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New Orleans will host one of the biggest gatherings of tall ships

Here's what to know about the free tours.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="1bbe9ab2-db9b-443e-b77a-af3cf8207405" data-vars-headline="New Orleans will host one of the biggest gatherings of tall ships" 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> hosts a flotilla of international tall ships next week for the kickoff of Sail 250, which is part of the country&#x27;s 250th birthday celebrations.Why it matters: The 12 ships will be open for free public tours along the Mississippi Riverfront.

New Orleans among worst places for new grads to find jobs

News

Fast-growing Southern metros offer the best job opportunities for new college graduates, according to a new study.The big picture: Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa Bay, Florida, top the list, based on payroll processor ADP&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adpresearch.com/2026-youve-graduated-now-what/" data-vars-content-id="11f30d2f-4d60-4c2a-bd04-0b85b4bc7eb6" data-vars-headline="New Orleans among worst places for new grads to find jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adpresearch.com/2026-youve-graduated-now-what/" target="_blank">ranking</a> of 20-something hiring rates, wages and affordability.

New Orleans homicides down 26% as violent crime falls nationwide

Crime remains one of the country's most politically potent issues.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homicide rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" data-vars-content-id="91c82c7e-41a2-4931-b5bd-f13654308034" data-vars-headline="New Orleans homicides down 26% as violent crime falls nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" target="_self">Homicide rates</a> in New Orleans continue to fall year over year, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike.Why it matters: Crime remains one of the country&#x27;s most politically potent issues, even as many major cities report sustained declines in violence.

New TSA tech aims to speed up lines at MSY

You have to pay for TSA PreCheck use the new Touchless ID option.

Passengers at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/23/msy-airport-expansion-timeline-parking-garage" data-vars-content-id="f43f9267-e20f-4c1a-88ac-95cdde5e7cf4" data-vars-headline="New TSA tech aims to speed up lines at MSY" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/23/msy-airport-expansion-timeline-parking-garage" target="_self">Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport</a> now have a faster option at the TSA checkpoint.Why it matters: Long lines at security are a vibe-killer for the start of your trip.

New Orleans joins national effort to promote music investment

Louisiana's music industry employs more than 35,000 people.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="ccb6b827-e753-4f5c-a656-b871dd4a4e6b" data-vars-headline="New Orleans joins national effort to promote music investment" 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> is partnering with other cities and states in a new trade organization focused on strengthening local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="music scenes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/music" data-vars-content-id="ccb6b827-e753-4f5c-a656-b871dd4a4e6b" data-vars-headline="New Orleans joins national effort to promote music investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/music" target="_self">music scenes</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana&#x27;s music industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.louisianamusicpartners.com/about" data-vars-content-id="ccb6b827-e753-4f5c-a656-b871dd4a4e6b" data-vars-headline="New Orleans joins national effort to promote music investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.louisianamusicpartners.com/about" target="_blank">Louisiana&#x27;s music industry</a> is worth $1.4 billion and employs more than 35,000 people.

Robin Barnes drops debut album in time for Jazz Fest

The "Songbird of New Orleans" is reintroducing herself.

Music

Robin Barnes is one of the most visible working singers in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="ac53abaf-f5f2-4c13-ace4-583baf925a3e" data-vars-headline="Robin Barnes drops debut album in time for Jazz Fest" 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> today, but somehow she&#x27;s gained that reputation without ever putting out her own full-length album.Why it matters: That changes now.

What's new at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026

<figure><img alt="Image shows a man dancing to the Treme Brass Band." height="450" id="4ce101ad-552c-4620-a733-9217c9c6b677" src="https://images.axios.com/NL-bWDhpFA1kuCR-dW0ujXbxCVM=/2026/03/24/1774379570638.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Treme Brass Band performed at Tuesday&#x27;s Jazz Fest press party. Benny Jones, the band&#x27;s founder, and his bandmate Uncle Lionel Batiste are featured on this year&#x27;s poster. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/11/new-orleans-jazz-fest-2026-full-lineup" data-vars-content-id="f842d1d7-756d-4127-b0e0-369a0b16d5a8" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/11/new-orleans-jazz-fest-2026-full-lineup" target="_self">New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival</a> is just weeks away.Why it matters: The music and cultural fest is one of the city&#x27;s signature events, drawing 500,000 visitors and generating an estimated $500 million economic impact.

Where to find private karaoke rooms in New Orleans

A new karaoke spot is quietly taking center stage in the Lower Garden District.Zoom in: Rockabye Karaoke opened about two months ago and offers private rooms for your own epic sing-along session.

DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says

The cost-effective solution is repeatable, Mayor Moreno says.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="b317e485-1113-400b-af3a-b97a200e79e9" data-vars-headline="DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a> parade viewing at Gallier Hall may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trimmed down in 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/04/mardi-gras-budget-cuts-gallier-hall" data-vars-content-id="b317e485-1113-400b-af3a-b97a200e79e9" data-vars-headline="DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/04/mardi-gras-budget-cuts-gallier-hall" target="_self">trimmed down in 2026</a>, but it&#x27;ll still sound great, thanks to more than $40,000 raised in donations to cover the cost of hiring DJs for this year&#x27;s festivities.Why it matters: Mayor Helena Moreno said Monday that she sees the solution — private donations supporting a public event — as a repeatable option for future projects.

Hear Spotify's top 5 songs in New Orleans for 2025

The city partially aligned with national trends.

Kendrick Lamar&#x27;s &quot;luther (with sza) was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-streamed song" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" data-vars-content-id="01934af3-47ff-409d-99e0-030876790240" data-vars-headline="Hear Spotify&#x27;s top 5 songs in New Orleans for 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" target="_self">most-streamed song</a> on Spotify this year in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="01934af3-47ff-409d-99e0-030876790240" data-vars-headline="Hear Spotify&#x27;s top 5 songs in New Orleans for 2025" 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>.Why it matters: The track, which was also the most-streamed in the nation, is also a throwback to when Lamar and SZA performed it during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl LIX halftime show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/08/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-performer-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="01934af3-47ff-409d-99e0-030876790240" data-vars-headline="Hear Spotify&#x27;s top 5 songs in New Orleans for 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/08/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-performer-new-orleans" target="_self">Super Bowl LIX halftime show</a> at the Caesars Superdome.

Mannie Fresh joins the LPO this weekend in New Orleans

It&#x27;ll be a warm fall weekend in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="3563cd0a-073d-44ce-9fc2-76b9f979d306" data-vars-headline="Mannie Fresh joins the LPO this weekend 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>, and there&#x27;s plenty to do to enjoy it.<ul><li>Here are some of our top picks for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to do" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="3563cd0a-073d-44ce-9fc2-76b9f979d306" data-vars-headline="Mannie Fresh joins the LPO this weekend 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/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do</a> in New Orleans this weekend.</li></ul>

Where to celebrate Taylor Swift's new album in New Orleans

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Swift&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/30/taylor-swift-buys-music-catalogue" data-vars-content-id="f65cfdf2-1c9d-4fa6-b798-beaa518c8d7d" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Taylor Swift&#x27;s new album in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/30/taylor-swift-buys-music-catalogue" target="_self">Taylor Swift&#x27;s</a> new album drops Friday, and with it come a handful of parties for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Swifties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/22/where-taylor-swift-has-eaten-new-orleans-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="f65cfdf2-1c9d-4fa6-b798-beaa518c8d7d" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Taylor Swift&#x27;s new album 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/2024/10/22/where-taylor-swift-has-eaten-new-orleans-restaurants" target="_self">New Orleans Swifties</a> to celebrate.Why it matters: The new album, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Life of a Showgirl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/08/12/taylor-swift-new-heights-life-of-a-showgirl-new-heights-podcast" data-vars-content-id="f65cfdf2-1c9d-4fa6-b798-beaa518c8d7d" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Taylor Swift&#x27;s new album 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/cleveland/2025/08/12/taylor-swift-new-heights-life-of-a-showgirl-new-heights-podcast" target="_self">The Life of a Showgirl</a>,&quot; is all glitz, and these events look like a great reason to shine a little bit.

How find 90 free shows in New Orleans this week

A pandemic-era event series that started as a way to help New Orleans entertainers make ends meet is still going strong — and growing.Why it matters: &quot;We still need to support venues and musicians now as we did then,&quot; NOLAxNOLA founder Sig Greenebaum tells Axios New Orleans.

66-year-old proves it's never too late and joins LSU's Tiger Band

Kent Broussard plays as a non-matriculating student.

Sports

A 66-year-old retiree made history this year as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LSU" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="a9791a91-914a-4a89-9d42-dfa81cea4e96" data-vars-headline="66-year-old proves it&#x27;s never too late and joins LSU&#x27;s Tiger Band" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" target="_self">LSU</a> Tiger Band&#x27;s oldest member, and his story has captured nationwide attention.Why it matters: Kent Broussard proves it&#x27;s never too late to try something new.

Music

New Orleans joins national effort to promote music investment

Essence Fest 2026 headliners include Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, George Clinton

Jon Batiste dons wig and overalls for Jazz Fest show

Robin Barnes drops debut album in time for Jazz Fest

What's new at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026