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.

It’s chilly again, so bundle up and head to the river for the city’s best local talents. Book lovers head to Octavia Street for an author event, and philanthropists check out “Africa for the Future, on the Avenue. On this day in 1988, Grambling graduate Doug Williams was named MVP of the Super Bowl XXII during his time on the Washington Redskins. He was the first black quarterback ever to start in a Super Bowl Championship game. Now, more to do this Thursday.

Whether you’re in the market for blues and barbeque and crustaceans, rich seafood dishes on the riverfront, or a queer punk rock takeover, this Sunday has something in store for you. Today in our state’s history, U.S. dragoons attacked New Orleans’ storied pirate Jean Lafitte in marshes outside the city limits (1813). Now, more on Sunday’s events:

There’s a lot to do this Saturday in the Big Easy, with some college football in Baton Rouge, galas all over town, festivals with the city’s best food and music, an animal expo for dog lovers, and the weekend’s Endless Gaycation events! Today in Louisiana music history, Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars appeared live on CBS’s “The Edsel Show,” (1957). Now, more on Saturday’s events.

by Emma Boyce

Louisiana is known for their soulful music, delicious food and warm hospitality.  Support all three this weekend by enjoying a large plate of your favorite creature from under the sea at the Louisiana Seafood Festival at Woldenberg Park.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation (LHF), a non-profit organization that supports local youth programs.

On this week's index of infractions, cross-dressing crime returns in the French Quarter, carjackings abound and a snatched iPhone gets passed between three people. Here's the weekly blue light special of dispatches from the police beat:

The stage has been set and the music is roaring down by the riverside. A quartet of college basketball teams and their fans have taken the Road to the Final Four, and it ended at the place where most great journeys do: in New Orleans.

Maybe it's the cemetery that always reaked so much havoc with the Saints. The Superdome, which will host the Final Four this weekend, has been home to some of college basketball's most infamous moments over the years. From The Shot that propelled Michael Jordan to stardom to Chris Webber's ill-conceived timeout, sports writer Bud Poliquin takes a look at some of the classic moments that Louisville, Kentucky, Kansas and Ohio State will try to live up to. But history isn't the only reason New Orleans is a good place for a Final Four. There will be music, too!

On Thursday night, the New Orleans festival schedule saw a major mashup, as a concert by the river had strong whiffs of French Quarter Fest and Essence, with hints of Voodoo thrown in for good measure. Mary J. Blige and Gavin DeGraw put on a hell of a show for thousands in Woldenburg Park, and in the process opened an opportunity for NOLA Defender to pay our bills and keep bringing y'all the news.

Mayor Mitch is stepping aside this afternoon, but it's not for the feds, the National Guard or even the Gorilla Man. As dusk nears around 1800 CST, Rex, King of Carnival, will take the throne over New Orleans at Spanish Plaza as a state of revelry that has been building for weeks officially takes hold of the Crescent City.