New Orleans had some big plans for this fall. Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, Buku’s Planet B and more were planned for October alone. But then a fourth wave of COVID-19 reared its ugly head and ruined everyone’s fun — and to top it off, a devastating hurricane tore through our region. Needless to say, we all need a little break.

Although we’ll have to wait for 2022 (knock on wood) for the big festivals to return, thankfully the fall events calendar has started to fill back up. Most New Orleans venues have reopened and arts organizations are kicking off their 2021-22 seasons in the coming weeks. We’re still grappling with the pandemic and the region will be recovering from Ida for a while, but New Orleans stages will be filled with music, comedy, theater and performing arts this fall.

This week’s Gambit previews the fall entertainment calendar, from concerts to stand-up and plays. Plus, look for an article on how to volunteer for recovery efforts down the bayou this fall. Flip through the digital edition below for more.

Can’t see the e-edition above? Click here.

Also in this week’s Gambit: An October Jazz Fest might not be happening, but there’s plenty of music to help fill the void; Gambit Editor John Stanton remembers his friend Todd Mollock and all those we’ve lost in the past 18 months; a new hangout for ramen and Asian dishes opens on S. Carrollton Avenue; Mid-City music venue Chickie Wah Wah reopens this week; actor Bryan Batt opens Le Petit Theatre’s season — plus news and more.

This week’s issue also includes a new edition of Details. Flip through the digital edition for black and gold home accessories for the Saints season, spooky seasonal decorations and a profile of artist Marianne Angeli Rodriguez.

If pandemic restrictions make it harder to pick up a Gambit in your usual spot, we have you covered. Our e-edition is available to download at bestofneworleans.com/current and read at your leisure.

If you enjoy this week’s issue, please share this digital edition on social media.

And as always, New Orleans, thank you for your support.

— The Gambit staff