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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.

Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend

The WWII Museum will host a ceremony for Memorial Day.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greek Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gfno.com/" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gfno.com/" target="_blank">Greek Fest</a> is back this weekend for its 51st year along Bayou St. John.<ul><li>The festival features traditional Greek food, music and dancing on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.</li><li>Holy Trinity is the country&#x27;s oldest Orthodox community, organizers say.</li></ul>New this year: The festival is going cashless.<ul><li>Make sure you hit up the market for homemade baklava and other baked goods.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">More events</h2>🇺🇸 The National WWII Museum will host a remembrance ceremony Monday for Memorial Day. A Gold Star family member will give remarks. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationalww2museum.org/events-programs/events/137979-memorial-day-commemoration" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationalww2museum.org/events-programs/events/137979-memorial-day-commemoration" target="_blank">Details</a>)🎶 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Freddie King Blues Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/bjs-bywater/little-freddie-king-fest/1206568064801855/" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things 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/bjs-bywater/little-freddie-king-fest/1206568064801855/" target="_blank">Little Freddie King Blues Fest</a>: Listen to Little Freddie King, Sunpie Barnes and more at BJ&#x27;s Lounge on Sunday.🕯️ New Orleans International Vodou Day: Gather for remembrance, education, art and music honoring the traditions and cultural legacy of Vodou. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vodouday.org/" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vodouday.org/" target="_blank">Schedule</a>)🎪 Circus is in town: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Germany&#x27;s Great Bavarian Circus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1621787825692801/1621788562359394/?active_tab=about" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things 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/1621787825692801/1621788562359394/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">Germany&#x27;s Great Bavarian Circus</a> is at Oakwood Center, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Do Portugal Circus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1290546339725724/?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="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things 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/1290546339725724/?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">Do Portugal Circus</a> is at the Shrine on Airline.🍺 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Port Orleans&#x27; anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1986557959402544/1986557966069210/?active_tab=about" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things 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/1986557959402544/1986557966069210/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">Port Orleans&#x27; anniversary</a>: Celebrate the brewery&#x27;s ninth birthday with new beer releases, music, crawfish and comedy.

Keith Lee festival debuts as Bayou Boogaloo pivots

FamiLee Day has food, music and an obstacle course.

TikTok food influencer Keith Lee hosts his inaugural festival in New Orleans this weekend, while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bayou Boogaloo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/10/scoop-bayou-boogaloo-new-location-20th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="6fb51d0f-55f8-4244-ac5d-f8ca11b63856" data-vars-headline="Keith Lee festival debuts as Bayou Boogaloo pivots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/10/scoop-bayou-boogaloo-new-location-20th-anniversary" target="_self">Bayou Boogaloo</a> celebrates its 20th anniversary with a smaller, reimagined format.Why it matters: You&#x27;ve got plenty to do after casting your ballot Saturday.

New Orleans-shot "Is God Is" opens Friday

Vivica A. Fox and Sterling K. Brown star.

Vivica A. Fox&#x27;s new movie, which was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filmed in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/people-you-meet-vacation-book-movie-filming" data-vars-content-id="4b2970a8-9ca0-4aff-bdae-a32b163a9e68" data-vars-headline="New Orleans-shot &quot;Is God Is&quot; opens Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/people-you-meet-vacation-book-movie-filming" target="_self">filmed in New Orleans</a>, hits theaters Friday.The big picture: &quot;Is God Is&quot; is based on the play by Aleshea Harris, who adapted it for the big screen and made her directorial debut.

The sharks weren't the scariest part of Netflix's new thriller

"Thrash" spent three weeks in Netflix's Top 10 movies list.

Netflix has a new scary movie just in time for hurricane season.The big picture: In &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thrash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/title/82650122" data-vars-content-id="a5bcad09-2e8f-4506-9920-e184ff6db243" data-vars-headline="The sharks weren&#x27;t the scariest part of Netflix&#x27;s new thriller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/82650122" target="_blank">Thrash</a>,&quot; a Category 5 storm slams a South Carolina town, trapping residents in the floodwaters.<ul><li>Plot twist: Ravenous sharks are in the water. Yeah, I rolled my eyes, too.</li></ul>

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.

Jazz Fest 2026: What to know before you go

It's one of the biggest annual events in New Orleans.

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/2026/03/24/whats-new-jazz-fest-poster-music-bayouwear" data-vars-content-id="4e012df9-d2d9-47df-a4e5-ee242d7b6d7b" data-vars-headline="Jazz Fest 2026: What to know before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/24/whats-new-jazz-fest-poster-music-bayouwear" target="_self">New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival</a> kicks off Thursday with two weekends of music, food and culture at the Fair Grounds.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of New Orleans&#x27; biggest events of the year, drawing massive crowds and big-name talent.

What's new at French Quarter Fest 2026

The city's largest free festival starts Thursday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="French Quarter Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/10/things-to-do-weekend-festivals-free" data-vars-content-id="921f2586-8c16-457b-9474-2709f6e6744d" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at French Quarter 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/2025/04/10/things-to-do-weekend-festivals-free" target="_self">French Quarter Fest</a> kicks off Thursday with four days of food, music and dancing throughout <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="921f2586-8c16-457b-9474-2709f6e6744d" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at French Quarter 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" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; oldest neighborhood.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the city&#x27;s largest free festival.

New bayou-themed musical opens in New Orleans

A new musical opens Thursday in the French Quarter, promising an immersive experience with gumbo and drinks.The big picture: &quot;Last Night at the Rue Bayou&quot; is a love story &quot;spiced up with a little ghost story and the soul of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="0772aa76-9bd8-4af0-b4b4-ac462b7eed38" data-vars-headline="New bayou-themed musical opens 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>,&quot; a press release says.

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.

Things to Do 🗓

Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend

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

Keith Lee festival debuts as Bayou Boogaloo pivots

New Orleans-shot "Is God Is" opens Friday

The sharks weren't the scariest part of Netflix's new thriller