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What’s Happening This Fall: Northshore Events 2024

Have Fun this Fall on the Northshore!

With October’s arrival comes festive fall weekends filled with excitement! Whether you’re into autumn vibes or something a bit spooky, there’s something for everyone to enjoy around the Northshore this month. Here are some exciting fall events happening in the area:

St. Tammany Parish Fair: October 2-6
  • A local tradition since 1910, this fair features a parade through town, Cheer/Dance Competition, Rodeo (Friday and Saturday), carnival rides, live music, livestock shows, horticultural exhibits, fair food, and much more.
Abita Fall Fest: October 11-12
  • Named Gambit’s Best Festival of 2023, the Abita Fall Fest is back to celebrate the art, music, and culture of Abita Springs, LA, with live music, delicious food, local craft vendors, and activities for all. 
Fall for Art: October 12 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
  • The St. Tammany Art Association is hosting a celebration of music, art, and performing arts in historic downtown Covington. It will feature a sprawling Art Market along Columbia Street, live music, and demonstrations.
Covington Trailhead Movie Night: October 16 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Bring blankets and chairs to the Covington Trailhead for a free movie night featuring a screening of “Hocus Pocus”.
Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival: October 19-20 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Presented by Maritime Museum Louisiana, this festival attracts over 100 classic boats, spectator boats, and wooden boat enthusiasts for a two-day celebration of Louisiana’s maritime culture along the Tchefuncte River, featuring live music, arts and crafts, and the Quick & Dirty Boat parade and race.
Nightmare on Columbia: October 19 from 4:00 – 10:00 PM
  • This annual event in Downtown Covington features a sip-and-stroll with costumes and drink vendors, followed by a costume contest and a free concert. From 5:00-7:30 PM, enjoy food and drinks at tents along Columbia Street, then head to Covington Trailhead from 8:00-10:00 PM for live music and the costume contest.
Folsom Fall Garden Festival: October 26 from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Hosted annually, the Fall Garden Festival is a day of plant sales and an opportunity to talk with plant growers and learn more about Louisiana-grown plants. There will also be plate lunches available for purchase.
Field of Screams: October 26 from sunset to 10:00 PM
  • This free public event offers thrilling and chilling fun as the Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail will be transformed into a spooky wonderland, complete with food and beverages available for purchase.
Abita Springs Trunk-or-Treat Block Party: October 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Abita Town Hall’s free block party will have plenty of fun, including trunk-or-treating, a hayride, costume contests, live music, a photo booth, hot dogs, cotton candy, and more.

Find your New Home on the Northshore

Are you currently living on the Northshore or looking to make it your home? Check out our list of Northshore apartment communities in the area and discover the ideal place to enjoy everything this vibrant community has to offer.

 


Fun in the Fall: Local Festivals, Activities & Events

Fun Fall Activities 2024

Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas harvest a hefty crop of fun fall activities, from spooky excitement to autumn festivities. Take a look at all there is to do this October and November!

October

      Abita Fall Fest: October 11-12

      • Named Gambit’s Best Festival of 2023, the Abita Fall Fest is back to celebrate the art, music, and culture of Abita Springs, LA, with live music, delicious food, local craft vendors, and activities for all. 

      Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival: October 11-13

      • Established in 2006, this festival showcases top performers from LA and MS. Enjoy delicious BBQ from local vendors and explore an arts market featuring handmade jewelry and crafts.

      Ghosts in the Oaks: October 17-20

      • City Park’s annual event returns this fall, featuring four nights of unlimited amusement park rides, arts & crafts, a pumpkin patch, and trick-or-treating in Storyland.

      Boo at the Zoo: October 18-20

      • Join the fun at Audubon Zoo from October 18-20 for three days of spooktacular entertainment with your favorite zoo animals!

      Rougarou Fest: October 18-20

      • This free festival brings a spooky flair to the bayous of Southeast LA. Enjoy live music, activities, Cajun food, a parade, and more, all while celebrating local folklore.

        Lafreniere Park Trunk or Treat: October 19 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM

        • Join the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat at Lafreniere Park for spooktacular fun. This event features 45 vehicles handing out free candy, plus a food court, carousel rides, spacewalks, and more.

          City of Kenner’s Trunk or Treat: October 19 at 5:00 PM

          • Get ready for a spooky good time at Muss Bertolino Stadium with trunk-or-treating and an outdoor screening of “IF.” Don’t forget to come dressed in your costume!

          Kenner Food Truck Fest: October 20 from 11:00 Am to 7:30 PM

          • The 3rd Annual Food Truck Festival hosted by the City of Kenner will feature live music, arts & crafts vendors, an activity zone, and delicious food from over 30 local food trucks, so bring your appetite!

          Elmwood Self Storage Drive Thru Trick or Treat: October 25 from 6:30-8:00 PM

          • Drive through Elmwood Self Storage’s covered and decorated drive for a free, spooky drive-thru trick-or-treat event! Stop along the way to collect candy and treats.

          Coquille Trunk-or-Treat: October 25 from 6:30-8:30 PM

          • Head to Coquille Parks and Recreation for a fun-filled trunk-or-treat celebration!

          Westwego Farmers Market Trick or Treat: October 26 from 5:00-8:00 PM.

          • This free event offers candy, live music, a costume contest, food vendors, craft vendors, and more!

          Harahan Fest: October 27 from 4:00-8:00

          • Harahan Fest promises a trunk-or-treat, live music, games, food, and endless fun for everyone.

          November

          Jean Lafitte Town Market: November 9 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

          • Enjoy live music, delicious offerings from local restaurants and seafood vendors, plus a variety of arts & crafts at the Jean Lafitte Town Market.

          Westwego Chili Cook-Off: November 9 from 10:00 Am to 2:00 PM

          • Join the 2nd Annual Wego Winter Wonderland Chili Cook-Off for a day of fun, featuring chili from local teams and live music by a local artist.

          2024 Beignet Fest: November 16 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

          • Bring your appetite to the Annual Beignet Fest at the Festival Grounds in New Orleans City Park. Indulge in everything from traditional to savory beignets, served by local restaurants, caterers, and food trucks. The festival will also feature live music performances, an Artist Market, and more.

          Looking for a place to call home this season?

          Check out the full list of our apartment communities and find your next home today!


          7 Places Near New Orleans for the Perfect Summer Picnic

          The Greater New Orleans area offers plenty of summer fun, and a New Orleans picnic is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors.

          Planning a family reunion potluck? A sun-soaked day or a romantic date? There are plenty of idyllic picnic spots in New Orleans to experience. Here are a few of our favorites!

          Fountainebleau State Park offers great picnic spots in New Orleans for everyone to enjoy

          photo by @fontainebleaustatepark via Instagram

          Fontainebleau State Park

          Residents of Grand Palms in Mandeville love having easy access to the natural beauty of Fontainebleau State Park. The nature trails offer hiking opportunities. Plus, the cabins and lodges are a great staycation getaway. Grab a spot under one of the ancient oak trees, or pick a picnic location overlooking Lake Pontchartrain.

          Enjoy a beautiful, scenic picnic at Covington Trailhead in Mandeville

          photo by @redfishabita via Instagram

          Covington Trailhead

          Having a picnic at the Covington Trailhead feels like taking a trip back in time. Located near downtown Covington and close to Artesia, our newest luxury apartment community, the Covington Trailhead resembles an old-fashioned railroad station.

          The venue hosts community events, including the Covington Farmers Market every Wednesday.

          There are restrooms and water fountains onsite. And the grassy knoll here is an ideal picnic spot.

          Plan a picturesque picnic at Lafreniere park, a close by picnic spot in New Orleans

          photo by @fraymesz via Instagram

          Lafreniere Park

          Conveniently located close to many of our Metairie apartments, Lafreniere Park is an urban oasis.

          The apartment communities of Wildflower, Breckenridge, and White Water Creek are closest to the park. But, with its location just off of Veterans Blvd, the park is easily accessible for all.

          Lafreniere Park offers 155 acres of outdoor fun, including plenty of beautiful picnic spots. You’ll also find a Frisbee golf course and a Spray Park, which is open Thursday through Sunday from noon-7PM.

          New Orleans City Park offers countless picnic spots in New Orleans, making it an ideal park to visit and enjoy

          photo by @neworleanscitypark via Instagram

          New Orleans City Park

          Just a short trip from Park Oaks, Breakers, and Surf Rider apartments, New Orleans City Park is one of the largest urban public parks in the country. With 1,300 acres to explore, there are plenty of quiet spots for picnicking. And there are covered pavilions available to rent for larger gatherings.

          One of our favorite spots in City Park is Couturie Forest, which features trails perfect for bird-watching.

          Laketown is a scenic spot for a picnic in New Orleans, offering beautiful views and endless outdoor fun

          photo by @visitjeffersonparish via Instagram

          Laketown

          For residents of Sugar Mill East and Sugar Mill West apartments, Laketown is just steps away. This gorgeous park is situated on beautiful Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner.

          Laketown is also the home of Treasure Chest Casino and the Coconut Beach Sand Volleyball Complex, the largest sand sports complex in the United States.

          Picnic shelters are available for rent, or you can find a spot along the lake shore. A lighted pier also offers the perfect location for freshwater fishing.

          John Slidell Park is an outdoor oasis that's perfect for picnics in New Orleans

          photo by @lil_rayrayman via Instagram

          John Slidell Park

          Just a short drive from Audubon Gates apartments is John Slidell Park. The walking trails in this park are dog-friendly, much like our apartment communities. Here you’ll find plenty of shade for a nice picnic, as well as playgrounds for family fun.

          La Salle Park

          Many of our apartment communities in Elmwood are close to the scenic La Salle Park, including Sawmill Creek and Walnut Creek. The park is located right next to Zephyr Stadium and features a nature boardwalk, a jogging path, and an outdoor environmental classroom. And there are lots of scenic spots perfect for a picnic!

          Have a picnic at home!

          Many of our New Orleans area apartments feature beautiful resort-style outdoor features onsite. So you won’t even need to leave home to have a relaxing picnic outdoors! Explore all of our available apartments to find your perfect fit.


          Why You Should Consider Moving to Elmwood Right Now

          It’s no secret Jefferson Parish’s Elmwood neighborhood is a shopping destination for residents across the Greater New Orleans Area. Its large shopping center has a great selection of big-box stores, its movie theater boasts 20 screens, and its area attractions include an indoor trampoline park and laser tag venue. In addition to an abundance of amenities, Elmwood is an ideal place for those looking for a quiet and affordable alternative to downtown New Orleans living.

          You Can Shop ‘til You Drop

          Living in Elmwood makes shopping a breeze. Elmwood Shopping Center is a one-stop shop for all of the items on your shopping list. In one trip, you can find new shoes at DSW, a new dining table at World Market, a television at Best Buy, and more! Instead of having to drive all over town to get the items you need, you can make one trip to one central location and then head right on home! It will save you gas, time, and a lot of patience.

          The Great Outdoors are Just Out Your Doors

          Elmwood’s little corner of the Mississippi River is a quaint residential area with quick access to paved bike paths, public parks, and recreational spaces. La Salle Park is a well-kept multi-purpose recreational space for sports and nature explorations. Its nature boardwalk winds through native cypress trees, making it a scenic and calming spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

          If you’re looking for some two-wheeled fun, the paved levee bike path is a great way to enjoy the action on the river while you get some exercise in. Pack a blanket and some snacks for a riverside picnic, or wind your way over to Oak Street on the outskirts of New Orleans for some good local eats and live music.

          The Living’s Easy in Elmwood

          Elmwood might be a shopping haven, but it’s also a secluded treasure. Many of our 1st Lake properties sit tucked away on peaceful, open green areas which provide a feeling of escape and relaxation.

          Bella Ridge is a blissful haven for easy living in Elmwood.

          You can unwind poolside at Bella Ridge. You can share a casual and fun afternoon with your dog and your neighbors’ dogs in Clearwater Creek Premier’s gated pet park. You can go for an easy evening stroll alongside the flowing streams of Palmetto Creek. Every one of our Elmwood locations is designed to make you feel like you’re living in a remote luxury retreat.

          If you’re considering a move, consider Elmwood as your new neighborhood. With great shopping, great outdoor spaces, and great living communities, you’ll find it easy to settle in and make yourself at home in Elmwood.


          Where To Satisfy Your Cravings for King Cake in New Orleans

          King Cake in New Orleans is a beloved and special tradition – and one you can only enjoy during the Carnival season. So it’s important to make the most of your King Cake window and try as many delicious renditions as you can!

          Ask any local and they’ll tell you that King Cake in New Orleans is only eaten from Twelfth Night (January 6) through Mardi Gras Day. And there are so many bakeries, restaurants and special spots that serve up their own spin on the confection.

          Need a good starting point to find the best King Cake in New Orleans? Here’s some must-try options for you to enjoy!

          Manny Randazzo's King Cake is a must-try King Cake in New Orleans during Carnival

          Manny Randazzo’s King Cake

          Almost everyone has heard of the Randazzo family and their secret family king cake recipe is the stuff of legend in New Orleans. As the most well-known keeper of the family’s sweet treat, Manny Randazzo’s King Cakes offers everything from traditional King Cakes to special flavors like apple, lemon, and strawberry.

          A bite of Manny Randazzo’s king cake is an essential part of the Mardi Gras experience – if you’re lucky enough to snag one!

          Photo by Caluda’s King Cake via Facebook

          Caluda’s

          Caluda’s, another classic king cake spot, is a go-to bakery offering a variety of traditional and non-traditional flavors both during the carnival season and year-round. Their 30-step baking process makes for a delicious and decadent king cake.

          Either pick one up locally or order one for shipping!

          Photo by @laboulangerienola via Instagram

          La Boulangerie

          This French bakery on New Orleans’ charming Magazine Street is the perfect spot to pick up a delicious King Cake. Well-known and popular year-round for their croissants and pastries, they offer traditional cakes alongside cinnamon, strawberry, almond, and pretzel flavors during Carnival. 

          You can even grab a personal mini King Cake to enjoy on the go!

          Haydel's Bakery serves classic King Cakes in New Orleans that locals love.
          Photo by @haydelsbakery via Instagram

          Haydel’s Bakery

          Haydel’s classic king cake is famous around town. Made of Danish dough, hand braided with cinnamon and sugar, and baked to perfection, these treats are sure to be one of your top favorites with just one bite. 

          Plus, they have many special flavors to choose from like praline pecan, cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese, German chocolate, and brownie chocolate chip!

          Photo by @gambinosbakery via Instagram

          Gambino’s Bakery

          Gambino’s has been a well-known New Orleans King Cake spot for decades. Many call them the King of King Cakes and with good reason. Their classic King Cake is just that – fluffy dough, topped with icing, and drizzled with sugar, exactly how a King Cake should taste. 

          Photo by @graciousbakerynola via Instagram

          Gracious Bakery

          If you’re looking for an adventurous flavor to try for your King Cake indulge, Gracious Bakery is the perfect place to start. Their delicious confections showcase some mouthwatering flavors like chocolate, almond frangipane, and nectar cream – they even have a bananas foster-flavored King Cake that’s definitely worth a bite!

          Tried All Those and Still Want More?

          Our friends at NewOrleans.com wrote a very extensive blog on all the king cake finds this city offers. Check it out here!