New
in New Orleans
Friday, March 27th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Belvilla has launched its first U.S. property, The Louie, an upscale boutique hotel with eight apartment-style units at 300 South Rampart St. The expansion is part of a broader 10-property plan that will bring guest-focused lodging to New Orleans and other major cities. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ River Birch LLC named Billy Gibbens as President and General Counsel to lead its waste services and renewable energy projects for local residents. Gibbens will guide the company’s operations including its Subtitle D landfill, gas plant, injection wells and garbage collection fleet to boost job creation and energy output. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Congo Square Rhythms Festival will celebrate African roots with live music, dance, arts, brass band competitions, and ethnic food. The free event runs Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 in Congo Square at Armstrong Park and asks for donations to support Jazz & Heritage Foundation programs. WWL-TV
- ➤ Mayor Helena Moreno launches an Essence Festival Steering Committee to plan the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans from July 3-5. The group aims to boost coordination among city & festival leaders for events at the Superdome and across the city. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ New Orleans launches a regional tourism campaign this summer with its first X Games championships plus a Sail 250 celebration for America’s 250th anniversary. The campaign is being filmed now to target regional visitors via drive-in and Amtrak options. Fox 8
- ➤ Jackson Square in New Orleans is ranked as Louisiana’s most popular attraction by TUI Musement and sits in the heart of the French Quarter. The historic landmark is known for its bronze statue of Andrew Jackson and local art exhibits and draws visitors today. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ Food writer Ian McNulty tours New Orleans' season of fresh seafood finds. He visits Williby's Catfish in Gentilly where fish swim in a live tank, upscale GW Fins in the French Quarter that serves aged and charcuterie-style fish, and Bayou Beer Garden's everyday crawfish boil pop-ups. WWNO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana International Terminal Holdings LLC has been formally incorporated to manage the new container terminal project designed by Port NOLA for St. Bernard Parish (a joint venture with Ports America and TiL). The partnership is expected to boost regional trade, tax revenues, and jobs over time. Biz New Orleans
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of New Orleans announced musician Ivan Neville will serve as keynote speaker for its Spring 2026 commencement, and he will receive an honorary degree for his contributions to music (including his work with Dumpstaphunk and ties to Aaron Neville). University of New Orleans
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Dry weather has left the area in a severe drought with mid-80s temperatures and a rising fire risk from low humidity; a cold front will pass Friday night and scattered showers are expected early next week. Fox 8
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Defense Department is planning a meeting (God Squad) in late March to review a proposal that would let Gulf of Mexico oil exploration bypass Endangered Species Act protections for endangered whales based on national security concerns. Verite News
- ➤ Governor Landry and Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel called for faster LNG project approvals during a Houston energy summit to boost U.S. exports while addressing regulatory delays (and labor shortages) that challenge Louisiana's growth. Venture Global plans to more than double export capacity by 2029. New Orleans City Business
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Renovations are planned for Smoothie King Center with renderings showing new seating, improved sight lines and a connected fan area to Champions Square. A public-private partnership involving the state and the Pelicans will explore revenue sources for a project expected to cost over $500 million (details remain pending). WDSU
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Will Wade is expected to return as LSU's men's basketball head coach, per On3, after finishing a season at NC State and previously guiding LSU to a record of 105 to 51 with three NCAA Tournament trips; his return comes amid new leadership changes as current coach Matt McMahon struggles. WDSU
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ARD Research Symposium 2026
March 28-31 — Hyatt Regency New Orleans — Participation fees may apply — Explore innovations in food, health, and agriculture at this collaborative symposium.
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Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Performance
4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check website for entry fees — Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz infused with Tom Hook's extensive industry experience.
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Charmaine Neville Band Live Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant blend of R&B, Jazz, and world rhythms from Charmaine Neville, the torchbearer of New Orleans musical legacy.
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Stanton Moore Trio Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Cost unknown — Enjoy an evening of impeccable drumming and jovial spirits with Grammy-winning musician Stanton Moore.
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Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra
5-9 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of vibrant jazz with Delfeayo Marsalis and the talented Uptown Jazz Orchestra.
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Bard at the Batture: Spring Awakening
5:30-8 p.m. — The Batture — $20-$40 — Experience Shakespeare's timeless tales of love and renewal by the riverfront as the sun sets.
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McNeese State Cowboys vs. New Orleans Privateers Baseball
2-5 p.m. — Privateer Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting Southland Conference baseball showdown in the heart of New Orleans.
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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic
6:00 – 8:15 p.m. — Smoothie King — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy matchup between the Pelicans and Magic at home.
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ZZ Top Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate classic rock with ZZ Top's electrifying performance in New Orleans.
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The Wards: All Strings Attached
6:30-8 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — Ticket details TBA — Enjoy a multigenerational live jazz and funk experience led by a family of violinists.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
~ Les Brown
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