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New Orleans weekend guide: Swampus parade, live music and more 

Learn about Joan of Arc and Filipino culture at free events.

Things to Do

October is here, bringing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="packed calendar of festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="b2dcc758-2267-4229-9c51-6cdeeec990bc" data-vars-headline="New Orleans weekend guide: Swampus parade, live music and more " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">packed calendar of festivals</a>, live music and a parade if the weather cooperates.The big picture: The forecasted rain in New Orleans has already changed some events this weekend.

HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition

The exhibition is included with free museum admission.

Culture

A new museum exhibition and book explore the life and work of Bunny Matthews, the artist behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="98905084-c83c-41d7-ba1a-ca3a5f5dcd5a" data-vars-headline="HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; locally iconic Vic and Nat&#x27;ly cartoons.Why it matters: The retrospective offers a gentle reminder that, for Matthews especially, sometimes loving New Orleans means recognizing its many faults, too.

The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans 

We've got parades, vampire balls, witches brunches and more.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="89d21089-41db-4184-988c-a3a4baa8bec7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> doesn&#x27;t need much encouragement to get spooky, but the city really embraces its supernatural side in October.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" data-vars-content-id="89d21089-41db-4184-988c-a3a4baa8bec7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" target="_self">Halloween</a> isn&#x27;t just one night here. We get a whole month of vampire balls, witches brunches, parades, haunted houses and over-the-top decorations.

Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough

New research shows what works for protecting the coastline.

Climate

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana&#x27;s coastal restoration efforts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/24/climate-migration-sea-level-change-louisiana-relocating" data-vars-content-id="da5bffb5-5f78-4ebe-8874-bcbe568de890" data-vars-headline="Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/24/climate-migration-sea-level-change-louisiana-relocating" target="_self">Louisiana&#x27;s coastal restoration efforts</a> from 1984 to 2025 built or saved about 153 square miles of land, according to new research cited by The Times-Picayune.Why it matters: It&#x27;s proof the state&#x27;s mitigation efforts are working, even if the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rate of land loss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/03/louisiana-map-shrinking-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="da5bffb5-5f78-4ebe-8874-bcbe568de890" data-vars-headline="Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/03/louisiana-map-shrinking-climate-change" target="_self">rate of land loss</a> is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="only getting faster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/15/new-sea-level-rise-forecast-warns-increasing-flooding" data-vars-content-id="da5bffb5-5f78-4ebe-8874-bcbe568de890" data-vars-headline="Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/15/new-sea-level-rise-forecast-warns-increasing-flooding" target="_self">only getting faster</a>.

Jewel of the South to open ambitious French Quarter bar residency

The ambitious project will run for 30 weeks.

Food and Drink

<figure><img alt="A man in a fedora shakes a cocktail at a busy bar." height="450" id="1260de4e-f2df-4a20-86da-bf24980680ca" src="https://images.axios.com/9vdKyczgIWZ75joxbJCDkQsMwWM=/2026/09/23/1790192861510.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Chris Hannah shakes up a cocktail during a Dusse event for Tales of the Cocktail in 2025. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios </figcaption></figure>The team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jewel of the South" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/06/11/jewel-of-the-south-dakar-nola-win-james-beard-awards" data-vars-content-id="36cd2a6a-d95e-4cdb-9ec2-52a1c97c6626" data-vars-headline="Jewel of the South to open ambitious French Quarter bar residency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/06/11/jewel-of-the-south-dakar-nola-win-james-beard-awards" target="_self">Jewel of the South</a> are opening a pop-up bar in the French Quarter with theatrical, immersive production design and a rotating cast of guest bartenders, managing partner John Stubbs tells Axios New Orleans. Why it matters: It&#x27;ll be one big cultural exchange opportunity, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="36cd2a6a-d95e-4cdb-9ec2-52a1c97c6626" data-vars-headline="Jewel of the South to open ambitious French Quarter bar residency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; cocktail culture at the center.

How one New Orleans developer is tackling AI anxiety

Business

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/13/ai-labs-regulation-safety" data-vars-content-id="7e780d2d-f920-4332-80ad-2f7bedec2334" data-vars-headline="How one New Orleans developer is tackling AI anxiety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/13/ai-labs-regulation-safety" target="_self">national AI</a> and political leaders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worry publicly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/ai-doom-regulation-stop-doomsday-kill-humans" data-vars-content-id="7e780d2d-f920-4332-80ad-2f7bedec2334" data-vars-headline="How one New Orleans developer is tackling AI anxiety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/ai-doom-regulation-stop-doomsday-kill-humans" target="_self">worry publicly</a> about the new tech <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="killing us all" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/anthropic-insiders-warn-ai-could-kill-all-humans" data-vars-content-id="7e780d2d-f920-4332-80ad-2f7bedec2334" data-vars-headline="How one New Orleans developer is tackling AI anxiety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/anthropic-insiders-warn-ai-could-kill-all-humans" target="_self">killing us all</a>, one New Orleans software developer is prioritizing supporting his staff&#x27;s mental health.Why it matters: As his day-to-day work transforms with the rise of AI, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Neel Sus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelsus" data-vars-content-id="7e780d2d-f920-4332-80ad-2f7bedec2334" data-vars-headline="How one New Orleans developer is tackling AI anxiety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelsus" target="_blank">Neel Sus</a> is putting his energy toward the 20 or so people who work for him — and hoping it&#x27;ll make a difference.

Glass Half Full bets on a bigger future in Chalmette 

The Louisa Street location will close at the end of September.

Glass Half Full started with two Tulane students, a pile of bottles and an idea. Six years later, it&#x27;s a 25-person company serving three states.Why it matters: The homegrown business has found success solving a problem <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="c7e75bff-cb0b-42d1-a259-9e6a9ab96191" data-vars-headline="Glass Half Full bets on a bigger future in Chalmette " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> has long struggled with — what to do with all those empty glass bottles.

New Orleans' latest restaurant openings and closings 

Say hello and goodbye to more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="25 restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/29/new-closed-restaurants-2026-cafe-sbisa-emeril-coquette" data-vars-content-id="5d2113f7-265e-43a6-8c3b-db748382962d" data-vars-headline="New Orleans&#x27; latest restaurant openings and closings " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/29/new-closed-restaurants-2026-cafe-sbisa-emeril-coquette" target="_self">25 restaurants</a> in New Orleans metro.The big picture: Here&#x27;s a snapshot of some of the eateries that have opened and closed in recent weeks, as well as a roundup of more on the way.

How SpaceX bought 125,000 acres of Louisiana's coast

The deal is the result of a fairly new Louisiana law.

One of the key pieces of the puzzle leading to the announcement of SpaceX&#x27;s $100 billion planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Starbase Louisiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/25/spacex-starbase-louisiana-jeff-landry" data-vars-content-id="66717897-1149-48a0-b6be-a92f45a08126" data-vars-headline="How SpaceX bought 125,000 acres of Louisiana&#x27;s coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/25/spacex-starbase-louisiana-jeff-landry" target="_self">Starbase Louisiana</a> is that the company scored 125,000 acres of the state&#x27;s coastline for $100,000,000. Why it matters: The no-bid deal was only made possible by a relatively new state law.

Essence Fest, New Orleans leaders weigh what's next after contract expires

Organizers say they want the annual event to remain in the city.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Essence Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/02/essence-fest-contract-negotiations-headliners" data-vars-content-id="65008e07-af3e-452a-831a-9ef5a3fa02b4" data-vars-headline="Essence Fest, New Orleans leaders weigh what&#x27;s next after contract expires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/02/essence-fest-contract-negotiations-headliners" target="_self">Essence Fest</a> organizers and New Orleans leaders are figuring out what comes next in their 30-year relationship.Why it matters: The festival&#x27;s multiyear contract with the city ended Friday, leaving its future in New Orleans up for negotiation.

New Orleans awaits update on Elon Musk's proposed tunnel 

The NOLA Loop would connect two tourist destinations.

Transit

Elon Musk&#x27;s companies now have two potential projects in Louisiana: The newly announced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SpaceX facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/25/spacex-starbase-louisiana-jeff-landry" data-vars-content-id="86614934-bd54-4dee-ba50-178e6cc639f6" data-vars-headline="New Orleans awaits update on Elon Musk&#x27;s proposed tunnel " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/25/spacex-starbase-louisiana-jeff-landry" target="_self">SpaceX facility</a> in Acadiana and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed Loop tunnel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/24/elon-musks-tunnel-boring-company" data-vars-content-id="86614934-bd54-4dee-ba50-178e6cc639f6" data-vars-headline="New Orleans awaits update on Elon Musk&#x27;s proposed tunnel " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/24/elon-musks-tunnel-boring-company" target="_self">proposed Loop tunnel</a> in New Orleans.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boring Company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/21/elon-musk-boring-company-value" data-vars-content-id="86614934-bd54-4dee-ba50-178e6cc639f6" data-vars-headline="New Orleans awaits update on Elon Musk&#x27;s proposed tunnel " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/21/elon-musk-boring-company-value" target="_self">Boring Company</a> in March selected New Orleans, Baltimore and Dallas as the winners of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tunnel Vision Challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.boringcompany.com/tunnelvision" data-vars-content-id="86614934-bd54-4dee-ba50-178e6cc639f6" data-vars-headline="New Orleans awaits update on Elon Musk&#x27;s proposed tunnel " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boringcompany.com/tunnelvision" target="_blank">Tunnel Vision Challenge</a>.

Clearview Mall being demolished for open-air makeover 

The property is scheduled to reopen in 2028.

Development

Clearview Mall is in the middle of the demolition that will convert it into an open-air lifestyle center called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clearview City Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/06/12/clearview-city-center-metairie-target" data-vars-content-id="867075de-a328-4b83-9665-f29b60c0d200" data-vars-headline="Clearview Mall being demolished for open-air makeover " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/06/12/clearview-city-center-metairie-target" target="_self">Clearview City Center</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a $100 million project that&#x27;s been in the works for years.

Charlie Bateman hits 50 years at Pat O'Brien's

Charlie Bateman hits a 50-year milestone working at Pat O&#x27;Brien&#x27;s this weekend.Why it matters: That&#x27;s impressive! And the iconic Bourbon Street bar is throwing a public party to celebrate.

What's next for New Orleans' troubled Plaza Tower 

Two people have died in falls from the blighted building since 2023.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plaza Tower" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/29/new-orleans-worst-blighted-properties-plaza-tower" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/29/new-orleans-worst-blighted-properties-plaza-tower" target="_self">Plaza Tower</a> remains vacant with no definitive redevelopment timeline as New Orleans officials grapple with how to keep the troubled skyscraper safe.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Two people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox8live.com/2023/04/24/man-dead-after-falling-plaza-tower-new-orleans-police-say/" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox8live.com/2023/04/24/man-dead-after-falling-plaza-tower-new-orleans-police-say/" target="_blank">Two people</a> have died in falls from the blighted building since 2023, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Belle Chasse teen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BelleChasseHS/posts/1552546576663962?ref=embed_post" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BelleChasseHS/posts/1552546576663962?ref=embed_post" target="_blank">Belle Chasse teen</a> last weekend.

Business 🏦

Jewel of the South to open ambitious French Quarter bar residency

How one New Orleans developer is tackling AI anxiety

Glass Half Full bets on a bigger future in Chalmette

New Orleans' latest restaurant openings and closings

How SpaceX bought 125,000 acres of Louisiana's coast