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Vice, Liquor, and the Vieux Carré in the 1920s
“We drank because they told us we couldn’t…” Undeterred by a constitutional amendment, the threat of arrest, or the very real possibility of drinking bootlegged poison, the French Quarter’s party roared on throughout the 1920s.
– by John Shelton Reed
Fame Factory: The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
For more than half a century, the city’s arts conservatory has been fostering local talents and bringing “wildest dreams” to life.
– by Doug Brantley
A New Voice and Vision at the Marigny Opera House
Bogdan Mynka’s meteoric rise from guest residency to executive director at the Marigny Opera House has reinforced his commitment to serve the city that’s embraced him.
– by Kim Ranjbar
New Orleans Mermaid Parade 2026
The 4th annual family-friendly parade by Krewe du Fool included a giant puppet show, a pageant, a parade along the riverfront and a costume contest – all to benefit the Audubon Institute Education Department.
- photos by Karla Marie “Karlita” Cochran
Southern Decadence Parade 2026
Which was hotter – the weather or the costumes? Thousands lined the streets of the French Quarter to see the 54th edition of this ribald parade.
- photos by Cheryl Gerber
Dolly Walks These Streets Now
Dolly Parton may have passed, but 700 New Orleans women will carry on her legacy by wearing big wigs and glittering rhinestones – and giving books to thousands of children.
– by Karla Marie “Karlita” Cochran
Dirty Linen Night Artwalk 2026
The French Quarter’s most popular art event of the year takes place in August - yet the heat didn’t phase regional art lovers who turned up in droves.
- photos by Shawn Fink and Ellis Anderson
Frank Perez: Part of the Quarter’s Continuum
Frank Perez: 1968 - 2026
Frank’s stories were always a heavy pour – his writing could quickly intoxicate listeners and readers, bringing on a kind of double vision where suddenly, the past existed alongside the present.
– by Ellis Anderson
BK House 200th Birthday Bash Block Party
The beloved historic house museum and gardens welcomed the neighborhood to an evening birthday bash, offering dozens of cakes, a cake walk, and dancing in the streets.
- photos by Ellis Anderson
A Quick Start Guide for Exploring the Quarter’s Cultural Corridor
With more than twenty museums and cultural attractions packed into a compact area, the French Quarter is one of America's most walkable, culturally rewarding, and visually captivating neighborhoods.
– by Ellis Anderson
NOLA Express: An Interview with Darlene Fife
From 1968 - 1974, Darlene Fife and Robert Head published NOLA Express, an underground paper that fought for the end of the Vietnam War and free speech. In this 1990s interview with Fife, she reflects on those turbulent years in the French Quarter.
– by Dennis Formento
The Party Begins at Midnight: 1920s Bohemian Balls
These risqué French Quarter balls attracted high-society flappers, reveling artists and writers, and even New Orleans blue bloods – all ignoring Prohibition and dancing until “Dawn streaked the dove-colored sky with lipstick-reddened finger.”
– by John Shelton Reed
The Under-the-Radar Brennan at Mr. B’s Bistro
Cindy Brennan, the managing partner of one of New Orleans’ favorite restaurants, reflects on family, hospitality, and nearly 50 years of success.
– by Kim Ranjbar
Mike Stark: Man of Many Masks
In the mid-1960s, a young Southern Baptist pastor moves to the French Quarter, becomes King of the Hippies and helps transform New Orleans mask-making into an art form.
— by Laura Guccione
Dirty Linen Night Comes of Age
The popular French Quarter artwalk has evolved into a major midsummer event, attracting people from across the greater New Orleans area – and the Gulf South.
– by Kim Ranjbar
Helen Sierminski: Natural(ist) Woman
Urban nature tours given by this Marigny naturalist celebrate the native plants, trees and wildlife living among us – inspiring some to make room for more.
– by Doug Brantley
French Quarter Museum Night 2026
In this first-time event, ten museums in the Quarter’s cultural corridor extended hours and offered special activities, welcoming hundreds of enchanted visitors.
- photos by Ellis Anderson
Hands-On History at the Historic New Orleans Collection
“American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition” offers an innovative, in-depth recount of the nation’s fight for independence, shining new light on Louisiana’s contributions.
– by Doug Brantley
Larger than Life: Bohemian Women of the Quarter
In the Roaring ‘20s, the French Quarter became an incubator for women exercising more than just their newly won right to vote.
– by John Shelton Reed