New exhibits, Bachtoberfest and ‘Charlie’ at TBR: 4 things to do in the arts in October

Though Louisiana temperatures are still soaring, October gives us the possibility of autumn, along with lots of Baton Rouge arts happenings.

The month brings art exhibits, music and theatrical productions.

Here’s a sampling of things to do:

At the LSU Museum of Art

Two big exhibits are coming to the LSU Museum of Art in the Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St.

“In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940, Works from the Bank of America Collection,” opens Oct. 18 and runs through March 23.  

The show is a sweeping survey of American Impressionism embracing precursor, contemporary and subsequent movements, featuring works by a diverse group of more than 75 artists.

Then, on Oct. 31, “Rembrandt, Goya, and Dürer: The Marvel of Old Masters” opens, continuing through Feb. 2.

The show is a collection of more than 100 original etchings, engravings and woodblocks by some of Europe’s most renowned early printmakers, drawn from the Park West Foundation.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for age 13 and older. For more information, call (225) 578-3000, email artmuseum@lsu.edu or visit lsumoa.org.

Bachtoberfest

Bach will be in the air when the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra performs its eighth annual Bachtoberfest at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd.

David Torns will conduct this opening concert of the 2024-25 Lamar Family Chamber Series, which will include food for purchase.

This family-friendly, outdoor concert provides an intimate and relaxed setting to enjoy classical music. While seating is provided, concertgoers can pack their own picnic and enjoy the concert from the lawn, as well.

Tickets are $30 plus a $5 convenience fee. Visit brso.org.

‘Charlie’ at Theatre Baton Rouge

Theatre Baton Rouge, 7155 Florida Blvd., will stir some chocolatey magic on its Main Stage when it opens its Young Actors Program production of the musical, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on Oct. 11.

Join Charlie Bucket on a mesmerizing journey through a factory where chocolate waterfalls flow and imagination knows no bounds in this classic Roald Dahl adventure.

Show dates are Fridays through Sundays, Oct. 11-13 and Oct. 18-20. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. All other performances start at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $43-$48. Call (225) 924-6496 or visit theatrebr.org.

At Baton Rouge Gallery

Baton Rouge Gallery Center for Contemporary Art, 1515 Dalrymple Drive, will open shows by artist members Jeremy Ariaz, Justin Tyler Bryant, Lauren Cardenas and Kristine Thompson on Oct. 1.

The gallery will host a First Wednesday reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 2, and an ARTiculate Artist Talk at 4 p.m. Oct. 20. The show runs through Oct. 31.

Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. Call (225) 380-1470 or visit batonrougegallery.org.