Our guide to weekend fun in Monroe November 28-December 1

The News Star

Whether you plan to stay indoors or head outside to enjoy the sunshine, we know a handful of places to find fun this weekend.

November 28

2019 Monroe Turkey Trot

Where: RiverMarket, 316 South Grand, Monroe; When: 8 a.m.; Admission: $20; Info: 318-807-9985 or www.facebook.com/events/415446659144422

The Monroe Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2019 at the Downtown River Market in Monroe, LA. This year it will be one distance! This will be a 3-mile loop in Downtown Monroe. Race day registration starts at 7 a.m. with a race start time of 8 a.m.

November 29

7th Annual Black Friday Ranger Hike

Where: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 480 Richland Place Drive, Monroe; When: 10 a.m. to noon; Info: 318-387-1114 or www.facebook.com/events/568925020579012

Join the ranger for a 5K walk on the Edgewater Trail to work off that Thanksgiving Meal and hopefully see some critters. This trail is grass and can be wet and muddy depending on weather so wear appropriate shoes. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Children’s Lighted Christmas Parade

Where: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe; When: 6 p.m.; Admission: Free, but donations to the Children's Coalition are welcome 

A night-time parade featuring children in costume on decorated bikes, floats and wagons! The parade is open to all pre-school and elementary school age children. Parents must be present. Prizes for best decorated float, bike and costume!

Line up at 5:00 PM in Alley Park. Rain Date: Dec. 6.

November 29-30

Open Wagon Rides Through the Lights

Where: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe; When: 5-9 p.m.; Admission: $5

Landry Vineyards is once again providing its wonderful wagon so everyone can take a ride through the festive lights in Monroe and West Monroe. The 30-minute rides begin at 5 p.m. every Friday and Saturday nights beginning Nov 29. The ride begins at Commerce Street and ends at Wood Street. For private group rides during the week, please call Jason at 318-537-4328.

November 30

Children's Activity with Author Tassa Avara

Where: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 480 Richland Place Drive, Monroe; When: 10 a.m. to noon; Admission: Free; Info: 318-366-0871

Join local children's book author and illustrator Tassa Avara for a children's activity based on her books followed by a meet and greet with the author and a chance to purchase her books and get them signed. Her books include "Armadillo Learns the Power of Kindness" and "Tinker the Skunk Learns the Golden Rule."

Pecanland Mall Holiday Festival

Where: Pecanland Mall, 4700 Millhaven Road, Suite 2000, Monroe; When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Info: 318-322-4635

Pecanland Mall will be hosting their annual Holiday Festival at Center Court near the fountains. If you’re interested in being a Vendor at this event please contact Poonam Patel at Poonam.Patel@brookfieldpropertiesretail.com or 318-322-4794 for all details.

Downtown Holiday Stroll

Where: Downtown Monroe, 100 DeSiard Street, Monroe; When: 2-7 p.m.; Admission: Free; Info: 318-329-3254

Join the Downtown Monroe Alliance on Nov. 30th for its first ever holiday stroll! Get in the Christmas spirit by strolling down Desiard Street with the launch of the holiday shopping season. Come out and enjoy the culture of Monroe through food, arts, shopping, and music! Santa Claus will even be making an appearance! Don’t miss out!

Holiday Outdoor Movie

Where: Alley Park, 200 Natchitoches, West Monroe; When: 5:30 p.m.

What could be better than watching one of your favorite Christmas movies in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas lights? The Holiday Outdoor Movie is free for everyone! Get ready to watch Baby Shark and The Grinch!

Cowboy Mouth in Concert

Cowboy Mouth

Where: The Hub, 201 Washington St., Monroe; When: 7-10 p.m.; Admission: $25 advance, $40 VIP; Info: www.facebook.com/events/649569645526497

Don't miss out on Cowboy Mouth in concert on Nov. 30 at the Hub!

Cowboy Mouth will perform Saturday night at The Hub.

December 1

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa

Where: Hamilton House, 318 Trenton Street, West Monroe; When: 1-2:30 p.m.; Info: 318-366-2412

Don't miss out on Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at the Hamilton House on Dec. 1!