If you’re looking for something to do on your way to the Fairgrounds, stop by 12 Mile Limit for a musical brunch. Later on, see Dr. John, or head to the Marigny for some giant puppets. On this day in 1874, the White League formed to intimidate African-Americans from voting and oust Republicans from office. Now, more to do before, after, and during the Fest.

The day has come, and fest goers are counting down the minutes until JazzFest kicks off in the Fairgrounds! After the fest, see giant puppets, Anders Osborne, Dumpstaphunk, Rebirth, and more. Happy Birthday to Tannon “Fish” Williams, born April 26, 1975. Now, more to do this first fest Friday!

This weekend, musicians on the Fairgrounds won't be the only artists killing it on the strings. New Orleans' second annual Giant Puppet Festival opens Thursday (April 25), and they're bringing live music, macabre storylines, and marionettes to the Marigny for two weekends. 

In 1961 a group of ordinary citizens, black and white, boarded a southbound bus to make civil rights history. Risking jail, alienation and even their lives they made more than a ruckus. In honor of the Freedom Ride’s 50th anniversary Executive Director of Longue Vue House and Gardens, Joe Baker, commissioned noted composer Dan Shore to wrote a Freedom Ride opera in 2011, and he has been working on the opera ever since.  

Today, catch a contemporary dance performance, or take the kids to a free workshop at Tip’s. Later on, there’s more live music from Oak to St. Claude. On this day in 1992, Nola native Branford Marsalis became the music director of the Tonight Show. Click through for more to do this Sunday. 

November's edition of the New Orleans Fringe Festival presented its usual embarassment of riches, as the sheer volume of plays far outnumbered anything theatre-goers were capable of seeing over the five-day span. This weekend, those who missed one of the fest's most acclaimed shows will get a second chance, as Trash Rabbit returns to the Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand St.) for Saturday and Sunday performances.

Today, finish your last-minute costume preparations and raise money for a good cause. See Big Sam’s Funky Nation on Frenchmen, theatre in the Marigny, and more live music all over the city. On this day in 1957, Fats Domino played the Perry Como Show and performed “Blueberry Hill” and “Blue Monday.” Now, more ways to kick off your Carnival.

The Super Bowl might be a national event, but there are tons of local acts to see in Woldenberg Park all day. Watch the NFL players go to church at tonight’s gospel celebration, and enjoy more theatre, music, and art all over the city. On this day in 1929, Ida B. Leboeuf became the first woman hanged for murder in the state of Louisiana. Now, more ways to kick off your weekend.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being featured as a gallery’s visiting artist, tomorrow’s Draw-a-Thon is your chance. The gathering sets up a user-friendly environment for artists of all ages and skill levels to do one thing—draw. Early birds and night owls can both take part, as the venue will stay open for 24 hours. 

The New Orleans Fringe Festival returned Thursday night with a whole new round of shows to roll out. Once again, NoDef's team was out to take in what this year's extravaganza has to offer. Read our latest crop of reviews, and keep checking back for more: