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.

New Orleans Free and Frugal Events this Weekend

It's getting closer to Mardi Gras, and you know what that means: PARADES! Although things will get into full swing later in the week, we still have a few parades rolling Saturday and Sunday, including the family-friendly Krewe of Little Rascals parade in Metairie on Sunday at noon. Check out the full parade schedule and parade maps here.

Also this weekend, on Saturday, is another chance for your child to play his or her instrument with the Royal Player Brass Band over at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Head over there from 11 am-12 pm on Saturday with your instruments and make some music!

Still ongoing are the Vieux Carre Matinees at Le Petit Theatre: free movies on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. This Saturday's schedule includes We Live to Eat. Yep, that sounds about right!

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy it with your family!

This weekend's free & frugal events

There's not too much happening in town this weekend, unless its centered around the NFC Championship game (GEAUX SAINTS!).

Here are a couple of events to keep you busy for cheap this weekend:

Head to Lowe's and build a Tic-Tac-Toe board with your kids at the Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic on Saturday from 10-11am.

If you're downtown, stop by the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park with your kids and their musical instruments to play a few songs with the Royal Players Brass Band from 11am - 12pm.

Out in Luling Saturday? If so, head over to the library and check out the planetarium. At 10am there's a free showing of the Planets of the Solar System, and at 2pm check out "Twinkle Theater".

The first local carnival parade will be rolling next weekend, so dust off your ladder and get your bead-catching skills in top shape!

Have a great weekend - we'll be cheering on the Saints!

A few free area events this weekend

In addition to the free admission to the Louisiana Children's Museum on Sunday, there are a few more events happening to keep your kids busy for cheap!



On Saturday, take your music-loving kids to the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park (on N. Peters in the French Quarter) and let them play with the Royal Players Brass Band. Have them bring their own instruments and take part in the park's free "Music for All Ages" program.



If you happen to be out near Luling on Saturday morning, take your kids to the Planetarium for their children's matinee series to see "Planets of the Solar System" at 10am. Or wait until 2pm for their "Twinkle Theater" program. Both programs are free and open to the public.



Of course wherever you go this weekend, remember to cheer on our beloved New Orleans Saints!

Free Museum Admission Sunday

The Louisiana Children's Museum is offering free admission on Sunday 1/17 courtesy of Target. Thanks to Target Free Admission days, you can enjoy the LCM's exhibits on a tight budget, or use it to see if a family annual membership is right for your family.

And because Monday is a holiday, both the museum and all Audubon facilities will be open (though they are typically closed on Mondays).

Enjoy!