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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>.

New Orleans garbage rate hike starts Oct. 1 

Low-income seniors can apply for a discounted rate.

Politics

<figure><img alt="Image shows a woman dumping recycling items into a blue recycling cart." height="450" id="24308891-02ca-4e78-95d2-6265dbf29acc" src="https://images.axios.com/qqkMxzLebKtsm4ewyHiP_iIakCM=/2026/09/24/1790274279679.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>New Orleans residents can get two garbage carts and one recycling cart for free. Image: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="garbage rate hike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/04/trash-fees-increased-monthly-council-vote" data-vars-content-id="4ad4d95d-d02f-48f3-8f87-74c45331e743" data-vars-headline="New Orleans garbage rate hike starts Oct. 1 " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/04/trash-fees-increased-monthly-council-vote" target="_self">garbage rate hike</a> goes into effect Thursday, marking the first increase in 15 years in New Orleans.Why it matters: Leaders say they can no longer afford to subsidize sanitation service from the city&#x27;s coffers.

Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions

The governor says he won't talk with the mayor in person, though.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Jeff Landry told WBOK" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/local-politics/it-was-a-start-landry-opens-door-to-talks-with-new-orleans-leaders/289-ffabe522-4dd6-4852-b124-a8081fe47d55" data-vars-content-id="995755f7-7c45-472f-8e9a-9996e9a95600" data-vars-headline="Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/local-politics/it-was-a-start-landry-opens-door-to-talks-with-new-orleans-leaders/289-ffabe522-4dd6-4852-b124-a8081fe47d55" target="_blank">Gov. Jeff Landry told WBOK</a> on Wednesday that he met in person with Councilmember Eugene Green in Baton Rouge and plans to reach out to Councilmember Lesli Harris.Why it matters: Green and Harris were the two council members who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voted against a motion" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDUvMTIvbG91aXNpYW5hLXNwZWNpYWwtZWxlY3Rpb25zLWNvbmdyZXNzaW9uYWwtbWFwLXRvd24taGFsbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5B051f8eae" data-vars-content-id="995755f7-7c45-472f-8e9a-9996e9a95600" data-vars-headline="Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDUvMTIvbG91aXNpYW5hLXNwZWNpYWwtZWxlY3Rpb25zLWNvbmdyZXNzaW9uYWwtbWFwLXRvd24taGFsbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5B051f8eae" target="_self">voted against a motion</a> to hold a special election for a clerk of court.<ul><li>The measure, which passed, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kicked off a domino effect" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY2FsdmluLWR1bmNhbi1saXotbXVycmlsbC1pbmRpY3RtZW50LWNsZXJrLWNvdXJ0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5B34358ada" data-vars-content-id="995755f7-7c45-472f-8e9a-9996e9a95600" data-vars-headline="Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY2FsdmluLWR1bmNhbi1saXotbXVycmlsbC1pbmRpY3RtZW50LWNsZXJrLWNvdXJ0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5B34358ada" target="_self">kicked off a domino effect</a> that eventually led to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AG Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY2FsdmluLWR1bmNhbi1saXotbXVycmlsbC1pbmRpY3RtZW50LWNsZXJrLWNvdXJ0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5C34358ada" data-vars-content-id="995755f7-7c45-472f-8e9a-9996e9a95600" data-vars-headline="Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY2FsdmluLWR1bmNhbi1saXotbXVycmlsbC1pbmRpY3RtZW50LWNsZXJrLWNvdXJ0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5C34358ada" target="_self">AG Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment</a>.</li></ul>

New Orleans budget proposal cuts 152 positions

Some of the cuts could be offset by higher property taxes.

Mayor Helena Moreno on Tuesday proposed cutting 152 positions and shrinking city government in 2027.Why it matters: Some of the cuts could be offset by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new fees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/22/mayor-helena-moreno-budget-cuts-2027-proposal" data-vars-content-id="afccc3c4-cedf-4f3c-a83d-16aaa3564241" data-vars-headline="New Orleans budget proposal cuts 152 positions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/22/mayor-helena-moreno-budget-cuts-2027-proposal" target="_self">new fees</a> and increased property taxes if there&#x27;s public support.

New Orleans' budget debate begins Tuesday

Mayor Helena Moreno says there won't be employee furloughs.

Mayor Helena Moreno unveils her 2027 budget proposal Tuesday, which is expected to have at least <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$77 million in cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/11/budget-cuts-mayor-helena-moreno" data-vars-content-id="dca989a0-ff47-4d70-87aa-249c58aad475" data-vars-headline="New Orleans&#x27; budget debate begins Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/11/budget-cuts-mayor-helena-moreno" target="_self">$77 million in cuts</a>.Why it matters: The proposal will set up a debate over whether residents should pay more to restore some of the cuts.

Moreno and City Council members subpoenaed over Murrill indictment 

The city attorney says she'll respond to "this harassment" in court.

New Orleans&#x27; top elected officials could be called to testify in the continuing legal fight over Attorney General Liz Murrill&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now-dismissed indictment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" data-vars-content-id="378c52b7-6908-4470-bceb-84566a70c7e1" data-vars-headline="Moreno and City Council members subpoenaed over Murrill indictment " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" target="_self">now-dismissed indictment</a>.Why it matters: The lawsuit could shed new light on what happened behind the scenes in the criminal case and whether New Orleans officials had any role in it.

New Orleans expects "pain" in 2027 budget 

Cuts will happen, but leaders say they don't want more furloughs.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="d3fa5234-2aa3-45fb-8084-216870c72fd1" data-vars-headline="New Orleans expects &quot;pain&quot; in 2027 budget " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; upcoming budget proposal will include cuts and &quot;pain&quot; in order to preserve essential services, administration officials say.Why it matters: After relying heavily on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one-time money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/29/fiscal-crisis-emergency-fund-caesars" data-vars-content-id="d3fa5234-2aa3-45fb-8084-216870c72fd1" data-vars-headline="New Orleans expects &quot;pain&quot; in 2027 budget " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/29/fiscal-crisis-emergency-fund-caesars" target="_self">one-time money</a> this year, the city faces tough choices about how to balance its budget in 2027.

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 approves $99 annual trash rate hike

Fees are going up for Mardi Gras krewes, too.

New Orleans residents will pay more for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trash pickup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/27/trash-rate-monthly-increase-council-vote" data-vars-content-id="19d770f8-acac-4329-9885-7c3f54513595" data-vars-headline="New Orleans approves $99 annual trash rate hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/27/trash-rate-monthly-increase-council-vote" target="_self">trash pickup</a>, starting Oct. 1.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of several rate hikes the City Council is advancing to help fill a multimillion-dollar budget hole.

New Orleans weighs higher fees for garbage and Mardi Gras

Leaders are trying to generate revenue for the cash-strapped city.

New Orleans City Council members will decide Thursday whether to increase <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="garbage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/27/trash-rate-monthly-increase-council-vote" data-vars-content-id="27e855bb-c8b1-4c9e-ac18-962359ef80f3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans weighs higher fees for garbage and Mardi Gras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/27/trash-rate-monthly-increase-council-vote" target="_self">garbage rates</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras parade fees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/01/mardi-gras-fee-structure-permit-fees" data-vars-content-id="27e855bb-c8b1-4c9e-ac18-962359ef80f3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans weighs higher fees for garbage and Mardi Gras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/01/mardi-gras-fee-structure-permit-fees" target="_self">Mardi Gras parade fees</a> as the city navigates a financial crisis.Why it matters: Both measures would shift more of the cost of city services to the people who use them while generating additional revenue for the cash-strapped city.

What Jefferson Parish pays for twice-weekly garbage pickup 

Jefferson Parish hasn't had curbside recycling since 2023.

As New Orleans debates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raising garbage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/27/trash-rate-monthly-increase-council-vote" data-vars-content-id="5d2e2647-8240-4907-91fc-f8ba6e3fbe11" data-vars-headline="What Jefferson Parish pays for twice-weekly garbage pickup " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/27/trash-rate-monthly-increase-council-vote" target="_self">raising garbage rates</a>, some residents and City Councilmembers are pointing next door to Jefferson Parish.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jefferson Parish ended curbside recycling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/18/jefferson-parish-curbside-recycling" data-vars-content-id="5d2e2647-8240-4907-91fc-f8ba6e3fbe11" data-vars-headline="What Jefferson Parish pays for twice-weekly garbage pickup " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/18/jefferson-parish-curbside-recycling" target="_self">Jefferson Parish ended curbside recycling</a> in December 2023, citing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increased costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/02/27/recycling-dropoff-sites-jefferson-parish" data-vars-content-id="5d2e2647-8240-4907-91fc-f8ba6e3fbe11" data-vars-headline="What Jefferson Parish pays for twice-weekly garbage pickup " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/02/27/recycling-dropoff-sites-jefferson-parish" target="_self">increased costs</a> and low residential participation.

Politics 🇺🇸

New Orleans garbage rate hike starts Oct. 1

Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions

New Orleans budget proposal cuts 152 positions

New Orleans' budget debate begins Tuesday

Moreno and City Council members subpoenaed over Murrill indictment