New Orleans Goes “All In”: What’s Happening Around the City for Inauguration Weekend
This weekend, New Orleans officially turns the page as Helena Moreno is sworn in as mayor - and the city is marking the moment not with closed-door celebrations, but with community, culture, and service.
Under the theme “All In for New Orleans,” the inauguration weekend is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and deeply rooted in what makes this city special. From neighborhood service projects to live music in Lafayette Square, here’s what residents and visitors can expect across the city.
Saturday, January 10: A Citywide Day of Service
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Locations across all five City Council districts
The weekend begins with action. Hundreds of volunteers will fan out across New Orleans for a citywide Day of Service, working on beautification and improvement projects at NORD playgrounds, parks, and recreation centers.
Projects include:
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Playground and park cleanups
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Tree trimming and landscaping
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Installing benches, picnic tables, and Little Free Libraries
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Restriping basketball courts and parking lots
Residents are encouraged to serve in their own neighborhoods, reinforcing the message that this administration begins with local investment and collective responsibility. Mayor-Elect Moreno will be visiting select sites during the morning, including Eastshore Playground.
Saturday Afternoon: All In for Our Culture Festival
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Lafayette Square | Free & Open to the Public
After the morning’s service projects, the celebration moves to Lafayette Square for a community culture festival showcasing the heartbeat of New Orleans.
Festival highlights include:
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Live performances by New Orleans artists
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Food trucks featuring local cuisine
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Community organizations engaging directly with residents
The artist lineup reflects the city’s musical legacy and future, featuring DJ Jess, Roots of Music, Rockin’ Dopsie, Cha Wa, and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Mayor-Elect Moreno is scheduled to deliver remarks around 1:30 PM, emphasizing the role of culture, creativity, and unity in the city’s next chapter.
Sunday: Inauguration Mass
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | St. Louis Cathedral (Livestreamed)
On Sunday evening, the city will observe a traditional Inauguration Mass at St. Louis Cathedral. While attendance is limited, the service will be livestreamed so residents across the city, and beyond, can participate.
The Mass continues a longstanding New Orleans tradition, offering a moment of reflection and blessing ahead of Monday’s official ceremony.
Monday, January 12: Official Inauguration Ceremony
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Saenger Theatre (Livestreamed)
The weekend culminates Monday morning at the Saenger Theatre, where Mayor-Elect Moreno and the incoming City Council will be formally sworn into office.
The ceremony blends civic tradition with New Orleans culture and includes musical performances, oaths of office, and the inaugural address. While tickets are required for in-person attendance, the ceremony will be fully livestreamed to ensure public access.
A New Kind of Inauguration for a New Chapter
Unlike traditional inaugurations, all events this weekend are privately funded, with no public dollars used. More importantly, the focus is not on exclusivity, but on participation.
This weekend is about neighbors serving neighbors, celebrating culture in shared public spaces, and setting the tone for an administration that begins with action.
Evans Cutchmore is honored to be part of the press team covering this historic weekend and to help document a moment that reflects the spirit of New Orleans, resilient, creative, and all in.
For schedules, volunteer opportunities, and livestream links, residents can visit AllInForNewOrleans.com
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