New Orleans BriefWeek of Apr 27 – May 3, 2026
New Orleans and the Greater Metro · Events, News & More
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This Week at a Glance

GiveNOLA Day

Tuesday, April 28 • 8:00 PM · Citywide

Tuesday is New Orleans' biggest 24-hour giving day—the one time annual nonprofits see a real surge in small-dollar donations. If you've been meaning to support a local cause, this is when your gift counts most.

Meet the Author: Edna Cummings

Wednesday, April 29 • 4:30 PM · National WWII Museum, New Orleans

A rare chance to hear directly from a Six Triple Eight member about serving in a segregated Army during WWII and breaking barriers as a Black woman officer. History that shaped this city, told by someone who lived it.

Ogden After Hours: Aurélien Barnes

Wednesday, April 29, 6–8 p.m. • 6:00 PM · Ogden Museum of Southern Art

New Orleans trumpeter and Preservation Hall regular Aurélien Barnes blends traditional jazz with Mardi Gras Indian funk—the sound of where this city is headed. $15 gets you live music, food, and a shot at Magnolia Ball tickets at a flash-sale price.

An Evening with Wilco

Friday, May 1 • 6:00 PM · Saenger Theatre

The best live music pick of the week. Jeff Tweedy and Wilco at the Saenger—intimate enough to feel close, grand enough to deliver.

The Meters

Saturday, May 2 • 6:00 PM · Saenger Theatre

The city's funkiest institution, playing a sold-out show at the Saenger. This is New Orleans music at its purest—if you somehow have a ticket, do not miss it.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents’ Cheat Sheet

🎠
Tue, Apr 28 • 9:00 AM · New Orleans City Park · New Orleans
Tuesday, April 28, 9–11 a.m. at City Park. Kids help clean up green space while learning stewardship—a practical community activity that feels good afterward.
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Fri, May 1 • 10:00 AM · Louisiana Children's Museum · New Orleans
Friday, May 1 at Louisiana Children's Museum. Outdoor games and exploration designed for kids—no screen time required.
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Sat, May 2 • 11:00 AM · Longue Vue House & Gardens · New Orleans
Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. at Longue Vue. All-ages guided walk through eight acres of formal gardens with naturalist narration. Kids learn what grows here; parents get fresh air.
Sun, May 3 • 9:30 AM · Longue Vue House & Gardens · New Orleans
Sunday, May 3 at Longue Vue. Louisiana residents get free admission to gardens and grounds. Perfect low-cost outing if you haven't explored this landmark in a while.
🌳
Sun, May 3 • 8:00 AM · New Orleans City Park · New Orleans
Sunday, May 3, 8 a.m.–noon at City Park. Fresh produce, local vendors, and a morning community vibe. Kids can pick out what to cook that week.

⚠️ What Affects Your Week

⚠️GiveNOLA Day is Tuesday, April 28—if you support a local nonprofit, donations matched or boosted all day. Set a phone reminder if you want to participate.

🌟 This Weekend · May 1 – May 3

O First Friday NOLA

Fri, May 1 • 10:00 AM

Ogden Museum of Southern Art · New Orleans

On the first Friday of every month, college students can explore the world’s largest collection of Southern art free of charge. The discount is redeemable on-site. Just present your college ID at the…

Yoga in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden NOLA

Sat, May 2 • 8:00 AM

New Orleans Museum of Art · New Orleans

OUTDOORSRSVP REQ'D

Yoga with a Vue NOLA

Sat, May 2 • 9:30 AM

Longue Vue House & Gardens · New Orleans

Start every Tuesday, Saturday, and Thursday morning with yoga classes under our gorgeous oaks led by instructors from Pilates Yoga and Loft from 9:30AM to 10:30AM. Whether you are new to yoga or have…

RSVP REQ'D

Afro Carribbean Dance NOLA

Sat, May 2 • 2:00 PM

New Orleans

Public Tours in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden NOLA

Sun, May 3 • 10:30 AM

New Orleans Museum of Art · New Orleans

FREE

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Picks (1)

Kids & Family (1)

Gardens, farmers markets, and outdoor exploration—everything a parent needs to fill the weekend without screens.

Fitlot – Bodyweight Boot Camp NOLA

Tue, Apr 28 • 6:00 PM

New Orleans

High-intensity outdoor fitness class focusing on bodyweight exercises; part of the Lafitte Greenway movement series.

🌇 Around New Orleans (17)

Arts, Culture & Music (10)

Tai Chi in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden NOLA

Mon, Apr 27 • 6:00 PM

New Orleans Museum of Art · New Orleans

Beginner-friendly outdoor tai chi in a sculpture garden; $5 members, $10 general. Register online by 3 p.m. the day of class.

OUTDOORSRSVP REQ'D

HAPPY* Meal Experience NOLA

Tue, Apr 28 • 5:00 PM

Longue Vue House & Gardens · New Orleans

Plant-based meal hosted by Jazz Fest artist Fred Wesley; details on vegan dining and cultural context available via link.

RSVP REQ'D

Tai Chi in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden NOLA

Wed, Apr 29 • 9:00 AM

New Orleans Museum of Art · New Orleans

Beginner-friendly outdoor tai chi combining Qigong and Tai Chi Easy forms; $5 members, $10 general. Register by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

OUTDOORSRSVP REQ'D

Gallery Talk with Deputy Director and Curator Lisa Rotondo-McCord on Robert Gordy: Outside the Mainstream NOLA

Wed, Apr 29 • 12:30 PM

New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA, 70119 · New Orleans

Curator-led talk on Robert Gordy's work and artistic independence at NOMA; part of Wednesday gallery series.

FREEOUTDOORS

Gallery Talks NOLA

Wed, Apr 29 • 12:30 PM

New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA, 70119 · New Orleans

Weekly curator-led gallery conversations at NOMA featuring rotating artists and exhibitions; drop-in format.

FREE

Twilight Series: Cast Iron Cactus NOLA

Wed, Apr 29 • 5:00 PM

Longue Vue House & Gardens · New Orleans

Magnolia Ball Ticket Flash Sale NOLA

Wed, Apr 29 • 6:00 PM

Ogden Museum of Southern Art · New Orleans

General admission tickets to Magnolia Ball discounted from $200 to $125 tonight only; includes free Ogden admission and O Bar drink ticket.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour NOLA

Thu, Apr 30 • 10:30 AM

Longue Vue House & Gardens · New Orleans

Are you curious about the spaces not on tour? Would you like to see a below grade basement in New Orleans? Then join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of Longue Vue’s attic and basement of the home.…

RSVP REQ'D

Warren Haynes: Dreams & Songs Symphonic Experience with the LPO NOLA

Thu, Apr 30 • 6:00 PM

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra · New Orleans

Back to All Events Warren Haynes: Dreams & Songs Symphonic Experience with the LPO Thursday, April 30, 2026 8:30 PM 10:30 PM Orpheum Theater 129 Roosevelt Way New Orleans, LA, 70112 United States…

Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate NOLA

Sun, May 3 • 10:00 AM

Longue Vue House & Gardens · New Orleans

Join black belt Allan Laskey for a course designed for seniors, but open to all! Wellness benefits include flexibility, improved balance and posture, cardiovascular health, stress relief,…

RSVP REQ'D

Community Events (5)

Giving day, volunteer gardens, and neighborhood cleanups: ways to show up for the city that shaped you.

Cake NOLA

Tue, Apr 28 • 6:00 PM

Saenger Theatre · New Orleans

Evenings with Enrique NOLA

Wed, Apr 29 • 5:00 PM

New Orleans City Park · New Orleans

Event Series Evenings with Enqrique Botanical Garden presented by The Helis Foundation returns to the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Guests are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of renowned…

Move & Groove NOLA

Wed, Apr 29 • 6:00 PM

New Orleans

Thursday Garden Volunteers NOLA

Thu, Apr 30 • 8:30 AM

Longue Vue House & Gardens · New Orleans

Volunteer day digging and planting in Longue Vue's eight-acre formal gardens; open to all skill levels.

RSVP REQ'D

Market March NOLA

Thu, Apr 30 • 6:00 PM

New Orleans

Sports & Recreation (2)

Yoga NOLA

Mon, Apr 27 • 6:00 PM

New Orleans

Yoga in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden NOLA

Wed, Apr 29 • 5:00 PM

New Orleans Museum of Art · New Orleans

Beginner-friendly outdoor yoga among sculptures; $5 members, $10 general. Register online by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

OUTDOORSRSVP REQ'D

📰 News You Should Know

📌 Save the Date

Notable events, festivals, and deadlines coming up in the next 3 months.

May 2026

June 2026