The New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation Fourth Annual Honors Gala at Mardi Gras World Honoring emerging Artist Cierra Chenier, Culinary Arkesha Baquet, Designer Laron Nelson, Entertainment Raj Smoove, Literary Arts & Humanities Johnette Downing, Preservation John Hankins, Visual Arts & Crafts Gus Bennett and Life time Achievement Carol Bebelle on Friday, January 9, 2026.

NOTCF Fourth Annual Honors Gala

00:37 January 10, 2026

By: Gustavo Escanelle

[All Images by Gustavo Escanelle]

Best Things To Do This Weekend in New Orleans

The New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation's Fourth Annual Honors Gala at Mardi Gras World Honoring (Emerging Artist) Cierra Chenier, (Culinary) Arkesha Baquet, (Designer) Laron Nelson, (Entertainment) Raj Smoove, (Literary Arts & Humanities) Johnette Downing, (Preservation) John Hankins, (Visual Arts & Crafts) Gus Bennett, and (Life Time Achievement) Carol Bebelle on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Sign Up!

FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP ON DINING, MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, THE ARTS & MORE!

Where Y'at Newsletter

Where Y'at Magazine

More New Orleans Photos

Presented by Raising Cane's, the festival celebrates a decade of food, music, and culture, expanding this year to three days October 9-11, 2026 at the UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds located across the levee with over 30 new vendors, two stages of music and easy parking. Photos below are from Saturday, October 11, 2026. #nfcf2026 #nfcf #nationalfriedchickenfestival

Fried Chicken Festival on The Lakefront

Five people wearing Crown Royal shirts pose in front of a Crown Royal backdrop between two large decorative royal chairs.

Fried Chicken Fest Brings the Flavor Back to the Lakefront

Deutsches Haus presents Steinhoisting, food, music and a lotta beer at Oktoberfest this weekend and next weekend during the festivals of New Orleans. #deutscheshous #oktoberfest2026

Deutsches Haus

Woman in red headband eating fried food at lively nighttime party with people drinking and socializing.

A Taste of Italy

Elegant cocktail glass with a pink spherical garnish on a table beside a decorative lamp and fortune cookies.

The Eliza Jane Practices Impractical Magic

Two women in colorful circus costumes and pink wigs pose with a couple dressed in pastel pink and gray at a festive event.

Death by Chocolate Serves a Sweet Cause at Schoen Mansion

The Manning Family Children's Hospital celebrates their 2nd Annual Louisiana Legacy at the Orpheum Theatre fundraising event for the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which supports the hospitals longstanding commitment to advance the health and wellbeing of Louisiana's Children and celebrating 2026 Louisiana Legacy Honoree Betty Lauricella of 42 years on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

2nd Annual Louisiana Legacy, Manning Children's Hospital

Live blues band performing on stage at the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival outdoor event.

15 Years of Blues in Bogalusa

More New Orleans Photos