Photographer Michael P. Smith (1937–2008) captured the heart and soul of New Orleans’s music, culture, and folkways. He documented the physical and social structures that helped shape the unique cultural identity of his native New Orleans. In 2007, The Collection acquired Smith’s body of work, ensuring both its long-term preservation and ultimate public access.

The moments captured in Michael P. Smith music photographs are as familiar to the people of New Orleans as they are enthralling to Jazz Fest visitors. Since the first edition of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1970 until 2005, Smith documented the annual music, culinary and crafts bonanza that has become one of the city's signature events, and his photographs annually line the Gospel, Blues, and Jazz tents, paying witness to past performances in those same tents. In fact, the visual iconography of Jazz Fest as a showcase for legendary musical performance must be at least partly credited to Smith's images, which have been captured in two full-length Jazz Fest books that helped spread the word to fans around the world.

This exhibition will bring together one hundred twenty-five photographs taken at Jazz Fest during a twenty-five year period, from its inception in 1970 to 1995. All works come from the Michael P. Smith Archive of the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC), who have graciously lent objects from their collection, as well as allowing many new prints to be made of some Jazz Fest images that have never been exhibited. On view in the first floor galleries. Admission: FREE through July 12

Bacardi Presents Bacardi B-Live DJ AM,  DJ Jazzy Jeff, and  Steve Porter.

This summer, New Orleans will get a taste of Christmas in August -- as part of Disney's recently announced 40-city whistle-stop rail tour to promote the November release of the tech-heavy 3-D "A Christmas Carol," directed by Robert Zemeckis ("The Polar Express") and starring Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge.

The tour will see four specially designed, exhibit-filled Amtrak rail cars, plus one private car, stopping in Audubon Park from Aug. 7 to 9. The public will be invited aboard for free to check out attractions, including artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of London; artwork, costumes and props from the film; and demonstrations of the technology used to create the film.

At each stop -- which will feature holiday decorations and carolers -- crews also will erect a temporary, 48-foot-wide, two-story, inflatable 3D theater, in which guests can get a sneak peek of the movie and behind-the-scenes materials.

The Halloween Costume Expose’ is the Krewe of Boo’s annual Halloween celebration following the Parade! Held on October 24th, our Halloween-themed costume party unites imagination with alter-ego to produce a Halloween celebration yet to be seen. This black and orange extravaganza is outfitted in first-class décor, exquisite Mardi Gras World props, themed lighting, thousands of costumed patrons, and phenomenal entertainment! Guaranteed to impress even the most adept socialites, the Halloween Costume Expose’ is the Krewe of Boo’s most significant fundraising event. The parade will begin at Elysian Fields/Decatur. 

The Halloween Costume Expose’ is the Krewe of Boo’s annual Halloween celebration following the Parade! Held on October 24th, our Halloween-themed costume party unites imagination with alter-ego to produce a Halloween celebration yet to be seen. This black and orange extravaganza is outfitted in first-class décor, exquisite Mardi Gras World props, themed lighting, thousands of costumed patrons, and phenomenal entertainment! Guaranteed to impress even the most adept socialites, the Halloween Costume Expose’ is the Krewe of Boo’s most significant fundraising event. The parade will begin at Elysian Fields/Decatur. 

Enjoy 250 hours of free entertainment featuring more than 150 musical performances on fifteen stages throughout the French Quarter over a three-day weekend. Nearly 60 food and beverage booths located in Jackson Square and Woldenberg Riverfront Park will make up the "World's Largest Jazz Brunch," a signature event, featuring authentic local cuisine from renowned area restaurants.