Shared Memories on Bones Mural by Afro-Mexicano Artist Baltazar Castellano Melo

The Office of Cultural Economy (OCE) recently attended the intergovernmental relations preview of the mural Shared Memories on Bones, created by renowned Afro-Mexicano artist Baltazar Castellano Melo. This event followed the International Arts Festival and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, continuing the city's commitment to honoring cultural diversity, unity, and its sister city partnerships.

Baltazar Melo, originally from Cuajinicuilapa, Guerrero, graduated from the School of Fine Arts of Oaxaca. He is the visionary behind the Root Project of La Ceiba, which aims to bring visibility to the Afro-Mexicano community. His artwork reflects the “third denied root”—the Black cultural influence that is often overlooked. Shared Memories on Bones captures this spirit, portraying the deep cultural connections between New Orleans and Mexican coastal towns, from dancers to musicians, symbolizing the vibrant exchange of traditions.

This mural represents a testament to the power of art in fostering cross-cultural bonds, celebrating the rich histories, and sharing the stories that unite us all. Let’s continue to honor the shared art, food, and traditions that strengthen our communities!

Double Take: NOLA Edition Podcast Launch

The City of New Orleans' official podcast, NOLA Insight: Featuring Mayor LaToya Cantrell, launched its second episode, titled "Double Take: NOLA Edition." This episode highlighted the Hollywood South Collaborative concept.

The discussion brought together local influencers to explore how the featured guests navigated their careers, overcame challenges, and found success in New Orleans' rapidly expanding cultural economy. Guests for this episode included New Orleans Entertainment Ambassador Percy “Master P” Miller and New Orleans native entrepreneur Jesseca Harris-Dupart. Hosted and curated by Raven Frederick from the Mayor's Office of Communications, the conversation provided an inspiring look into the city's emerging entertainment, cultural, and economic landscape.

NOLA Insight is a platform dedicated to fostering dialogue, sharing stories and promoting understanding within the New Orleans community. Through podcasts, interviews and discussions, NOLA Insight aims to shed light on diverse perspectives and issues that shape the cultural fabric of the city.

As with all episodes, the podcast streamed on the City of New Orleans' official YouTube channel and the government access channel.

Tune In, visit: Double Take: NOLA Edition.

Gentilly Fest

Gentilly Fest is an annual celebration of the vibrant culture and community spirit of the Gentilly neighborhood. With a mission to highlight local music and arts while strengthening community bonds, the festival promotes economic growth by supporting local businesses and artisans. This nonprofit event entertains both tourists and locals, all while giving back to the community.

The festival offers live music on three stages, showcasing local talent, and features a wide variety of culinary delights from local restaurants and caterers. Attendees can explore fine arts and crafts from local artisans, contributing to the local economy. Families can visit the Kids’ Village, which offers activities like face painting, pottery, garden crafts, and a dedicated kids' entertainment stage.

Proceeds from Gentilly Fest help support the neighborhood’s first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics, by providing funds for essential supplies. Gentilly Fest will be held from Oct. 11 – 13, so don’t miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate community and culture!

For more information, visit: gentillyfestival.com.

Oktoberfest 

Presented by Deutsches Haus, Oktoberfest NOLA brings Germany’s beloved celebration to the Crescent City for three weekends filled with German culture, cuisine, and fun. Fest-goers can expect a host of authentic German foods, live music, dances, and activities.

Don’t miss your chance to partake in this European-inspired fun on Oct. 11 – 12, Oct.18 – 19, and Oct. 25 – 26 at Deutsches Haus just across the street from Bayou St. John at City Park.

Daily activities and interactive programming give fest-goers the opportunity to immerse themselves in German cultures and traditions. You can expect events such as Masskrugstemmen (beer stein holding contest), chicken dancing, Schnitzelbank (humorous German group sing-alongs), and much more throughout the weekends. 

For more information, visit: oktoberfestnola.com.

Ashé Rooftop Festival

The Ashé Rooftop Festival will unfold on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., transforming New Orleans' skyline into a vibrant celebration of the African Diaspora. This year’s experience, spanning culturally curated rooftops, will weave through Mid-City, the Warehouse District, and the French Quarter/Tremé, creating a bridge between diverse neighborhoods and their rich heritages.

Guests can explore three distinct venues: the Main Rooftop (300 N. Broad Street) in partnership with Broad Community Connections, the Wellness Rooftop (900 Camp St., 3rd Floor) at The Shop @ The CAC, and the Social Justice Rooftop (501 Basin Street) at Basin Street Station. Each rooftop offers a unique lens, from wellness and social justice to performances and poetry.

With live music, iconic DJs, culinary delights, signature cocktails, and immersive installations, the festival will be a sensory journey, engaging both heart and mind. Families are welcome to indulge in themed activities for kids, all while soaking in the electrifying atmosphere under the open sky.

For more information, visit: ashenola.org.

4th Annual NOLA BugFest

NOLA BugFest will offer a full day of fun and entertainment for all ages on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This free event will feature over 35 organizations and 40 educational booths and activities. Attendees will have the chance to engage with entomologists and other scientists, learning about the fascinating world of insects, spiders, and wildlife found in and around New Orleans.

Highlights of the event include face painting, a temporary tattoo station, insect dances, edible insects, patent leather beetle races, and a coloring station. A snoball cart will be onsite, with free snoballs for the first 500 kids. Additional food will be available for purchase throughout the event.

The festival will take place at the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board Administration Building, located at 2100 Leon C. Simon Dr., New Orleans, LA 70122.

For more information, visit: nola.gov.

West Bank Hispanic Heritage Festival

The University of Holy Cross is proud to announce the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Festival, a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to the City of New Orleans and beyond. Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., this festival is the only event of its kind on the West Bank, offering an opportunity to honor the diverse cultures that shape the community, promote inclusivity, and educate future generations.

The Hispanic Heritage Festival at UHC is a community-centered event, providing a space for local artisans, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents. It also serves as a platform for local businesses and community organizations to engage with the public.

For more information, visit: uhcno.edu.

Artist Workshop: Frame & Fabric as Metaphor with ricRACK

For more information, visit: ogdenmuseum.org.

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum's Annual Fundraiser

Join the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum for its 2024 Annual Fundraiser, Pick Your Poison, featuring DJ Ann Glaviano spinning an intoxicating selection of records from 1957 to 1974. Dance the night away to these timeless tunes in the museum's historic courtyard, transformed into a "goth garden" by Urban Earth Studios. Indulge in deadly delicacies and lethal libations while enjoying tarot readings by Andrea Duhé and herbal readings by Seeress Muggarose. Guests are encouraged to enchant in cocktail attire or bewitch in costume!

Tickets include passed hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, tarot/herbal readings, and a signature cocktail in a commemorative cup. All proceeds from ticket sales and the auction directly support the museum's mission to preserve and interpret the history of pharmacy and medicine, with a special focus on New Orleans.

The “Pick Your Poison” Auction
As part of the fundraiser, the Pick Your Poison Auction went live at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5th, and closed at 9:30 p.m. during the fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 12. Bidding is open to all, with in-person pickup available for items. Shipping is also available for most auction items at an additional cost.

Proceeds from the auction and fundraiser will contribute to the restoration of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum's home at 514 Chartres Street in the historic French Quarter. The museum extends heartfelt thanks to all auction donors for their generosity and support.

For more information, visit: pharmacymuseum.org.

NOVAC South Bodies: Short Film Open Call

Crescent Cinema, in collaboration with Film New Orleans, is seeking short films for their upcoming screening event. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit works that explore body diversity throughout the Gulf South, celebrating stories that highlight beauty in all sizes and abilities. Selected filmmakers will receive a modest stipend and have the opportunity to participate in a filmmaker panel following the in-person screening on November 20th. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. For more information or questions, contact kelsey@novacvideo.org.

Apply Now!

The 35th Annual New Orleans Film Festival

The 35th Annual Oscar®-Qualifying New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) will take place from Oct. 16 – 27, showcasing over 150 films and welcoming more than 100 filmmakers. This renowned event celebrates both emerging and established talents from New Orleans, the South, and around the world.

As an epicenter of culture and creativity, New Orleans shines during the festival, with over 250 filmmakers from across the globe presenting their work. More than 12,000 attendees gather over the course of 6 days, engaging with visionary films, directors, and fellow film enthusiasts. NOFF is one of the few festivals that is Oscar®-qualifying in all three Academy-accredited categories, making it a significant platform for both local and international filmmakers.

For more information, visit: neworleansfilmsociety.org

Trempo Masterclass Series

Brass Band Masterclasses in New Orleans, organized by TREMPO (France), will conclude on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 4:00 p.m. Situated in the heart of New Orleans, the cradle of brass bands and jazz marching bands, this training aims to develop instrumental techniques as well as knowledge of traditional repertoires and oral traditions. The program seeks to provide musicians who play in brass bands at a professional level with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of their instruments and techniques while working on traditional repertoires. Participants will discover this music within its social and cultural context, promoting a better understanding of composition and arrangement methods. The training will take place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, allowing attendees to connect with many local musicians. Participants should be professional musicians familiar with the music of brass bands and jazz marching bands in the New Orleans style, and possess knowledge of repertoires and regular group practice (walks or concerts) is required.

For more information, visit: nolajazzmuseum.org.

Ghosts in the Oaks

City Park Conservancy’s family-friendly Halloween fundraiser will feature four nights of unlimited Carousel Gardens Amusement Park rides, arts and crafts, hot dog roasting, a pumpkin patch, and trick-or-treating throughout Storyland. Children under 36 inches tall will be admitted free of charge. Attendees can purchase or renew a Friends of City Park Membership at NewOrleansCityPark.org. The event will take place from Thursday, Oct. 17 – Sunday, Oct. 20, with early admission from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and general admission from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Please note that all ticket sales are final. Proceeds will benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Boo at the Zoo 

Join Audubon Zoo for Boo at the Zoo, a three-day celebration of spooky family fun from Friday, Oct. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 20, running from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This Halloween tradition benefits Children’s Hospital New Orleans and Audubon Zoo, providing a safe and family-friendly daytime event featuring your favorite zoo animals. Ticket prices are $38 for non-members and $12 for members. Activities include safe and friendly trick-or-treating, frightfully fun photo opportunities, a spooky haunted house, and much more! Don’t forget to wear your favorite costume as you partake in the festivities!

For more information, visit: audubonnatureinstitute.org.

Register Now! 2024 Neighborhood Summit

The Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office invites you to register for the 2024 Neighborhood Summit! By popular demand, the Summit will return to the Ernest Morial Convention Center (900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130) on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The annual Neighborhood Summit celebrates the strength, history, and diversity of our city's neighborhoods, bringing together community leaders, non-profit agencies, and city government.

At the Summit, attendees will be able to attend workshops ranging from Public Safety to Infrastructure to Quality of Life. Several City departments and agencies will be included in the Summit resource fair. Dozens of free prizes, giveaways, and attraction passes will also be available!

Complimentary breakfast will be served starting at 8AM, with complimentary lunch later in the agenda. The first 500 registrants will receive free parking. The first 350 registrants will receive free attraction passes.

This event is FREE, and the registration deadline is Friday, November 8th or until we reach capacity, as space is limited.

For more information or to register, click here.