Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How New Orleans’ “People’s Queen” rose to rule Carnival drag
And on the New Orleans Patch calendar - David Navarro & Tropical Jazz Secret
Hello again New Orleans! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How New Orleans’ “People’s Queen” rose to rule Carnival drag
- How will Trader Joe’s reshape life and business on Freret Street?
Also on today's calendar: New Orleans Drunk Spirits Pub Crawl Tour and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in New Orleansfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in New Orleansfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: Fog in the a.m.; partly sunny, with a high of 79 and low of 54 degrees.
- Monday: An a.m. shower; windy, cooler, temps: high: 60, low: 39.
- Tuesday: Cold; breezy in the morning, with a high of 50 and low of 37 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Announcing King Cake Queen XXXI - Debbie With A D, The People's Queen (ambushmag.com) — New Orleans readers are getting a new royal: local drag performer Debbie With a D has been named King Cake Queen XXXI, “The People’s Queen,” for the Krewe of Queenateenas. After moving here in 2011, she built a public-health-focused drag career, hosts a weekly talent show at Oz New Orleans, and will be formally crowned just before Mardi Gras. 
• Freret Street businesses stay optimistic amid changes as Trader Joe's approaches (fox8live.com) — Freret Street businesses are bracing for big changes as New Orleans’ second Trader Joe’s rises at Napoleon and Freret, promising more foot traffic and customers. Longtime and newer shop owners describe recent closures, steady new openings, and how festivals and the upcoming grocery store are reshaping this once-quiet corridor into a thriving neighborhood hub.
📸 Around New Orleans
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in New Orleans
★ Featured events ★
- David Navarro & Tropical Jazz Secret
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, 626 Frenchmen St, New Orleans
7:30 pm
Sunday December 28
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Saenger Theatre , 1111 Canal St , New Orleans
7:30 pm - NOLA ChristmasFest Returns - Let the Yuletide Roll!
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce , 1515 Poydras St #1010 , New Orleans
11:00 am - French Quarter - Arrowhead Jazz Band
National Park Service French Quarter visitor center , 419 Decatur St , New Orleans
3:00 pm - French Quarter - Jazz Program - Kalindah Laveaux
National Park Service French Quarter visitor center , 419 Decatur St , New Orleans
3:00 pm - Fete du Nouvel An
The MISI by Messina's-Nouveau River Room , 600 Decatur St. , New Orleans
9:00 pm - New Orleans Drunk Spirits Pub Crawl Tour
Lafitte Hotel and Bar , 1003 Bourbon St , New Orleans
7:00 pm - KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Elmwood
AMC Elmwood Palace 20 1200 Elmwood Park Blvd Harahan, LA 70123
12:00 pm - Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles
Hotel Peter and Paul , 2317 Burgundy St , New Orleans
6:00 pm - Candlelight: Tribute to Whitney Houston
Hotel Peter and Paul , 2317 Burgundy St , New Orleans
8:30 pm - Bonsai Bar Workshop at Oak Street Brewery
8201 Oak St , New Orleans
2:00 pm - The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - New Orleans, LA
Sheraton Metairie - New Orleans Hotel , Galleria Blvd , Metairie
6:00 pm
Sunday December 28
Monday December 29
Tuesday December 30
Wednesday December 31
Thursday January 1
Friday January 2
Thursday January 8
Saturday January 10
📣 New Orleans Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making New Orleans PatchAM possible:
- Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hello!
I received a package mailed with my name on it with enfamil baby formula and $25 worth of enfamil coupons. I do not have a baby or children so NO… (Nextdoor Algiers Riverview) - Good afternoon Everyone
This family needs help in locating their son.He lives on the Westbank in Algiers. (Nextdoor Tall Timbers)
- Caesars Entertainment Corporation posted a job opening for Casino Cleaner / Janitor, EVS (Caesars New Orleans) in New Orleans. Apply here.
- Highgate Hotels posted a job opening for Housekeeping Attendant in New Orleans. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near New Orleans here.
🗞 Nearby News
Chalmette
- Local first responders celebrate Christmas (wdsu.com)
Gretna
- TurnKey Lawn Care Launches Outdoor Living Division With Deck and Pergola Services (gainesville.com)
- List: Parishes where it is legal to set off fireworks for personal use (wwltv.com)
- West Jefferson property transfers for Dec. 13-18, 2025. See a list of home and other sales (nola.com)
Ok New Orleans! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I haven’t the foggiest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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