It’s the first weekend of 2019, and Big Easy Magazine wants to help you start it off right! We’ve gathered a list of some great progressive events you can hit this weekend. Whether you want to express your love of fandom culture, explore new ideas, or support important causes, we’ve got an event for you.
What to Do
Wizard World Comic Con – Jan 4-6
If you’re an enthusiastic fan of… well, anything, then Wizard World is for you! Come and meet your favorite celebrities, enjoy seeing cosplayers showing off their work, and meet other fans of the things that you love. Whether you’re a book lover, movie lover, comics fan, TV show enthusiast, or movie buff, there’s something for you to do and see here.
GIMME A BRAKE (L!GHT) – Jan 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America will replace your brake lights for free – and show you how to do it yourself as well! If you’ve got a brake light out, come out to N. Dorgenois & Bayou Rd. and they’ll fix you up. Appointments aren’t necessary, and there will be refreshments and other activities as well. Come out and get your brake (light).
Joan of Arc Parade – Jan 6, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Celebrate the birthday of Joan of Arc and kick off the Carnival season at the annual Joan of Arc parade! See over 400 costumed characters in medieval garb representing the people, places, and important events in Joan of Arc’s life. Catch handmade throws, enjoy live music, and get your Carnival started off right.
Causes to Support
ICNA Relief – Food Drive – Jan 4, 3:44 p.m. – 6:44 p.m.
ICNA Relief NOLA is opening a new food pantry to serve the Greater New Orleans Area. Help them get started off on the right foot by donated canned and dry goods.
Community Tree Planting: MidCity/Treme – Jan 5, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Come and help plant 88 trees throughout the Mid City and Treme neighborhoods! Not only do these help keep our city green, but they also assist in drainage and flood reduction. Refreshments will be served after the work is done.
Louisiana Books 2 Prisoners volunteer work night, Jan 6, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Grab some packing tape and brown bags and head over to the Louisiana Books 2 Prisoners volunteer work night. Help organize book donations, read letters from prisoners, and pick books to send them. Or, spend your time helping with computer work and wrapping/packaging books to get ready for shipping.
No matter how you choose to spend your weekend, remember – every weekend can be a progressive weekend! We hope that these suggestions help you enjoy yours.
Jenn Bentley is a writer and editor originally from Cadiz, Kentucky. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Examiner, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, and others. When she’s not writing or editing, Jenn spends her time raising money for Extra Life and advocating for autism awareness.
