Today, the Greek Fest continues, the Big Easy Comedy Festival yields laughter, grand tastings and wine seminars in the CBD, and Quintron and Miss Pussycat get strange at Siberia. On this day in New Orleans history, the Civil War came to LA when the U.S. Navy began the Mississippi River blockade (1861), the Army of Trans-Mississippi surrendered in New Orleans (1865), and former Governor Edwin Edwards married his 29-year-old girlfriend Candy Picou (1994). Here’s how to seize the day:

NoDef Drama Critic Jim Fitzmorris shines the spotlight on the local theatrical explosion that follows JazzFest: 5 shows opening in 2 weeks.

In late winter, parading women show off their glittery shoes to stand out among the boys' clubs on St. Charles. But, this year, the Fall second line schedule will gain its own female sanctuary under the crown. Declaring Every Woman a Queen - just as the Queenfish would like it - the YeMaYa marching parade steps off at 6 p.m. Saturday night from Buffa's Lounge for a sashay through Treme and the French Quarter. The brain-daughter of parade organizing guru Ann Marie Coviello, YeMaYa has brought in no less than 13 female marching clubs, a couple bands a choir for their first romp. To make extra sure we know who's boss, all the participants will be wearing crowns.