Fall Forward

Breathe that humid and heady Louisiana grape air in deep. On certain Saturdays of each month, Landry Vineyards opens its gates to the picnickers and the lawn-chair lazies, all to enjoy special live music performances by local artists. This isn't the West Coast though—along with the obligatory cheese trays, four types of boudin and home-style jambalaya will also be on offer to round out the experience. Or bring your own favorite dishes along, just no alcoholic beverages as there will be plenty of wine to go around! The annual series returns August 28 with Avery Michaels & Exit 209 headlining, along with the White Grape Stomp celebration. Tickets are $10; $5 ages 13–18; free for children younger than 12. Pay at the door. Click here for the full lineup, or visit the Landry Vineyards Facebook Page.  

The Northeast Louisiana Summer Film Series, presented by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, returns on May 19, taking over Flying Tiger Brewery on the third Saturday of each month through August. Tickets are $5, and each top-notch title weighs in on an aspect of Louisiana culture, so plan to grab a brew and gain a new appreciation for this place we call home on the big screen. 

If you visit during the fall football season, there's nothing quite like being in the stands to cheer the Warhawks on to victory. Home game tickets are now for sale at ulmwarhawks.com. Further down the line, the Twin City Half and Full Marathon is slated to take over Monroe-West Monroe this November, so you have plenty of time to start training. To keep up with all of the upcoming events and happenings in Ouachita Parish, visit monroe-westmonroe.org.

Photo courtesy of the Louisiana Office of Tourism