New Orleans Free and Frugal Events this Weekend

On Saturday, the Treme Brass Band will be at the New Orleans Jazz Historical Park from 11am until noon to participate in the kids' workshop. Have your kids bring their own instruments and play a few numbers with a real brass band!

While you're at the Jazz Historical Park, stick around for two programs to celebrate February as Black History Month. At 1pm, learn about the Underground Railroad in Louisiana. At 2pm, listen to a performance of freedom songs during the "Songs of the Underground Railroad" program.

If you (or your children) are more the handyman-type, head on over to Lowe's for their Build and Grow project. Saturday from 10 am to 11 am, make your very own "LoweBot" (car/robot). Head to their website here and register. Even my 2 year old has fun "working" with the tools!

The Krewe of Arfus celebration will be held at Zephyr Stadium on Sunday from 11am to 4pm. The parade starts at 1pm and will feature King Buud and Queen Gretchen leading the carnival-style parade. Head over and check out the information on spaying/neutering and microchipping your pet. You may even find your next best friend there! There is a registration fee for the pets in the parade, but spectators are free.

Also on Sunday will be the Arts Market of New Orleans in Palmer Park. The market runs from 10am until 4pm and will feature an African drumming performance in the kids' tent.

Let's hope for a beautiful weekend - get out and enjoy it!

Free Pancakes on Tuesday!

In celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP is giving away short stacks of pancakes to customers on Tuesday from 7am until 10pm. They'll be accepting donations for Children's Miracle Network in hopes of raising $5 million in 5 years. Sounds like pancakes for dinner are in order... Go here to find an IHOP near you!

Free Concert at the Cathedral

Looking for something to do Wednesday evening? Head over to St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square for a free concert by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance titled "Made in Louisiana" celebrates Louisiana's musical heritage and features works by Louisiana artists who influenced music worldwide, including Ernest Guiraud who just happens to be a branch on my family tree!

If you've never experienced the LPO, Wednesday night is your chance to do so for free! The concert starts at 7:30pm in the cathedral.