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Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength 

Watches are in effect from Louisiana to Florida.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Isaias" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/06/invest92l-gulf-forecast-hurricane-louisiana-isaias" data-vars-content-id="57637ff6-3850-4f01-ab57-fdd365813cdc" data-vars-headline="Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/06/invest92l-gulf-forecast-hurricane-louisiana-isaias" target="_self">Tropical Storm Isaias</a> is rapidly strengthening in the Gulf and is expected to be nearly a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall this weekend near the Alabama-Florida state line.Why it matters: Hurricane and tropical storm watches are in effect from Louisiana to Florida.

It's been 20 years since Saints returned home to the Superdome

It was one of the most memorable nights in sports history.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Saints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/11/new-orleans-saints-60th-season-paris-tyler-shough" data-vars-content-id="c5df819f-277e-479f-bb56-754d56bfb27f" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s been 20 years since Saints returned home to the 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/2026/09/11/new-orleans-saints-60th-season-paris-tyler-shough" target="_self">New Orleans Saints</a> celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team&#x27;s post-Katrina Domecoming game on Monday.Why it matters: There were a lot of impossibly tough moments in the months and years after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/22/watch-book-podcast-movie-hurricane-katrina" data-vars-content-id="c5df819f-277e-479f-bb56-754d56bfb27f" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s been 20 years since Saints returned home to the 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/2025/08/22/watch-book-podcast-movie-hurricane-katrina" target="_self">Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans</a>. <ul><li>But that moment on Monday Night Football — which introduced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Drew Brees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/04/drew-brees-hall-of-fame-sean-payton" data-vars-content-id="c5df819f-277e-479f-bb56-754d56bfb27f" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s been 20 years since Saints returned home to the 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/2026/08/04/drew-brees-hall-of-fame-sean-payton" target="_self">Drew Brees</a> to the Superdome and memorialized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steve Gleason" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/04/18/steve-gleason-art-ai-als-diagnosis" data-vars-content-id="c5df819f-277e-479f-bb56-754d56bfb27f" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s been 20 years since Saints returned home to the 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/2024/04/18/steve-gleason-art-ai-als-diagnosis" target="_self">Steve Gleason</a> as a Saint forever — that was glorious.</li></ul>

New Orleans will be among the last places in U.S. to see fall foliage

It'll be weeks before we get colorful leaves.

The leaves are changing. Just not 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="ca2d8de3-2743-475f-884b-49d6708e1710" data-vars-headline="New Orleans will be among the last places in U.S. to see fall foliage" 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>.The big picture: Peak foliage is expected to sweep south over the next several weeks, according to a map on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Explore Fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" data-vars-content-id="ca2d8de3-2743-475f-884b-49d6708e1710" data-vars-headline="New Orleans will be among the last places in U.S. to see fall foliage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" target="_blank">Explore Fall</a>.

Spirit Halloween brings vacant storefronts back from the dead

The store has three locations in metro New Orleans this year.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spirit Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/spirit-halloween-store-previous-tenant" data-vars-content-id="711d3afa-b378-4b70-84a2-05f8bd905ee8" data-vars-headline="Spirit Halloween brings vacant storefronts back from the dead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/spirit-halloween-store-previous-tenant" target="_self">Spirit Halloween</a> has three locations in metro New Orleans this year.Why it matters: Spirit&#x27;s seasonal takeover gives vacant retail space a brief second life.

National Fried Chicken Festival turns up to turn 10

The fest is celebrating with national touring acts on the lineup.

Things to Do

When the first Fried Chicken Festival opened its gates, founder Cleveland Spears found himself &quot;hoping and praying 10,000 people would show up.&quot;Why it matters: The event blew his goal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="out of the park" data-vars-click-url="https://bizneworleans.com/40000-attend-inaugural-fried-chicken-festival-at-lafayette-square/" data-vars-content-id="4a979b74-11b6-4117-8ef8-b73e06f102be" data-vars-headline="National Fried Chicken Festival turns up to turn 10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bizneworleans.com/40000-attend-inaugural-fried-chicken-festival-at-lafayette-square/" target="_blank">out of the park</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="4a979b74-11b6-4117-8ef8-b73e06f102be" data-vars-headline="National Fried Chicken Festival turns up to turn 10" 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">fest</a> celebrates its 10th birthday with its biggest music lineup yet, even after a stretch of bad weather pushed its start back by a week.

Preservation Hall opens bar and restaurant

The move expands the historic New Orleans venue's footprint considerably.

Food and Drink

A new restaurant and bar from the Preservation Hall team is now open next door to the historic venue 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="971b7469-1b34-48b3-8977-3390cb2a29b4" data-vars-headline="Preservation Hall opens bar and restaurant" 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>, a press release says.Why it matters: The change fills a long-standing void at Pres Hall, which hasn&#x27;t previously had a bar.

HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition

The exhibition is included with free museum admission.

Culture

A new museum exhibition and book explore the life and work of Bunny Matthews, the artist behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="98905084-c83c-41d7-ba1a-ca3a5f5dcd5a" data-vars-headline="HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition" 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; locally iconic Vic and Nat&#x27;ly cartoons.Why it matters: The retrospective offers a gentle reminder that, for Matthews especially, sometimes loving New Orleans means recognizing its many faults, too.

New Orleans weekend guide: Swampus parade, live music and more 

Learn about Joan of Arc and Filipino culture at free events.

October is here, bringing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="packed calendar of festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="b2dcc758-2267-4229-9c51-6cdeeec990bc" data-vars-headline="New Orleans weekend guide: Swampus parade, live music 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">packed calendar of festivals</a>, live music and a parade if the weather cooperates.The big picture: The forecasted rain in New Orleans has already changed some events this weekend.

The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans 

We've got parades, vampire balls, witches brunches and more.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="89d21089-41db-4184-988c-a3a4baa8bec7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do for Halloween 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> doesn&#x27;t need much encouragement to get spooky, but the city really embraces its supernatural side in October.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" data-vars-content-id="89d21089-41db-4184-988c-a3a4baa8bec7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do for Halloween 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/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" target="_self">Halloween</a> isn&#x27;t just one night here. We get a whole month of vampire balls, witches brunches, parades, haunted houses and over-the-top decorations.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to New Orleans

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="3ca0926c-1ecb-4996-bd15-05ad795b739d" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in New Orleans&#x27; Uptown/Carrollton neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Saints, Sazeracs and festivals this weekend in New Orleans

It&#x27;s a busy weekend in New Orleans, with festivals, live music and the Saints&#x27; home opener.<ul><li>Here are some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="80865986-d7f3-4ac5-a890-195336991a87" data-vars-headline="Saints, Sazeracs and festivals 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">events</a> to add to your calendar.</li></ul>

How New Orleans is celebrating Dolly Day

A memorial parade will begin at 5pm in the French Quarter.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="aea9160c-4a98-4f7c-9d20-780cca77c58c" data-vars-headline="How New Orleans is celebrating Dolly Day" 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> sends Dolly Parton off in style on Friday, which her fans know as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9-to-5 Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/17/nashville-dolly-day-9-25" data-vars-content-id="aea9160c-4a98-4f7c-9d20-780cca77c58c" data-vars-headline="How New Orleans is celebrating Dolly Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/17/nashville-dolly-day-9-25" target="_self">9-to-5 Day</a>, with a full slate of memorial events.Why it matters: The world is full of reasons to disagree with our neighbors, but respecting Dolly Parton remains universal.

Things to Do 🗓

National Fried Chicken Festival turns up to turn 10

Preservation Hall opens bar and restaurant

New Orleans will be among the last places in U.S. to see fall foliage

It's been 20 years since Saints returned home to the Superdome

HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition