Inside Scoop

Inside Scoop

SEPTEMBER

Katrina, Then and Now: A 20-Year Community Commemorative Exhibition

September 2-26, Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

The Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition presents Katrina, Then and Now, a powerful visual exhibition hosted by the George Dunbar Gallery at Slidell City Hall. A closing reception takes place Friday, September 26, from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

2055 2nd St., Slidell, (985) 646-4375, northshorecec.org

Louisiana Food Truck Festival

Saturday, September 6, 11 a.m.

This family-friendly event features more than 20 food trucks serving a variety of delicious dishes alongside unique vendors offering everything from handcrafted goods to specialty items. Live music will fill the air throughout the day. Free to the public.

100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 781-3650, harborcenter.org/louisiana_ food_truck_festival

Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz with Wild Ones Pontchartrain Basin

Saturday, September 6, 9 a.m.

This event is where community members work with park staff to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in Northlake Nature Center. A no-cost platform/app called iNaturalist is used to photograph plants, insects and animals to capture wildlife present in the park on this day and provide more information about pollinators. Free to the public.

23135 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, facebook.com/share/18Zb295Mko

Bonsai Workshop at Chafunkta Brewing Company

Friday, Saturday 12, 6:30 p.m.

Bonsai Bar is bringing the awesome art of bonsai out of the garden and into local bars, breweries, and pubs for a fun, hands-on night of tiny tree-making you won’t want to miss. Friendly instructors will guide the group through potting, pruning, and designing a bonsai tree to take home. This workshop takes place at Chafunkta Brewing Company. Admission is $85.

69123 Sky Brook Rd, Mandeville, (401) 285-1804, eventvesta.com/events/109454/t/tickets

LPO Northshore Classics: Weigel Violin Concerto

Friday, Saturday 12, 7:30 p.m.

From Britten’s sparkling melodies to a thrilling world premiere of New Orleans’ own Jay Weigel’s Violin Concerto showcasing LPO Associate Concertmaster Hannah Yim, Price’s vibrant celebration of African American musical heritage, and Miguel del Aguila’s passionate tango, this program is packed with excitement. A pre-concert talk will take place from 6:30pm to 7:00pm. This concert is currently available for subscription packages only.

128 W. 23rd Ave., Covington, (504) 523-6530, lpomusic.com/events/ns01-fuhr-sep12

Mary Ann Haas Opening Reception at the Atrium Gallery

Saturday, September 13, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Mary Ann Haas (represented by Saladino Gallery, Covington) is known for her vibrant, evocative paintings that explore the interplay of light and landscape. Free and open to the public. The exhibit will run September 13 through October 31.

100 Christwood Blvd., Covington, (985) 898-0515

Never Forget 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, September 13, 8 a.m.

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation presents a 5K Run/Walk benefit race in support of families that experience the loss of a family member in the line of duty. Fire and police departments are encouraged to send members in fire and tactical gear to participate. A virtual race is also offered, providing those who cannot attend a chance to participate. Registration fees: Run/Walk, $35; Virtual Race, $35; Ainsley’s Angels Runners, $35, and for Ainsley’s Angels Riders, free.

419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 966-1112, runsignup.com/Race/LA/Covington/NeverForget5kRunWalk

Butterfly and Insect Hike

Sunday, September 14, 9 a.m.

Join Pelican Park Nature Club at the Northlake Nature Center for another butterfly and insect hike with Linda Barber Auld, the NOLA Bug Lady! Please wear close-toed shoes. Long pants and sleeves are recommended but not required. Free to the public.

23135 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, facebook.com/share/1EnvHhWB8Z

The Lobby Lounge Listening Room Concerts

Wednesday, September 17; Tuesday, October 14, 7-9:30 p.m.

Join your friends at The Harbor Center in Slidell for the next “Up Close and Musical” concert featuring Adam Pearce & The Dreamers, Wednesday, September 17 and Mikayla Braun, Tuesday, October 14. The Lobby Lounge is a listening room venue inside The Harbor Center in Slidell. The concert series features nationally touring acts throughout the year, focusing on artists from the worlds of indie rock, folk, country, jazz, blues and more. Performances are acoustic or lightly amplified, in a Bohemian-style, smokefree, 124-seat venue. Tickets are $22 general admission, $54 for a table for 2, and $108 for a table for 4.

100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 781-3650, eventbrite.com/e/adam-pearce-the-dreamers-live-at-thelobby-lounge-tickets-1047091929147

Sunset at the Landing Concert

September 19; October 17, 6-8 p.m.

The series features regional and touring artists performing jazz, bluegrass, folk, blues and more. All are encouraged to bring refreshments and chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Free to the public.

100 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 892-1873, facebook.com/SunsetAtTheLanding

Lago Fest Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Sunday, September 21, 11 a.m.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Hola Northshore at the second annual Lago Fest at the Mandeville Trailhead. Lago Fest invites the community to a lively celebration of Hispanic culture featuring live music and dance performances, authentic cuisine from local Hispanicowned restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. Free to the public.

675 Lafitte St. Mandeville, (985) 302-7403, facebook.com/HolaNorthshorela

Rockin’ the Rails Concerts

Thursdays, September 25-October 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring blankets, fest chairs and dancing shoes to the Covington Trailhead for the Fall 2025 Rockin’ the Rails concert series. The Lineup: Sep. 25 - Brass A Holics (at Rev. Peter Atkins Park), Oct. 2 - The Blenderz, Oct. 9 - Hard 8, Oct. 16 - Bobby Ohler, Oct. 23 - The PKW Band, Oct. 30The Yat Pack. The first concert of the season is held in Rev. Peter Atkins Park, 701 N. Tyler St., and all subsequent concerts are held at Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. Free to the public.

701 N. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

Columbia Street Final Friday Block Party’s

Friday, September 27; October 31, 6- 9 p.m.

This free family event features classic car enthusiasts displaying their “pride and joy” over four blocks in Covington’s historic St. John District. The last block party of the year is Halloween themed, with trunk-ortreating and various special events inside shops and on the street. Costumes encouraged! Free to the public.

200-500 Blocks of Columbia Street, Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

Ultimate Tailgate Party

Saturday, September 27, 7 p.m.

The Exchange Club of West St. Tammany will host its 13th annual “Ultimate Tailgate Party” at the Covington Trailhead to kick off sports season with a BBQ contest, live music and live and silent auctions. This year’s event will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center - Hope House. General admission is $75* and includes beverages and food. Sponsorship levels are available.

419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 630-6246, UltimateTailgateParty.org

Folsom Fall Festival

Saturday, September 27, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Celebrate the season with a day of family fun at Folsom Town Hall and Moise Park. Enjoy a variety of activities including a chili cook-off, Homestead conference, antique tractor display, farmers market, educational booths, mechanical bull, food trucks, children’s activities and more. Free to the public.

82387 June St., Folsom, (985) 630-0715, villageoffolsom.com/events

Keep Covington Beautiful’s Bogue Falaya River Sweep

Saturday, September 27, 9 a.m.

Keep Covington Beautiful in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the City of Covington and Canoe and Trail Adventures presents the Bogue Falaya River Sweep Litter Clean-up. Bring your own canoe or kayak! Sign up to paddle or to help with the event at the park by September 17. Canoes and kayaks may be available from Canoe and Trail Adventures. Paddlers with their own boats and event volunteers should meet at the Bogue Falaya Park Launch. Paddlers using Canoe and Trail’s boats should meet at The Chimes dock. A personal flotation device (life jacket) is required for all paddlers. Keep Covington Beautiful will provide litter grabbers, gloves and trash bags. Free to the public.

213 Park Dr., Covington, (985) 867-3652, keepcovingtonbeautiful.org

October

St. Tammany Parish Fair

October 1-5, Wednesday and Thursday, 5-10 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 5 p.m-midnight, Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight, and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m

The St. Tammany Parish Fair is celebrating 115 years of St. Tammany culture in 2025! Kids of all ages will enjoy the thrilling carnival rides. Live music is featured on the Main Stage Thursday through Sunday, including Gospel Night (Thursday) featuring local church choirs. The rodeo on Friday and Saturday is the real thing, featuring bull riding, roping, bareback riding, trick riding and a calf scramble for the young ones. Thursday is also Kid’s Day! From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., kids can see special performances by JoJo the Magic Clown and Dark Matter Robotics Team. General Admission is free Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; on Friday and Saturday, admission is $5 for ages 12+, $3 for ages 11 and under.

1304 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 892-8421, sttammanyparishfair.info

PIG Invitational Golf Tournament

Friday, October 3, 10:30 a.m.

The PIG Invitational Charity presents its 45th annual fund raising golf tournament to benefit Northshore charities! A tournament after-party will feature live music by Four Unplugged, a silent auction, clothing sales from Southern Tide, and a putting-for-booze contest for participants and guests over 21. Player fees, party and raffle tickets can be purchased online.

602 N. Beau Chene Dr., Mandeville, (504) 908-7630, pigcharity.org

Chief Fandal’s Wild Game, Seafood & BBQ Cook-Off 2025

Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m.

Join the Community Christian Concern for their signature fundraising event of the year, The Wild Game, Seafood & BBQ Cook-off, hosted by Chief Randy Fandal. This annual food-lovers event promises a day filled with delicious eats, live music, friendly competition and a collection of local artisans and crafters selling their wares. All proceeds are used to provide food, clothing and housing to our neighbors in need. Pre-sale tickets are $5 for children and $30 for adults; at the gate, $10 per child, $35 per adult.

2515 Carey St., Slidell, (985) 646-0357, cccslidell.org/wild-gameseafood-bbq-cook-off

Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala

Saturday, October 4, 7 p.m.

Northshore Humane Society will host its annual “Unleashed! Rescue Me” Gala at Covington Country Club. Sponsored by Keesler Federal Credit Union, Integra Healthcare and an anonymous feline friend. The funds raised from the gala will have a direct impact on the no-kill rescue and the programs and services it offers to the Northshore and surrounding areas. The yacht-themed gala will be fully catered by some of our area’s finest restaurants and guests will enjoy live music, silent and live auctions and the very popular cork pull. Since 1953, NHS has served the neglected and abandoned animals of the Northshore region and today stands as one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the state of Louisiana. $125 advance, $150 at door*

200 Country Club Drive, Covington, (985) 892-7387, northshorehumane.org

Bluesberry Music & Art Festival

Saturday, October 4, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

The Bluesberry Festival returns for its 6th annual festival. Set in Downtown Covington’s riverside Bogue Falaya Park, Bluesberry Festival is a perfect place for music and art aficionados who want to experience the arts amid Southeast Louisiana’s lush natural landscape. There will be live art demonstrations, Interactive Painting Experiences, Children’s Village, Food Truck Roundup, Rejuvenation Station, Abita Beer Garden, and a Spirits Tent. Festival parking will be available at the St. Tammany Justice Center. Trolleys will be running throughout the day. $25-$100 for age 11+, free for age 10 and under.

213 Park Drive, Covington, (985) 789-7183, thebluesberryfest.com

Olde Towne Pumpkin Festival

Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m.

Celebrate all things pumpkin at the 12th annual Olde Towne Pumpkin Festival at First United Methodist Church. This family-friendly fall tradition is free to attend and cashless—just purchase tickets at the entrance to enjoy food, games, and activities. Expect plenty of fall fun with arts & crafts, a haystack hunt, pony rides, “punkin’ chunkin’,” inflatables, pumpkin decorating, sweet treats, a Youth Entrepreneur Village, a cupcake walk, Velcro wall and more.Tickets for food and activities are $1 each, with most attractions ranging from 1–10 tickets. Free admission.

433 Erlanger Ave., Slidell, (985) 646-0718, rainbowccc.org

Abita Fall Fest

October 10-11, Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday,11 a.m.-7 p.m.

The 5th annual Abita Fall Fest will include beer, food, a photo booth, a wine garden, artisan crafts, entertainment, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. Prices range from $75-$100 depending on purchase date. Single-day passes are, on Friday, $15-$25 (kids 10 and under, free) and on Saturday, $20-$35 for ages 11 and up, $10-20 for ages 3-10 and free for kids under 3.

22044 Main St., Abita Springs, (985) 773-8539, abitafallfest.com

Fall for Art

Saturday, October 11, 6 p.m.

Fall for Art is a celebration of music, art and performing arts. Fall for Art is held in the streets of the city’s historic downtown district. Shop a sprawling Art Market along Columbia Street, live music and art demonstrations. Produced by St. Tammany Art Association, the annual event draws hundreds of art lovers who come out to enjoy the live music, art demonstrations, performances and dining in numerous participating locations. Free to the public.

320 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 892-8650, sttammany.art

Wild Things

Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wild Things is a recreational and educational experience for the whole family, with dozens of guest exhibitors educating about wildlife conservation, live animals, boat and canoe tours, a youth wildlife art exhibition and live music. The event also features a Walk for the Wild Challenge 5K, on a refuge trail or on your own, and a local astronomy club will be on hand to explain the eclipse during the day. Food and drinks are provided by the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges. Admission is free.

61389 Hwy 434, Lacombe, (985) 882-2025, fws.gov/refuge/big-branch-marsh

Northshore Beer Festival

Sunday, October 12, 10 a.m.

Get ready to experience an array of craft beers from local breweries and a day filled with great brews, food trucks, and live music at the second annual Northshore Beer Festival at Mandeville Trailhead. Proceeds from the event benefit the Miracle League Northshore. $10-200 + online fees

675 Lafitte St., Mandeville, eventbrite.com/e/northshore-beerfestival-2025-tickets-1344657409509

Explore Northshore Business & Community Expo

Thursday, October 16, 1-4 p.m.

The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce presents the Explore Northshore Business & Community Expo at The Harbor Center. The Expo features nearly 100 businesses and organizations from across the parish offering visitors a one-stop shop for information about goods and services available to them. Attendees can view the exhibits, network, talk face-to-face with business and community representatives, register for door prizes and giveaways, enjoy special family friendly activities—and even help the community as blood drives, food drives and other events are often held during the Expo. Admission is free.

100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 8273-3008, sttammanychamber.org/annual-events/#1567531874000832de653-3a81

St. Tammany Master Gardener’s 2025 Fall Seminar

Friday, October 17, 8 a.m.

A full day of informative presentations & fun for your home, gardens, and planting areas. Plant Boutique furnished by local growers and Table Talks on five different horticultural topics. Morning snacks and lunch are included in this pleasant day with St. Tammany Master Gardeners. Admission fee $55.

17 Lake Forest Drive, Covington, (985) 789-8823, stmastergardener.org

The Big Bad Boot’s SPOOKY SPECTACULAR!

Friday, October 17, 7:30 - 10:30pm

Join us for a frightfully fun evening at The Mezzanine Event Hall. Get ready for a night of thrills, chills, and spooky surprises. Dress up in your most creative costume and compete in our costume contest for a chance to win spooktacular prizes! Enjoy delicious drinks, a fun photo booth, a hauntingly good time with friends and family, and MORE! Don’t miss out on this spooktacular event!

The Mezzanine Event Hall, 308 South Cate St., Hammond, LA 70403, eventbrite.com/e/the-big-bad-boots-spookyspectacular-tickets-1553285090519

Nightmare on Columbia

Saturday, October 18, 5-7:30 p.m.

Halloween costumes and revelry will fill Columbia Street in Downtown Covington as strollers go from tent to tent to sample craft cocktails and craft beers at the annual Nightmare on Columbia, a sip-and-stroll, costume contest and free concert. From 8-10 p.m., head over to Covington Trailhead, for a costume contest and entertainment. All contest participants must be ticketed stroll patrons. Fee is $45 for sip-and-stroll, concert is free.

419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, 504-439-2543, nightmareoncolumbia.org

Monster Mash presented by Metairie Bank Northshore

Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m.

Monster Mash celebrates 37 years this October as a community-beloved fall family festival for the Northshore community. A fundraiser in support of the STHS Parenting Center, Monster Mash features a fun and safe Halloween experience, complete with trick-or-treating, music, cookie decorating, crafts, carnival rides and much more. Admission is $5 for adults, $15 for children in advance, $20 at the gate

213 Park Dr., Covington, (985) 898-4435, www.DoTheMash.org

Field of Screams Halloween Trail

Saturday, October 18, sunset until 10 p.m.

The family fun event Field of Screams Halloween Trail returns to the Covington Recreation Complex. The Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail will transform into spooky fun. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Eerie stage scenes created and manned by Covington Fire Department and Covington Police Department are certain to startle trail explorers. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian). Free to the public.

4001 De Porres Road, Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

Deo Gratias - Saint Joseph Abbey Gala & Auction

Saturday, October 18, 7 p.m

Saint Joseph Seminary College hosts its annual fundraising gala, Deo Gratias, (Latin for “thanks be to God”) on the grounds of the historic Saint Joseph Abbey in Covington, Louisiana. The evening begins with Vespers in the Abbey Church with the Benedictine monks and the Seminary Schola Cantorum. The outdoor gala begins at 7 p.m. featuring live music and dinner prepared by Bonnano’s Fine Catering.

75376 River Rd., St. Benedict, (985) 892-1800, saintjosephabbey.com/deo

Greater New Orleans Militaria Show

Friday, October 18, 9 a.m-5 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

This 5th annual show will feature military antiques and collectibles, showcasing dealers from more than 20 states. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, which will be onsite with pets for adoption on Saturday. All adoption fees will be covered by the show for active duty and retired military personnel, veterans, law enforcement officers and first responders. Donations of cash and pet-related items such as food, toys, beds, blankets, treats and potty pads will be accepted. Anyone who brings a donation will receive $2 off the cost of admission. General Admission: $10 ages 13+, free ages 12 & under, $15 2-Day Pass, $100 All Access Pass, $8 w/ Donation for Animal Shelter.

63350 Pelican Drive, Mandeville, (985) 707-8600, nomilitaryshow.com

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival

Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Celebrating its 34th year and presented by the Madisonville Maritime Museum Louisiana, this fun family festival attracts over 100 classic boats as well as loads of activities for the whole family for this two-day celebration. Individuals and teams are invited to test their skills in creating and piloting their own seagoing vessels in a contest for bragging rights and an array of prizes. Your admission ticket also gives you free access to the Maritime Museum. Free off-site parking and shuttle service available at Sam’s Club parking lot. Tickets are $10 per day for ages 12+, free for kids 11 and under.

133 Mabel Dr., Madisonville, (985) 845-9200, maritimemuseumlouisiana.org/woodenboatfestival

Sunset Symphony on the Lake: An Evening with the LPO

Saturday, October 18, 4:30 p.m.

The City of Mandeville invites guests to experience the power and passion of live music performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) in Mandeville Lakefront Park. The program begins with a performance by the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra (GNOYO) and the LPO takes the stage at 6 p.m. Food trucks will offer food and drinks for purchase and attendees are welcome to bring their own food, drinks and chairs. Free to the public.

2623 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, (504) 523-6530, lpomusic.com

Whisperings: Covington Cemetery Living History Tour

Sunday, October 19, 5-7 p.m.

Step into Covington’s past at Whisperings, a living history tour set at Covington Cemetery No. 1. Led in 20-minute increments with groups of 20, guests will be guided through the city’s oldest cemetery at twilight. Along the way, costumed interpreters bring to life notable figures buried on the grounds, offering a moving glimpse into Covington’s 19th-century history, its founding families, and the stories etched into local tombstones dating back to the 1820s. Admission is $10 and available in advance.

608 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 892-1873, bontempstix.com/organizations/covington-heritagefoundation

Festival of the Lake

Friday, October 24, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday October 25, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, October 26, 12-6 p.m.

Our Lady of the Lake in Mandeville presents its 43rd annual Festival of the Lake. Festival of the Lake has been drawing crowds from southern Louisiana since 1982. It’s a weekend of fun for kids of all ages.This year’s music lineup features, on Friday, Bag of Donuts; on Saturday, Cottonmouth, Christian Serpas and Four Unplugged; and on Sunday, Karen Waldrup, Top 5 Finalist NBC’s The Voice. A portion of the proceeds for this event will be donated to feed the hungry. Free Admission. Tickets for Games & Food/Beverages

312 Lafitte St.Mandeville, (985) 626-3144, festivalofthelake.com

LWCCG Louisiana Wildfowl Festival

October 24-26, 10 a.m.

The Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers & Collectors Guild presents its 46th annual Wildfowl Festival, Competition and Dinner at the Castine Center in Pelican Park featuring competitions in wildfowl carving, fine art and antique decoys. Demonstrations, food and fun for the family, including a decoy auction on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

63350 Pelican Drive, Mandeville, (504) 559-3140, lwccg.com/annual-festival-info

Pumpkins in the Park

Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m- 2 p.m..

Pumpkins in the Park brings together fall, festivity and fun. Kids of all ages will love the pumpkins, hayrides, crafts, face painting, marketplace and more. Food, beverage, and pumpkins available for purchase. Guests are also encouraged to bring non-perishable goods for donation to the Northshore Food Bank. Free to the public.

111 Terra Bella Blvd., Covington, (985) 871-7171, terrabellavillage.com/news-events

Olde Towne Slidell Fall Street Fair

Saturday, October 25; Sunday, October 26; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A two-day event ranging over six blocks in Olde Towne Slidell including Griffith Park featuring vendor booths of antiques, collectibles and arts and crafts, as well as the town’s antique shops and great food and live music. To register as a vendor, contact Cindy Fisk at antiqueumbrellaalley@gmail.com. Admission is free.

333 Erlanger Ave., Slidell, (504) 382-1364, slidellstreetfair.com/slidell-street-fair/

Trick-or-Treat at Rev. Peter Atkins Park

Friday, October 31, 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Free fun for the whole family on Halloween night in downtown Covington at Rev. Peter Atkins Park. Face painting, candy, Halloween crafts, games, and prizes for best costume, so come dressed in your Halloween finest! Admission is free.

701 N. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

OZONE Artist Showcase and Songwriter Festival

Friday, October 31, 6-9 p.m.

Join the Ozone Music Education Foundation for its premier annual event that brings together top headlining artists for a soulful showcase of original songs and personal stories that inspire and connect. The festival features a weekend of live original music, educational workshops, and community events featuring more than 100 songwriters from across the region and beyond.

317 N. Jefferson St., Covington, ozonemusic.org