đź—Ł”Fall” is here! The cool air is cooling. The fests are festing. The spooks are spooking. The pumpkins are spicing. Sweaters are still … in your closet. Hey, we can’t win ’em all. But Autumn is finally a thing. We’ve got more than enough to do here for the season of sinister, and the whole month to highlight all the hallowed things. So don’t go “batty” (ahem) trying to figure out what to do, we’re here to give you the goods on “witch” (cough) way to celebrate.
Speaking of scary things… it’s election season in the city! Here’s your friendly reminder to get out and vote Saturday. If you need motivation, tap here to hear 5th Ward Weebie’s voting remix to “Lemme Find Out,” and shake it to your nearest poll. (Tap here to find your polling location)
Haunted NOLA: The tomb of Storyville madam Josie Arlington
Neighbors heard banging from her tomb. Stone flames flicker with red fire. The statue is found elsewhere among the cemetery grounds. Her body’s location is a secret. The story of Storyville madam Josie Arlington’s life and death is fascinating and kicks off our series about the history of the many haunts in the Crescent City. Click here to read more on the tomb of Storyville madam Josie Arlington.
Handmade With Love
If you don’t mind taking a trip across the Crescent City Connection, give Gretna’s Farmers Market a visit. You’ll find fresh food, treats and art made with love and people who are always happy to see you there, just like our fave sitcom “Cheers.” Visitors come to the market for specific vendors whose wares they can’t get anywhere else, such as Nana’s Italian Treats, which has been at the market for around 35 years. Click here to read about the unique vendors who make this farmers market special.
Meet the mad scientist behind Ghost Manor
One of the city’s favorite houses for spectating spectres is one you can’t even enter. Last week, the Irish Channel mansion fondly known as Ghost Manor held its first show of the season, featuring spooky projections and custom animatronic skeletons singing to “Thriller” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” We spoke to owner David Gentry, the mastermind behind the “boo-tiful” (COUGH COUGH) house to find out how the spectacle started.
Coming Up (Sponsored)
BIG EASY CON (Sponsored) | Nov. 1-3 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
FRIDAY (Nov. 1) : 2 p.m. – 9p.m.
Saturday programming runs until 10:00pm
Big Easy Con is an all-new pop culture convention celebrating the unique spirit that makes New Orleans one of the best cities in the world! Meet top entertainers like Anthony Mackie, Zachary Levi, WWE® Superstars The New Day®, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Enjoy hours of geeky programming, shop ’til you drop with awesome vendors and artists, and bring the kids along for fun and live entertainment at Big Easy Jr! Buy tickets here!
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. Oct. 11, 2019
Movies in the Park – “The Princess and the Frog” | 6-9 p.m. | Evans Playground | Free
This week’s movie in the park is close to New Orleanians’ hearts: Heroine Princess Tiana was inspired by our own legendary Chef Leah Chase. Make sure to bring your own blanket or chairs to sit on. The movie starts at dusk.
Gentilly Fest | Oct. 11-13 | Pontchartrain Park | Free
Gentilly Fest celebrates all things “Gentilly,” including continuous live music on four stages and food from a variety of local vendors, including LaDelyo’s Creole Catering, Cafe Dauphine and Bayou Soul Food & Spirits.
Sat. Oct. 12, 2019
Bike the Big Easy | 7:30 a.m. | Duncan Plaza | $45
The event offers a casual, social and cultural ride for cyclists through some of the most historic neighborhoods in the city while riding on closed roads. The event will be followed by a party for cyclists of all ages.
Bounce Ya Brass Workout Class | 9 a.m. | City Putt | Free
So you’re going to all the fests this weekend? Well, you’ve got to work off all those calories from the food, right? This class takes signature NOLA bounce moves and teaches them in an aerobics format that makes the class available to all levels and ages. There is no need to be a dancer or know how to dance to enjoy the class and get the best cardio workout of your life.
Japan Fest | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | NOMA | Free
Japan Fest, which is organized by Japan Club in New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville, is not only the largest celebration of Japanese culture in New Orleans but also in the Gulf South, for over 20 years. Those who attend the festival are encouraged to cosplay, or dress up as characters from their favorite anime. Read our preview!
NOLA Mac & Cheese Fest | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Armstrong Park | Free admission, food prices vary
This fest doubles as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Louisiana and, yes, there’s a contest to see whose dish is the tastiest and cheesiest. Restaurants include Frey Smoked Meat Co., Dirty Dishes and The Big Cheezy.
Sun. Oct. 13, 2019
Brunch on the Farm | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Grow Dat Youth Farm | $35 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under
This special fundraising brunch will be catered by Atchafalaya restaurant and features a bloody Mary bar, mimosas, and yard games and activities for the kids.
An evening with Sid Noel: Recollections of a Mad Scientist | 7 p.m. | Orpheum Theater | $43.50 + fees
The 89-year-old actor who brought Morgus the Magnificent to local television 60 years ago plans a one-man show Sunday night. For the first time, he’ll being doing a stand-up show, which also serves as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. Noel promises to discuss the backstory of the character and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the live broadcasts, plus clips of classic episodes.
