2019, peace out. We’re done with you. 2020, welcome. We’re glad you’re here. So much to look forward to in a new year: new beginnings, new starts, new lives and new ideas all in New Orleans. And for all you locals, we’re glad to have you on board this ship as we navigate the new waters of the year and welcome in the new “roaring ’20s.” As we march into the new year, we’re highlighting the last night of the decade in photos, some new grub ideas and things to hit up this weekend. Happy New Year!
The last night of 2019 and the beginning of 2020
At midnight Jan. 1, 2020, we went out and enjoyed the fireworks on the Mississippi River at Crescent Park. New Orleanians gathered and looked toward the Central Business District and French Quarter in New Orleans as fireworks rang in the new year. In Jackson Square, a lighted fleur-de-lis dropped on top of Jax Brewery. We sent photographer Matthew Hinton to capture the end of a decade and the beginning of the roaring ’20s.
‘I treat the plants right, believe they will grow, and they always do’
If you’ve tried your hand at gardening and find yourself killing a couple of paychecks worth of plants, we found someone who can help. Before you embark on a last-ditch effort at finding your green thumb, we turned to Ms. Gloria for wisdom on all things gardening and wrote down her advice. We have tips from Gloria Ward, known better as simply, Ms. Gloria.
A Warm Welcome: Homemade meals at Dixie Chicken & Ribs
Tucked away behind a gas station, off Harrison in Lakeview, Dixie Chicken & Ribs is a welcoming neighborhood spot with daily specials and heartwarming homemade meals. It’s the type of place that’s closed on Sundays, but you can still play your numbers on the Saints pool; the kind of place where most people don’t need a menu, and most people know somebody. Read about the authentic joint here.
What To Do This Weekend
Friday
Celebrate the best in pop culture when Wizard World returns to New Orleans from Jan. 3 to Jan. 5 at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Meet “Outlander” stars featuring Sam Heughan plus “Smallville” headliners Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum and others, as well as world-class artists, exhibitors and cosplayers, and participate in entertaining, interesting programming panels all weekend long. Tickets start at $35, kids 10 and under get in free. www.wizardworld.com.
Black & Gold Fan Fest | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Hancock Whitney Center | Free To Attend
The Saints are on the way to the playoffs, and a Black & Gold Fan Fest on your lunch hour is the right way to get your mind right for the game. The Fan Fest will be at the Hancock Whitney Center at 701 Poydras St. from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. There will be tickets and sideline pass giveaways to the playoff game against Minnesota! Special appearances include the Saintsations and a Saints mascot, as well as a Saints legend! There will also be face-painting, food and beverages, as well as tunes by DJ Raj Smoove.
Saturday
Megan Diana | Doors Open At 9 p.m. | Gasa Gasa | Tickets Start at $7
Sunday
Vikings at Saints playoff game | 12:05 p.m. kickoff
Your team isn’t in the playoffs? Can’t relate! The Saints are duking it out against the Minnesota Vikings in the Superdome Sunday. Don’t have tickets? No worries, we’ve got a list of great neighborhood bars here where the energy is just as electric as it is in the Dome.
Christmas at Barcadia | 11 a.m. | Barcadia New Orleans | Free admission, drink and game prices vary
Can’t shake that holiday spirit just yet? Barcadia’s holiday pop-up bar isn’t taking their lights down until Jan. 5, so you’ve got a few days to get that last sip of mint liqueur hot cocoa in! Click here to our list of holiday-themed bar pop-ups, but call to double-check if the one near you has turned its Christmas lights off!
