Good morning, New Orleans.

Community members held a memorial service 20 years after Hurricane Katrina to honor victims and recognize the relief workers plus survivors and families shared memories of the storm's lasting impact.

St. Bernard Parish commemorated the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on August 29th by holding a mass in Chalmette and a wreath-laying ceremony at Shell Beach—honoring 164 residents lost to the storm.

Local residents and officials shared stories of personal loss and resilience, underscoring the community's enduring strength.

Burnell Cotlon, owner of Burnell's Lower 9th Ward Market, serves his community at the intersection of Caffin and Galvez (where Hurricane Katrina’s damage is still visible) and helps residents who must take multiple buses to reach another grocery store.

New Orleans marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Friday with memorials and a brass band parade in the Lower Ninth Ward, as survivors and leaders paid tribute to those lost and discussed the storm's long-lasting impact.

Today, local groups host museum exhibits and talks (including a wreath-laying at 11:20 a.m.) that call for stronger resilience and improvements to city infrastructure and climate readiness.

Artist Brandan Odums, known as BMIKE, transformed the abandoned DeGaulle Manor apartments in Algiers into Exhibit Be, a public art installation that drew 30,000 visitors and international acclaim.

He later founded Eternal Seeds to support young local artists and build on New Orleans’ tradition of turning challenges into creative opportunities—an inspiring reminder of our city's resilience.

French Quarter Management District has boosted security ahead of Southern Decadence by adding 24/7 police patrols that provide 10,500 extra hours and by repainting no-parking zones and upgrading bike lanes—measures aimed to keep tens of thousands safe.

Officials also spent $1.75 million to fix 600 streetlights, and the parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday along a new route.

On Friday morning, city leaders gathered at the Hurricane Katrina memorial where jazz master Michael White played his clarinet during the ceremony honoring over 80 unidentified victims — Mayor LaToya Cantrell praised New Orleans’ resilience over 20 years since the storm.

Advocates warn that New Orleans now faces renewed affordable housing challenges since Katrina even though People’s Housing Plus built 250 homes and secured 19 parcels of land; the group plans new builds in the Lower Ninth Ward — more community investments are needed to improve local infrastructure.

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.

Bonsai Workshop at Skeeta Hawk Brewing

6-8 p.m. — Skeeta Hawk Brewing — Check venue for cost — Create your own bonsai tree while enjoying craft brews with friends.

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Tipitina's — Tickets starting at $34.41 — Experience a blend of desert blues and psychedelic rhythms that ignites the stage.

HGF Pediatric Endocrine Education Day

1:30-6:30 p.m. — 210 State St, New Orleans, LA — Free entry — Dive into expert discussions on pediatric endocrine disorders with top specialists and catered meals.

Mr. Sipp Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Tickets required — Experience Mr. Sipp's electrifying guitar performances filled with high energy and soulful tones.

The Bends Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticketed entry — Experience the energetic sounds of The Bends as they revive early 2000s garage rock.

Bemo Rouge

10:00 – 11:30 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively night of music in the heart of New Orleans.

2025 Groundwater Protection Council Annual Forum

Sep 16-18 — The Royal Sonesta New Orleans — Registration required — Collaborate on innovative groundwater protection strategies with industry experts and regulators.