Inside Scoop January-February 2025

JANUARY

2025 Ice Man Dip & Dash

Wednesday, January 1, 10 a.m.

A “chilling” New Year’s tradition, the Ice Man Dip & Dash returns to Franco’s. The Ice Man Dip & Dash is not for the fainthearted, combining a challenging two-mile run to the bridge, a brisk 110-yard ‘ice’ swim across the chilly Tchefuncte River, and a two-mile run back to Franco’s. Whether you’re racing for the thrill or the tradition, it’s the perfect way to kick-start 2025! Thirty-five years ago, Mandeville’s Dr. Fred Miller, Dr. Shannon Allison and Ron Franco met at Franco’s Health Club & Spa for the run of the year. But their path was impeded on the way back when a mechanical malfunction of the Madisonville Bridge prevented them from returning to Franco’s on foot. Instead of becoming stranded on the west side of the Tchefuncte River, the group decided to take “the plunge” into the chilly Tchefuncte waters and then resumed their run back to the club.The Ice Man Dip & Dash has been repeated annually on New Year’s Day every year since. Registration the day of is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. All proceeds benefit Team Gleason, and the Gleason Initiative Foundation. A Dip & Dash T-Shirt is included in the registration fee.

Franco’s, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville, (985) 792-0200, francosmandeville.com

Craft Comedy at Coscino’s

Tuesday, January 7, 8 p.m.

Coscino’s Italian Grill presents Craft Comedy, stand-up comedy nights, happening every first Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m. Multiple openers and headliners for a free show for ages 18+. Arts, Culture & Nightlife. Free admission.

1809 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 727-4984, coscinos.com

LPO Northshore Classics: Mozart & Tchaikovsky

Thursday, January 9, 7:30 p.m.

Classical music fans will love this exciting performance featuring a Neo-Classical nod to the form and flair of Amadeus Mozart written by French composer Jacques Ibert, followed by a work by Mozart himself. The music continues with Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ operatic overture and ends with Mozartiana, Tchaikovsky’s own tribute to the prolific and beloved composer. Tickets are $13 for children and students, and for adults, $35-67 (plus online fees, all seats).

128 W. 23rd Ave., Covington (504) 523-6530, lpomusic.com

Abita Springs International Film Festival

January 10-12

The Town of Abita Springs invites you to join them for a weekend of film screenings and events at Abita Town Hall for the second annual Abita Springs International Film Festival. The event kicks off Friday with an opening reception and programming continues throughout the weekend. The Abita Springs Film Festival (ASIFF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the art of film and providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work while cultivating a diverse film culture on the Northshore. Fee is $15-$100 and does not include the afterparty.

22161 Level St., Abita Springs, (985) 892-0711, abitaspringsinternationalfilmfestival.org

OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann: “The One: A Tribute to Elton”

Thursday, January 16, 7 p.m.

OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann presents “The One: A Tribute to Elton John”. Details will be announced on the website. Tickets $20 Advance Purchase, $25 At Door (if available)

317 N. Jefferson Ave. Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

Culture Campout returns to Fontainebleau State Park

January 17-19

Culture Campout features music, dance, workshops and cultural sharing, highlighting the diverse cultural tapestry of South Louisiana. Its mission is to honor traditions, ancestors and cultures while creating a welcoming space where individuals of all ages and experiences can connect with their roots, explore diverse cultures and discover their own unique voices in harmony with others. Guests can come for a day or a weekend to stay in a dorm or camp in a tent. Youth ages 15 and under may attend for free with a registered adult. Admission provides access to all workshops, performances and events. All admission sales end Jan. 13; no registration sales will be made on site. Fee is $3 park entry fee + $26-$92 for Day Pass, Weekend Pass or Camping+Admission Pass.

62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville (337) 344-7442, eventbrite.com/e/culture-campout-tickets-1054959806179

Slidell Little Theatre Presents August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson”

January 17-26, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m.

A battle is brewing in the Charles household. At the center lies the family’s prized heirloom piano. On one side, a brother plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other hand, a sister will go to any length to keep it and preserve the family history.”The Piano Lesson” is the play for now. It reaches into the souls of the present, revealing startling truths about how we perceive our past—and who gets to define our legacy. Adults $35, Students and Seniors, $25.

2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell, (985) 643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org

30 by Ninety presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

January 18-February 2, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 2:30 p.m

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a whimsical comedy by William Shakespeare that intertwines the lives of humans and fairies. Set in a forest near Athens, the play follows four young lovers and a group of amateur actors who become entangled in the magical mischief of the fairy realm. The mischievous Puck, under the orders of Oberon, the fairy king, uses a love potion that causes chaos and comic confusion among the characters. Tickets:Adult - $32; Senior (65+) & Military $30; Student (13+) $28, and $25 for age 12 and under (+online fees, all).

880 Lafayette St., Mandeville, (844)-843-3090, 30byninety.com

Third Sunday Concert at Christ Episcopal Church

Sunday, January 19 & February 16, 5 p.m.

The Third Sunday Concert Series, now in its 34th year, is an outreach of Christ Episcopal Church, Covington. The one-hour concerts are free and open to the public and are followed by a reception with refreshments in the Parish Hall for the performers and audience. The 2024-2025 Third Sunday Concert Series continues January 19 with gospel choir Shades of Praise and February 16 with classical sections by Loyola Winds. Free to the public.

120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-3177, christchurchcovington.com

The Lobby Lounge @ The Harbor Center: Roman Street

Wednesday, January 22, 7 p.m.

Join your friends at The Harbor Center in Slidell for the first “Up Close and Musical” concert this year at The Lobby Lounge featuring Roman Street. The concert series features nationally touring acts throughout the year, focusing on artists from the worlds of indie rock, folk, country, jazz, blues and more. Performances are acoustic or lightly amplified, in a Bohemian-style, smoke-free, 124-seat venue. Tickets are $22-$108 (plus sales tax and fees).

100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 781-3650, harborcenter.org

Krewe of Majestic Carnival Club Parade

Saturday, January 25, 11 a.m.

The new Krewe of Majestic Carnival Club makes its parade debut in 2025 with its inaugural procession through the streets of downtown Covington with a theme of “Welcome to the Neighborhood”. The club celebrates its first year with the Covington community by paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a lineup featuring 10 floats, six walking groups, and community members from the advocacy program ONE Covington. The parade will also salute its inaugural King, Queen, Duchesses and Grand Marshals. Formed in 2021, the Krewe of Majestic Carnival Club, Inc. is a civic society founded as a social club by a diverse group of individuals. Built on the pillars of unity, service and merriment, the Krewe fosters inclusivity through creative initiatives. They bring entertainment and community support through Mardi Gras festivities, social events, fundraisers and service projects. Membership is open to men and women ages 18 and up who share a passion for unity, service and fellowship.

701 N. Tyler St.. Covington, (504) 812-4987, kreweofmajestic@gmail.com

FEBRUARY

Q50 Races Trails Extravaganza

Saturday, February 8

Q50 Races presents Trails Extravaganza in Bogue Chitto State Park. Race day features six events in one day: 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 and 5 miles. Entries are limited: only 50 entrants will be permitted in each race, so register early. The last day to register, or to switch mileage up or down, is February 1st at midnight. Race start times are 6 a.m. for 50 and 40 mile runners, 8 a.m. for 30 and 20 miles, and 10 a.m. for 10 and 5 miles. You must bring a whistle and your own hydration container. Water will be provided, cups will not.

17049 State Park Blvd., Franklinton, (504) 390-8807, q50races.com

Folsom Camellia Festival

Sunday, February 9, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The 4th annual Folsom Camellia Festival blooms again. Stroll the vendor market, open throughout the day, and keep an eye out for details on a featured speaker and community garden tour. Presented by Giddy Up Folsom coffee shop, Mizell’s Camellia Hill Nursery, Far Horizons Art Gallery, and The Paddock event area, this charming event is perfect for garden lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful day in Folsom.

Rain date: Sunday, February 16. Free admission.

82292 Hwy 25, Folsom, (985) 705-1091, giddyupgrounds.com

The Lobby Lounge @ The Harbor Center: Natalie Price

Wednesday, February 12, 7 p.m.

Join your friends at The Harbor Center in Slidell for the first “Up Close and Musical” concert this year at The Lobby Lounge featuring Natalie Price. The Lobby Lounge is a listening room venue inside The Harbor Center in Slidell. The concert series features nationally touring acts throughout the year, focusing on artists from the worlds of indie rock, folk, country, jazz, blues and more. Performances are acoustic or lightly amplified, in a Bohemian-style, smoke-free, 124-seat venue. Tickets are $22-$108 (plus sales tax and fees).

100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 781-3650, harborcenter.org

OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann: The Vocal Illusions of Lynn Trefzger

Thursday, February 13, 7 p.m.

OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann presents “The Vocal Illusions of Lynn Trefzger”. Tickets are $20 Advance Purchase, $25 At Door (if available)

317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

Slidell Little Theatre Presents “All’s Well in Roswell (Isn’t It?)”

February 21-March 9, 2025, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 p.m., Sundays, 2:00 p.m.

After an unidentified flying object crashes onto a ranch near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, ranch owner Ulysses T. Boone has his hands full trying to deal with the press, government authorities, his own family and Jake, a mysterious ranch hand who has been living on the ranch for the past 10 years. It turns out this is not the first time T. Boone has had a close encounter. Adults $35, Students and Seniors, $25. Tickets may be purchased at the box office 30 minutes before every production.

2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell, (985) 643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org

Bayou Gardens Open House

Saturday, February 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m

What do a secret historic garden, purple martins, butterflies, honeybees, Louisiana irises, camellias, native plants, and worm bins have in common? From 1935-1956, Bayou Gardens was a must-see horticultural attraction on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, containing over 400 varieties of camellias and and a variety of azaleas blooming along inviting pathways under the oaks and pines of the 110-acre property. Now the headquarters of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges, the gardens are maintained by volunteers and showcase an impressive variety of camellias and azaleas.The open house features garden tours, workshops on gardening with native plants and how to host butterflies and pollinators, familyfriendly craft activities, exhibits from local area organizations, a “bug-arium” exhibit for kids, and more. Enjoy two miles of walkways and trails that wind through a historic camellia and azalea garden and along scenic Bayou Lacombe. Free admission.

Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges’ Bayou Lacombe Center, 61389 Hwy 434, Lacombe, (985) 882-2025, fws.gov

Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art

February 25 through April 4

Join the City of Slidell for the annual Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art, on display in the Dunbar Gallery of the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall. Salad Days is a juried exhibition featuring the works of St. Tammany Parish students, ages 5 through 19, established to provide student artists with the opportunity to have their work featured in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall. Gallery hours are by appointment only Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Same-day viewings will be accommodated based on availability.

2055 Second St., Slidell, (985) 646-4375, myslidell.com