Baripada is popular for its Arts and Culture. Many famous stars of Ollywood (Oriya Film Industry) are from Baripada. Baripada is famous for the Chhau dance form which is famous the world over. The Chaitra Parva celebrated in mid-April recognizes the local talents. Uttarsahi and Dakshinsahi are two main groups which perform in this festival along with many other participants. Jhumar Song is popular in Baripada.
Baripada is the place where Ratha Yatra (Car festival of Lord Jagannath) started after Puri. Hence Baripada is called as Ditiya Srikhetra(2 Puri). Baripada Ratha Yatra is popular for its unique culture. One of the unique tradition is that of women pulling the Ratha of Maa Subhadra started in Baripada. Maa Ambika Temple is one of the chief temples and Maa Ambika is a highly revered deity in this region, who is brought here from Devkund.
After Ratha Yatra, Jagadhatri Mela at Bhanjpur is the biggest mela of Baripada. It is the festival of Maa Jagadhatri, Goddess of the whole world. There is a 7–10 days mela(carnival) known as mini Bali Jatra named after Cuttack's Bali Jatra which takes place at Jagadhatri Mela grounds, Bhanjpur, near the Bhanjpur railway Station during the month of October–November. It is celebrated on Gosthastami. In 2012 it is slated to be observed on 21 November
