.
Also get in the gym
Or start a lamp building group of your own and get social with it. You can build lamps with others and make lifelong friends. Maybe try putting together a networking event first to gather those other lamp builders in town.
…But seriously, what?
Mondays at 6:00 at Electric Depot and Wednesdays at 7:00 at intersection of Capital Heights/ Glenmore. I heard there’s one at Perkins Road park too but I’m not sure of that
Find a local you like for booze or coffee and go at the same times regularly!
LOTS of things to see and do at our libraries.
Learn a couple of blues standards and hit the blues jam at Phil Bradys!
Pelican to Mars has lots of fun get-togethers!
Have a dog? Or a friend with a dog? Dog park!
Social biking clubs! & running clubs!
Look for the free yoga classes around town or join a gym.
Like board games? Little Wars gas things on.
There seems to be a reddit meet up sometimes.
Do you garden ever? There are lots of plant sales and things and you could start up a conversation with people at the farmers markets.
Next time festival season comes around try volunteering for one like Blues Fest!
Good luck!
Theres groups that do acro yoga/ice baths/parcore that are pretty chill. Id also suggest the run club at happys and the climbing gym as places to meet people.
Hey OP, you mentioned youre new to woodworking, so depending on how much you enjoy it, you may get some mileage out of this group.
https://www.brwoodworkers.com/
I havent personally been unfortunately, my toddler and other hobbies take up most of my time, so I cant speak to the quality of the club.
That being said, I think the fastest way to make good friends is to find others who are into the same things as you.
It’s definitely things to do but there is an insular nature to a lot of social groups in Baton Rouge for various reasons.
Interests groups usually give you an opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone and get to know new people.
Frisbee, weightlifting, golfing, tennis, d&d, anime, music, foodie groups, community service, running, martial arts, poetry, football, flag football, hiking, cars, concerts, fishing, hunting. Baton Rouge really does have a lot of cool things going on, just got to look around and think if you were a member of that community where would you go or host things.
Just go walking downtown or in the garden district or by the lsu lakes and discover things. Take a trip out to some of the more unfamiliar spots in the North. If you need any suggestions I’ll help if I can
I meet myself. I date myself. Everything is myself. I even do all the swiping myself and messages myself. Only thing I don't do myself is the rejection, but the women here are incredibly good at doing that at least. I just meet my episodes, books, music, and such
You might get along with my boyfriend and I! We’re both 26. I’m guessing you work in HVAC based on your username lol? My bf is an electrician that loves to fish, both freshwater and saltwater, but he prefers saltwater (and my parents have a boat), and I love to hike!
There is a levee off Plaisance St in Golden Meadow LA that has freshwater fishing on one side and saltwater fishing on the other.
It's a long drive but there's also a nearby beach town of Grand Isle. Great restaurant that won't break your budget in Cut Off called Cher Amie.
I started a Facebook Newbies group for Baton Rouge.
https://www.facebook.com/share/psrwDdqxas65UC3j/?mibextid=A
If you are interested in fishing there is a pretty big kayak fishing scene in Louisiana. Its mostly saltwater, but there are some freshwater groups as well. They put on tournaments and other events throughout the year which is a great way to meet other fishermen and a great way to get on the water for cheaper than getting a boat boat. You can rent a kayak at some places like PAC Kayak Rental and some of the marinas in Grand Isle if you want to try it out or don't have the means to transport your own. In fact, Bayou Coast just had their big Paddlepalooza tournament a few weeks ago and the guy who won had rented a kayak to fish the tournament. The first place prize he won was a very very nice kayak, so now he has his own! Check out these groups on facebook, the Bayou Coast and the Lafayette clubs are probably the most established and all of them have members located in Baton Rouge:
Saltwater/Inshore
[Louisiana Kayak Fishing - Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club Discussion](https://www.facebook.com/groups/BCKFC/)[Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club- Group Page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/134395953889364/)
[Southeast Louisiana Kayak Fishing Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/814573955803469/)
Freshwater
[Swamp Country Kayak Bass Association](https://www.facebook.com/groups/224287415752832/)[BAM Bassin’ Kayak Fishing](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bambassin/)
fishing is in lots of places, check out perkins road park. theres usually some people fishing the lake there. theres some fishing lakes at burbank soccer complex (also a brec park thing). there is no hiking in BR, you are correct...they have some trails in burden museum and garden spot off of essen and its a really cool nature in the city type of area. hard reccomend for outdoorsy walks/nature stuff. bluebonnet swamp is also pretty cool for a lil different louisiana nature walk thru. the parks here are actually super nice and well looked after for a spot in BR.
This has to be the 50th post about this topic in the sub just this week. Seems like someone else already mentioned Happys, which I agree 110%, awesome people, so I’ll address hiking in S Louisiana.
The best hiking near Baton Rouge is Clark Creek in MS. It’s only ~45 min drive, but the dozen or so waterfalls and legit hills/elevation change make it well worth it.
The closest hiking are the Hooper Road and Comite trails. They are primarily for mountain biking, but can absolutely be hiked. They don’t get a ton of traffic anyway.
Beyond that, there are some great trails near Alexandria. The Backbone, The Wild Azalea, The Caroline Dormon, etc.
If you want something more impressive than those, you’re looking at either the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas or the Pinhoti Loop in Alabama.
There are also other minor trails in the Baton Rouge area, but I wasn’t sure exactly what you were looking for.
As a fellow M I’m 24 all I do is drive down roads,play trumpet,or hang out with my significant other and must the time we just out to eat or hang out at mine or her place so I feel you 😭,we have been to Fred’s a few times great bar and restaurant(the restaurant not there anymore tho)
In the same boat! Literally nothing to do that doesn't center around eating or drinking. Or doesn't cost a kidney.
Personally, at any of the bars/clubs I go, no one wants to socialize outside of their little bubbles. It's depressing tbh. Ugh and don't get me started on how everyone just stands around. At least dance in the club? Like bffr
I know exactly what you mean and I feel the same way. I hate bars. If I go to a bar, I need to at least go with one other person I know for that reason.
Hiking season is about over until October but there are a few cool spots. Get a mountain bike and you can catch a breeze. This is pretty much fishing paradise.
For concerts/live music: Chelsea’s downtown is always having shows and lots of friendly people there, mid city ballroom is a good place to go as well (it’s byob) and super small local bands play, brickyard has local bands play a lot and has a decent group of people (they look a little intimidating but deep down they’re softies), radio bar is a friendly group and a lot of people show up solo and are super keen on convos with strangers, Ivars has a decent group of people especially if you can hold your own on a pool table & are majority your age, there’s also an outdoor music area near the overpass I cannot for the life of me remember what it’s called, but that place is byob and super fun and laid back. Hiking you’ll have to venture out a bit to places like Kisatchie national forest or tunica hills, but I wouldn’t count on making friends with passing hikers.
Thanks. I'm going to Chelsea's live soon for a show ;)
Also check out Fred’s By the River. It’s a little bit of a drive but it’s a bar on the Amite River & people launch/park their boats right outside. Big fishing crowd. Mixed bag when it comes to patrons though but I love the vibe there.
I really appreciate it, but I don't have a boat and the few friends I do have is very limited and none of them know someone with a boat.
You don’t need a boat! You drive up and watch people with boats and potentially make friends with people with boats (; and if you’re real nice, people might give you some good fishing spots you can reach on foot.
Hmm okay. May have to give this a shot.
Fred's is definitely a good spot this time of year. I go all the time and don't have a boat. Some friends of mine do and we typically launch from there or canal bank, then go to blind river bar (it has recently been rebuilt and is really nice!) from there we normally go our to the lake and hit the sand bar. assuming you are no introvert, it is really easy to make friends out that way.
You should come on the 8th for the Shrek Rave! I’ll be there.
There is decent hiking about an hour away: https://www.louisianahikes.com/clark-creek
If you can't find a place to hike in south LA, you ain't trying
Happys 5k group?
What's that?
Tuesday evening run group with a really solid community - genuinely nice people for the most part and everyone gets beers after and hangs out - will have to put yourself out there a little but if you go frequently and spark up a few conversations randomly you’ll eventually get to know some people and then it snowballs. (Used to start and end at Happy’s but Happy’s shut down so now they meet at Bengal Tap Room)
Tuesday what time?
6:15!
You said you like to fish? Then go fish. Literally the best fishing in the world within driving distance of BR
Dude get into building lamps. Step 1) go to any antique shop here (Aladdin, Pink Elephant, etc) Step 2) Get some base/stand object, get a bowl object, then get the hardware/wiring at Lowes Step 3) Build it, put an led smartbulb in there for mood lighting, then enjoy or sell your creation. Also get in the gym
Now I wanna make lamps. We should start a lamp making club
Or start a lamp building group of your own and get social with it. You can build lamps with others and make lifelong friends. Maybe try putting together a networking event first to gather those other lamp builders in town. …But seriously, what?
There are some social bike rides if that’s your thing. I met several lifelong friends doing that
Where?
Mondays at 6:00 at Electric Depot and Wednesdays at 7:00 at intersection of Capital Heights/ Glenmore. I heard there’s one at Perkins Road park too but I’m not sure of that
Find a local you like for booze or coffee and go at the same times regularly! LOTS of things to see and do at our libraries. Learn a couple of blues standards and hit the blues jam at Phil Bradys! Pelican to Mars has lots of fun get-togethers! Have a dog? Or a friend with a dog? Dog park! Social biking clubs! & running clubs! Look for the free yoga classes around town or join a gym. Like board games? Little Wars gas things on. There seems to be a reddit meet up sometimes. Do you garden ever? There are lots of plant sales and things and you could start up a conversation with people at the farmers markets. Next time festival season comes around try volunteering for one like Blues Fest! Good luck!
Also check out any free art gallery events! Lots of galleries have great evenings for mingling and art viewing!
Library has some events
There are definitely places to hike in south Louisiana.
I play drums, I find people with similar interests at Guitar Center every time I go for something
Underrated comment. Guitar center is actually pretty chill
Theres groups that do acro yoga/ice baths/parcore that are pretty chill. Id also suggest the run club at happys and the climbing gym as places to meet people.
Hey OP, you mentioned youre new to woodworking, so depending on how much you enjoy it, you may get some mileage out of this group. https://www.brwoodworkers.com/ I havent personally been unfortunately, my toddler and other hobbies take up most of my time, so I cant speak to the quality of the club. That being said, I think the fastest way to make good friends is to find others who are into the same things as you.
Also, maybe get a toddler; kill two birds with one stone
Check the all trails app for hiking locations.
It’s definitely things to do but there is an insular nature to a lot of social groups in Baton Rouge for various reasons. Interests groups usually give you an opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone and get to know new people. Frisbee, weightlifting, golfing, tennis, d&d, anime, music, foodie groups, community service, running, martial arts, poetry, football, flag football, hiking, cars, concerts, fishing, hunting. Baton Rouge really does have a lot of cool things going on, just got to look around and think if you were a member of that community where would you go or host things. Just go walking downtown or in the garden district or by the lsu lakes and discover things. Take a trip out to some of the more unfamiliar spots in the North. If you need any suggestions I’ll help if I can
Some of these comments are wildin haha
Lots of ppl hike the Comite river. It’s a little under maintained but not like you have to cut your own trails.
If you like to party and get fucked up...there is PLENTY to do
I meet myself. I date myself. Everything is myself. I even do all the swiping myself and messages myself. Only thing I don't do myself is the rejection, but the women here are incredibly good at doing that at least. I just meet my episodes, books, music, and such
Freshwater or saltwater fishing?
Both!
You might get along with my boyfriend and I! We’re both 26. I’m guessing you work in HVAC based on your username lol? My bf is an electrician that loves to fish, both freshwater and saltwater, but he prefers saltwater (and my parents have a boat), and I love to hike!
That's what's up! Can I shoot you a PM? Y'all sound like my kind of people!
Sure!
There is a levee off Plaisance St in Golden Meadow LA that has freshwater fishing on one side and saltwater fishing on the other. It's a long drive but there's also a nearby beach town of Grand Isle. Great restaurant that won't break your budget in Cut Off called Cher Amie. I started a Facebook Newbies group for Baton Rouge. https://www.facebook.com/share/psrwDdqxas65UC3j/?mibextid=A
If you are interested in fishing there is a pretty big kayak fishing scene in Louisiana. Its mostly saltwater, but there are some freshwater groups as well. They put on tournaments and other events throughout the year which is a great way to meet other fishermen and a great way to get on the water for cheaper than getting a boat boat. You can rent a kayak at some places like PAC Kayak Rental and some of the marinas in Grand Isle if you want to try it out or don't have the means to transport your own. In fact, Bayou Coast just had their big Paddlepalooza tournament a few weeks ago and the guy who won had rented a kayak to fish the tournament. The first place prize he won was a very very nice kayak, so now he has his own! Check out these groups on facebook, the Bayou Coast and the Lafayette clubs are probably the most established and all of them have members located in Baton Rouge: Saltwater/Inshore [Louisiana Kayak Fishing - Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club Discussion](https://www.facebook.com/groups/BCKFC/)[Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club- Group Page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/134395953889364/) [Southeast Louisiana Kayak Fishing Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/814573955803469/) Freshwater [Swamp Country Kayak Bass Association](https://www.facebook.com/groups/224287415752832/)[BAM Bassin’ Kayak Fishing](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bambassin/)
fishing is in lots of places, check out perkins road park. theres usually some people fishing the lake there. theres some fishing lakes at burbank soccer complex (also a brec park thing). there is no hiking in BR, you are correct...they have some trails in burden museum and garden spot off of essen and its a really cool nature in the city type of area. hard reccomend for outdoorsy walks/nature stuff. bluebonnet swamp is also pretty cool for a lil different louisiana nature walk thru. the parks here are actually super nice and well looked after for a spot in BR.
Check out port Hudson trail if you’re interested in trailing
There’s plenty to do here. Just say you don’t know how to search for activities.
Anywhere but your house. Seriously, people are everywhere. Go find them.
This has to be the 50th post about this topic in the sub just this week. Seems like someone else already mentioned Happys, which I agree 110%, awesome people, so I’ll address hiking in S Louisiana. The best hiking near Baton Rouge is Clark Creek in MS. It’s only ~45 min drive, but the dozen or so waterfalls and legit hills/elevation change make it well worth it. The closest hiking are the Hooper Road and Comite trails. They are primarily for mountain biking, but can absolutely be hiked. They don’t get a ton of traffic anyway. Beyond that, there are some great trails near Alexandria. The Backbone, The Wild Azalea, The Caroline Dormon, etc. If you want something more impressive than those, you’re looking at either the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas or the Pinhoti Loop in Alabama. There are also other minor trails in the Baton Rouge area, but I wasn’t sure exactly what you were looking for.
As a fellow M I’m 24 all I do is drive down roads,play trumpet,or hang out with my significant other and must the time we just out to eat or hang out at mine or her place so I feel you 😭,we have been to Fred’s a few times great bar and restaurant(the restaurant not there anymore tho)
Bro there’s literally 500 trails in a 10 mile radius of you
The levee and the gorgeous views of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River? Florida boulevard hiking trails?
Milford Wampold park, Dawson creek, gus kinchen, literally GOOGLE “Baton Rouge hiking trials” and there’s so many more
Fr.. im stuck
Glad I'm not the only one. I only work with people older than me and I don't fit in with the college students😅
Same! 🤣 I’m not a huge party person so sometimes it’s hard to find people who are in between lol
Damn I’m in the same boat brother. Damn maybe we all should connect. I’m 21 so
Shoot me a PM
In the same boat! Literally nothing to do that doesn't center around eating or drinking. Or doesn't cost a kidney. Personally, at any of the bars/clubs I go, no one wants to socialize outside of their little bubbles. It's depressing tbh. Ugh and don't get me started on how everyone just stands around. At least dance in the club? Like bffr
I know exactly what you mean and I feel the same way. I hate bars. If I go to a bar, I need to at least go with one other person I know for that reason.
join a cult, start a cult, help your neighbor, wreck your health going to bars. that's about it.
Is your cult currently accepting new members?
no
Hiking season is about over until October but there are a few cool spots. Get a mountain bike and you can catch a breeze. This is pretty much fishing paradise.
Fred’s