Inside Scoop

NOVEMBER

Ozone Songwriter Festival on the Northshore 2023

November 3-5

The 6th Annual Ozone Songwriter Festival returns for a celebration of music featuring local, regional, and national songwriters of all styles and genres. Over 100 artists will perform original songs on multiple stages over the festival weekend, including chart topping songwriters. A full schedule of performers and show times, plus festival map with stage locations, will be available at ozonemusic.org

Location Varies, Mandeville.

Just Between Friends Northshore Kids’ Consignment Sale

November 3-5, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Just Between Friends Northshore invites moms, dads and expecting parents (or grands!) to a holiday Kids’ Consignment Sale. The event features gifts, holiday clothing (Christmas/Hanukkah and Mardi Gras), toys, books and lots of baby gear and equipment, all at 50-90% of retail prices. Both new and gently used items, all sold by local families. Admission is $3 at the door, or free when you register for your admission pass.

Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville, (985) 377-9872, northshore.jbfsale.com

Festival of the Lake by Our Lady of the Lake, Mandeville

November 10-12

The annual fundraising event features food from local restaurants and Our Lady of the Lake parishioners, live music, games, inflatables, a petting zoo and more. This year’s music lineup features Bag of Donuts, Peyton Falgoust Band, Adam Pearce, and Christian Serpas & Ghost Town. Admission is free; tickets for games, food and beverages may be purchased in advance and redeemed during the festival.

312 Lafitte St., Mandeville, (985) 6263144, festivalofthelake.com

Northshore Food Bank’s Pallets with Purpose

Friday, November 10, 6:30 p.m.

The food-funding, fun event lets you support a great cause while you have a great time. Advance tickets required. Admission is $135 per individual ticket, $325 for two with reserved seating, $1,700 for a reserved table of 6, and sponsorships are available.

125 W. 30th Ave., Covington, (985) 893-3003, northshorefood bank. org/pallets

Covington Three Rivers Art Festival

November 11-12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The 27th annual Three Rivers Art Festival, one of the largest juried art festivals in the region and one of the most popular events on the Northshore, brings art lovers to downtown Covington each year for two full days of shopping and entertainment. You’ll find original artworks by artists from across the United States--accepted from among hundreds of applicants--who work in all kinds of media. When you’re ready for a break from strolling and shopping, relax with a bite to eat and live music. Admission to all activities and events is free.

200 Block to 600 Block of Columbia St., Covington, (985) 789-7183, covingtonthreeriversartfestival.com

Covington Art Market under the Oaks

November 11-12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Covington Art Market is a juried market of visual arts and crafts featuring a variety of work by Association members, including jewelry, photography, paintings, woodworking, fiber art and more. Enjoy live music as you shop, too. Parking is free throughout the area.

Corner of Boston and New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-8650, sttammany.art

Jazz’n the Vines Concert: Deltaphonic

Saturday, November 18, 6:30-9 p.m.

Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard invites you to an evening of music and wine under the stars with its next Jazz’n the Vines concert of the fall series with a performance by Deltaphonic blends rock ‘n roll with New Orleans funk, soul, and Hill Country blues, refined over years of touring on three continents. Tickets are $12 for age 18 and up, $5 for age 12-17, free for kids 12 and under. Pontchartrain Vineyards wines are available for tasting and purchase, and local food trucks will be serving up some good eats.

81250 Old Military Rd., Bush, (985) 892-9742, bontempstix.com/ organizations/wildbushfarmandvineyard

Tammany Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 23, 8 a.m.

The Tammany Turkey Trot takes to the streets of Covington on Thanksgiving morning. The 6th annual Tammany Turkey Trot is a 5K (3.1 miles) and 5 Mile Run/Walk, and 1 Mile Fun Run event. Approximately 1,000 individuals are expected to register for this event. Athletes will start their Thanksgiving run with the Northshore Food Bank. Admission is $45 per person.

701 N Columbia St., Covington, (504) 952-2899, tammanyturkeytrot.com

Christmas at the Southern 2023

November 24 – January 1

Southern Hotel during the holidays is a sight to behold. Stop by to see the bright, beautiful decorations throughout the grounds and enjoy a specialty cocktail at the Cypress Bar. It all culminates with a big finish with a New Year’s Eve party with live music, food & drinks, and at midnight, the “pine cone drop” with Champagne toast. Follow Southern Hotel’s Facebook page for updates.

Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston St., Covington (844) 866-1907, southernhotel.com

DECEMBER

Christmas Extravaganza Arts & Crafts Expo

December 1-3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

One of the largest arts and crafts expos in the south! Some 400 vendors from a multistate area have anything you will want to fill your Christmas list with unique products made by artists and crafts persons. The children’s village has jumps and rides, and Santa will be there, so bring the kiddos and camera for holiday pictures. Admission at the gate is $5 for persons age 13 and up, free for kids 12 and under. Parking is free, but limited.

St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, 1301 N Columbia St., Covington, (985) 966-7863, steinhauerproductions.com

“A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular”

December 1-10, Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2:30 p.m.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la…. Bring the whole family to this spirited celebration of the holidays featuring local performers of all ages. A glittering spectacle of singing and dancing that will certainly get you ready for the holidays-especially with complimentary milk and cookies at every performance. Tickets: Adult $32; Senior (65+)/Military $30; Student (13+) $28, and $25 for age 12 and under (+online fees, all). 30 by Ninety is a reserved-seating venue, pick your seats at 30byninety.com/shows/a-very-merrychristmas-spectacular-23.

880 Lafayette St., Mandeville, (844) 8433090, 30byninety.com

Christmas Under the Stars

December 1-31

The City of Slidell celebrates the 35th annual Christmas Under the Stars, a celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, life-size Christmas Cottages and other family fun. Admission to all displays and activities is free.

Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger St., Slidell, (985) 646-4375, myslidell.com

24th Annual Holiday of Lights

December 1-31

Parish President Mike Cooper and the Tammany Trace Foundation present the 24th annual Holiday of Lights in all its glittering glory, with fun for children and families. Sing along with carolers, visit with Santa, ride the kiddie rides, enjoy fare from local food truck vendors and get a photo with Santa for a small fee. The event features performances by local school children on December 1, 2, 8 and 9, 6-8:30 p.m. each night. Lighted displays continue from dusk ‘till dawn. All events are free and open to the public.

21490 Koop Dr., Mandeville, stpgov.org/holidayoflights

Sips of the Season Stroll 2023

Friday, December 1, 5-9 p.m.

Grab your friends and join in the merriment of Christmas as you stroll Girod Street at dusk, stopping into the brightly decorated shops and restaurants. Strollers can participate by purchasing the official mug for $30*, cash or check only, or with a credit card at The Book & The Bean, for $32*. Your mug is your admission and your souvenir to keep, to be filled at each stop, along with a card listing businesses dispensing the holiday-themed libations available at each stop. 30+ stops in all-restaurants, bars and shops, all within walking distance of the Mandeville lakefront. Purchase your mugs at any of the following locations: Tallulah’s Vintage Market, Marsh & Bayou Outfitters, The Book and the Bean, Cameo Boutique, Das Schulerhaus Gift Gallery.

Old Mandeville, (985) 727-7778, oldmandevillebusiness.org

Jazz’n the Vines Concert: Pine Leaf Boys

Saturday, December 2

Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard closes its Fall 2023 Jazz’n the Vines concert series on Saturday, December 2 with a performance by Pine Leaf Boys. Hailing from Southwest Louisiana, this fourtime Grammy-nominated Cajun band have made a name for themselves by presenting their own inimitable brand of Louisiana music, featuring thoughtful arrangements and youthful exuberance. Tickets are $12 for age 18 and up, $5 for age 12-17, free for kids 12 and under. Pontchartrain Vineyards wines are available for tasting and purchase, and local food trucks will be serving up some good eats.

81250 Old Military Rd., Bush, (985) 892-9742, bontempstix. com/organizations/ wildbushfarmandvineyard

Playmakers Theater presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical”

December 2-17, Fridays & Saturdays 7 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

Playmakers Theater of Covington presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical”, a musical adapted from the beloved film by Philip Grecian. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and are available at bontempstix.com/organizations/ playmakers-theater-of-covington.

19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington, (985) 893-1671

Covington Porch Fest

Saturday, December 2, 2-5 p.m.

Five porhces. Five bands. A music event to bring neighborhoods and musicians together and celebrate our community. Bring fest chairs. Performances are 2-5 p.m. Locations and artists will be announced as the event nears. Sponsor and donation proceeds will support Hope House/Children's Advocacy Center.

Covington, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041048384532

History and Holly 2023 Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 3, 2-5 p.m.

Please join the Covington Heritage Foundation for its annual History and Holly Home Tour. This is a perfect outing to enjoy with friends and family as you walk the pedestrian-friendly route, touring the festively adorned homes, sipping wine (provided) and enjoyin the sounds of the season from the strolling carolers. Tickets are $20 and are limited.

Hufrman Auditorium, 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (985) 892-1873, bontempstox.com/events/history-and-holly-home-tour-12-3-2023

A Northshore Christmas with NPAS and Covington Concert Band

Tuesday, December 5, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

The Northlake Performing Arts Society (NPAS) singers and Covington Concert Band, under the direction of Erik Morales, present “A Northshore Christmas”. Free and open to the public.

Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville, (985) 867-1206, npassingers.org

Sugar Plum Market

Wednesday, December 6, 4p.m.

The third annual Sugar Plum Market, a sip-and- shop experience with local boutiques. VIP tickets will be sold for $20 and include a swag bag and two complimentary cocktails. Regular admission is free. The event is presented by the Junior League of Greater Covington.

Mercedes Benz of Covington, Covington, (504) 450-5744, jlgc.net/sugar-plum-market

Covington by Candlelight

Friday, December 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

All are invited to join in the Covington with a sing-along and performances. The free family event features the Northlake Performing Arts Society chorale, caroling on the open-air stage. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating at the open

Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St.,(985) 892-1873, covla.com

Santa on Trails 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, December 9, 9 a.m.

This event is not only a Q50 trail race, it’s also a toy drive for the New Orleans Mission shelter, and takes place in Mandeville’s beautiful Fontainebleau State Park. Participants must bring a new, unwrapped toy (no price limit) for the children at the shelter. All ages welcome. Registration closes December 7. Admission is $40 in advance, $45 after Nov. 19. Free for spectators.

Fontainebleau State Park, 62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville, (504) 390-8807, q50races.com/2018/12/02/q50-racessanta-on-trails-12142019

Mandeville Trailhead Holiday Market

Saturday, December 9 & 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Mandeville Trailhead Community Market, the weekly market offering produce, prepared goods and artisan crafts, plus live music, expands for the holidays to give shoppers extra time to find that perfect handmade gift. The extended markets include fun holiday activities, like pictures with Santa Claus, live music, face painting and even more artisan vendors. The event is free and open to the public.

675 Lafitte St., Mandeville, (985) 624-3147, experiencemandeville.org

Christmas in Covington Parade & Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 9, 4 p.m.

The City of Covington presents the 2nd annual Christmas in Covington & Parade with children’s crafts and the Lollipop Marching Group in their 2nd annual parade. The Lollipops will dance and lead the way for Santa to join the fun at 5 p.m. and will help Santa distribute gifts to the kids in attendance. The Lollipops Marching Group help to promote the Northshore Food Bank by inviting them to ride in the parade and asking parade-goers to bring canned goods to donate.

419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-1811, covla.com

Christmas Past Festival

Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The event will feature some 75 artists, craftsmen and merchants from across the Greater New Orleans area, as well as a children’s arts & crafts area, local food vendors, and singing/roaming holiday characters. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to get in the holiday spirit – costumes and holiday attire add to the festive atmosphere! Parking is free throughout the area.

Girod St in Old Mandeville, (985) 373-5271, oldmandevillebusiness.org

Ballet Apetrei’s The Nutcracker

December 15-16, Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Ballet Apetrei presents its 35th annual performance of their popular Christmas holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker”, with just three performances -- get tickets early! Tickets are $20-$30 and go on sale Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 at BalletApetrei.net.

Mandeville High School Theater, 1 Skipper Dr., Mandeville, (985) 624-3622

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Northshore Classics - Handel’s Messiah

Thursday, December 21

Celebrate a festive Northshore Christmas with your Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in its production of George Frideric Handel’s glorious “Messiah.” Filled with an abundance of attractive melodies and popular hits like the Hallelujah Chorus, this piece will assuredly move you with its elegance and beauty.

Fuhrmann Auditorium, 317 N Jefferson Ave., Covington, (504) 523-6530, lpomusic.com/homepage/tickets-events/ northshore-classics

Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s Noon Year’s Eve Bash

Sunday, December 31, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at NOON! Join this family fun event at the museum with a live concert by The Imagination Movers. General Admission is $25* per person (12 months and older), and includes entry into the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany and admission to the lawn of the museum surrounding the large pavilion. Blankets & lawn chairs allowed.

Limited VIP Tickets available as well. *2022 prices, subject to change.

21404 Koop Dr., Covington, (985) 8881555, cmstkids.org/events/save-thedate-cmst-noon-years-eve-bash