From live music & community celebrations to the rodeo, August is full of a variety of fun here in Monroe-West Monroe! Check out what's happening this month down below.

The Crawl

Thursday, August 1, 5:00 pm-9:00 pm

It's time to Crawl- sweet 16 style! Come celebrate and experience the work of talented local artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally-owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe. The Downtown Gallery Crawl is celebrating its 16th birthday this August, so come celebrate!

Strauss CommUNITY Costuming Workshop

August 3 & 4, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Strauss CommUNITY Workshops are back! These costuming workshops will consist of 2 class sessions- One on August 3rd and the other on August 4th. Learn the art of sewing, costuming, and technique from the Strauss costume coordinator!

Community Health & Wellness Expo

August 3, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

The Community Health & Wellness Expo will offer a variety of activities, including health screenings, fitness classes, kids’ activities, and cooking demonstrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in the health and wellness industry, as well as discover products and services designed to improve their overall health and wellbeing. The Health and Wellness Expo is open to everyone, including individuals, families, and businesses. Whether you are looking to learn more about nutrition, fitness, mental health, stress management, or any other aspect of health and wellness, the Expo will provide attendees with the education and resources they need to be healthy.

Battle of the Badges

August 10, 5:00 pm-10:00 pm

This year's Battle of the Badges celebrates their 20th anniversary with “The Legend Continues”! Policemen and firemen are going head-to-head in a night of exciting boxing matches. Monroe City Battle of the Badges is a non-profit amateur boxing show that features policemen versus firemen from all over the south. The purpose of the Monroe City Battle of the Badges is to raise money for selected charities. This year they will fight for Med Camps of Louisiana. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the fights start at 6:00 PM.

Talk Radio Play

August 14-17, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Josh Madden Productions presents Talk Radio: The Pulitzer Prize Finalist Stage Play! This performance is based on the drama of the same name. Support local theatre at this one-of-a-kind production. Shows will run every night from August 14-17 at 7:00 pm at 111 Cotton St. in West Monroe.

The Altos Dinner Theatre

August 16 & 17, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival’s murder mystery dinner theatre, “The Alto's,” will be presented by Twin City Entertainment! This fundraiser is scheduled for 8/16-8/17 at the West Monroe Convention Center. Doors open at 6:30 PM show starts at 7:00 PM. Enjoy a three-course meal and entertainment, all to benefit the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival! Be prepared to dodge bullets, laugh at the songs and see if you can figure out who put a contract out on Tony!

Krewe of Janus’s Halfway to Mardi Gras Party

August 17, 6:00 pm

Join the Krewe of Janus to celebrate Half-Way to Mardi Gras at their Krewe Den! At this community event, there will be games, prizes, and lots of fun.

The Best of Ouachita

August 20, 11:00 am-3:00 pm

The Best of Ouachita is an expansion of the former “Ouachita 101” event and aims to inform new and existing residents of Ouachita Parish about all of the exciting things happening in our community. The Best of Ouachita will allow residents to be more informed and connected with local businesses and our local university. This event is open to the public. Everyone is welcome and there is no entry fee for attendees.

Louisiana Classic

August 21-25

The National Reined Horse Association Louisiana Classic is taking place August 21-25 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. Times are as follows: Thursday at 8:00 AM, Friday 7:40 AM settle and 8:00 AM start, Saturday 7:00 AM start and 6:30 PM start, Sunday 8:00 AM start. Visit their website to learn more.

Bayou Black Rodeo

August 24, 7:30 pm-10:00 pm

The Annual Black Bayou Rodeo will be at the Monroe Civic Center arena on August 24th! Get ready for an exciting night of rodeo action. Tickets are on sale now.

Ouachita Live

August 30, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Join Downtown West Monroe for a fabulous evening to kick off the Ouachita Live outdoor concert series! This concert features country artist Timothy Wayne. Ouachita Live is a free downtown concert held the last Friday of the month from March through October in Alley Park. Remember to bring your own chair! A food truck, beer, and wine will be on-site. Come shop downtown before the show!