The importance of health and wellness has become more apparent in our everyday life, but with an influx of information, resources and items for sale at our fingertips, the wellness world can get overwhelming. If you’re looking for a place to start, start small, and look locally for nonprofits, businesses and people that are easy to connect with.

The events around Baton Rouge below are a great place to begin, each offering a community of women who are embracing the wide world of wellness and all it has to offer. From healthy cooking classes to a spiritual weekend retreat in St. Francisville, take the time to invest in your health with the five events below.

Click the titles to visit the event pages. 

Full Moon Release Ceremony

Wednesday, September 10

The Red Shoes

The Red Shoes—a local nonprofit organization that helps women enrich their lives in meaningful ways—invites guests to enjoy a time of introspection and connection under the September Harvest Moon. The monthly event begins with an astrology reading, followed by a guided meditation designed to help you release what no longer serves you and welcome the energy of new beginnings.

Let’s Get Cookin’: Healthy Tailgate Cooking Class

Sunday, September 17

Woman’s Center for Wellness Conference Room

Join the Woman’s Hospital nutrition team for an afternoon of good (and good for you) cooking from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tackle some healthy recipes that are tailgate-ready and learn tips from nutrition experts about making smarter eating choices in an atmosphere full of decadent dishes, like those customary of a football tailgate, without fumbling on flavor.

Her Lens: Louisiana Shorts, Music, Art, Yoga & More

Sunday, September 21

Manship Theatre

While this event highlights women-led creativity, it is open for everyone to enjoy. Participate in a lineup of immersive experiences, starting with a meditative yoga class and happy hour, and ending with nightcaps, games, food and more from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The celebratory event is jam-packed with interesting short films, local merchants, special guests and more.

Ladies Retreat at Como Retreat

September 26 – 28

Como Retreat

Got to get away? Escape the hustle and bustle with a retreat to the country for this three-day getaway, focused on connecting guests with God through the beauty of creation. The remote location promises stillness and spiritual sanctuary, allowing you to slow down for the weekend. Como Retreat will offer two other fall ladies’ retreats on October 10-12 and November 14-16.

5 to 9 Club 

October 7

Pura Vida Coffee Bar

On October 7, the 5 to 9 club—Louisiana’s first women-only alcohol-free pop-up dance experience—will host its launch event at Pura Vida Coffee Bar. Founder Alyssa Lundy is creating a pressure-free atmosphere for the hard-working ladies 25 and older who crave connection but have outgrown the traditional club scene. Attendees should be ready to dance, sing and meet like-minded local women.