INside Scoop

SEPTEMBER

Covington Art Market Under the

Saturdays, Sept. 2 & Oct. 7, 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, presented by the St. Tammany Art Association, in partnership with the City of Covington. Enjoy live music as you shop, too.

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

"A Taste of Italy" – A Partake Event

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m.

This wine tasting dinner is the next in Middendorf's unique monthly event that features a special menu by European Master Chef Horst Pfeifer, who will prepare a four-course gourmet meal, complimented by the carefully chosen Italian wines. Attire is business casual. Reservations are required. Limited seating available. Tickets are $100 per person.

1951 Oak Harbor Blvd., Slidell, (985) 771-7777 x2, middendorfsrestaurant.com/partakeevents

Sunset at the Landing Concert

Fridays, Sept. 15 & Oct. 20, 6–9 p.m.

Bring family, friends and picnics to downtown Covington for Sunset at the Landing, a free concert featuring regional and touring artists performing jazz, bluegrass, folk, blues and more. These concerts are free, outdoor performances. All are encouraged to bring refreshments and chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Some bench seating is also available. Performing artists are generally announced one week before each concert.

100 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 892-1873, sunsetatthelanding.org

Angels Grove Farm to Table Fundraiser

Saturday, Sept. 9

Angels Grove Horse Rescue Ranch in Bush presents a Farm to Table Fundraiser sponsored by Drago’s, Coca-Cola United and BevInc. The evening features dinner, drinks and dancing with live music by Lemon Head. Chef Drago will be cooking the restaurant's famous char-grilled oysters and main dishes prepared onsite along with delicious dessert and wine. Admission is $100 per person, which includes dinner, drinks and raffle ticket. Proceeds will benefit Angels Grove budget for medical supplies and feed for the horses.

Angels Grove Rescue Ranch, 81270 Katie Lane, Bush, (504) 220-5180, angelsgrove.org

Lakeview Hospital Health Pop-Up

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m.

A free wellness and shopping experience with health demonstrations, free health screenings, local boutique pop-ups and local food and beverage vendors. Prizes and giveaways, too.

95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington, (985) 867-3800, lcmchealth.org/lakeview-hospital/

Al Copeland Foundation Golf Fest Presented by Fidelity Bank

Friday, Sept. 15, 11 a.m.

Golf to Save Lives and End Cancer! The Al Copeland Foundation Golf Fest Presented by Fidelity Bank is a day filled with culinary delights at the beginning of play and 19th hole, after play. The event features libations and yummy bites throughout the course for golfers to enjoy. Admission is $250 per golfer.

602 N. Beau Chene Drive, Mandeville, (504) 620-3727, alcopelandfoundation.org

Mandeville Live! Free Friday Concert

Fridays, Sept. 15, 22 & 29, Oct. 6, 13, & 20, 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free, all ages welcome. Music starts at 6:30, come earlier to find your spot! Guests to the Mandeville Live! concert series are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets, but please leave food and drinks at home; food trucks and drink concessions will be available.

Performances include: Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys, Sept. 15; Jourdan Blue, Sept. 22; Chase Tyler Band, Sept. 29; Don Vappie & The Creole Jazz Serenaders, Oct. 6; Groovy 7, Oct. 13; and Sugar Shaker on Oct. 20.

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

Tailgates & Touchdowns: Helping Seriously Ill Children

Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Whether it’s “Out da Pot, Out da Fryer, Off da Grill or Out da Oven,” you can show off your culinary skills and share your goodness with patrons while helping Basket of Hope Louisiana, and IDefine. Basket of Hope invites you and your friends and family to come to scenic Madisonville riverfront for Tailgates & Touchdowns, a chance to enjoy the Mississippi State vs. LSU football game while you support a great cause. Admission is $30 for ages 17+, $10 for ages 5-16 years, free for kids under 5,and $75 for a family of 5+. No alcohol will be sold at this event, so feel free to bring your own.

403 St. Francis St., Madisonville, (985) 807-7313, buytickets.at/ basketofhopelouisiana/960921

Pearl River Clean Sweep

Saturday, Sept. 16, 8 a.m.

Pearl Riverkeeper invites you to participate in its 6th annual Pearl River Clean Sweep. Cleanup teams will be deployed over 20 landand water-based locations from the Pearl River's headwaters near Philadelphia, Mississippi, downriver through the Ross Barnett Reservoir, along the border of Mississippi and Louisiana, all the way to Pearlington on the Gulf Coast. Since 2017, this event has engaged more than 3,800 volunteers and removed over 151,000 pounds of trash from the Pearl River watershed! This event begins at 8 a.m. and is open to all ages. The event will be held rain or shine. Register for the location of your choice, here: pearlriverkeeper.com/2023-pearlriver-clean-sweep.html

(985) 290-0002

Pelican Park's Pickleball Classic

Sept. 23–24, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m

Pelican Park's Pickleball Classic features men's and women's doubles (Saturday) and mixed doubles (Sunday), on the outdoor pickleball courts. This two-day tournament will be conducted in a round-robin format. Registration will be determined by skill level with space limited in each division.

63350 Pelican Drive, Mandeville, (985) 626-7997, pelicanpark.com

Rockin' the Rails Concert: Jon Cleary

Thursday, Sept. 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Covington's Office of Cultural Arts and Events invites you to the first "Rockin' the Rails" outdoor concert of Fall 2023. A respected session and sideman, Jon Cleary has worked with rock, blues and soul artists like Bonnie Raitt, D'Angelo, Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal and Eric Clapton. His love of New Orleans blues and jazz in particular took him across the ocean after he graduated from art school, and to the Maple Leaf Bar, where he realized that blues piano was his calling. Food or drink sales may be available; an announcement will be made on the City of Covington’s Facebook page. If not, guests may bring ice chests/picnics/ adult beverages if they wish.

Rev. Peter Atkins Park, 701 N. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com/city-departments/ cultural-arts-and-events/

Columbia Street Block Party

Fridays, Sept. 29 & Oct. 27, 6–9 p.m.

This free family event features classic car enthusiasts displaying their “pride and joy” over four blocks in Covington's historic St. John District. Check out local shops and restaurants, and live and DJ music in many of the downtown entertainment venues. The last block party of the year is Halloween themed, with trunk-or-treating and various special events inside shops and on the street. Costumes encouraged!

200-500 blocks of Columbia Street, Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

Master Gardeners' 2023 Fall Seminar

Friday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.

The LSU Ag Center and St. Tammany Master Gardener Association presents the association's annual fall seminar. The event will feature internationally renowned speakers and local and regional gardening experts. A plant boutique will offer hand-selected, premium plants for sale. A gourmet lunch by Coffee Rani will be served and light refreshments are provided during the event. Tickets are $50 per person and all seats are reserved.

Church of the King, 22205 Little Creek Road, Mandeville, (985) 789-8823, stmastergardener.org/events/2022fall-seminar-1-3

St. Tammany Parish Fair

Oct. 4–8

Come one, come all! It's the St. Tammany Parish Fair, celebrating 113 years of St. Tammany culture in 2023! Admission is free Thursday and Sunday, and $3* Friday and Saturday. The fair features a rodeo, Fair Queen/Princess and Rodeo Queen pageants, talent showcases, agricultural and horticultural exhibits, music, food, and of course, the ever-popular carnival rides ($25-$30 depending on the day). *2022 prices, subject to change.

1304 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 892-8421, sttammanyparishfair.info/

OCTOBER

Louisiana Food Truck Festival

Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Grab your chairs, grab the family, grab your friends and head to Slidell for Louisiana's largest food truck festival. The Louisiana Food Truck Festival offers a great variety of regional food trucks selling unique and delicious fare. Free admission for the familyfriendly event, with live entertainment, a Kid's Zone, vendors and more.

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

Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala

Saturday, Oct. 7, 7–11 p.m.

Presented by Keesler Federal Credit Union, the yachtthemed evening features live music, fully catered food, premium cocktails, silent and live auctions, and the very popular cork pull. The mission of the Northshore Humane Society is to be the premier organization dedicated to enhancing and saving the lives of pets in the Northshore region through community engagements, adoption, spay and neuter programs and sheltering.

Pontchartrain Yacht Club, 140 Jackson Ave., Mandeville, (985) 892-7387, northshorehumane.org

Bluesberry Music & Art Festival

Saturday, Oct. 7

Bluesberry Festival is a family-friendly celebration of world-class music, art, food and culture with a blueberry twist at every turn, and it all takes place at Covington's riverside Bogue Falaya Wayside Park. A stellar lineup of regional and national talents are scheduled for the Northshore Media Group Stage. In addition to a diverse music lineup, the festival features live art demonstrations; the Liberty Self Storage Photo Booth; and the Children’s Village, where kids can exercise their own creative talent. As for food and drink options, the festival will feature the KYSEK Food Truck Roundup with local cuisine from mobile eateries. Each will serve up their signature dishes but also put a blueberry spin on some old favorites.

Bogue Falaya Wayside Park, 213 Park Drive, Covington, (985) 789-7183, thebluesberryfest.com

2023 Chefs to Watch Dinner

Thursday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.

In a state with such a storied culinary heritage, the best chefs uphold our time-honored customs while keeping an eye toward the future. Louisiana Cookin’ introduced Chefs to Watch in 2002 as a way of recognizing talented up-andcoming chefs from restaurants around the Bayou State who show passion for traditions while delivering fresh, new concepts. Tickets are $175, table sponsorship (8 seats) is $2,500, and the presenting sponsor is $5,000. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Northshore Food Bank.

Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 400-5663, louisianacookin.com/product/2023chefs-to-watch-dinner/

Rockin' the Rails Concert

Fridays, Oct. 13, 20, and 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Bring blankets, fest chairs and dancing shoes to the Covington Trailhead for Rockin' the Rails, a free, fall outdoor concert series held Thursdays in Oct. at the trailhead. The artist lineup will be announced as dates get closer. All concerts are weather permitting.

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

Beer & Bites

Friday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana presents "Beer & Bites," a beer and restaurant crawl throughout historic downtown Covington. Starting at the Covington Trailhead, take a culinary journey to restaurants in historic downtown Covington with beer and small plate pairings, and enjoy live music at the Trailhead 'til 9 p.m. Admission is $75 per person. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Louisiana. Participating restaurants to be announced.

419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 373-0623, http://www.oxtoberfest.org/

Fall for Art

Saturday, Oct. 14

Mark your calendar for Fall for Art 2023, a celebration of music, art and performing arts, and few better places to celebrate such than historic downtown Covington. Fall for Art is a free festival held in the streets of the city’s historic downtown district. Produced by St. Tammany Art Association, the annual event draws hundreds of patrons who come out to enjoy the live music, art demonstrations, performances and dining in numerous Fall for Art locations.

320 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 892-8650, http://www.sttammany.art

Field of Screams Halloween Trail

Saturday, Oct. 14

This free public event promises entertaining thrills and chills for children and adults of all ages. The Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail, a natural Louisiana habitat maintained by Keep Covington Beautiful, will transform into spooky fun. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Eerie stage scenes created and manned by Covington Fire Department and Covington Police Department are certain to startle trail explorers. The Scream Trail is suggested for older children, teens and adults. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Covington Recreation Complex, 4001 De Porres Road, Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

Oxtoberfest

Saturday, Oct. 14, 3–6 p.m.

Enjoy some 50 kinds of beer from local and national breweries, food trucks, merchandise, live music and more. Admission is $35 per person. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Louisiana, which provides safe places for kids to go after school, mentors and summer camps. Must be at least 21 years of age to consume beer.

Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 373-0623, oxtoberfest.org

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival

Oct. 14–15, Saturday, 10 a.m.–7p.m.; and Sunday 10a.m.–6p.m.

Presented by Maritime Museum Louisiana, this fun family festival attracts over 100 classic boats, hundreds of spectator boats and wooden boat and music enthusiasts for this two-day celebration. The festival offers tons of fun for kids of all ages, including arts and crafts booths lined along Water Street, the Quick 'n Dirty Boat Building Contest and Parade on Sunday. Live entertainment will take place at the Water Street riverfront stage. Tickets are $10 per day for ages 12–64, free for kids 11 and under, and $5 for seniors 65+ and Active Duty Military (with ID). Sameday unlimited re-entry. Your admission ticket also gives you free access to the Maritime Museum.

133 Mabel Drive, Madisonville, (985) 845-9200, maritimemuseumlouisiana.org

Abita Fall Fest

Oct. 20–21, 10a.m.–7p.m.

Held at the Abita Springs Trailhead Park, the Abita Fall Fest is a nonprofit event created to celebrate the art, music and culture of Abita Springs, LA. Since 2019, the festival has brought Grammy Award-winning artists and national acts together with local favorites to create a family-friendly, all ages event, with live music on three stages, a Fall Fest After Dark the night before, food and drinks, a Kids' Zone, the Harvest Market arts & crafts area, a green-screen photo booth, VR experiences and more. The festival is rain-or-shine. Tickets are available as single-day, two-day and VIP passes.

22044 Main St., Abita Springs, (985) 773-8539, abitafallfest.com

35th Annual Monster Mash presented by Metairie Bank Northshore

Saturday, Oct. 21, 10a.m.-2p.m.

A fundraiser in support of the STHS Parenting Center, Monster Mash features a fun and safe Halloween experience, complete with trick-ortreating, music, cookie decorating, crafts, carnival rides and much more. Admission is $5 for adults, $15 for children in advance, $20 at the gate.

Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Dr., Covington, (985) 898-4435, DoTheMash.org

Extra-Vette-Ganza Corvette Car Show

Saturday, Oct. 21, 10a.m.–4p.m.

Over 200 corvettes from across the country will be on display and in competition for class awards including Best of Show, Paint, Interior, Engine, Wheels, Hood Art, Custom and more. The event is free for spectators with fees to enter for exhibitors.

The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (504) 455-8788, gnocc.com

"Pumpkins in the Park"

Saturday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

"Pumpkins in the Park" brings together fall, festivity and fun in TerraBella Village. Kids of all ages will love the pumpkins, hayride, crafts, marketplace and more. Admission is $8 per child, which includes one pumpkin (while supplies last) and access to activities. Pay upon arrival. Guests are also encouraged to bring non-perishable goods for donation to the Northshore Food Bank.

111 Terra Bella Blvd., Covington, (985) 871-7171, terrabellavillage.com/ terrabella-institute/

Olde Towne Slidell Halloween Zombie Crawl

Friday, Oct. 27, 5–10 p.m.

The whole family can get in the Halloween spirit with trick-or-treating from 5–7 p.m. followed by a costume contest for every age. Expect 75+ local artists and crafters, organizations and food vendors, and after-hours shopping, dining, eating and drinking. This block party will also feature three live local music acts and games and crafts for kids.

2200 Block of Carey Street between Robert and Cousin streets, Slidell, facebook.com/OldeTowneSlidell/

Pelican Park's BARKtober Fest

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2–4 p.m.

Come celebrate Howl-o-ween with everyone's furry friends! There’s sure to be plenty of fun as they host pet adoptions, vendors, costume contests, a photo booth, paw print painting, tricks for treats and much more. No registration required.

Pelican Park, 63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville, (985) 626-7997, http:// www.pelicanpark.com