Rain has already reshaped New Orleans’ weekend calendar. The National Fried Chicken Festival has moved to next weekend, and City Park’s Fall Garden Festival is canceled. Other events remain on the schedule, including the Krewe of Krampus’ Swampus parade, performances, sports and cultural programs.
Parade and cultural events
The Swampus Halloween parade is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, traveling through the French Quarter. Organizers describe it as a celebration of the “uniquely Southern spirit of Halloween in the Deep South.” The parade focuses on sustainable throws and handmade costumes, and it offers a dedicated viewing area for people with disabilities.
The Skeleton House is back on St. Charles Avenue for the season. At Big Couch, “Spicy Bits” puts performers through increasingly difficult improv games as they eat progressively hotter hot sauce.
The free Salon de Jeanne d’Arc conference is scheduled for Saturday at the East Bank Regional Library. The program explores Joan of Arc, medieval history, puppetry, food and military history, and it includes a historical fencing demonstration.
A free Filipino cultural celebration at the New Orleans Jazz Museum is part of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It features film, dance and live music.
Music, comedy and theater
Tank & the Bangas are scheduled to perform with Dawn Richard and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at the Orpheum. The bill also includes the George Porter Jr. Trio at Double Dealer, where admission is free, and Jose Madero at House of Blues.
Icelandic indie-folk band Of Monsters and Men is set to play the Civic. Comedian Terry Fator is scheduled at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. “My Fair Lady” is on the program at Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, while “Trolls Jr.” is scheduled at Rivertown.
NOLAxNOLA events are listed at various venues. Live music joins the parade, theater and cultural programs on the weekend calendar, though rain has already changed two festivals.
Festivals and sports
Abita Fall Fest on the North Shore is scheduled for Friday only. Organizers say they’re uncertain about the event’s future. The National Fried Chicken Festival, meanwhile, has moved to next weekend, and City Park’s Fall Garden Festival is canceled.
The Saints host the Falcons at the Dome for Monday Night Football. LSU plays McNeese at home, Tulane is off, and Southern plays the University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff for homecoming.
The weekend guide covers music, performance, sports and cultural programming, but some plans have changed. Visitors will still find the Swampus parade and Saturday’s conference on the schedule. One festival has been moved to next weekend; the other is canceled.