Throughout the Carnival season we'll be hosting free weekly King Cake Lunch & Learns meeting the folks behind the scenes of Carnival and those who help bring us the magic of Mardi Gras! Join us on Tuesdays from 12-1pm at the Hub, 4800 Canal St. Lunches will be available for pre-order from area restaurants (more info coming soon) and of course there will be king cake!

Here's the schedule: events are subject to change, of course.

1/7/20:  Live recording of The Purse Chronicles podcast: four New Orleans women leaders in business (Julie Lea, Gian Durand, Julie Couret and Vee George) who also ride in the Krewe of Nyx share their thoughts on the upcoming Carnival season in this live podcast recording!

1/14/20: A King Cake Wine Pairing with Brian Perkins, Wine Consultant and Marketer

1/21/20: New Orleans’ Cultural Ambassador (and Culinary Activist, radio & tv host author and cooking instructor) Poppy Tooker discusses her new book Drag Queen Brunch and gives us a unique look at Carnival.

1/28/20: Join your hosts Professor Carl Nivale and Grand Marshal Marty Graw for a sneak preview of "The Professor Carl Nivale Show" with features a look at the history, culture, music, and Carnival fun for all ages in a full theatrical production.

2/4/20: Beyond Bourbon St (Live Podcast Recording): A special live recording of the acclaimed New Orleans podcast "Beyond Bourbon St." Host Mark Bologna and special guests take a unique look at elements of Carnival that tourists (and most locals) don't get to see. Mark's special guest will be author, producer and host Peggy Scott Laborde who will take us behind the scenes of the Rex ball and preview the upcoming parade season.

2/11/20: Laura Cayouette’s Carnival Marathon: the noted Actor, Author, Blogger & Teacher shows us her unique take on Carnival as a long-time member of the Pussyfooters Dance Group, riding in Orpheus with Quentin Tarantino and as the author of the popular L.A. to N.O.LA blog. She also will be signing copies of her books.

2/18/20: Last-Minute Costume Decorating Ideas: Costume procrastinators unite! Grand Marshal Marty Graw, Nori Pritchard and the crew at NOLA Craft Culture present last-minute ideas to make a memorable Mardi Gras costume.