FESTS FOR ALL
We take our fairs and festivals seriously here. And regardless of the theme — music, food or culture — we’re ready to pass a good time.
You can celebrate just about anything, with festivities covering arts, music, culture, history, sobriety, and, of course, food! Whether your tastes run to the traditional dishes like chicken and barbecue or you’re craving more of a local specialty like beignets or andouille, there’s a festival for that.
OCTOBER GRETNA FEST: The festival of music and food will be held Oct. 3-5 at 740 Second St. in Gretna. Times are 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Live music includes local, national and international acts, with food, arts and crafts and more. Entertainment includes Better Than Ezra, Amanda Shaw, Bonerama, Rockin Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Tickets start at $45, children 12 and under free. gretnafest.com.
NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN FESTIVAL: The two-day outdoor festival will be held 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 4-5 at the New Orleans lakefront, Lakeshore Drive and Franklin Avenue. Food offerings include vegetarian,
vegan and gluten-free options from more than 40 restaurants and music across three stages. A Fried Chicken Festival 5K Run/ Walk will take place on Oct. 4, on the New Orleans Lakefront at 8 a.m. There is also a 1-mile kid-friendly run at 10 a.m. for kids 12 and under. General admission starts at $5, with multiday packages and VIP packages available. friedchickenfestival.com.
NOLA COFFEE
disturbed
an 1,800-pound
Fall in the park
The Besthoff Sculpture Garden in New Orleans’ City Park recently hosted a free Fall Festival offering music and dance performances among the outdoor artworks. It was sponsored by Hancock Whitney
PETS
Continued from page 1G
mers seem everlasting, pets’ bodies still follow their natural cycles. You may notice more shedding as they lose their summer coats Daily brushing can help keep your pet comfortable — and your furniture a little cleaner
3. PREVENTATIVES, STILL: South Louisiana’s subtropical climate means heartworms, fleas and ticks are a year-round threat. Mosquitoes can bite in December just as easily as July, so don’t skip monthly preventatives. It’s one of the simplest, most important ways to protect your pet.
4.AN UPTICK OF TICKS: Deer ticks are especially active in the fall and can carry Lyme disease. Always check your pets after outdoor play or walks, particularly if you’ve been in wooded areas or tall grass.
5. MUSHROOMS POPPING UP: Mushrooms can spring up overnight in the yard. Some are harmless, but
others can be poisonous. Since it’s hard to tell the difference, it’s safest to keep pets away from all mushrooms
6.ACORNS EVERYWHERE: Oak trees are plentiful here, and with them come an abundance of acorns. If chewed, these can cause stomach upset, blockages or even dental damage. They can also get stuck in paw pads during walks. Try to keep pets from snacking on them
7. SNAKES ON THE MOVE: As the weather cools, snakes become more active before they settle into hibernation. Keep an eye out when letting pets roam the yard, especially near woodpiles, tall grass or under porches.
8. POISONS AND ANTIFREEZE: Fall often means home and yard projects are in full swing. Rodent poisons, lawn treatments and car fluids like antifreeze are all toxic to pets. Even a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal, so keep products stored safely and clean up any spills right away
9. SHORTER DAYS, DARKER WALKS: The days may not be drastically cooler, but they are definitely shorter
FESTS
Continued from page 1G
St. in New Orleans, hosts three weekends of food, music and family-friend events during October. The event on Bayou St. John across from City Park will run Oct. 10-11, 17-18 and 2425, 4-11 p.m. Fridays and 1-11 p.m. Saturdays
The festival includes German food and drinks, oompah music, a 6K race, children’s activities and more. $10; children 12 and under free. oktoberfestnola.com.
GENTILLY FEST: The free festival celebrating all things Gentilly is scheduled for Oct. 10-12 at Pontchartrain Park, 5701 Press Drive in New Orleans. Hours are Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday noon-9 p.m. and Sunday noon-8 p.m. Activities include continuous live music on three stages, food, arts and crafts vendors, a Kids Village and more. VIP packages are available via Eventbrite. www.gentillyfestival.com.
CRESCENT CITY BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL: The festival presents top bluesmen from southern Louisiana and Mississippi, plus food and visual art, will take place Oct. 10-12, 11 a.m.8:30 p.m., at Lafayette Square, 602 Camp St. in New Orleans. Musicians include The Devon Allman Project, Brian Mitchell and the Woodstock All-Stars with special guest Sonny Landreth; Leo Nocentelli; and Mem Shannon & the Membership. Free; VIP tickets are available. www.jazzandheritage.org.
GUMBO FESTIVAL: The family festival will be held Oct. 10-12 at Westwego Fisheries and Farmers Market, 484 Sala Ave., with live music Friday 7-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m. and Sunday 1:45-8 p.m. Carnival-ride wristbands are for sale. www.thegumbofestival.com.
JAPAN FEST: The fest will be held Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle. The event will include a chance to try on Samurai armor, Japanese arts and crafts, taiko drums performance, Japanese dance and tea ceremonies, food and drink. Admission is $10. japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org.
QUE PASA FESTIVAL: The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month through music, food, dance and community spirit will be held Oct. 11-12, starting at noon, at Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. https://quepasafest.org/. ANDOUILLE FESTIVAL: The festival will be held Oct. 17-19 at St. John Community Center, 2900 U.S. 51 in LaPlace. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Activities include carnival rides, live music, a kids’ tent and food. The festival includes the Miss Andouille Queen pageant at the St. John Theatre on Sept. 13 and the 50th annual Andouille Run/Walk on Oct. 19. Daily admission is $5. andouillefestival.com.
PRAISE FEST ON THE BAYOU: The three-day outdoor gospel musical event will be held Oct. 17-19, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., on Bayou St. John, 500 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway in New Orleans. Free. www.praisefestnola.com.
NOLA FUNK FEST: The three-day outdoor music festival will be held Oct. 17-19 at Spanish Plaza, 2 Canal St. in New Orleans. The lineup includes Dumpstaphunk, Funky Meters 2.0, Galactic, The Headhunters, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, George Porter Jr. and Runnin’ Pardners, Sam’s Funky Nation, Honey Island Swamp Band, Bucktown Allstars, The Original Pinettes Brass Band and more. Tickets start at $56.36. www.nolafunkfest.com.
WEST BANK HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL: The celebration of the cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities will be held Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at the University of Holy Cross
Evening walks may happen in dimmer light, so reflective collars, LED clip-on lights or light-up leashes are a great way to keep you and your pet visible and safe. Fall in south Louisiana may not bring changing leaves or roaring fireplaces, but it’s still a great season to get outdoors and enjoy the weather with our pets. By keeping an eye out for seasonal hazards and staying on top of preventative care, you can make sure your furry friends stay safe, happy and healthy as we head into the holidays.
10. PUMPKIN LOVE: Pumpkin-spiced lattes are already everywhere. Pets can enjoy pumpkin, too — just minus the spice and the latte. A spoonful of plain canned pumpkin can support digestion, while roasted pumpkin seeds (unsalted) can benefit skin, coat and urinary health. Just remember: A little goes a long way
Events
OCT 4: Christ Anglican Catholic Church’s annual blessing of the pets in honor of St. Francis of
campus in Algiers, 4123 Woodland Drive in New Orleans. Local artisans, musicians and performers will showcase their talents. Free. uhcno.edu.
LOUISIANA SHRIMP FESTIVAL + SHRIMP AID:
A weekend of family-friendly fun, music, food, education and celebration supporting the shrimping industry will be held Oct. 18-19 at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. Live music includes John Boutte, Honey Island Swamp Band Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, and more. Children’s activities include The Little Shrimp and the Terrible Noise Puppet Show on Saturday. Admission starts at $17. louisianashrimpfestival.org.
NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL: The Academy Award-qualifying festival will be held Oct. 23Nov. 2 at locations around the city. Organized by the New Orleans Film Society, it is a celebration of independent filmmaking showing more than 150 films. The all-access pass is $350. Details at neworleansfilmsociety.org.
NOLA REGGAE FEST: The Jamaican-inspired festival of music, arts and crafts, and food that includes international artists, bands and DJs on two stages will be held Oct. 24-26, 2-8 p.m., at Congo Square, 835 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $23.57 via Eventbrite. www.neworleans.com.
TREME FALL FEST: The 10th anniversary of the festival keeping the history and culture of Tremé alive will be held Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at the St. Augustine Catholic Church
NOVEMBER
BAYOU
gumbo. www.jazzandheritage.org.
DESTREHAN PLANTATION FALL FESTIVAL: The fest at Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road in Destrehan, will be held Nov. 8-9 with more than 180 arts and crafts booths, arts and crafts, a bungee jump and a Model A car club. Music will be provided by Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition on Saturday and Peyton Falgoust Band on Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12. Guided tours of the home are $15. www.destrehanplantation.org.
KENNER FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL: More than 30 local food trucks will be on hand Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., at Laketown by the Kenner Boat Launch, 5051 Williams Blvd. Live music from Amber Drive, The Wise Guys, Rock Show Nola and Timothy Wayne, plus arts and crafts and a kids’ zone. Free. www.kenner.la.us. OAK STREET PO-BOY FESTIVAL: The celebration of the city’s most iconic sandwich takes place Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., in 8100-8700 blocks of Oak Street between South Carrollton Avenue and Eagle Street. It includes 40 food vendors, multiple stages of live music, Saints-game watching, arts market and more. General admission wristbands are $10, with fast-pass wristbands $25. VIP packages are also available. www.poboyfest.com.
BEIGNET FEST: The festival will be held Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Festival Grounds in New Orleans City Park, 4 Friederichs Ave Along with live music and an art market, there’s beignets in traditional, sweet and savory categories, plus, vegan, gluten-free and nonbeignet options. Admission starts at $25 for adults, with children 10 and under free. beignetfest.com/.
SOBER FEST: The festival will be held Nov. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Sugar Mill, 1021 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. It’s
Assisi will take place 10 a.m. to noon at 4316 N. Woodlawn Ave., Metairie. All pets are welcome and will be blessed individually, but they must be kept on a leash or in a cage. Drive-thru curbside blessing available. Meet adoptable dogs from ARNO, too. For more info, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
OCT 5: Christ Church Cathedral’s blessing of the pets will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 2919 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with refreshments and music by Real Presence. ARNO will have adoptable dogs on-site. The service will begin at 6 p.m. with Canon Steven Roberts. For more info, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans. org.
PHOTO
is a 54-pound collie mix about 9 months old. He’s a people puppy who loves anyone walking him on his leash, but he loves other dogs, too. He’s a very smart boy. For more, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans.org
Festivalgoers found shade amid the giant oaks of City Park.
STAFF PHOTOS BY JOHN MCCUSKER Emery, 3, and Elise Ryan relax on the grass.
Liam Walker and Copper Clarice, both 7, face off in a balloon duel in front of three sculptural urns.
No one seems
to be sitting near a giant spider
bronze sculpture by Louise Bourgeois.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Students of the Japanese Weekend School perform during Japan Fest.
Early activist
Brush up on
Revolutionary
War history and the important role of Lafayette
Learn more about the Marquis de Lafayette, the young, wealthy French aristocrat born in 1757 who defied his own king to enter the American Revolution against Great Britain and became a trusted aide to George Washington.
He went on to support human rights throughout his long career
And close to home, the town of Lafayette is named after him.
John Scurich, a local political consultant, will give about the marquis, born Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
After his success as a military strategist and fighting in battles like Brandywine and Yorktown, he became an influential statesman who continued to support democratic revolutions.
He explained his attraction to the American cause in a letter to his wife: “The welfare of America is intimately connected with the happiness of all mankind; she will become the respectable and safe asylum of virtue, integrity, tolerance, equality, and a peaceful liberty.”
After the American Revolution, Lafayette became an international antislavery advocate and took on many other social justice causes. Working with Thomas Jefferson, he helped write the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Men and of the Citizen, the first step toward a constitution for the Republic of France, helping launch the French Revolution.
Throughout his career, he befriended Native Americans, defended the rights of French Protestants and Jews before and during the French Revolution, backed national revolutions in Europe and South America, spoke out against capital punishment and solitary confinement, and supported women and their ideas and causes.
Scurich is a graduate of Loyola University and a fellow and lecturer at the Loyola Institute of Politics.
JOAN OF ARC: The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, producers of the annual Joan of Arc Parade, will host a free conference about Joan of Arc, medieval history and local French culture, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at the East Bank Regional Library,
4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Scott Tilton, reigning King Charles VII of the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc and founder and executive director of the New Orleans Foundation for Francophone Cultures (Nous), will speak about his work in building and expanding the local Francophone landscape.
The salon will also include a theatrical presentation of Joan of Arc’s life story, including slides and medieval music, a talk about the One Hundred Years War, and a panel discussion entitled “Yat Catholics”, moderated by Chris Wiseman, executive director of the Catholic Cultural Center of New Orleans.
Throughout the day, information tables will be available about the krewe and how to sign up as a walking member or volunteer, as well as upcoming books for the Joan of Arc Book Club, and more.
BOATING SAFETY: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will conduct a boating safety class beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 4 at the North Kenner Library 630 W. Esplanade, Kenner
The course includes information on choosing a boat, navigation rules and charts, trailering and more. Students who complete the course will be issued a vessel operators certification card. The class lasts between six and eight hours. Preregistration is recommended by going to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.
WOMEN OF KATRINA: A documentary from Royd Anderson titled “Leading Ladies of Hurricane Katrina” will be aired at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge.
The documentary features interviews with women who have helped better their community, city, state, and region since the hurricane, including Gov Kathleen Blanco, to organizers, curators, and artists.
QUILTING: An event coming up Oct. 18 called “Binding Us Together: Quilts and Stories” is geared for patrons who want to explore the art, history and community awareness of quilting. This special event will feature meet-and-greets with local quilt guilds, tabletop show-and-tell dem-
GREAT PUMPKINS
McKinley Magee goes pumpkin picking at St. Michael’s
during last year’s pumpkin patch.
BY HANNAH LEVITAN Staff writer
With autumn finally here, pumpkin patches across south Louisiana are bursting with life as families race to find the perfect pumpkin.
Homemade pumpkin pies, hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns and seasonal porch displays are part of autumn’s charm — and it all starts at the pumpkin patch
So before you stock up on pumpkin-scented candles and pumpkin-spiced lattes, don’t forget to explore these local farms and markets offering fresh pumpkins, hayrides and family-friendly fun in the New Orleans area.
Sugar Roots Farm’s Pumpkin Fest
WHEN: Oct. 12, 19 and 26
HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: 10701 Willow Drive, New
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School WHEN: Opens Sept. 27
through
1031 S. Carrollton Ave.,
St Mark’s Pumpkin Patch WHEN: Oct. 7–31
HOURS: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
WHERE: 3245 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey
St Paul’s Episcopal School
WHEN: Oct. 4–30
HOURS: Monday through Thursday 3:30 p.m.
onstrations, and four speakers, including Laura Fenner, owner of Chateau Sew in New Orleans, on the business of running a quilt shop; Jackie Crovetto on the history of quilting; and April Bergeron with a lecture on collage quilting. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oct. 18 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie Patrons can enjoy quilts on display door prizes, and a table of free quilting materials (while supplies last).
READING TO ROVER: This innovative program pairs young and reluctant readers with dogs from the Visiting Pet Program. Children read a book to a friendly canine from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Patrons should not bring their own pets.
COOKBOOK CLUB: The group meets from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Lakeshore Library 1000 W. Esplanade Ave Metairie. Patrons are encouraged to bring a favorite dish inspired by a cookbook and
share it with fellow foodies. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to try new recipes, exchange cooking tips, and make new friends. Don’t forget to bring a copy of the cookbook for reference and be ready to discuss your cooking experience.
LEARNING SPANISH: The Terrytown Library, 680 Heritage Ave., Terrytown, hosts free Spanish classes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. The classes are geared toward younger learners but open to all ages. Portions of each lesson are aimed at different age ranges to accommodate as many levels of learners as possible. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Each weekly lesson is an independent, nonrepeating class.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
HOURS: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: 5824 Berkley Drive, New Orleans
Did we miss a patch? Email hannah. levitan@theadvocate.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Charles Wilson Peale’s portrait of Marquis de Lafayette, 1779.
With the banned
Author will talk about fighting censorship
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
Banned Books Week is coming up Oct. 5-11, and the library is kicking things off on Oct. 2 with an author night featuring Amanda Jones.
Jones’ book, “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America,” is the story of how she found herself at the center of a vicious defamation campaign after speaking out against book censorship in libraries.
Jones, a Livingston Parish school librarian, was doxed and harassed after speaking up against book banning during a 2022 public hearing at the Livingston Parish Public Library. She also has faced death threats.
“That Librarian” draws the battle lines in the war against equity and inclusion.
Jones’ author talk starts at 5:30 p.m. at Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd., and will be facilitated by Megan Holt, the executive director for One Book One New Orleans and the Words & Music Literary Festival.
LATIN INSPIRATION: Smithsonian
educators Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom on Oct. 2 to discuss the book “Nues-
tra América: Stories of Inspiring Latinas/Latinos.”
The stories in “Nuestra América” cover each person’s cultural background and childhood, and their accomplishments or contributions to American history A glossary of terms and a reading guide with discussion question, created by the National Museum of the American Latino, encourages further research and exploration.
Aldaba is the national programs manager for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino.
Visit nolalibrary.co/nuestraamerica to register and submit your questions for the authors.
WRITING POETRY: Local poet and educator Brad Richard will lead a poetry workshop called “Surprise! Jump-Starting Your Writing,” Oct. 3 at Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave.
Starting at 11 a.m., this twohour workshop will help attendees get started writing or refresh their writing practices with activities designed to encourage imagination and make you think in new ways
The workshop’s focus will be on poetry but participants are invited to bring the playful but serious spirit of this class to any writing project.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
Metairie Woman’s Club installs officers
Republican Women sponsor Girls Leadership Academy scholarships
PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMANDA JONES Hear librarian and author Amanda Jones on Oct. 2.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Metairie Woman’s Club has installed new officers for 2025-2026. Seated is President Rubye Noble Evans.
Standing from left are Melissa Monaghan, immediate past president; Gene Ann Balsamo, president-elect; Cindy Hargis, recording secretary; Jessica Seale, corresponding secretary; Freddie Landry, treasurer; and Dawn Davis, parliamentarian.
Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson donated $4,000 to sponsor Jefferson Parish high school students to attend Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy held at Nicholls State University Scholarship winners Eva Melton, of Mount Carmel Academy and Emmy Rabalais, of Oaks Private School, were introduced at the September meeting to share their experiences at LGLA. Shown are, seated, Rabalais. Standing are club member Faith Peperone, left, and Melton.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Area seniors named 2026 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer
An elite group of New Orleansarea high school seniors are in the running for National Merit Scholarships, a prestigious award for the country’s top-achieving students.
The students, who hail from a mix of public and private schools in Orleans and surrounding parishes, are among roughly 16,000 National Merit semifinalists from across the country. They now will compete for just over 6,900 college scholarships worth about $26 million, which will be awarded next spring.
The semifinalists were selected due to their high scores on last year’s PSAT, the preliminary test to the SAT college-readiness exam, which students typically take their junior year The top-scoring students in their respective states, the semifinalists represent less than 1% of the nation’s high school seniors.
To become finalists, the students must complete an application that asks about their academic achievement, extracurricular activities and leadership record; write an essay; and earn SAT or ACT scores that are in line with their earlier
PSAT scores. Only about half of finalists will win scholarships and earn the coveted title of National Merit Scholar
Below are the New Orleans-area semifinalists, organized by parish and school:
Orleans Parish
Academy of the Sacred Heart
Rene Charles, Jane Farnsworth, Callie Langhetee, Lily Rosenstein, Elizabeth Stassi and Amelia Stein Benjamin Franklin High School
Charles N. Andrews, Charles B. Benoit, Jonathan W. Burge, Makeda A. Butler, Ian P. Carr, Quinton R Detiege, Kennedy L. Graves, Livingston L. Herren, Noah T. Lubow
Wolfgang C. Mannix, Shoshana McDermott, Elsie G. Poynter, Quinn P. Ribka, Lillian S. Rousseau, Camille W. Rutter and Ezra M. Terk
Brother Martin High School
Logan E. Drouet
Isidore Newman School
Jai Bansal, Georgia Biever,
SCHOOL NOTES
Morgan Breaux, Archie Casbarian, Nicholas Coffin, Anjali Dasa, Martin de Laureal, Logan DeGruy, Jackson Dirks, Jackson Fitzpatrick, Thomas Gershanik, Chuhan
Gong, Joyce He, Russell Huber, Francis LeLong, William Long, Turner Mazzanti and Aditi Shridhar Jesuit High School
Adam al Hariri, Peyton Bouchon, Jonathan Brockhoff, James Denning, Benjamin Evans, Harrison Evans, Benjamin Farmer, Andrew Frey, Darrin Haase, James Holmes, Jack Hubbard, Amir Isvandi, Everett Kramer, Derek Moore, Cullen Morris Nathan Nguyenn and Paul Sparacello
Mount Carmel Academy
Josephine Balhoff, Lillian Godbold and Katherine Howat
St. Mary’s Dominican High School
Therese Carriere, Ashlynn Dinh, Enna Hawes, Vanessa Liu and Emily Nathan Ursuline Academy
Olivia A. Erspamer
The Willow School
Caliste Reggio
St Bernard Parish
Chalmette High School
Maya R. Dufrene and Lillian V. Lai
St. Charles Parish
Destrehan High School
Cecilia Cody and John Reinagel
Hahnville High School
Cooper J. Matherne and Avery C. Oertling
St. Tammany Parish
Archbishop Hannan High School Mia Sheets
Fontainebleau High School
Alex Chehebar and Jason Gammage
Lakeshore High School
Marissa Mechler
Mandeville High School
Aditiya Babbar, Jack Griffith, Sophia Margavio William McClain, Christian O’Callaghan, Bennett Parnell and William C.
Feb.
The
at
detail over $60,000 in available awards, prizes and grants for students, teachers and schools. A $20 deposit fee is required. Teachers will receive a $50 stipend upon completion of the training session. gnosef.tulane.edu
NOCCA: New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
shops is available online experiencenocca.my.canva site.
NOCCA: The Experience NOCCA Workshop Series for aspiring artists in grades 8-12 will be held biweekly Oct. 20-Dec. 11. Last day to sign up is Sept. 29. Classes take place 4-5:30 p.m. at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, 2800 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Students can sign up for one class per session at $75 per workshop. Details and registration at experiencenocca. my.canva.site.
PROVIDED
All-State Honor Choir and will perform Oct. 16-18 at the
Mixed
ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Dominican’s SpendA-Day registration is open to prospective students in grades 5-8. The fall dates are Oct. 3, 20, 28 and 31; and Nov. 4 and 11. Visits are 7:50 a.m to 3:10 p.m., and guests will meet the students, faculty and staff and experience what it means to be a Dominican student. Registration is required. stmarysdominican. fsenrollment.com. ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Registration is open for Dominican Cheer Mini-Camp for girls in grades K-7, to be
held Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the school, 7701 Walmsley Ave. in New Orleans. Groups will be divided by grade level, with each group instructed by the Dominican Cheerleaders and monitored by adult chaperones. Fee is $50 when registered online by 5 p.m.
Oct. 9. Walk-up registration is $60. www.stmarysdominican. org.
JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH REUNION: The 50th reunion of the graduating class of 1976 will be held April 10, 2026. The reunion committee is seeking contact information from
COLLEGES
class members. Details are available on the JFK Class of ’76 Facebook page. cbrylski@ aol.com.
JOHN MCDONOUGH REUNION: The class of 1960 will host its 65th reunion Oct. 22, noon3 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 2215 Cleary Ave. in Metairie.
Contacts for information or registration are Patricia Schoendorf Meyer at meyer. patricia@att.net and Jeanette Daigle LeBlanc at (504) 4322115.
FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN The state’s top-scoring
seniors
PHOTO
Four Mount Carmel Academy Chorale members have been chosen for the 2025 Louisiana ACDA
Louisiana ACDA Conference at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans. From left are Avery Dugas, junior, SSAA Choir; Caroline Suire, freshman, Youth
Choir; Evangeline Reed, freshman, Youth Mixed Choir; and Camryn Porter, sophomore, SSAA Choir
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ART FOR ART’S SAKE: The kick-off of the arts season will be held Oct. 4, 6-9 p.m on Magazine Street in New Orleans. The annual showcase of art, food, music and fun will include sales, special offers and shopping after hours, with more than 100 shops, stores, restaurants and galleries participating. magazinestreet.com
SALON DE JEANNE D’ARC: The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc’s conference about Joan of Arc, medieval history, local French culture and Catholic culture, will be held on Oct 4, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie For more details, see joanofarcparade.org.
FALL ODDITIES EMPORIUM: The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum hosts vendors for an exhibition and market of the strange and unusual in its courtyard, 512 Chartres St. in New Orleans, on Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. pharmacymuseum.org.
TOUR DA PARISH: Registration is open for the 11th noncompetitive bike ride through St Bernard Parish to take place Oct. 25, starting at 7 a.m. Course options are 10 miles, 15 miles 30 miles and 51 miles. The ride starts at the Los Islenos Heritage Site, 1345 Bayou Road in St. Bernard and ends there for the End of the World Finish Fest with food, drinks and music. Registration starts at $50 for riders 12 and up. www.stbernardchamber.org/tdp.
HALLOWEEN
NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE: The haunted house at 319 Butterworth St. in Jefferson has two new themed attractions, the Harvest and the Blood Shed, running through Nov. 8. Add-on experiences include mini escape games, Phobia: Sensory Overload and the Respawn Pass available for purchase. Guests 21 and over can add access to two secret bars. neworleansnightmare.com/.
SWAMPUS RETURNS: New Orleans’ Swampy, Spooky, Sustainable Parade will be held Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., in the French Quarter, with haunted swamp creatures, handmade costumes and throws Swampus Returns features foot-powered floats, upcycled costumes and one-of-a-kind art pieces tossed by some of your favorite walking krewes and local eco-organizations. The parade starts on St. Ann Street from North Rampart and ends at Chartres and Ursulines. Detailed route and more at swampusreturns. com.
GHOST HUNTING: Registration is open for the St. John Theatre’s workshop on Oct. 25, 9 p.m.-midnight, at 115 W. 5th St. in Reserve. Shane Brooks and Amy Wombles will guide participants through the theater’s nearly 100-year history and its haunted reputation with firsthand ghost stories from special guests who have worked on productions and experienced eerie events. Brooks and Wombles demonstrate how to use ghosthunting equipment before leading a guided investigation. Tickets are $25; advance registration recommended www.stjohntheatre.com.
HEALTH
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR: All Saints Catholic Church, 1441 Teche St. in New Orleans, will host the fair on Oct. 4, 10 a.m.2 p.m., at the Althea Holmes Center, 300 Ptolemy St., in the rear of the church. It will include free health screenings (blood pressure and glucose), flu and other scheduled adult vaccines, nutrition education and more. elsiecobbwright@ yahoo.com.
CULTURE & CONCERTS
CRESCENT CITY SOUND CHORUS: The women’s choral group will present a free concert, Oct. 4, 3-4 p.m., at the UNO Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall on St Anthony Avenue at the University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans. crescentcitysoundchorus.com.
THE LEGACY OF CARL SAGAN: John Martinez, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, will deliver a talk on Oct. 1, 7 p.m., at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave in Metairie. It’s part of the monthly meeting of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society calendar.jplibrary.net
“SAVED!”: The Loyola University Opera Workshop’s piano-accompanied scenes program will present an evening of music and storytelling honoring the culture of New Orleans and its enduring spirit 20 years after Hurricane Katrina. Opera excerpts set in the Crescent City, including works that made their U.S debut on local stages, will pay tribute to the city Oct. 5, 3-5 p.m., in the Nunemaker Auditorium on Loyola’s Uptown campus, 6363 St Charles Ave. Free. cmm.loyno edu.
TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: The fall season continues through October in Longue Vue House & Gardens’ musical series. Freddie Blue & The Friendship Circle perform on Oct. 8, Bruno Elizabetsky Oct. 15, The Freudian Slips Oct. 22,
and Eight Dice Cloth Oct. 29. Individual concert tickets are $15, and $7.50 for members. All performances start at 5 p.m. at 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans. longuevue.com.
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: The 2025 outdoor concert series at the New Orleans Botanical Garden will continue in October, with performances 6-8 p.m. at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 1 Victory Ave. in New Orleans. Doors open at 5 p.m.; admission is $15 per person. Lena Prima performs on Oct. 2, Lil Freddie King on Oct. 16 and The New Orleans Mystics on Oct. 23. bit.ly/ TwilightTix_25.
FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO
LECTURES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025 series, which continues through Nov. 11, with seven presentations on Louisiana and New Orleans history. Tickets start at $10. friendsofthecabildo.org.
MOVIES
MOVIES IN THE PARK: New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission continues the fall 2025 movie season during October, with free, family-friendly evenings under the stars, with screenings at dusk. The Oct. 3 feature is “Hocus Pocus” at Delcazal Park, 401 Verret St. in New Orleans. Rain site is Morris F.X. Jeff Rec Center, 2529 Gen. Meyer Ave. in New Orleans. Oct. 10 is “How To Train Your Dragon” at Wisner Park, 4877 Laurel St. Rain site is Lyons Rec Center, 624 Loui-
siana Ave. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. nordc.org.
SING-ALONG MOVIE NIGHT: St. John Theatre’s sing-along screening of “Wicked” will take place Oct. 4 at 115 W Fifth St. in Reserve. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., trivia starts at 6:30, and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids. stjohntheatre.com.
BOOKS
“THAT LIBRARIAN: THE FIGHT AGAINST BOOK BANNING IN AMERICA”: Louisiana-based librarian and author Amanda Jones will be in conversation with Megan Holt, executive director of One Book, One New Orleans, on Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m., at the Norman Mayer Branch of the New Orleans Public Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd. in New Orleans. neworleans.libnet.
“LEAD BOLDLY”: Robert F Smith will present an author talk and sign copies of his book on Martin Luther King Jr. on Oct. 2, 6-8 p.m., at Georges Auditorium at Dillard University, 24 East Road in New Orleans. Tickets start at $14.95 via Eventbrite. www baldwinandcobooks.com.
“THE HAUNTED GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS”: Authors Rory and Rosary O’Neill will sign copies of their book on Oct. 3, 1-3 p.m., at the Shop at the Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal St. in New Orleans. hnoc.org.
“CRIME IN COLONIAL NEW ORLEANS”: Local historian and author David Michael Schneider will celebrate the release of his newest book on Oct. 4, 1-3 p.m., at Blue Cypress Books, 8123 Oak St. in New Orleans. bluecypressbooks.indielite.org.
“THE HIGH HEAVEN”: Author Joshua Wheeler will be in conversation with Delaney Nolan on Oct. 7, 6-7 p.m., at Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St. in New Orleans. Book signings will follow. www octaviabooks.com.
“THE THING ABOUT FALLING”: Grammy award-winning spoken word artist and poet Tarriona “Tank” Ball will talk about and sign her new book on Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m., at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave in New Orleans. An open mic poetry reading will begin at 5 p.m., and the author talk begins at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $11.49 via Eventbrite. www baldwinandcobooks.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
DIVOTS FOR DOGS GOLF
TOURNAMENT: The fundraiser for Metairie Humane Shelter will be held Oct. 4 at Cypress Lakes Country Club, 10 Villere Drive in Destrehan. Registration for the four-man scramble opens at 7 a.m., with tee time at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $125 per golfer. metairiehumane.org. GREEN LIGHT NEW ORLEANS: Tickets are on sale for the event, Oct. 11, 7-9 p.m., with a patron hour 6-7 p.m., at Boucherie, 8115 Jeanette St. in New Orleans. Activities include art, entertainment,and a silent auction. Tickets start at $65. greenlightnola.betterworld.org.
NOABJ JAZZ BRUNCH: WDSU News anchor Gina Swanson will host the 2025 New Orleans Association of Black Journalists Jazz Brunch and silent auction. Journalists Furnell Chatman, Will Sutton, Andre Trevigne and Sabrina Wilson will be honored with the Legacy Award. The UnSung Hero Award will be given to Willie Wilson. This year’s scholarship recipients are Sydney Hubbard and Shamarr Moses, Nicholls State; Kyla Moore, LSU; and Zuri Primos, Dillard. The brunch will take place Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $108.55 via Eventbrite. noabj.org.
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM IMPROVISATIONS GALA: The fundraiser will be held at the museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans, on Dec.
6, 7-11 p.m. The event will feature auctions, exhibitions, cuisine, craft cocktails and more. Live entertainment includes Kermit Ruffins and James Andrews & the Crescent City All-Stars. Advance tickets start at $125; patron tickets available via Eventbrite. nolajazzmuseum.org/ gala.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE LUN-
100 cancer survivors will walk the runway, followed by a celebratory dance party and reception. Tickets start at $85. Dress is cocktail or dressy attire. www.YouNightEvents.com. CORPORATE CLASSIC 5K: Registration is open for the 45th annual 5K
FILE PHOTO
Art patrons stroll through an exhibit as part of Art for Art’s Sake which takes place this year on Oct. 4
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Visitors walk into New Orleans Nightmare in Elmwood.
New Orleans Art Association names artists of the month
PROVIDED PHOTO
The September artists of the month of the New Orleans Art Association are, from left, Kathy Daigle, oil, ‘My Favorite Chair,’ first place; Carol Scott, acrylic, ‘NOAH,’ second place; and Glinda Schafer, pastel, ‘Orange Marshes,’ third place The New Orleans Art Association 26th National Juried Art Show Opening is Oct 4, 4-6 p.m., at The Building, 1427 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in New Orleans. The show runs Oct. 9-Nov. 1.
The winners of the September West Bank Art Guild artists of the month competition are, from left, Glinda Schafer, ‘Scattered Showers,’ first place; Regina Roubion, ‘Morning Glory,’ second place; and Al Jambon, ‘Heading In,’ third place.
West Bank Art Guild recognizes artists of the month
PROVIDED PHOTO
