How to Use The Times-Picayune New Orleans Local Event Calendar

The Times-Picayune New Orleans Local Event Calendar is one of the most trusted and comprehensive resources for discovering cultural, musical, culinary, and community happenings across the Greater New Orleans region. For residents, tourists, and local business owners alike, this calendar serves as a living archive of the citys vibrant pulse from jazz funerals and second lines to food festivals, art gallery openings, and neighborhood clean-ups. Unlike generic event aggregators, The Times-Picayunes calendar is curated by local journalists and community insiders who understand the nuances of New Orleans unique traditions and timing. Whether youre planning a weekend outing, promoting a local business, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in authentic Louisiana culture, mastering how to navigate and leverage this calendar can transform the way you experience the city.

What sets this calendar apart is its deep integration with The Times-Picayunes decades-long journalistic legacy. It doesnt just list events it tells stories. Each entry often includes context: historical significance, artist backgrounds, parking tips, accessibility notes, and even weather contingency plans. In a city where events can shift on a dime due to rain, parades, or last-minute performances, having a reliable source that updates in real time is invaluable. This guide will walk you through every aspect of using The Times-Picayune Local Event Calendar from finding events to submitting your own, optimizing visibility, and connecting with the community. By the end, youll know how to turn this tool into a daily compass for navigating New Orleans dynamic cultural landscape.

Step-by-Step Guide

Accessing the Calendar Online

To begin using The Times-Picayune New Orleans Local Event Calendar, start by visiting the official website: www.nola.com. This is the digital home of The Times-Picayune and its affiliated publications. Once on the homepage, locate the navigation menu at the top of the page. Hover over or click on the Events tab. A dropdown menu will appear select Local Event Calendar. This will take you directly to the main calendar interface.

If youre accessing the site via mobile, the menu may be hidden behind a hamburger icon (three horizontal lines). Tap it to expand the menu, then follow the same path to Events and Local Event Calendar. The mobile interface is optimized for touch navigation, with swipeable date selectors and large, tappable event cards. For the best experience, ensure your browser is updated and that pop-up blockers are disabled, as some event details open in new windows.

Alternatively, you can use the direct URL: https://www.nola.com/events. Bookmark this link for quick future access. The calendar is updated daily, with new entries added as soon as they are verified by the editorial team. Youll notice that events are categorized by type Music, Food & Drink, Arts & Culture, Family, Sports, and Community making it easy to filter your interests.

Navigating the Calendar Interface

The calendar interface is designed for intuitive exploration. At the top, youll see a month view with a date selector. Click any date to view events scheduled for that day. You can also switch to List View by clicking the toggle button next to the date selector this displays events chronologically in a scrollable list, ideal for planning ahead or searching by time of day.

Each event card includes a thumbnail image, title, date and time, venue name, and a brief description. Below the description, youll find tags such as Free Admission, Rain or Shine, Family Friendly, or Tickets Required. These tags are critical for filtering events based on your needs. For example, if youre visiting with children, click the Family Friendly tag to see only events suitable for all ages.

Clicking on any event opens a detailed page with additional information: exact address, parking recommendations, public transit options, contact information for the organizer, and links to ticketing platforms. Many entries also include embedded maps from Google Maps or OpenStreetMap, allowing you to preview the location before you leave. Some events feature photo galleries or short video clips from previous years, giving you a sense of the atmosphere.

Filtering and Searching for Events

To refine your search, use the filters located on the left-hand sidebar (desktop) or accessible via a Filter button (mobile). You can filter by:

• Category: Music, Food & Drink, Arts & Culture, Family, Sports, Community
• Date Range: Today, This Week, This Month, Custom Range
• Location: By neighborhood (e.g., French Quarter, Uptown, Marigny, Bywater, Gentilly)
• Price: Free, Under $10, $10$25, $25+
• Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible, ASL Interpreted, Sensory-Friendly

For example, if youre looking for free live jazz in the French Quarter this weekend, select Music as the category, Free under price, French Quarter under location, and This Weekend under date range. The results will narrow to only those events matching all criteria.

Use the search bar at the top of the page to look for specific keywords: Crawfish Boil, Mardi Gras Indians, Po Boy Festival, or Art Walk. The search function scans event titles, descriptions, and tags, returning matches even if the exact phrase isnt used. This is especially useful for discovering events you didnt know existed but align with your interests.

Adding Events to Your Personal Calendar

Once youve found an event you want to attend, you can add it directly to your digital calendar. On the event details page, look for the Add to Calendar button. Clicking it gives you options to sync with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or iCal. Select your preferred platform, and the event including time, location, and description will be imported automatically.

For users who prefer manual entry, copy the event details and paste them into your preferred calendar app. Be sure to include the venues full address and any notes about parking or dress code. Many events in New Orleans require early arrival due to crowds, so adding a 30-minute buffer before the start time is recommended.

Pro tip: Use color-coding in your calendar. Assign a specific color to Music Events, another to Food Festivals, and a third to Community Gatherings. This visual system helps you quickly scan your week and avoid overbooking.

Submitting an Event to the Calendar

If youre organizing a public event in the New Orleans area whether its a nonprofit fundraiser, a local bands gig, or a neighborhood block party you can submit it to The Times-Picayune for inclusion. This is a powerful way to reach thousands of potential attendees.

To submit, navigate to the bottom of the Events page and click Submit an Event. This opens a form with the following fields:

• Event Title (clear and descriptive)
• Start and End Date/Time (include time zone: Central Time)
• Location (full address, including building name if applicable)
• Event Category (select one from the dropdown)
• Description (minimum 50 words; include historical context, special guests, or unique features)
• Admission Details (free, ticketed, donation-based, etc.)
• Website or Ticket Link
• Contact Information (email and phone for inquiries)
• Image Upload (high-resolution, at least 1200x800 pixels, no watermarks)
• Accessibility Notes (wheelchair access, noise level, etc.)

Accuracy is critical. Incomplete or vague submissions are often rejected or delayed. The editorial team verifies every submission for authenticity, relevance, and alignment with community standards. Events must be open to the public; private gatherings or exclusive club nights are not accepted.

After submission, youll receive an automated confirmation email. The review process typically takes 35 business days. If your event is approved, youll receive a second email with a link to view your listing. If its declined, the email will explain why common reasons include insufficient detail, lack of public access, or duplicate entries.

Tracking Event Updates and Cancellations

New Orleans weather and cultural rhythms mean events can change last minute. A parade route might shift, a musician might fall ill, or a venue might close unexpectedly. The Times-Picayune calendar is one of the few platforms that actively monitors and updates listings in real time.

To stay informed, enable notifications. On the Events homepage, scroll to the bottom and click Subscribe to Event Updates. You can choose to receive daily digests, weekly summaries, or instant alerts for events in your favorite categories or neighborhoods. These emails include changes to time, location, or admission status and often feature a Whats New section highlighting recently added or updated events.

Additionally, follow The Times-Picayunes official social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@NOLAcom). They regularly post breaking updates about cancellations, extensions, or surprise pop-up events. Many local musicians and food vendors announce last-minute appearances exclusively through these channels.

Best Practices

Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

New Orleans operates on a different rhythm than most cities. Events often begin later than scheduled a jazz set might start at 8:30 p.m. even if listed for 8 p.m. This isnt a flaw; its part of the culture. When planning your week, build in buffer time. If you have a reservation at 7 p.m. and an event at 9 p.m., dont assume youll make it on time. Traffic, street closures, and spontaneous second lines can delay travel significantly.

Always check the event listing again 24 hours before attendance. Many organizers update details like parking availability, dress code, or required tickets. A Free Admission event might suddenly require RSVPs due to capacity limits. The Times-Picayune calendar is updated with these changes, but you must actively check.

Use the Calendar as a Cultural Guide, Not Just a Schedule

Each event on the calendar is an entry point into New Orleans deeper traditions. For example, a Crawfish Boil isnt just about eating seafood its a social ritual with roots in Cajun and Creole communities. A Jazz Funeral is not a somber occasion but a celebration of life, blending mourning with music and dance. When you attend, take a moment to learn the context.

Read the event descriptions carefully. The Times-Picayune often includes historical notes, such as This event has been held annually since 1978 or Featuring the Rebirth Brass Band, who performed at the 2005 Mardi Gras parade. These details enrich your experience and help you connect with the citys soul.

Engage with the Community

Dont just consume events participate in them. Leave comments on event pages if youve attended. Share your photos (tagging

NOLAEvents or @NOLAcom) to help others visualize the experience. If you notice an error in a listing, email the editorial team directly they welcome corrections.

Many local artists and small businesses rely on this calendar for exposure. By attending and promoting events you discover, you help sustain the cultural ecosystem. Recommend events to friends. Post about them on community boards like Nextdoor or Facebook groups like New Orleans Locals Only. Your engagement helps keep the calendar alive and relevant.

Respect Local Etiquette

New Orleans has unwritten rules. At a second line, dont block the parade route. At a jazz club, silence your phone and never flash a camera during a solo. At food festivals, bring cash many vendors dont accept cards. The Times-Picayune often includes etiquette tips in event descriptions, but if not, observe what others are doing. When in doubt, ask politely.

Also, be mindful of neighborhood dynamics. Events in the French Quarter are often crowded and tourist-heavy. Events in Bywater or Trem may be more intimate and community-focused. Respect private property, dont trespass, and never take photos of people without permission especially during spiritual or religious ceremonies.

Optimize for Seasonality

The New Orleans calendar changes dramatically with the seasons. Mardi Gras season (JanuaryMarch) is packed with parades, balls, and masked balls. Summer (JuneAugust) brings outdoor music festivals, riverboat cruises, and neighborhood fairs. Fall (SeptemberNovember) features literary events, art crawls, and the New Orleans Film Festival. Winter (December) is full of holiday markets and tree-lightings.

Use the calendar to anticipate these shifts. Set calendar alerts for key dates: First Parade of Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest Announcement, Crescent City Blues Festival. Planning ahead ensures you dont miss the most iconic events and helps you avoid the peak crowds if you prefer quieter experiences.

Use the Calendar for Business and Marketing

If you run a local business a restaurant, boutique, gallery, or tour company the calendar is a goldmine for collaboration. Look for events that align with your brand. If you sell handmade jewelry, consider sponsoring an art walk. If you serve vegan gumbo, partner with a food festival. Reach out to organizers and offer to provide samples, discounts, or signage.

Many event listings allow for sponsor mentions. When submitting your own event, include your business website and social handles. If your event is featured, youll gain exposure to an audience actively seeking authentic local experiences far more valuable than paid ads.

Tools and Resources

Official Tools

The Times-Picayune provides several built-in tools to enhance your experience:

• Event Calendar API: Developers and third-party apps can integrate the calendar into their platforms using the public API. Documentation is available at www.nola.com/developer.
• Printable Monthly Calendars: Download PDF versions of the calendar for each month. These are ideal for planners, teachers, or families who prefer paper organization.
• Event RSS Feed: Subscribe to an RSS feed of new or updated events. This works with feed readers like Feedly or Inoreader for real-time updates without email.
• Accessibility Mode: The website supports screen readers and high-contrast mode. Toggle this setting under Accessibility in the site footer.

Third-Party Integrations

Several external tools complement The Times-Picayune calendar:

• Google Calendar Sync: Automatically import events using the Add to Calendar button. Use filters to create a dedicated New Orleans Events calendar.
• Apple Shortcuts: Create a shortcut that pulls todays top 5 events from the calendar and sends them to your home screen.
• IFTTT (If This Then That): Set up applets like If a new music event is posted on NOLA.com, send me a notification on my phone.
• Travel Apps: Apps like TripIt and Roadtrippers allow you to import event data and build itineraries around your schedule.
• Local News Apps: Download the NOLA.com app (iOS and Android) for push notifications on breaking event updates.

Recommended External Resources

While The Times-Picayune is the primary source, these platforms enhance your discovery:

• New Orleans & Company (www.neworleans.com): Official tourism site with curated event lists and visitor guides.
• OffBeat Magazine (www.offbeat.com): The definitive source for music events, especially jazz, blues, and R&B.
• Where NOLA Eats (wherenola.com): Best for food festivals, pop-ups, and restaurant events.
• Facebook Events: Search New Orleans events and filter by Today or This Weekend. Cross-reference with The Times-Picayune to verify legitimacy.
• Eventbrite: Useful for ticketed events, but always check if the event is also listed on NOLA.com for reliability.

Print and Physical Resources

For those who prefer analog tools:

• Visit local libraries, bookstores, or coffee shops many display printed weekly event flyers from The Times-Picayune.
• Subscribe to the print edition of The Times-Picayune. The Sunday edition includes a full-color event calendar with expanded listings.
• Download printable monthly planners from the NOLA.com Events page and laminate them for reuse.

Community-Based Tools

Engage with local networks:

• Join neighborhood associations like the Marigny Association or Trem Neighborhood Association they often share exclusive event alerts.
• Attend community meetings at the New Orleans Public Library event organizers frequently announce upcoming happenings there.
• Follow local influencers on Instagram: @nolalocal, @neworleansweekend, @jazznola they often spotlight hidden gems not yet on the official calendar.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Frenchmen Street Jazz Crawl

Event Listing: Frenchmen Street Jazz Crawl Every Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.1 a.m.

Details: The listing includes a map of the five participating venues, a list of rotating bands (e.g., The Soul Rebels on 3/15, Trombone Shorty on 3/22), and notes: Bring cash. No parking on Frenchmen. Use streetcar Line 12 to St. Claude Ave. No children under 18 after 10 p.m.

Real Experience: A visitor from Chicago used the calendar to plan a weekend trip. They filtered for Music and Free Admission, found the crawl, added it to their Google Calendar, and used the transit link to plan their streetcar route. They arrived early, explored the art vendors outside, and ended up dancing with locals at The Spotted Cat. They later posted photos on Instagram, tagging @NOLAcom which the editorial team featured in a weekly roundup.

Example 2: The Bayou Bienvenue Wetlands Walk

Event Listing: Bayou Bienvenue Wetlands Walk April 12, 10 a.m.1 p.m. Free. RSVP Required.

Details: This community-led nature tour is organized by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. The calendar entry includes a link to the RSVP form, a PDF of what to wear (closed-toe shoes, insect repellent), and a note: This walk supports wetland restoration. Participants receive a free native plant to take home.

Real Experience: A local teacher used the calendar to plan a field trip for her 5th-grade class. She submitted the event to her schools newsletter and secured a bus grant. After the walk, her students wrote essays about the importance of wetlands. The Times-Picayune later published a feature on the class, highlighting how the calendar helped connect education with environmental stewardship.

Example 3: The Treme Creole Potluck

Event Listing: Treme Creole Potluck March 29, 5 p.m.8 p.m. 1201 N. Rampart St. Bring a dish to share. $5 suggested donation.

Details: The listing mentions traditional dishes: gumbo, red beans, tasso ham, cornbread and adds, This event has been held every March since 1992 by the Treme Neighborhood Association.

Real Experience: A new resident moved to New Orleans in January and wanted to connect with neighbors. She found the potluck on the calendar, RSVPd, brought her grandmothers jambalaya recipe, and met three families who invited her to join their weekly cooking circle. She later submitted her own event: Sunday Afternoon Second Line Drumming Circle which was approved and now occurs monthly.

Example 4: The New Orleans Poetry Festival

Event Listing: New Orleans Poetry Festival April 57. Multiple venues. Free admission. Featured poets: Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Terrance Hayes, and local youth poets.

Details: The calendar includes links to poetry readings at the New Orleans Public Library, a spoken word open mic at Caf Istanbul, and a youth slam at the Arts Council of New Orleans.

Real Experience: A college student studying literature used the calendar to map out all three days of the festival. She took notes, interviewed poets, and turned her experience into a senior thesis. Her work was later published in the university journal and cited by The Times-Picayune in their cultural coverage.

FAQs

Is The Times-Picayune Local Event Calendar free to use?

Yes. The calendar is entirely free to access, search, and use. There are no subscription fees, paywalls, or hidden costs. All event listings, filters, and tools are available to the public without registration.

Can I submit an event if Im not a resident of New Orleans?

You can submit an event if it takes place in the New Orleans metropolitan area, regardless of your residency. However, the event must be open to the public and have a local connection for example, a touring band playing at a local venue, or a national nonprofit hosting a community workshop. Private or out-of-town events not accessible to the public will not be approved.

How often is the calendar updated?

The calendar is updated daily, with new entries added as soon as they are verified by the editorial team. High-traffic events like Mardi Gras parades or Jazz Fest are often added weeks or months in advance. Last-minute changes (cancellations, time shifts) are updated within 24 hours.

Why isnt my event showing up after submission?

Submissions are manually reviewed for accuracy, relevance, and public accessibility. The process typically takes 35 business days. If your event hasnt appeared after a week, check your spam folder for a response email. If you still dont see it, contact the editorial team through the Contact Us page on NOLA.com with your submission ID.

Can I get a printed copy of the entire calendar?

Yes. The Sunday print edition of The Times-Picayune includes a full-color, comprehensive event calendar. You can also download and print monthly PDF versions from the Events page. For bulk printing (e.g., for a hotel or tourism center), contact the NOLA.com media team for licensing options.

Are events listed in multiple time zones?

All events are listed in Central Time (CT), which is the standard for Louisiana. Daylight Saving Time is observed, so times adjust accordingly in March and November. The calendar does not convert times to other zones visitors should adjust their devices accordingly.

Does the calendar include virtual events?

Yes. Virtual events such as live-streamed concerts, online art exhibits, or Zoom workshops are included if they are hosted by a New Orleans-based organization or have a strong local cultural connection. These are tagged as Online Event and include a direct link to the stream.

How can I report an incorrect or outdated event?

Click the Report This Event link at the bottom of any event page. Youll be prompted to select the issue (wrong time, closed venue, duplicate, etc.) and provide details. The editorial team reviews all reports and updates listings within 48 hours.

Can I use event photos from the calendar for my blog or website?

Event photos are copyrighted by The Times-Picayune or the event organizers. You may not republish them without permission. However, you may link to the event page or embed the official image using the provided Share button, which includes proper attribution.

Is the calendar accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. The website meets WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards. Screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, high-contrast mode, and alt text for images are all supported. Many events also include accessibility notes (wheelchair access, ASL interpreters, quiet rooms). If you need additional accommodations, contact the editorial team directly.

Conclusion

The Times-Picayune New Orleans Local Event Calendar is far more than a list of happenings its a living document of the citys soul. It captures the rhythm of second lines, the aroma of simmering roux, the resonance of brass bands echoing through Frenchmen Street, and the quiet dignity of community gatherings in Trem. For residents, its a lifeline to connection. For visitors, its an invitation to experience New Orleans beyond the postcards. For organizers, its a platform to amplify their mission.

By mastering how to navigate, submit, and engage with this calendar, you dont just find events you become part of the story. You help preserve traditions, support local artists, and deepen your relationship with a city that thrives on participation. Whether youre a first-time tourist or a lifelong resident, this tool transforms passive observation into active belonging.

Use it wisely. Check it daily. Share it generously. And when you attend an event, remember: youre not just a spectator. Youre a participant in the heartbeat of New Orleans.