Good morning, New Orleans.

Mayor Helena Moreno and City Council invited a family that caught a racist throw at Saturday’s Tucks parade to watch future parades from Gallier Hall, city officials said.

The move reflects New Orleans’ commitment to love, respect and inclusion.

Krewe of Orpheus honored a celebrity monarch during the Mardi Gras parade, rolling past Gallier Hall with community members gathering along Bourbon Street to enjoy the tradition.

New Orleans Voodoo Babydolls founder Denise Augustine will retire after Carnival season and has assembled a new troupe to uphold the Babydoll masking tradition that honors Black women's strength + creative legacy.

Today, Lundi Gras parades run through the French Quarter + along Napoleon Avenue, drawing large crowds to see music and colorful floats.

Organizers expect the festive events to celebrate local heritage with fun activities for families.

At Sunday’s Bacchus parade, Anthony Mackie (a native who stars as Captain America) rode the fifth float in an America 250 letterman while throwing beads and Shia LaBeouf mingled with fans, highlighting his Cajun ties as the krewe celebrated the upcoming U.S. 250th anniversary.

Rex, King of Carnival, arrived in New Orleans on Lundi Gras by boat along the riverfront and will meet King Zulu before receiving his key to the city from Mayor Helena Moreno, officially kicking off Mardi Gras festivities and leading a parade down St. Charles Avenue later today.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School students earned awards at the 2026 Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition for the South Region at Large, with Allyson Mai receiving a Gold Key for photography and others earning Silver Keys in mixed media and drawing.

The school received honorable mentions in painting and photography.

New Orleans sees mostly cloudy skies this morning & temperatures in the mid to upper 50s that rise to the low 70s by Fat Tuesday afternoon for paradegoers; later this week, record warmth may push highs to 80 before a cold front brings cooler, seasonal air on the weekend.

The Maestri Classic weekend begins on Thursday, Feb.

19 at UNO Maestri Field at Privateer Park with a free Opening Night Celebration featuring a Backyard Baseball arcade activation, giveaways and live music. A Miracle League All-Stars Game honoring Coach Ron Maestri will follow, offering a unique collegiate baseball experience.

Swing Out with Rev Roderick Paulin & The Congregation

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Cost info not provided — Experience vibrant jazz music from the son of a legendary New Orleans band leader.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers

6-8 p.m. — Smoothie King Center — Tickets starting at $19 — Catch an exciting NBA match as the Pelicans face off against the 76ers!

Natalie Prauser Concert

9 p.m. — Siberia — $12.47 — Experience the soulful blend of 60s folk and 70s outlaw country with Natalie Prauser's captivating storytelling.

Roger Lewis & Baritone Bliss

4:30-6:00 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket information not provided — Legendary baritone sax player Roger Lewis brings his soulful sound to New Orleans.

The Enigma Variations Orchestra Rehearsal

12-2 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — $15 for adults — Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra's rehearsal with insights from the musicians and conductor.

Love Letters by A.R. Gurney

7-9:30 p.m. — Crescent City Stage Co. — Tickets available — Experience a heartfelt exploration of love through intimate letters.

Loom Music Night

9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. — Siberia — $12.47 — Experience an eclectic night of music with Laura Fisher, Theresa Romero, and Avian TV.

The Grammy Winning Hot 8 Brass Band

10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticket prices vary — Experience the infectious energy of a Grammy-winning brass band in the heart of New Orleans.

Fair Grounds Live Racing

12:45 – 2:45 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Experience exciting live horse racing in a vibrant atmosphere with buffet dining options.

Morgan Jay Live Performance

7 PM — Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music and comedy with Morgan Jay, a rising star from Los Angeles.