Halloween hauntings and more community events

COMMUNITY EVENTS

THE HOLLOWED HARVEST: WICKED LABYRINTH: The family-friendly walk-thru Halloween event has nearly 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns at 818 Royal St. in New Orleans. Dates and times are Oct. 5, 12, 19, 23-26; 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 1, 8, 9, 15, 22, 29-31; 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28. General admission is $20 adults, $16 kids, with ages 3 and under free. See www.hollowedharvest.com. 

ST. PAUL OKTOBERFEST: St. Paul Lutheran Church, in the Marigny celebrates Oktoberfest 3-7 p.m. Oct. 7 with German delicacies and desserts, an oompah-pah band, chicken dancing, singalongs, beer, and activities for the kiddos. Visit Facebook at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Marigny — New Orleans or email at sallyndh@aol.com.

AVIDITY AWARDS: The program of events recognizing gospel music will be held Oct. 12-15 at Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. Activities include the Sneaker Ball 2023, concerts, Independent Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction and parties; tickets are for individual events and start at $10. www.theavidityawards.com.

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME: A National Night Out Against Crime event will be held in the parking lot of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 1307 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans. Oct. 17, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All residents of New Orleans are invited, especially residents of the Garden District, Irish Channel, Touro Bouligny and Upper Bouligny. barbaraf13@aol.com.

LAWYERS IN LIBRARIES: Local attorneys will provide free legal guidance on the Louisiana Bar Association’s annual Ask a Lawyer Day, Oct. 26, at the St. Bernard Parish Library’s main branch, 2600 Palmisano Blvd., Chalmette. Phone consultations and in-person appointments can be made through mysbpl.org/ask-a-lawyerphone or (504) 279-0448. Walk-ins will be accepted, but registration is recommended. Registration is open through Oct. 16. 

HALLOWEEN EVENTS

GHOSTS IN THE OAKS: New Orleans City Park, 1 Palm Drive, will hold four nights of family Halloween entertainment from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 19-22, including arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch and trick-or-treating in Storyland. Early admission tickets are $30, general admission $25. Children under 36 inches are admitted free. neworleanscitypark.org.

FREE PUMPKIN CARVING: The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at Port Orleans Brewery, 4124 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans. Carving kits and pumpkins will be provided on a first come, first served basis, but participants can bring their own carving kits, paint or pumpkins. Awards go to best pumpkin. portorleansbrewingco.com.

BREWS AND BOOS: Adults 21 and older can attend the New Orleans City Park Halloween fundraiser from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 27-28 at 1 Palm Drive. VIP tickets are $60 and include a full open bar, seating and special treats. General admission is $35. neworleanscitypark.org.

LIGHT UP YOUR COSTUME: Grades two and up can learn how to can add pizzazz to a Halloween costume using circuits and lights with an Electric Girls workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 28 at the UNO College of Engineering lecture building, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans. Bring your own costume. Registration is required; fee is $50. www.regpack.com/reg/templates/build/?g_id=100913456.

NEW ORLEANS GHOST HUNTERS: David Laville, of the New Orleans Ghost Hunters, will discuss the haunted history of New Orleans, including new information about the vampires of the city, at 7 p.m. Oct. 30, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. www.jplibrary.net.

FESTIVALS 

FALL GARDEN FESTIVAL: The City Park Conservancy event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Botanical Garden at New Orleans City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, and will include and garden product exhibits and sales, music, arts and crafts, educational programs and cooking demonstrations. Tickets are $12; $6 for children 6-12. neworleanscitypark.org.

JAPAN FEST: The single largest Japanese cultural event of the year for the New Orleans Metro area will be held Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans. The event will feature Samurai armor to try on, Japanese arts and crafts for sale, taiko drums performance, Japanese dance and tea ceremonies and food and drink. Tickets are $10. japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org.

OKTOBERFEST NEW ORLEANS: The annual Deutsches Haus festival will take place Oct. 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 on Bayou St. John across from City Park at 1700 Moss St., New Orleans, with German food, drinks, music, the Schnauzer Strut dog parade, Oktoberfest Run and daily Masskrugstemmen (beer stein holding contest). Admission is $10 (cash only); 11 and under free. oktoberfestnola.com. 

CRESCENT CITY BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL: The free festival will be Oct. 13-15 at Lafayette Square Park, 602 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13 and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14-15. Samantha Fish, Tab Benoit and Shemekia Copeland will headline the music on two stages; also barbecue vendors and a local arts market. www.jazzandheritage.org.

CULTURE AND CONCERTS 

MUSIC AT MIDDAY: The free weekly concert series will feature mezzo-soprano Megan Ihnen with Alan Theisen on saxophone on Sept. 27 from noon to 1 p.m. at Myra Clare Rogers Memorial Chapel at Tulane University, 1229 Broadway St., New Orleans. events.tulane.edu.

THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: The fall concert series at New Orleans City Park’s Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 1 Victory Ave., New Orleans. Gates open at 5 p.m., with performances from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $15. neworleanscitypark.org.

TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: The open-air Spanish Court music showcase continues from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 4 with New Orleans High Society and Oct. 18 with Eight Dice Cloth. Guests can bring drinks, snacks and picnic seating and can stroll the grounds at 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans. General admissions is $10, $5 for members. longuevue.com.

EVENINGS WITH ENRIQUE: Louisiana residents get free admission, courtesy of the Helis Foundation, to the Wednesday concert series at the Botanical Garden in New Orleans City Park, 1 Palm Drive. Each week’s concert is 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Music on Oct. 4 will be provided by Apra and special guest. Oct. 11 is Geovanne Santos Trio and Manuel Arteaga Trio. Oct. 18 is Vivaz Quartet. Oct. 25 is Son Mandao Trio. neworleanscitypark.org.

LPO OPEN REHEARSAL: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will open an Oct. 5 rehearsal at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, to the public from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. General seating tickets are $11 for adults, $6 for children. lpomusic.com.

DOWN IN TREME: The music series will feature John Boyd Cannon and Friends on Oct. 10 and the African American classic Composers Showcase on Oct. 22, both 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dodwell House Community Resource Center, 1519 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans. Tickets start at $25. dodwellhouse.org.

PIATIGORSKY CONCERT: Violinist Qing Li and pianist Vladimir Valjarevic will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. www.jplibrary.net.

FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO CONCERT SERIES: Marcia Ball, the Texas Songwriters Association’s 2023 “Texas Music Legend,” will perform Oct. 13, 7 p.m., at the 3rd Floor Performance Space of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans. Tickets start at $50. www.friendsofthecabildo.org.

SATURDAY WRITERS’ CLINIC: Phoenix-based author Laurie Schnebly Campbell will present “Building Tension” at 9:30 a.m. and “The Double Ds: Dynamic Description & Delicious Dialogue” at 11 a.m. on Oct. 21 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. www.jefferson.lib.la.us.

BOOKS 

ELON MUSK: Author Walter Isaacson will be joined in conversation by author Amy Gajda to discuss his latest biography at the Nims Fine Arts Center at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, 4301 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans, on Oct. 4, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Isaacson will sign copies. Tickets, through Eventbrite, start at $10; students with valid ID get in free. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS: Author John Connolly will discuss his new novel at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans, on Oct. 5, starting at 6 p.m. Audience Q&A and book signings will follow. Tickets, through Eventbrite, are $30 and include a copy of the book. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

THE BANNED WAGON TOUR: As part of Banned Books Week, the Banned Wagon will stop at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans, on Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to noon. Guests can select one book for free (while supplies last). Also, information on helping people fight censorship in the community. The event includes guest speakers, author talks, musical performances and food truck service. Free; Eventbrite RSVP is required. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.

THE GIRL BEFORE HER: French Vietnamese writer Line Papin will discuss her English language debut with E.M. Tran, author of “Daughters of the New Year,” on Oct. 7, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

MY PARRAIN IS THE LOUP GAROU: Musician and author Johnette Downing will lead an interactive Saturday Story Time at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans, on Oct. 14 at 11 a.m., followed by book signings. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

REMEMBER LOVE: Author Cleo Wade will discuss and sign her book of poetry and prose, followed by an audience Q&A, at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans, on Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.

MOONSONG: A MUSICAL TALE OF MAGICAL FRIENDSHIPS: Children’s author and illustrator Denise Gallagher will read from her book on Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Blue Cypress Books, 8123 Oak St. in New Orleans. www.bluecypressbooks.com.

 HONORS

JEFFERSON C of C: The Jefferson Chamber was named the state’s leading Chamber of Commerce of 2023 in the Large Chamber category, selected by the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives at its annual awards show. The chamber was recognized for effective networking and communications initiatives, providing education and business development opportunities, contributing to the parish’s advocacy and government relations, and its efforts with community engagement and social impact. Ruth Lawson is president, and Al Galindo is 2023 chairman.

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS 

ST. BERNARD SPORTS HALL OF FAME GOLF TOURNAMENT: The tournament will take place Oct. 22, with an 11 a.m. sign in and lunch and a noon start, at Oak Harbor Golf Course, 201 Oak Harbor Blvd. in Slidell. Entry fees are $110 per golfer, $440 per team. stbernardhalloffame@gmail.com

SPAGHETTI DINNER: The St. Bernard Volunteers for Family and Community will host a dinner Oct. 4, 5-8 p.m., in the Chalmette High School cafeteria on main campus, 1100 E. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette. Tickets are $15 a plate, dine in or take out. Proceeds will go to St. Bernard charities and the scholarship program. (504) 884-6791 or (504) 451-8565

SCALES & ALES: The Audubon Aquarium’s fundraiser will be held Oct. 6, 8-11 p.m., at the newly renovated facility, 1 Canal St. in New Orleans. Proceeds will support sea turtles and celebrate Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network’s sea turtle conservation efforts. Patrons tickets are $150; general admission tickets start at $100, members $85. audubonnatureinstitute.org. 

ASHE ROOFTOP FESTIVAL & GALA: Ashé Cultural Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary Oct. 6, 6p.m. to 10 p.m., at Floor 6, 650 O’Keefe Ave. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $250, through Eventbrite. www.ashenola.org.

NORD GOLF TOURNAMENT: The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission will host the tournament, raising funds for the NORD Foundation, on Oct. 7 at Joseph Bartholomew Memorial Golf Course, 6514 Congress Drive in New Orleans. Check in starts at 7 a.m. The shotgun start begins at 8 a.m. Entry fees, which include lunch and beverages, are $150 per person or $600 for a team of four. nordc.org/golf-tournament.

SOIREE IN THE VIEUX CARRE: The fundraiser for the Historic BK House & Gardens will be held Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m., at 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Tickets, including Sunday Supper, an open bar and dancing, start at $100. www.bkhouse.org.

FORE THE FAMILIES PATRON PAR•TEE: Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana will host the event Oct. 9, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Louisiana Children’s Museum located in New Orleans City Park, 15 Henry Thomas Drive in New Orleans. Proceeds from cocktail party will support the families that stay at the house. Tickets start at $50. rmhcslagolf.funraise.org. 

COME TO THE CARNIVAL: The Louisiana SPCA will host the fundraiser for the whole pet family on Oct. 14, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at its main campus, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd. in New Orleans. The event will include games and crafts, live musical entertainment, carnival fare and a silent auction, which opens Oct. 1. Tickets start at $30. www.louisianaspca.org.

LOUISIANA WALKS FOR PARKINSON’S: The 10th annual .75-mile or 1.65-mile fundraiser benefiting the Davis Phinney Foundation will be held Oct. 14, starting at 11 a.m., at Pavilion Island at Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie. Adults participants are $30 through Oct. 12; Oct. 13-14, adults are $35. Children 12 and under are free. parkinsonswalk.org

COCKTAILS AND BLUES GALA: Lake Forest Charter School’s fundraiser will be held Oct. 14 at Messina’s at the Terminal, 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd. in New Orleans. Patron party for sponsors begins at 6 p.m. and the gala at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $75. folamijenkins@icloud.com (202) 210-8811

GARAGE SALE: Elks Lodge 30 Auxiliary holds its sale Oct. 21, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the lodge, 2215 Cleary Ave. in Metairie. All proceeds benefit Elks charities. www.elks.org.

RENEGADE FEST: The live-music event, which funds the Palmisano Foundation Scholarship Fund supporting underprivileged college students studying architecture, engineering or construction, will be held Oct. 21, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Impetus headquarters, 1730 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans. The afternoon includes food, prizes and live performances. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for ages 12-18, and kids 11 and under are free. www.palmisanofoundation.org 

MINI BOX AUCTION: Community Visions Unlimited’s sale, Oct. 22, 1-4 p.m., at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St. in New Orleans features mini reproductions of the utility boxes around the city, up for bid. www.cvunola.org.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION BONE BASH: The costumed fundraiser, to be held Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m., at the Westin New Orleans, 100 Iberville St., supports the Arthritis Foundation. It includes spooky decorations, cocktail reception, themed dinner, costume contest, silent auction and entertainment.

MEETINGS

FRIENDS OF THE JEFFERSON PARISH LIBRARY: Mel Buchanan, curator of decorative arts and design at the New Orleans Museum of Art, will be the featured speaker at the general meeting on Oct. 4, 10 a.m., at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. Buchanan will discuss “Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour,” a NOMA exhibition through Nov. 26. (504) 455-2665 friendsjpl@Yahoo.com.

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY: The organization will host a potluck meeting Oct. 8, starting at 2 p.m., at the Jackson Avenue Evangelical Church, 2221 Chippewa St. in New Orleans. The nonprofit, which studies, preserves, teaches and presents the culture, history, heraldry, pageantry, music, literature, crafts and the arts of Scotland and the Isles, extends membership to those with Scottish heritage and interested in the preservation of the ancient Scottish way of life. www.caledoniansocietyofneworleans.com 

REUNIONS

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL: The JFK class of 1973 will hold their 50-year reunion Oct. 6, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Southport Hall, 200 Monticello Ave., Jefferson. Photos and items for a scrapbook and slideshow are being accepted now. Tickets are $50 through Metairie.com. More information at jfkno73@gmail.com or (504) 813-4525.