September 2016 Baton Rouge calendar of events

Are you ready for some football?

Sept. 10

LSU’s first home game of the season:
LSU vs. Jacksonville State, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17

LSU vs. Mississippi State. 6 p.m.

Southern University’s first home game of the season:
Southern University vs. Alabama State, 6 p.m.

Also this month:

Sept. 2

The Baton Rouge Zoo presents Members Night, where all members get an exclusive look at what the zoo is like once gates close to the public. This members appreciation party will feature keeper lectures and more. 4 p.m. brzoo.org

Sept. 8

Cancer Services and honorary chairs Jay Ducote and Paul Mainieri present the 34th annual Capital Chefs’ Showcase, a festive fundraiser featuring food from the community’s finest restaurants and caterers, at the Baton Rouge River Center. 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100. cancerservices.org

Sept. 10-11

Repticon. The Lamar-Dixon Expo Center welcomes the convention, a celebration of reptiles and exoctic pets from all around the world. Event times and ticket prices vary. repticon.com/batonrouge

Sept. 15

Cenikor, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the community achieve better health and better lives, hosts the Voices for Recovery Community Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. $40. cenikor.org

Sept. 17

Bring your pooch on a nature walk for Dog Days at the Swamp, a day that sees the BREC Bluebonnet Nature Center drop its “no pet” policy. All pets are welcome, but must be on a leash and have up-to-date vaccinations. 9 a.m. brec.org/swamp

Sept. 23-24

The Ascension Hot Air Balloon Festival. The balloons will fly at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, combining the novelty of the balloons with entertainment, food and music. Free admission for children under 12, $5 for adults. ascensionballooning.com

Sept. 24

The 3rd annual Code Red Chili Cook-Off rolls through Zachary and features a new category this year—salsa. 10 a.m. Tasting bands are $10 each and allow participants to taste all chili. lanermcfoundation.com

On the Road

NEW ORLEANS

Sept. 2-4

The three-day Louisiana Seafood Festival is a celebration of all the fresh and flavorful seafood the state has to offer. Event times and ticket prices vary. louisianaseafoodfestival.com

Sept 15-18

World-renowned burlesque dancers perform over three nights, along with singers, comics and variety acts at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival. Event times and ticket prices vary. neworleansburlesquefest.com

Sept. 24

NOLA on Tap is the largest beer fest in the region and the largest fundraiser for the Louisiana SPCA, featuring live music, food, contests and local, nation and homebrewed beer. Event times and ticket prices vary. nolaontap.org

LAFAYETTE

Now through Sept. 10

The Acadiana Center for the Arts presents “Ed Pramuk: Some Darkness, Some Light,” a gallery chronicling the powerhouse painter. acadianacenterforthearts.org

Sept. 25

The annual Louisiana Bridal Expo takes over the Cajundome with the latest in wedding decor, formal wear, flowers, cakes and more. Noon. Tickets are $10.49 plus fees. labridalexpo.weebly.com