If you leave the Fest early this Friday, head to Octavia Books and hear Augusten Burroughs, or take the kids to New Orleans’ Giant Puppet Festival. On this day in 1995, the Neville Brothers, the Dixie Cups, Allen Toussaint, and Professor Longhair were inducted into the New Orleans Musical Walk of Fame. Now, more to do this rainy JazzFest Friday. Stay with NoDef for complete after dark events coverage. 

Infomercials, seminars, Oprah, Chopra, Phil, and Laura: self-improvement in America is an impressively sturdy industry. According to a study by Marketdata, the self-improvement market was worth an estimated $11.17 billion in 2011, and specifically, self-improvement book sales were worth $776 million. Even Augusten Burroughs is getting into the act.

by Derick Dupre

Let your trochaic feet doing the talking: National Poetry Month is in full swing. Celebrate the muse today at Octavia Books, where Brenda Marie Osbey will be reading from her new collection, History and Other Poems.

Tonight, Hurray for the Riff Raff plays d.b.a., Susan Cowsill is performing at City Park's Botanical Gardens, and Delfeayo Marsalis is at the Ogden. Happy Birthday to bluesman Robert Cage, born April 4, 1937. Now, more to do this Thursday.

This morning, make groceries at the Farmer’s Market. Later, NOLA Fashion Week celebrates their fifth season with runway shows at the Saratoga, lit lovers can enjoy book events Uptown, Rebirth plays the Maple Leaf, and more. On this day in 1766, Antionio de Ulloa became the first Spanish Governor of Louisiana. Now, more to do this Tuesday.

Once you finish shopping at the Farmer’s Market, rest up for a night full of author events, live music, and more going on all over the city. Happy Birthday to Wild Magnolias Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr., birth name “Gerald Dollis,” born on this day in 1981. Now, more to do this Tuesday.

This chilly Tuesday, head uptown for a literary event with a Louisiana law expert, enjoy live music all over the city, or make groceries at the farmer's market. Happy birthday to Queen Ida! Lake Charles native and Zydeco legend Ida Guillory turns 84 today. Now, more to do.

We’re in the final stretch, but procrastinators need not brave suburban traffic and mall food courts in their desperate search for the perfect gifts. New Orleans has a ton of small stores and craft markets open late this week for all of your holiday shopping needs. From toy stores to bookshops, local businesses are catering to your busy, holiday schedules. 

This Tuesday, make groceries at the Farmer’s Market, talk pit bulls on Octavia Street, and enjoy funk, brass, folk, and more all over the city. December 11, 2008 marks the date of the earliest recorded snowfall in Southwest Louisiana. Now, more on today's happenings.

Get over your hump day with jazz, hip hop, funk, and soul all over the city. Before you get your night started, head to Octavia Books for an author event with World War II historian Christopher Browning. On this day in 1960, the Federal Court blocked an attempt by the Louisiana legislature to replace the entire School Board following desegregation. Now, more Wednesday happenings.