The City of West Monroe, in collaboration with Discover Monroe-West Monroe (DMWM), has announced two events set to take place over Labor Day weekend in 2025. The West Monroe Gar Rodeo and the West Monroe Boat & Outdoor Expo will be held from Thursday, August 28, to Saturday, August 30, 2025.
The West Monroe Gar Rodeo will kick off on Friday, August 29, with fisherman registration, an anglers’ meeting, and a shotgun start at Alley Park. This unique fishing tournament is centered around catching one of Louisiana’s most ancient and resilient fish—the gar. Anglers can compete in divisions such as jug fishing, pole fishing, bowfishing, and youth categories.
A gar rodeo is a unique fishing tournament dedicated to catching gar fish—a prehistoric species known for its rugged beauty and significance in Louisiana’s waterways Fishing officially begins at 7:00 PM on Friday and concludes at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30. Final weigh-ins will take place at Lazarre Park, followed by a variety of activities at Alley Park, including a fish toss, awards ceremony, raffles, and refreshments from a coffee truck and snow cone vendors.
Additionally, on Friday evening at Alley Park, visitors can enjoy the Ouachita Live Concert starting at 7:00 PM. The event will feature live music, food trucks, snow cones, and more, creating a festive atmosphere for all attendees.
Running concurrently with the gar rodeo is the West Monroe Boat & Outdoor Expo, scheduled from Thursday, August 28, to Saturday, August 30. Hosted at the West Monroe Sports & Events facility (875 Constitution Drive, West Monroe, LA 71292), this expo is a one-stop destination for everything related to outdoor living.
The expo will feature the latest boats, fishing gear, and outdoor equipment under one roof. Visitors can explore vendor booths, watch demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities tailored for outdoor lovers of all ages. A highlight of the expo will be a casting contest led by Honey Hole Tackle Shop, the event's title sponsor.
For a complete schedule of events at the expo, visit [monroe-westmonroe.org](https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org).
