Things to do in New Orleans this weekend, Nov. 12 to 15
LUNA Fête runs Lafayette Square to Piazza D'Italia
By Lou P. and the New Orleans Loop editors. Thursday, November 12, 2026
LUNA Fête takes over the stretch from Lafayette Square to Piazza D'Italia Friday through Sunday. Phosphorescent plays Chickie Wah Wah on Sunday, the Everette Maddox reading series carries on at the Maple Leaf, and the Howlin Wolf is hoping for a record number of Jason Voorhees.
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING
LUNA Fête
LUNA Fête runs Friday through Sunday along the stretch from Lafayette Square to Piazza D'Italia, so there are three evenings to catch it.
A free public festival of light, art and technology that turns downtown into a playground of LED lights, lasers and projected artworks. This 12th edition stretches from Gallier Hall to the Piazza d'Italia.
Friday at 5 pm · Lafayette Square to Piazza D'Italia, 602 Camp St. New Orleans, LA 70130
FREE THIS WEEKENDcosts nothing
The Everette Maddox Memorial Reading Series
Sunday at 4:30 pm
Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA, 70118
The longest continuously running poetry reading series in North America, going since 1979. It's free, open to everyone, and welcomes both established poets and first-timers at the Maple Leaf.
Building a Community Timeline
Thursday at 5 pm
East New Orleans Regional Library
A hands-on workshop on building community timelines from your own memories, led by journalist and Tulane professor Daniella Zalcman with Sông Community Development Corporation. It starts with Vietnamese history in New Orleans for inspiration.
WITH KIDSbring them
Junior League of New Olreans Touch -A- Truck :: Westbank
Saturday at 9 am
Alario Center, 2000 Segnette Blvd, Westwego, LA, 70094
Touch-a-Truck comes to the Alario Center on the Westbank, with big vehicles kids can explore, honk and play on. A hands-on outing for little ones.
Family and Military Appreciation Block Party :: National WWII Museum :: NOLA
Saturday at 9 am
The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130
A family and military appreciation day at the National WWII Museum with free admission, thanks to the generosity of Timber.
THE WEIRD ONE with Lou P.
Largest Gathering of Jason Voorhies World Record Attempt :: The Howlin Wolf :: NOLA
On Friday the 13th, the Howlin Wolf will try to set a world record for the largest gathering of Jason Voorhees.
Friday at 1 pm · The Howlin Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA, 70130
OUTSIDEfresh air
Big Lake Native Plant Trail Restoration Project
Friday at 9 am
Big Lake, New Orleans City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70124
A volunteer morning restoring the Native Plant Trail at Big Lake. Pitch in with weeding, clearing plant debris, mulching and shoveling to help maintain the trail.
Music in the Garden: Indian Arts Circle of New Orleans
Sunday at 12 pm
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans , LA, 70124
A free afternoon in NOMA's sculpture garden with Indian dance and music, including Garba stick dancing, Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Food vendors, henna and Kolam art making fill the day.
DATE NIGHTfor two
An Evening w/ Phosphorescent + Special Guest Jo Schornikow
Sunday at 8 pm
Chickie Wah Wah, 2828 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70119
Phosphorescent, the project of singer-songwriter Matthew Houck, plays an intimate evening set, known for a cracked, lived-in voice and country-tinged indie rock. Nashville-based Jo Schornikow opens. Tables seat four.
Dr. Michael White's Original Liberty Jazz Band
Saturday at 7 pm; also 9 pm
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, 626 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA, 70116
Clarinetist Dr. Michael White, a leading authority on traditional New Orleans jazz, leads his band in the intimate Music Room. There are two shows, and dinner is available next door beforehand.
BRING A TOTEmarkets and sales
Crescent City Farmers Market
Sunday at 8 am
City Putt, New Orleans City Park, 33 Dreyfous Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70119
A Sunday morning market at City Putt Plaza with fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, baked goods and a variety of ready-to-eat foods.
Rummel Craft Fair :: Metairie
Saturday at 9 am
Archbishop Rummel
A craft fair with handmade goods from local vendors and unique gifts, a good spot to get a head start on holiday shopping.
BIG SHOWSyou've heard of these
- THU 7 PMThe Music Of Hey Arnold! Live Feat. Jim Lang & The Ps 118 Allstars, The Fillmore New Orleans
- SAT 7:30 PMAvery*Sunshine, New Orleans Jazz Market
PLAN AHEAD
WHAT DID WE MISS?
We do our best to read every calendar in New Orleans, and we still miss good stuff. The church supper, the band at the corner bar, the block party your neighbor is throwing. If you know about something, tell us. Just write hello@loopcities.com. We read every note.
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