Start with the 27th Annual Spring Market, happening March 13–15, a shopper’s paradise where the air hums with the thrill of the hunt. Unique finds—handmade jewelry, vintage treasures, quirky home goods—spill across stalls as friends weave through the crowd, bags in tow. It’s the kind of event that demands a leisurely pace, a cold drink in hand, and a willingness to lose yourself in the discovery.
On April 12, Bayou Desiard hosts the Dragon Boat Festival, where 20 teams paddle in fierce rhythm, their boats slicing through the bayou like colorful serpents. Spectators sip drinks, nibble from food stalls, and let the festive energy wash over them. For a quieter aquatic escape, rent a kayak from Ouachita Paddle and Provisions and glide along Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge or the Ouachita River—loading docks make it a breeze to launch.
No spring in Monroe is complete without a festival, and the Ouachita RiverFest, April 24–27, delivers in spades. Downtown West Monroe transforms into a playground of live music, food trucks, and artisan vendors, all crowned by a rubber duck drop into the river that’s as whimsical as it sounds. Kick things off Friday night with the Mrs. Roper Romp, a nod to the groovy ’70s icon from Three’s Company. Don a curly wig and a flowing caftan, grab your $10 Passport Beads in Alley Park at 4 p.m., and embark on a costume-clad bar and shopping crawl. Specials flow through Saturday’s fest—just flash those beads. At 7 p.m., Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots take the stage for an Ouachita Live concert that’ll have you swaying under the stars.
Then, look skyward. The Red, White and Blue Airshow roars into town May 2–4, a tribute to American heroes painted across the heavens in streaks of horsepower and precision. Gates swing open at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. Saturday, inviting you to stake out a spot with a lawn chair, slather on sunscreen, and let the aerial acrobatics steal your breath. Food vendors keep the crowd fueled while the planes salute overhead. 
Music is the heartbeat of this place, and it’s everywhere. Ouachita Live Concerts pulse through Alley Park the last Friday of each month—free, with food trucks and spirits to match the tunes. Landry Vineyards, nestled in West Monroe’s hills, pairs its 20 varieties of wine with springtime concerts. Spread a blanket, sip a glass, and let local bands serenade you. Thirsty Farmer’s Wineaux Ramble offers Saturday afternoon melodies alongside flatbreads that demand a bite. Round out the weekend at Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, which hosts a Sunday patio series that’s tailor-made for spring’s gentle warmth. 
Nature lovers, take note: Kiroli Park and the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens erupt in tulip-strewn splendor, begging for a camera and a slow stroll. Sports fans can catch the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s baseball and softball teams duking it out in the Sun Belt Conference—head to The Lou or the ULM Softball Complex for the action. Or dive into the Louisiana State Games, where disc golf, racquetball, and powerlifting offer a chance to flex your own competitive streak.
Monroe-West Monroe doesn’t just welcome spring—it throws open the door and invites you right in. Whether you’re sipping wine at Landry Vineyards, cheering dragon boats, or romping with Mrs. Roper, spring in Monroe is a season ripe for memory making!