Good morning, New Orleans.

Later this week, New Orleans will host community events including the Pontchartrain Home Show and Langenstein’s Food Fest on Aug 23–24 at the Pontchartrain Convention Center in Kenner and a Mid-Summer Mardi Gras parade starting with a balcony ceremony on Aug 23 along Oak Street—upcoming attractions include Jurassic Quest on Aug 29–31, Southern Decadence from Aug 29 to Sept 1, civic leadership classes from Sept 4, and various arts, sports, and fundraiser events.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell—part of an investigation lasting several years into bribery and fraud that also brought fresh charges against her former police bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie.

Louisiana State Police issued a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory for Bryan Vasquez, 12, who is non-verbal and does not understand English — nor Spanish.

A federal grand jury indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Friday at the Hale Boggs federal building on charges linked to a years-long corruption probe that also brought fresh charges against her former bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie—making her the first sitting mayor in New Orleans history to face criminal charges and raising questions about her next steps as her term nears its end.

A senior official told city council on August 13 that New Orleans continues to deduct millions in processing fees from property taxes for the school board despite an April ordinance stopping the charges until the end of 2026.

Council members questioned the legality of the fees as the board’s lawsuit over them continues—highlighting a clash between city policy and law.

Fishbone Concert

6:30-8:00 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience the legendary fusion of funk and rock with Fishbone.

Sorrenteaux Boards Wellness Workshop

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Sorrenteaux Boards — Ticket required — Assemble a fresh fruit and vegetable board while exploring mental wellness insights.

20th Annual MaseFest Birthday Bash

4-8 p.m. — The Broadside Pavilion — Free entry — Celebrate Mason's 20th with live music from BANDOG and delicious food from Nikkei Izakaya kitchen.

Uptown Jazz Orchestra Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra led by Grammy award-winning trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis.

Louisiana District PCC Day Carnival Celebration

11 AM – 2 PM — Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome by IHG — Free entry — Celebrate Louisiana District PCC Day with games, food, and lively entertainment at the carnival.

Irma Thomas Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets vary — Experience the soulful sounds of the 'Soul Queen of New Orleans' in a captivating live performance.

The Fixx Concert

8-10 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sound of one of the most influential bands from the MTV era.

Duo Dynamics Improv Comedy Workshop

3-5 p.m. — Big Couch New Orleans — Workshop fee applies — Explore the power dynamics and stakes in improv to enhance authenticity and create hilarious scenes.

Figgy Baby Concert

9 PM – 1 AM — No Dice — Ticket required — Experience the unique blend of traditional rap and modern sounds with Figgy Baby and friends.

Ellen Smith Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved, $3 for Seniors/SNAP — Experience the captivating voice of New Orleans native Ellen Smith live on stage.