225 Fest Brings Baton Rouge Together

225 Fest is an annual cultural festival that celebrates the food, music, art and community spirit of Baton Rouge.

Founded by Myra N. Richardson, the festival grew from hashtag #225Day on social media into a large community celebration. Richardson is a Baton Rouge-based activist, entrepreneur and public relations strategist. She has been recognized for her community leadership. At 17, Richardson organized one of Baton Rouge’s largest peaceful protests in response to the police killing of Alton Sterling, drawing national attention to racial injustice.

Richardson also founded Red Torch Consulting, a strategic communications and community engagement company, where she launched 225 Fest, which attracted more than 14,000 attendees in its first year.

Today, the festival attracts thousands of people each year who come to enjoy live music, local vendors, artists and family-friendly activities. The event is typically held in late February and is free and open to the public. Attendees can explore local businesses, watch performances from regional artists and connect with community organizations.

More than just entertainment, 225 Fest represents pride in Baton Rouge culture and the strong sense of community that defines the city.