Weekend Picks: Mac N’Cheese Fest and bring on spooky season!
We're not complaining about Halloween happening in the middle of fall fest season
by Mary Staes
October 19, 2018
Can we just sit outside all weekend? This sunny, a little warm but kinda breezy weather is perfect for everything.
By everything we mean a fest dedicated to mac & cheese, a parade (because why not) for Halloween, Trombone Shorty’s homecoming concert and wiener dog races.
Here are our picks for this weekend:
NOLA Mac N’Cheese Fest
Last year was the first go-round for this one-day fest, and it was so popular most of the vendors sold out of food. This year, most vendors are planning to bring double to prepare for the crowds. They’ve got local favorites, like crawfish mac, ham and cheese mac and even a vegan option to pick from. Make sure you get there early and check out the menu before heading out to know what spots you should hit up first.
Where: Louis Armstrong Park, 701 North Rampart Street
When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Price: Free, but food and drink tickets must be purchased
Krewe of Boo
It’s not a holiday without a parade here, and Halloween is no exception. The Krewe of Boo usually includes candy in its throws for the little ones. This year there will be 400 riders and 30 marching groups all in costume for the parade which starts in the Marigny, rolls through the French Quarter and ends in the Warehouse District at Generations Hall. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
Tales From The Blvd.
We’re partnering up with the Nola Kool Kids and Neauxla Professionals for an Adult Fright Night street crawl! Two groups will visit three different experiences on O.C. Haley Blvd. for drinks, games and fun! Plus, the soundtrack will be provided by DJ RajSmoove, DJ Hawaii 5-0, and DJ Black Pearl, just to name a few. Click here for tickets.
Where: Starts at Lot 1701, Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, 4-10 p.m.
Price: $20-$40
Trombone Shorty’s Hometown Threauxdown
Fresh off a two-month tour across the country, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is bringing together local legends for his homecoming concert. Saturday’s show at Champions Square includes names like Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Partners-N-Crime and the New Breed Brass Band. Even more local musicians are expected to show up during the performance. Click here to check up our full write-up on the concert.
Where: Champions Square
When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, 6 p.m.
Price: $25-$95
Wiener Dog Races at Oktoberfest
What’s cuter than a little wiener dog running for the finish line? We don’t know either.
The races are part of the last weekend of Oktoberfest, presented by Deutsches Haus. It’s happening on the banks of Bayou St. John, in front of the future location of the new Haus. Tickets are $8 to the fest, and if you’ve got a runner (of the four-legged variety) and want to race, $30 registration includes festival entrance. Click here for more about celebrating Oktoberfest in the Crescent City.
Where: 1700 Moss Street
When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, 3 p.m.
Price: $30 to register a racer
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
Queen Trini Lisa’s Ascension to New Orleans’ Caribbean Soul Food Throne
Lisa Nelson didn’t plan on being a chef. She didn’t anticipate becoming a queen either, but true to the most beloved of royalty, the people made her one.
A grab-and-go food guide to the MSY New Orleans terminal
Time. Most of us don’t have a lot of that. Even less so when we’re rushing to make a flight. There are still plenty of tasty options for the less leisurely travelers among us, though it helps to know where to find them.
Chef Dee Lavigne expands the only Black-owned cooking school in New Orleans
Deelightful Roux School of Cooking is the only African American-owned cooking school taught by a New Orleans native, and her class is a guide to New Orleans’ food culture.