Crescent City Picayune 10-15-2025

LIGHT & BRIGHT

BY ROBERT S WOLF |Contributing writer

While libraries are known as quiet places for choosing books and reading, the Jefferson Parish East Bank Regional Library in Metairie comes alive on Tuesday evenings with the sounds of ukuleles strumming all-American staples such as “You Are My Sunshine,” “This Land is Your Land,” and “Bad Moon Rising.”

Some students at the weekly music classes are playing instruments on

loan from the Library of Things, where a variety of items can be checked out just like you check out books.

“There’s much more to the Jefferson Parish East Bank Regional Library than books,” said David Johnson, director of marketing and engagement.

Some of the things available for check out are air fryers, tennis rackets, guitars, InstaPots, sewing machines, cake pans, waffle makers, pickle ball rackets, electronic drum kits and, of course, ukuleles. Johnson said all 17

library branches have some items available from the Library of Things, but none of the libraries have all the same things. The variety of items continues to grow When ukulele instructor Josephine Robichaux, known to the students as Jophie, approached the library about teaching ukulele classes, Johnson was enthusiastic.

“We have a very open community-

The coming weeks are filled with scary affairs. Choose the ones that have just the right fear-factor to suit your fancy

HAUNTED HOUSES

DELAPORTE MANOR: Part escape experience, part haunted house, the Delaporte home and those who enter the house will learn the story of an old New Orleans family and become the house’s prisoners. A PG-13 presentation that runs through Nov. 8, the experience runs about 45 minutes including time in the preshow. Tickets start at $38. delaportemanor.com.

NEW ORLEANS

start at $24.99. neworleansnightmare.com.

THE MORTUARY: The long-running haunted house at 4800 Canal St. in New Orleans will be open through Nov. 8; opening hours varying by date. Tickets are $25 before 7 p.m.; $35 after. themortuary.net.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

GHOSTS IN THE OAKS: City Park’s family-friendly spooktacular runs Oct. 16-19, 5-9 p.m. daily, at the park, 5 Victory Ave. in New Orleans, featuring trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch and hot-dog roasting around the campfire. Costumes encouraged. Early admission (5-6 p.m.) is $30; general admission (6-9 p.m.) $25; Friends of City Park members $22. Advance tickets are required. neworleanscitypark.org.

GHOSTLY GALLIVANT TOURS: Tours of the Cabildo Museum, 701 Chartres St. in New Orleans, will be held Oct. 17 and 24, with the theme “Saints

oriented facility, so, if something sounds interesting or offbeat, and it’s something nobody else is doing, we’ll give it a try,” Johnson said. “Jophie came to us with the idea for ukulele classes, and it just worked far better than we imagined.”

Johnson emphasized that the library is an encouraging environment for people who are hesitant to express their musical talent.

“We’re not going to rap your knuckles and say you’re not doing it right,” Johnson said with a laugh. “It’s everyone learning at their own pace.”

The beginner ukulele class focuses on chords and basic songs, and an intermediate class focuses on finger-picking techniques.

Robichaux, who started playing ukulele as a kid, says it’s the perfect beginner instrument.

“Ukuleles are excellent beginner string instruments because is it sort of the goofy little sibling of a guitar,” Robichaux said. “The learning curve to making it sound

like music is much shallower than a guitar.” Bessie Senac, who at 94 is a student in the class, started playing the ukulele about 10 weeks ago.

“I’m not really that good yet, but I’m having fun,” said Senac, who has five children and seven grandchildren. “I went on YouTube and watched some beginner lessons to get motivated.” She’s learning ukulele to entertain herself.

“When I get up in the middle of the night and I can’t sleep any more, now I have something to do,” she said.

Opal Sibley, also a beginning student, found a child’s ukulele in her closet and thought, “Why not try it out?” After a few classes, she loved playing so much that she upgraded to a real adult-sized ukulele, and she bought a designer case so she can carry it to class in style.

“I like that I can learn it as slowly as I need,” Sibley said. “I’m one of the slow children, they have to be patient to keep up with me,” she added with a laugh. “I’ve learned a lot, but I can’t play a song.

“I do needlework, so this is very different. It’s difficult for me to get

Little learners

From STEAM to adaptive play, there’s a lot for tots

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

There’s a lot coming up for little learners at New Orleans Public Libraries Options range from Halloween themes to STEAM activities to adaptive play

n SPOOKY FUN: Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to a spooky early literacy adventure at Mid-City Library 4140 Canal St., on Oct. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Attendees will practice developing early literacy skills with crafts, hands-on activities, and snacks in this Halloween-themed program.

n ADAPTIVE PLAY: Families looking for a welcoming and comfortable space for neurodivergent children are invited to Keller Library, 4300 S. Broad St., every Saturday in October from 10:30 a.m. to noon for sensory play This smaller and adaptive play and exploration program is accessible to all, including children who are physically and developmentally aged 2-5. Registration is required. Go to nolalibrary co/sensory-play to sign up.

n FULL STEAM AHEAD: Every Saturday through Nov 8, children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers are invited to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics at the Little STEAMers series from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Norman Mayer Library 3001 Gentilly Blvd. Each week will feature a story and an activity that focuses on a different concept. Space is limited Registration is required at nolalibrary.org/early-lit.

AUTHORSANDAWARDS: Self-published authors can learn how to boost their books’ visibility by submitting them to win awards in a webinar on Oct. 16 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., hosted by the New Orleans Public Library and the Indie Author Project

Librarian and consultant Tiffany Duck will help writers identify the right awards for their books, prepare a compelling submission and avoid common pitfalls.

Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned indie publisher, this session will equip you with the tools to navigate the world of book awards with confidence.

Visit events.nolalibrary.org to register for this virtual event, which will take place on Zoom

AFRICAN DANCE AND MOVEMENT: Every Tuesday in October, the REACH Center will host a free traditional West African dance class.

Attendees will learn African dance movements, techniques, history, and folklore with Director Myienie Caesar, certified from the Republic of Guinea.

This 1 1/2-hour workshop is open to the public. All ages and levels are welcome No prior dance experience is required.

On Saturdays in October, the REACH Center will host “Wellness Through Movement,” a fall dance and fitness series from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m October’s theme is hip-hop dancing. In November, attendees will learn chair yoga.

The center is at 2022 St. Bernard Ave., Corpus Christi Building C.

NOBEL PRIZE WINNER: Malala

Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom on Oct. 22 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Yousafzai will discuss her memoir, “Finding My Way,” her reintroduction to the world that shares how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative — while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is.

Visit nolalibrary.co/malala to register and to submit your questions for the author

Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library

One of the top reasons that pets end up in shelters is that owners are expecting a baby Somewhere along the line, a rumor started that you can’t have both — a new baby and a pet. But that’s simply not true. Having a baby doesn’t mean it’s time to get rid of the dog. Pets are part of the family, and with a little planning, everyone can live happily — and safely — together

If the family dog or cat has had your undivided attention for years, it’s only natural it might get a little jealous when a tiny new human shows up. After all, until now, they were the baby Setting aside even 10 minutes a day just for your pet, be it some snuggle time, a quick walk or tossing a ball, can make a world of difference. A little love goes a long way with our furry friends. The following are some tips to make the arrival of a baby an easier transition for the fur-babies.

n Prepare early n Before the baby comes home, start getting the dog or cat used to the new sights, sounds and smells that will come with it. Let them explore the nursery, sniff baby blankets and get familiar with things like powder, lotion and diapers. Maybe even play recordings of baby noises so they won’t be startled later

n If Fido’s sleeping arrangements are going to change, such as no more snoozing in your bed, start that transition early That way, it feels normal and not like a sudden punishment when the baby comes home.

n Stick to routines.

n Pets are creatures of habit. Try to keep feeding and walking times as close to normal as possible. Sure, life with a newborn is unpredictable, but even small bits of consistency will help pets feel secure. When arriving home

from the hospital, greet the pet first before carrying the baby inside. It sounds simple, but it helps reassure them that they are still part of the pack

n Don’t be surprised if the dog starts showing protective instincts once the baby arrives.

Many dogs naturally adopt the baby and will want to nap nearby or check in whenever the baby cries.

When the baby becomes mobile:

n Once your little one starts crawling or walking, supervision is key Even the calmest pet can get overwhelmed by grabby hands or squeals of excitement.

n Teach your child early how to be gentle — no tail pulling, no poking eyes and never bothering pets while they are eating or sleeping Pets make childhood better

When my son was a toddler, I found myself protecting both the child and the dogs from each other Supervision and boundaries are important. But having a pet can also be very beneficial for kids. Kids who grow up with pets often learn responsibility, empathy and patience earlier than those who do not. They also get built-in best friends. Feeding, brushing and walking the dog with supervision, of course — helps kids feel important and capable.

Family means everyone. With some preparation, patience and supervision, pets and babies can absolutely live together in harmony You don’t have to choose between your furry friend and your new bundle of joy

When my son was born, we had three dogs. My son just got his learner’s permit to drive, and we just lost the last of those three dogs to old age. Watching your pets and your child grow up together might be one of the sweetest parts of family life. Saying hello to a new baby doesn’t mean saying goodbye to your beloved pets.

my fingers exactly on the chords. My son says I need to play until my fingers are bleeding, but I’m not that dedicated.”

Sibley likes the pace of the class and the fact that the group is welcoming to all skill levels. Her favorite part, though, is the camaraderie with fellow students.

Robichaux said most importantly the class is an opportunity to come together and play music.

“I see these classes as a way to bring a little more joy and community into people’s lives,” she added. “You can take what you want from the class. You can become a fairly serious ukuleleist or you can just play around and enjoy the class. You don’t have to do it perfectly, you just have to try.”

Regardless of skill and confidence levels, the class is preparing for its Holiday Hoedown Concert on Dec. 18, featuring Christmas songs, Hanukkah songs and hot cocoa. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the music is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tambi is a striking black-andwhite young beauty who shows off her bold side with playful pounces, quick chases and a determined attitude that’s impossible to ignore. She’s the kind of kitten who will sneak her way into your heart. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org

Events

OCT 18: Animal Rescue New Orleans will have adoptable dogs at Matt Bowers Infiniti Metairie, 3700 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet your new best friend and get 20% off service while helping ARNO’s no-kill shelter OCT 19: Animal Rescue New Orleans will be at the PetSmart adoption event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, from noon to 4 p.m. Meet dogs available for foster or adoption and get information on fostering, adopting, and volunteering. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new dog bed from ARNO. For more info, contact 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.

MORGUS MADNESS: WYES hosts the fundraiser on Oct 17, 7-10 p.m., at its studio, 916 Navarre Ave. in New Orleans, on the campus of Delgado Community College. The soiree pays homage to Morgus the Magnificent, a fixture on local television created and portrayed by Sid Noel Rideau. The evening will include live music, food and more. Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Morgus Show Character, Best Couple and Most Creative Homemade Costume. Tickets are $45 via Eventbrite. www.wyes.org.

BREWS AND BOOS: The adults-only Halloween event in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park at City Park, 1 Palm Drive in New Orleans, will take place Oct. 24 and 25, 8-11 p.m. with unlimited Amusement Park rides and open beer bars. Tickets start at $40. neworleanscitypark org.

MEMNOCH BALL: The 37th anniversary of the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club Ball in honor of Memnoch the Devil will be held Oct. 31, 7-11:30 p.m., at Capital on Baronne, 210 Baronne St. in New Orleans. Live music; open bar. Tickets start at $393.46 via Eventbrite. vamplestat.com/. BOO CARRE HALLOWEEN HAUNT: The free event takes place in Dutch Alley, 900 block of North Peters Street on Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The kid-centric event encourages costumes for all ages and will feature live music, activities, a spooky ssecond line and trick-or-treating. www.frenchmarket.org.

HALLOWEEN NEW ORLEANS: The LGBTQ community celebrates with three New Orleans events, Oct. 24-26 The Parthenon Ball will be held Friday, 7-10 p.m., at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave. Olympus After Dark is Saturday, 10 p.m.-3 a.m. at the Fillmore New Orleans, 6 Canal St., with a costume review 10:30-11 p.m. Poseidon’s Voyage is Sunday, 1-5 p.m., aboard the Riverboat City of New Orleans 400 Toulouse St Tickets start at $85. Proceeds benefit Project Lazarus www. halloweenneworleans.com.

“DRACULA”: New Orleans Ballet Theatre will perform Oliver Halkowich’s ballet based on the Bram Stoker novel Oct. 24-30 at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. The show is suitable for all ages. Curtain is at 8 p.m., and 2 p.m. for matinees. Tickets start at $42. www.neworleansballettheatre.com.

ROCK & ROUGE 2025: The women’s music and food festival will be held Oct. 25-26, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., in Lafayette Square, 500 St. Charles Ave in New Orleans, with music, food, speakers and more. www.therockandrouge.com.

KREWE OF BOO + ROCK & ROUGE PARTY: Krewe Of Boo and Rock & Rouge will host a Halloween costume party with live music on Oct 24, 8 p.m., at the Toulouse Theatre in the French Quarter, 615 Toulouse St. in New Orleans. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Party is at 8-11 p.m. Advance tickets are $25. www.kreweofboo.com.

KREWE OF BOO!: New Orleans’ official Halloween parade rolls Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., starting at Elysian Fields Avenue and ending on Andrew Higgins Drive. The post-parade costume party the Monster Mash, will begin at 8 p.m. at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $34.44 via Eventbrite. www kreweofboo.com.

HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL: The two-day bar crawl will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1, starting with a required check-in at 4-6 p.m. on Friday and ending with an after party 10-11:59 p.m. on Saturday. Registration starts at $18.41 via Eventbrite Details at www.crawlwith.us/ neworleans/halloween. DARK GIFT ALLIANCE — BELLE

EPOQUE NOIR: The Coven of the Articulate will host a Halloween celebration on Oct. 30, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., at Generations

Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. in New Orleans. The event includes live entertainment and music, an open bar, tarot reading and a raffle Admission starts at $124.50. Attendees must be 21 and older. www.covenofthearticulate.com.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SUGAR ROOTS FARM PUMP-

KIN FEST: The benefit for the farm takes place 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 19 and 26, with a pumpkin patch, live music, clown yoga, pony rides and more at 10701 Willow Drive in Algiers. Tickets, $20.80 adults, $15.60 for kids, include a free pumpkin

TRUNK OR TREAT: The Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club’s family-friendly Halloween event will be on Oct. 18, 6-8 p.m., at Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie, for children up to the age of 12. There will be carousel rides, a costume contest and more. Tickets are $10 per child. dawnbusters. org.

‘WICKED’: The 2024 musical starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will screen at an adults Oct. 18, 1-4 p.m., at West Regional Library, 105 Lakewood Drive in Luling. Each participant will choose a piece from an assortment of costume jewelry and come up with a character who might wear that piece, design and paint a unique wooden keepsake box based on that character. Registration is required. www.myscpl.org

TEEN HALLOWEEN: The West Regional Library will host a night of crafts, games and an escape room Oct. 18, 6-10 p.m., at the library, 105 Lakewood Drive in Luling, with a screening of the 1999 Brendan Fraser movie, “The Mummy.” For teens 13 and older. Registration is required. www.myscpl.org.

KENNER TRUNK OR TREAT:

The Halloween event with safe trick-or-treating will be Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m., at Muss Bertolino Stadium, 620 W Esplanade Ave. in Kenner. Costumes are encouraged. A screening of “Monsters, Inc.” follows the trick-or-treating. www.kenner.la.us.

MONSTER MILE RUN: The NORD Halloween run for ages 5-17 will be on Oct. 25, 8:30 a.m., at Lafitte Greenway, 436 Norman C. Francis Parkway in New Orleans. Register via Eventbrite. www nordc.org

PUMPKIN PAINT PARTY: The Norco branch of the St. Charles Parish Library will provide paint, brushes and extras for children and accompanying adults, but bring your own pumpkin. The event is Oct. 27, 5:30-7 p.m., at the library’s meeting room, 590 Apple St. in Norco. www myscpl.org.

HALLOWEEN CONCERT: American Legion Post 350 Band will perform a holiday concert on Oct. 20, 7 p.m., at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. calendar.jplibrary.net

GHOUL PARTY: The East Regional Library will host a Halloween event for middle and high school students on Oct. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at 160 W Campus Drive in Destrehan.

The party includes a scavenger hunt and a screening of the 2002 live action movie “Scooby Doo,” with Freddy Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar. www.myscpl.org.

HOCUS POCUS LIFE POTIONS: Middle and high school students can brew their own Life Potion using a tea blending kit while watching “Hocus Pocus,” the 1993 Bette Midler comedy at the St. Rose branch of the St. Charles Parish Library, 90 East Club Drive in St. Rose. The event will be Oct. 30, 4-5:30 p.m. www myscpl.org.

SPOOKTACULAR CUPCAKE

DECORATING: Chefs from the Delgado Culinary and Pastry Arts Department will share their expertise in creating spooky treats on Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd. in New Orleans. This program is for ages 9-12. Registration is required. neworleans.libnet.info.

BOO CARRE HALLOWEEN HAUNT: The free kid-centric Halloween event in Dutch Alley, 900 block of N. Peters Street, will be Oct. 25, 11 a.m.4 p.m., with live music, a spooky second line and trickor-treating. www.frenchmar-

ket.org.

“THE EVOLUTION OF HORROR TOURS IN NEW ORLEANS”: Randy Bibb, a tour guide and instructor of Delgado Community College’s professional tour guiding program, will trace the rise of the New Orleans horror tour industry on Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., in the first floor meeting room of the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave. in New Orleans. The presentation is also available via Zoom. https://neworleans. libnet.info/event/14076456.

HALLOWEEN DOUBLE FEATURE: The Algiers Regional Library will host an afternoon of history, trivia, refreshments and cinema on Oct. 25, 1-4:30 p.m., at 3014 Holiday Drive in New Orleans. The films are the 1962 “Carnival of Souls” and Francis Ford Coppola’s 1963 “Dementia 13.” neworleans.libnet.info.

TRUNK OR TREAT: East Regional Library, in partnership with the Girl Scouts Louisiana East St. Charles Parish Service Unit 216 will hold the family-friendly event on Oct. 25, 3-5 p.m., at the library, 160 W. Campus Drive in Destrehan. www.myscpl.org.

WESTWEGO FARMERS MARKET TRICK OR TREAT: The

Pumpkin patches are popping up all over in honor of fall, which officially arrived last month, and Halloween, which is speeding toward us faster than you can say “Boo!”

GRETNA PATCH:The city of Gretna will host a day of games for kids on Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Huey P. Long Ave. neutral ground from 6th to 8th streets.

HALLOWEEN PARTY: The Krewe of King Arthur Charities will host a family-friendly event on Oct. 18. 10 a.m.1 p.m., at 3835 Spencer St. in Harvey. Activities include face painting, pumpkins and more. $10 donation per pumpkin. Proceeds will benefit the Camelot Nation arts scholarship. www.camelotnation.org/events.

THE BATTURE PUMPKIN PATCH: Pumpkins and festivities will be available daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., at 25 Walnut St. in New Orleans. www.batture.com.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN: The pumpkin patch will be open Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday 1-7 p.m. 5401 S. Claiborne Ave. in New Orleans. fpcno.org/pumpkin-patch.

ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL: The pumpkin patch is open Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.7 p.m. at 1031 S. Carrollton Ave. in New Orleans. www standrewsnola.com.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: The church’s pumpkin patch, at 3412 Haring Road in Metairie, will be open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. www.staugustinesmet.com. ST. BERNARD PARISH CATHOLIC

FESTIVALS

OKTOBERFEST: Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss St. in New Orleans, hosts three weekends of food, music and family-friendly events on Bayou St. John Oct. 17-18 and 24-25, with hours on Friday 4-11 p.m. and Saturday 1-11 p.m. The festival includes German food and drinks, oompah music, a 6K race, children’s activities and more. $10; free for children 12 and under. oktoberfestnola.com.

munities will be held Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at the University of Holy Cross 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.

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.

MOVIES

“LEADING LADIES OF HUR-

OKTOBERFEST: The GermanAmerican Cultural Center will host the event Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the corner of Huey P. Long Avenue and Sixth Street in Gretna. The fest includes fresh pretzels, sauerkraut and brats, along with live music. gacc-nola.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 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 threeday 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 HERI-

TAGE FESTIVAL: The celebration of the cultural heritage traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino com-

NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL: The Academy Awardqualifying festival will be held Oct. 23-27 at locations around the city and virtually Oct 23-Nov. 2. Organized by the New Orleans Film Society, it is a celebration of independent filmmaking. The all-access pass is $350. Details at neworleansfilmsociety.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

NORD FAMILY GAME NIGHT: New Orleans Recreation Department will host an evening of family fun with games and prizes on Oct. 17, 5-7 p.m., at Milne Rec Center, 5420 Franklin Ave. in New Orleans. Registration is required www.nordc.org

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS: The brand’s newest location and first in Louisiana will open its doors Oct. 17 in the Jax Brewery building, 600 Decatur St. in New Orleans. The immersive experience for all ages spans 9,000 square feet of installations, optical illusions, 3D holograms, more than 80 exhibits and interactive illusion rooms. Hours on Sunday-Thursday are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. with final admission one hour before closing. www.moineworleans.com NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME: Good Shepherd Parish will host a Night Out Against Crime on Oct. 21, 4:30-7 p.m., in the Our Lady of Good Counsel School Yard, 1307 Louisiana Ave. in New Orleans. Participating neighbors include the Garden District, Touro Bouligny, Upper Bouligny and Irish Channel neighborhoods. barbaraf13@aol.com

RICANE KATRINA”: — The Broad Theater will host award-winning filmmaker Royd Anderson and his latest documentary at a free screening Oct. 19, 3 p.m., at the theater, 636 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. The 29-minute film documents four women who helped guide Louisiana through its darkest days Free; reservation is required. levees.org

CULTURE & CONCERTS

TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: The fall season continues through October in Longue Vue House & Gardens’ musical series. Bruno Elizabetsky performs 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. Lil Freddie King on Oct. 16. bit.ly/TwilightTix_25.

HISPANIC HERITAGE CONCERTS: Ecos Latinos, a Hispanic cultural and performing arts series, will sponsor concerts during October that feature Hispanic musicians, dancers and visual artists from Louisiana and visiting artists from Latin America. On Oct. 16, 3 p.m., the Cristina Kaminis Quartet will perform, also at the park. On Oct. 17, 2 p.m., Patrice Fisher and Arpa with Omar Ramirez will perform at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. On Oct. 23, 3 p.m. www.ecoslatinos. org.

BACK TO THE RIVER: The city of Gretna will host a series of free music concerts on Fridays at 6 p.m. in October at the Amphitheater, Huey P. Long and First streets on the Mississippi River levee in Gretna. Oct. 18 is the Bucktown All-Stars, and Oct. 25 is Typically Booked. www gretnala.com.

EVENINGS WITH ENRIQUE: The free concert series, held at the Helis Foundation Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden at New Orleans Botanical Garden City Park, 5 Victory Ave in New Orleans, continues during October on Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. On Oct. 15, Javier Gutierrez & Vivaz will perform; on Oct. 22, Patrice Fisher and Arpa with Omar Ramirez; and on Oct. 29, Papo y Son Mandao. www.thehelisfoundation.org.

NEW ORLEANS CONCERT

BAND: The all-volunteer band, under the direction of Charles Taylor, begins its 50th season with a free concert Oct. 19, 6 p.m., at the Performing Arts Center at the University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans. Music will range from patriotic tunes to movie themes to classical pieces. www.neworleansconcertband.org

AN EVENING WITH BOB

MARSHALL & QUIN HILLYER: “Seeking Common Ground on Louisiana Environmental Issues,” an evening of conversation and insight, Oct. 19, in Room 402 of the Communications/Music Complex on Loyola University’s Uptown campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave A moderated discussion at 7 p.m. will feature Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Marshall and conservative columnist Quin Hillyer. www sierraclub.org

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.

FAITH

FELLOWSHIP LUNCH: Silence Broken, Inc. (SilenceBrokenNow.org) will host a lunch for area pastors and faith leaders on Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m., at 3924 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Followed by a discussion of Parker Palmer’s “Touchstones,” with focus on ministry to adult survivors of abuse. Free; reservations required. Admin@SilenceBro-

kenNow.org (504)261-5384

BOOKS

“REMAIN”: Author Nicholas Sparks will celebrate the launch of his new book, coauthored by M. Night Shyamalan, on Oct. 15, 6-7 p.m., at Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St. in New Orleans. Tickets are $35.74 via Eventbrite and include admission to the meet-and-greet and a signed copy of the book. www.octaviabooks.com.

ST. CHARLES LIBRARY BOOK

SALE: The fall book sale will be held Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Book Nook, next to the Hahnville Branch, 14996 River Road in Hahnville. www myscpl.org

ALAN GRATZ: The children’s author will be on hand to sign his two new novels, “War Games: A Novel of 1936 Berlin” and “Refugee: The Graphic Novel,” on Oct. 19, 3-5 p.m., at the New Orleans JCC, 5342 St. Charles Ave Tickets start at $18.40. www octaviabooks.com

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

LA SPCA’S CARNIVAL: The fundraiser will be held Oct. 18 on the LaSPCA New Orleans campus, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd. in New Orleans. A patron party will begin at noon, with general admission 1-4 p.m. The event will include music from Lost Bayou Ramblers and Original Pinettes Brass Band, a kid’s zone with special activities, silent auction items and play time with the animals. Tickets start at $25. www.louisianaspca.org

GOLF TOURNAMENT: Registration is open for the Loyola Wolf Pack Athletics and the Alumni Association’s golf tournament, to be held Oct. 17 at the Audubon Park Golf Club, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans. The tournament is organized in a four-person scramble format. Players may recruit their own team or be assigned to one. Registration and