New Orleans

New Orleans Alerts

Alert

A picture of New Orleans with the letters MSY

blue

Axios New Orleans Partners

Axios New Orleans Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in New Orleans with Carlie Kollath Wells and Chelsea Brasted.

Axios New Orleans

Standard

New Orleans Members

Membership

Why NASA sends hot sauce into space

Aerospace

NASA sent five hot sauce varieties on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/01/artemis-launch-date-rocket-made-michoud" data-vars-content-id="26518a0c-ec7f-468c-a4b5-efc75434514a" data-vars-headline="Why NASA sends hot sauce into space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/01/artemis-launch-date-rocket-made-michoud" target="_self">Artemis II</a>, deeming the spicy staple an essential item.Why it matters: Even in space, flavor matters.

How mahjong became the hottest game in town

Events dedicated to the strategy game are becoming wildly popular.

Culture

Kelly Walker was eager to connect with new friends when she started hosting mahjong nights at her home a little more than a year ago.Why it matters: The game nights have since became so popular that venues across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="eaf9d044-eacb-4799-a2de-88241a410aa9" data-vars-headline="How mahjong became the hottest game in town" 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> are asking her to set up shop.

New Orleans debuts one of country's longest riverfront parks

Here's a first look at the downtown park.

Business

New Orleans opens the first phase of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverfront for All" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" data-vars-content-id="7349e2b8-ec0f-43ae-ae9b-a02ea81b02bc" data-vars-headline="New Orleans debuts one of country&#x27;s longest riverfront parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" target="_self">Riverfront for All</a> park this week, completing a project that&#x27;s been in the works for more than a decade.Why it matters: The Audubon Nature Institute, which manages the public-private partnership, hopes to build on the momentum and add a second phase along the Mississippi River.

First look: New Orleans' riverfront park and playground

Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park opens Tuesday.

Development

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/06/goldring-woldenberg-riverfront-park-hours-playground" data-vars-content-id="0fb521b4-9328-4bdb-9225-3fb8e399e8ca" data-vars-headline="First look: New Orleans&#x27; riverfront park and playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/06/goldring-woldenberg-riverfront-park-hours-playground" target="_self">Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park</a> opens Tuesday in downtown New Orleans. The big picture: The park is built on top of Gov. Nicholls Wharf&#x27;s concrete deck, with the Mississippi River flowing underneath, according to Jackson Kerby, Audubon&#x27;s VP of construction.

Hogs for the Cause, Hondo Rodeo, Powerboat Grand Prix and more

The Spring Garden Show is this weekend too.

Things to Do

Another weekend in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="9cc84d2e-b59c-4bf8-b978-93b96f0a921a" data-vars-headline="Hogs for the Cause, Hondo Rodeo, Powerboat Grand Prix 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">New Orleans</a>. Another packed schedule.<ul><li>What&#x27;s on tap...</li></ul>

A $1M rodeo takes over the Caesars Superdome

It's billed as the largest rodeo ever in Louisiana.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="9d460664-8e5f-426d-afca-c9a0636882fa" data-vars-headline="A $1M rodeo takes over the Caesars Superdome" 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 hosting what organizers say is the biggest rodeo in Louisiana history this weekend.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Angola Prison Rodeo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/13/angola-inmates-to-join-hondo-rodeo-fest" data-vars-content-id="9d460664-8e5f-426d-afca-c9a0636882fa" data-vars-headline="A $1M rodeo takes over the Caesars Superdome" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/13/angola-inmates-to-join-hondo-rodeo-fest" target="_self">Angola Prison Rodeo</a>, the state&#x27;s most famous one, will be part of the festivities.

Easter parades, Crescent City Classic and more to do this weekend

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="5f9dbb63-be9f-4c4c-8fc2-a72f5acf9720" data-vars-headline="Easter parades, Crescent City Classic and more to do this weekend" 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 gearing up for a packed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/02/easter-heavenly-hash-gold-brick-eggs-elmer-chocolate" data-vars-content-id="5f9dbb63-be9f-4c4c-8fc2-a72f5acf9720" data-vars-headline="Easter parades, Crescent City Classic and more to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/02/easter-heavenly-hash-gold-brick-eggs-elmer-chocolate" target="_self">Easter</a> weekend.⛪️ Good Friday events: Many Catholics take part in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nine Churches Walk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1109679182220402/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="5f9dbb63-be9f-4c4c-8fc2-a72f5acf9720" data-vars-headline="Easter parades, Crescent City Classic and more to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1109679182220402/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Nine Churches Walk</a> to pray and reflect.

From King Tut to piano legends, what's new at New Orleans museums

The National WWII Museum is renovating its flagship D-Day exhibit.

New Orleans museums are unveiling new exhibits and overhauling old favorites.Why it matters: They&#x27;re one of the best ways to stay cool and learn something new.

Your weekend guide: Crawfish, concerts and festivals

It&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="packed weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="4f3b01d5-89eb-43b2-b72a-3b9ce7a3803f" data-vars-headline="Your weekend guide: Crawfish, concerts and festivals" 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 weekend</a> in New Orleans, with festivals, concerts and crawfish boils across the region.

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.

New Orleans to host country's largest St. Joseph's Day celebration

Celebrate with food, parades and the world's largest pasta bowl.

<figure><img alt="Photo shows a fish in front of an altar" height="450" id="19b0493e-ef9b-4432-94ed-b241762e4383" src="https://images.axios.com/tGg9c8C2doxSdyh-VFhpLZ_gIqs=/2025/03/18/1742321028710.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The St. Joseph&#x27;s Day altar at St. Francis Xavier in Metairie. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Southeast Louisiana celebrates its Italian roots this month, starting Thursday with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Joseph&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/19/st-josephs-day-altars-new-orleans-lucky-bean-meaning" data-vars-content-id="12c5f67b-4ac3-4fa7-aaac-d42d9247b787" data-vars-headline="New Orleans to host country&#x27;s largest St. Joseph&#x27;s Day celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/19/st-josephs-day-altars-new-orleans-lucky-bean-meaning" target="_self">St. Joseph&#x27;s Day</a>.Why it matters: The traditions — from elaborate altars to massive pasta feasts — are a uniquely New Orleans blend of faith, food and immigrant history.

Dog wedding, Stella shouting contest, LSU band and more things to do

New Orleans has several festivals this weekend.

Scream your heart out Saturday at the Stella shouting contest, part of the 40th annual Tennessee Williams Festival.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of the many events packing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans&#x27; calendar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="5b8df03c-6eb4-44e5-9fef-944af550a5e5" data-vars-headline="Dog wedding, Stella shouting contest, LSU band and more things to do" 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">New Orleans&#x27; calendar</a> this weekend.

New stores on the way to Lakeside Shopping Center

Three new stores are on the way to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lakeside Shopping Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/17/lakeside-mall-growth-mall-death-metairie" data-vars-content-id="ef6aa24e-446f-428b-be2a-4c6ecbd0bcda" data-vars-headline="New stores on the way to Lakeside Shopping Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/17/lakeside-mall-growth-mall-death-metairie" target="_self">Lakeside Shopping Center</a>.Why it matters: The Metairie mall continues to buck the trend of struggling shopping destinations.

Things to Do 🗓

How mahjong became the hottest game in town

Hogs for the Cause, Hondo Rodeo, Powerboat Grand Prix and more

A $1M rodeo takes over the Caesars Superdome

Brennan’s throws a Bananas Foster bash

Easter parades, Crescent City Classic and more to do this weekend