It's another exciting month in Monroe-West Monroe. From food & wine festivals to sporting events and live performances, there's something for everyone this May in Ouachita Parish!

May 3, 4, & 5

Join the Strauss Theatre Center for Hello, Dolly! In the musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder's hit play The Matchmaker, this production bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. May show dates are on the 3, 4, 5, starting at 7:00 PM on Friday & Saturday and at 2:00 PM on Sunday.

The Red, White, & Blue Airshow

May 3-5

The Red, White, & Blue Airshow is back! Gaze into the sky as aircrafts fly by saluting America's heroes. The Twilight Shows will take place on May 3rd and 4th from 3:00-9:00 PM. That Sunday, May 5th, the day show is from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a chair, sunscreen, and lots of excitement! Food vendors will be on site.

Hats & Horses 2024

May 4, 4:30 PM

Have you ever wanted to attend the Kentucky Derby? Well, Louisiana Delta Community College has you covered with Hats and Horses! This authentic derby party features live music by the ULM Jazz Ensemble, a silent auction, photo booth, live viewing of the derby, as well as games and prizes! There's an elegant yet outrageous hat competition for the ladies and a best dressed award for the gentlemen and couples. You can also enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and a mint julep bar. This event helps raise money for educational opportunities and scholarships given to LDCC students. The event is on Saturday, May 4th at Louisiana Delta Community College from 4:30 PM- 6:30 PM.

BLEND 2024

May 5, 5:00 PM

Returning to the banks of the bayou on May 5th, it's Northeast Louisiana's premiere food, wine, and arts festival, BLEND. This festival features local men and women who cook, local legendary restaurant chefs, live music, drinks by local sponsors, and a silent auction of works by Region 8 artists. No one under the age of 21 is permitted to attend. Taste this blend of the bayou's finest flavors! Located on Island Drive in Monroe from 5:00 PM- 7:30 PM.

Brown Bag Concerts

May 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 12:00 PM

Brown Bag Lunch Concerts are held every Wednesday in May from noon to 1 p.m. at the Pavilion at Seventh Square in West Monroe, located directly behind the West Monroe Farmer’s Market. The concerts are free to the general public. Attendees may also bring a brown bag lunch while they enjoy various musical performances, or purchase a boxed lunch provided by Newk's. Chairs and complimentary beverages and desserts will be provided by the sponsors.

ULM Baseball vs. Arkansas State

May 16-18

The smell of popcorn is in the air...you know what that means. It's finally time for Warhawk baseball! Come out and show your support as the ULM Baseball team takes on Arkansas State. Game times are on Thursday, May 16th at 6:00 PM, Friday, May 17th at 6:00 PM, and Saturday, May 18th
at 1:00 PM.

NJCAA Track & Field National Championships

May 16-18

The National Junior College Athletic Association will be at ULM's Brown Stadium for their 2024 Track & Field National Championship. With over 800 athletes competing, this will be an exciting meet that you do not want to miss! The races will begin on Thursday, May 16th at 7:00 AM and run through Saturday, May 18th until 4:30 PM. This event is sponsored by the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

The River Market

May 18, 9:00 AM

Every second Saturday from March to June, the River Market hosts Monroe's finest growers, makers, and bakers. All items are locally grown, created, and handcrafted. Each River Market is from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The River is the Road Exhibition

May 23

Famous for his Blue Dog paintings, Louisiana Artist George Rodrigue's world-renowned pieces will be on exhibition at the Masur Museum of Art. From May 23rd-October 6th, see Rodrigue's works depicting an old-world style Louisiana that has captured the attention of art lovers all over the world.

Up Yonder Food & Wine Festival and the Louisiana Seafood Cookoff

May 31, 6:00 PM

Indulge in a feast of flavors at the Up Yonder Food & Wine Festival! Taste unique dishes from your favorite local restaurants and regional guest chefs while also enjoying the Louisiana Seafood Cookoff. Attendees can look forward to a variety of flavors, textures, and culinary delights, as each chef brings their unique flair to the table. Drinks will be provided by our local beverage partners. This festival will be in conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Cookoff. Since its inception in 2008, the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO) has been at the top of the list of professional culinary competitions. Competing chefs line the stage in this live cooking, fast paced, culinary throw down. Chefs from all corners of the state come together in one arena to compete for the winning crown. This is a one-of-a-kind event that you do not want to miss! Located at Bayou Pointe Event Center, the festival & cookoff is on May 31st from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Ouachita Live with Mathias Layton

May 31, 7:00 PM

Join Downtown West Monroe for a fabulous evening at the Ouachita Live outdoor concert series! This concert features Mathias Lattin, an international award-winning blues artist. Ouachita Live is a free downtown concert held the last Friday of the month from March through October in Alley Park from 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM. Remember to bring your own chair! A food truck, beer, and wine will be on-site.