Uncategorized Archives - Tamanend LA

On the Bright Side

Tamanend LA — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:54:45 +0000

Over the next few months, there is a plethora of activities and events to enjoy to brighten your days (and nights). Here are a few recommendations:

Bright Lights

The Northshore has an amazing amount of holiday light displays to enjoy this season!

The beauty and wonderment of thousands of twinkly decorations are ready to be enjoyed at the St. Tammany Holiday of Lights! In Mandeville, you can walk through the displays on December 19 and 20. Or, you may wish to take in the splendor from your car during the “drive-through” nights beginning December 22 through January 1. In Madisonville, you can walk along the riverfront as its live oaks and pathways shimmer with thousands of lights. Be sure to stop by Merry Madisonville, a celebration of the season with events throughout the month. You can also check out the beautiful Twelve Days of Christmas along Covington’s historic district, now through January 6. For a complete list of holiday light events, click here.

Bright Writes

Two of my favorite written musicals are coming to stages on the Northshore! Coming up in January at Slidell Little Theatre is Sweeney Todd, the Tony award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim. Performances run the weekends of January 16 through February 8. In Mandeville, the 30 by Ninety Theatre presents another Tony award-winning musical, Cabaret, on weekends beginning January 17 through February 1. For tickets to Slidell Little Theatre, click here. For 30 by Ninety, click here.

Bright Sights

It cannot be February without it being Mardi Gras time! In 2026, Fat Tuesday takes place on February 17, and the Northshore has a score of parades to enjoy. The first two are on January 10 with the Fools of Misrule in Covington and the Mande Kings Day in Mandeville. Over the course of the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, 17 more parades are set for the parish. While there are too many to name here, two of my favorites are actually set for Mardi Gras day, the Covington Lions Club parade and the Krewe of Folsom parade. For a complete list of the Mardi Gras parade schedule, click here.

The Northshore has so much to enjoy. To stay up-to-date on the latest happenings, visit visitthenorthshore.com.

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Turn Blue

Tamanend LA — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 20:58:34 +0000

We definitely don’t want you to turn blue, however we invite you to turn TO blue with these three events.

Feeling Blue

You won’t be feeling blue the first weekend in October! That’s because the Sixth Annual Bluesberry Festival takes place on Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., at Bogue Falaya Wayside Park. With the mission of bringing music and art to the community, the family-friendly festival enriches the cultural scene of our parish. Come enjoy live music, performing all day long on two stages. To compliment the blues theme, you will enjoy art, food and culture, all with the added “flavor” of blueberry. In addition to the live entertainment, you will enjoy works from talented artisans; children’s village; variety of food trucks; wine tent; and beer garden. Of course, there will be lots of blueberry treats! For additional details and tickets, click here.

Perhaps you will be one of the Place finishers in the 2025 Gator Tail 5k Trail Run!

Wear Your Blue and Green

The Seventh Annual Northshore Technical Community College Gator Tail 5k Trail Run is set for Saturday, October 25, 7:30 a.m. at Tamanend, home of NTCC’s main campus. With a race course including woods and grassy paths through our destination community, participants are encouraged to set up teams to show their community spirit. Costumes are welcome, as October 31 is soon thereafter! In addition to the 5k race, the event offers a half-mile Gator Gallop for kids. The best part of the race (besides the finish line) is that proceeds benefit student scholarships. To sign up for the race, click here.

A Festival of Blue (and every other color)

You know its deep into fall, as the air cools, football is on and the Covington Three River Arts Festival happens! On Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, Columbia Street is taken over with a palette of color. Artists from all over the country participate in this festival. Whether you prefer ceramics, paintings, photography, woodworking, metal work, sculptures or jewelry, you will find it here. Plus, there will be art demonstrations including pottery and glass blowing. The children’s discovery area, music, food and beverages will keep the entire family happy. Better yet, Admission is free! The festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. For more information, click here.

For additional events happening this fall, check out visitthenorthshore.com.

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Cue Up the Fun

Tamanend LA — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:40:47 +0000

The coming months are full of an incredible lineup of events, festivals and activities on the Northshore. Here are three special standouts to enjoy the long days of summer.

You can “pour” over the list of wine dinners and tastings during May.

Cue the Great Tastes

While the official kickoff to summer is Memorial Day Weekend, it begins a little early in our parish! That’s because May is going to be one month for the (cook)books. The 14^th annual A Taste of Covington celebrates Covington’s amazing restaurants and art lovers alike. A long list of our parish’s top restaurants will feature wine dinners and special tastings, however note the Vintner’s Dinners are by reservation only. If you really want to indulge, try the Festa del Vino Wine Tasting event on May 10. For more information, click here.

Cue the Water Works

Now this looks like fun! The 8^th Annual Float Fest on the Bogue Chitto River takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22. Enjoy a relaxing time with your friends and family as you tube down the river. Food, live music and games will keep the day “flowing.” For more details, visit Louisiana River Adventures.

Cue the Fireworks

July Fourth is on a Friday this year, so that adds to the fun with a long holiday weekend! As with every year, the Northshore has a plethora of events and activities to celebrate our nation’s 319^th birthday. You can start the day with the annual “4 on the 4th” run/walk in Covington. The event includes a four-mile race and half-mile kids race. To register, click here. Then, you can cap off a day of parades and festivities with the fireworks display in Mandeville at the annual “Light Up the Lake” celebration along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. While the fireworks show begins at 8:30 p.m., you can (and should) arrive early to enjoy the offerings of several food trucks, drink tents and music. The event is free and open to the public.

While these events are sure to bring loads of fun, there are many more to enjoy this summer. For a complete list of events and activities, click visitthenorthshore.com.

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Liven Things Up This Fall

Tamanend LA — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:35:48 +0000

The fall season in St. Tammany Parish brings us crisp, cool days to enjoy getting out and about. Here are some of my recommendations on activities and events to partake in over the fall time.

Live Music

Three concerts at Jazz’n the Vines take place in November at Wild Bush Farm and Vineyard.

Jazz’n the Vines at Wild Bush Farm and Vineyard has three great opportunities to listen to some fantastic music, whether you favor pop, country, soul or somewhere in-between. On November 2, The Walrus takes the stage with a tribute song list of The Beatles. Two weeks later on November 16, Pine Leaf Boys bring their Louisiana soul to the stage. The Krickets, a female trio with folk and country sounds, wrap up the month on November 23. For each performance, gates open at 5 p.m., and the live music plays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Different food trucks will be on-hand, and the wine will be flowing! Tickets are $12. For more information and tickets, click here.

Live Theatre

We love our community theatres on the Northshore! Three upcoming performances are of special note. In October, 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville presents my favorite Agatha Christie play, Murder on the Orient Express. Show dates are the weekends of October 18 and 27. In December, two holiday-themed shows will be all aglitter at two venues, running on select dates from December 6 to 15. At 30 by Ninety, the entire family will enjoy a Very, Merry Christmas Spectacular. Added bonus: milk and cookies will be served at each performance! At Playmakers Theater in Covington, The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular will bring out the spirit of the season for the entire audience. For more details and ticket information at 30 by Ninety, click here. For tickets to Playmakers, click here.

Live Fun

Three annual events always bring family friendly fun. On Sunday, October 27, the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany hosts Boo Bash at its new location on Florida Street, 1 – 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Be sure to wear your Halloween costume for a chance to win prizes. To purchase tickets, click here. On November 2, the Sixth Annual Gator Tail 5k Trail Run takes place at the Tamanend campus of Northshore Technical Community College. Sign up here. To wrap up the family fun, the Tammany Turkey Trot is on Thursday, November 28, in Downtown Covington. You have the choice of three races: five-k, five-mile and one-mile fun run. To sign up, click here.

There are always so many choices for activities, entertainment and overall fun in our parish. For a full list of events, visit https://www.visitthenorthshore.com.

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Red, White and Blue All Summer

Tamanend LA — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:41:09 +0000

Summer is hot up on the Northshore, and it is also hot, hot, hot with fun. Here are just a few fun-filled things to do over the next few months.

Put on Your Red, White and Blue

It’s summer, and that means pie-eating contests at July Fourth celebrations.

The Northshore has many celebrations of America’s independence on Thursday, July 4. Madisonville presents an “Old-Fashioned 4th of July” on the banks of the Tchefuncte River. The fun begins at 10 a.m. with cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, watermelon eating contest, pie bake-off, kids’ games, food, music, and of course, fireworks. More details here. Not to be outdone, Abita Springs is hosting a Fourth of July celebration at the Trailhead Park. The festival features military appreciations, live music, fireworks, food and more, from 2 p.m. to the fireworks finale at 9 p.m. For details, click here. As for the eastern part of the parish, Olde Towne Slidell has its celebration with food, games, eating contests, kids’ activities and live bands at three locations. Festivities begin at noon, and fireworks will cap off the evening. For more details, click here.

Turn Your Fingers Blue

It is officially get-your-fingers-blue season, as it is time for blueberry picking! At Bachman Blueberries, the young and young-at-heart can pick their own to enjoy in your favorite recipes. The farm supplies the buckets and bags for convenience. Be sure you lather up with sunscreen and stay hydrated with plenty of water. And, definitely be sure to indulge in the blueberry lemonade and muffins during your visit. For more information, click here.

Get Back to Red (Beans)

It’s back for the fifteenth year, and it is going to be so tasty! The Red Beans ‘n’ Rice Cookoff is set for two dates, July 29 for West St. Tammany and August 5 for East St. Tammany. This yummy event marks the official rollout of United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s fundraising campaign. The West event is at the Greater Covington Center; the East event will be held at the Slidell Auditorium. Both events run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for all the red beans and rice you can eat, with funds raised to support suicide prevention, mental health services and other United Way programs in St. Tammany Parish. For tickets, click here.

Summer is the time to enjoy great family fun, and the Northshore has you covered in red, white and blue!

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Foodies Unite

Tamanend LA — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:56:22 +0000

If you love food, I mean really love food, the Northshore is the place to be. St. Tammany Parish has so many restaurants, events and festivals to celebrate the deliciousness of our area. Here are three upcoming special events to bring your food game to a new level!

Foodie Fun #1 – Crawfish Cookoff

Be sure to work up your appetite before heading to the Crawfish Cookoff!

It is all going down on Saturday, April 20, with the 19th Annual Crawfish Cookoff in Slidell. The all-you-can-eat fundraiser takes place at Fritchie Park and benefits Hospice House. The event typically ends up with over 40,000 pounds of our local delicacy consumed! If you are one of the few who doesn’t care for crawfish, there will be other food options available. For complete details, click here.

Foodie Fun #2 – Taste of Covington

This month-long toast to the amazing restaurants is back in June, and it is going to be better than ever! Whether you yearn for Italian, need a burger fix or wish to indulge in a multi-course dinner, you will find supreme delight in June. In addition to special offerings at restaurants, there are several dates to enjoy one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Plus, a unique champagne brunch will be hosted at different venues each Sunday in June. For a complete schedule of the Taste of Covington, click here.

Foodie Fun #3 – Slidell Heritage Festival

The 26th Annual Slidell Heritage Festival returns this summer to Heritage Park on Saturday, June 29. While the early celebration of America’s birthday boasts live music and fireworks, food is a big draw for the fest. Food trucks from many of our local favorites will be on hand to satisfy any taste. The festival is presented by the Rotary Clubs of Slidell and proceeds benefit area charities. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and up; free for 12 and under. For more information, click here.

These recommendations are just a sample of the Northshore’s foodie fun. We are so fortunate to call the parish our home and our food haven!

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It’s Time to Have Fun

Tamanend LA — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:10:19 +0000

It’s a new year, and that means lots of new fun! From January through March, you have a wide choice of activities and events in St. Tammany Parish. Here are a few highlights.

Play Time

We love our arts on the Northshore, and that includes local theatre! We are fortunate to have a variety of options to enjoy a live performance of some of the most beloved plays and musicals. Slidell Little Theatre always seems to have an amazing array of comedy and drama, so there is something for everyone. Coming up in January is Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Performances run the weekends of January 12 and 19. In Covington, Playmakers Theatre presents a hilarious whodunit, Murder at Weatherfield, Saturdays and Sundays in March. For tickets to Slidell Little Theatre, click here. For Playmakers, click here.

Festival Time

St. Tammany Parish boasts a plethora of festivals throughout the year, and the first few months of offerings are no exception. From the Slidell Antique Fair to the Louisiana Food Truck Festival, there is a festival for you! One of my favorites is the 2024 Abita Springs Whole Town Garage Sale and Flea Market. Residents from around the area gather to showcase their wares on the same day. If you like to search for treasure at a great price, March 30 is the date to mark on your calendar. In addition to the sale, you can peruse goods from a variety of vendors and enjoy food from local restaurants. For more information about upcoming festivals, click here.

Party Time

Take a “paws” for two parades celebrating our four-legged friends!

It cannot be the first quarter of the year without it being Mardi Gras time! This year, Fat Tuesday takes place on February 13, 2024, and the Northshore has a score of parades to enjoy. The first one is in Covington on January 6, and from there, 16 more parades are set for the parish up to Mardi Gras. While there are too many to name here, two of my favorites are actually after the official Mardi Gras date. The Krewe du Pooch in Mandeville and Krewe of Mardi Paws in Covington are being held the weekend afterward. Both events celebrate our four-legged friends in style. For a complete list of the Mardi Gras parade schedule, click here.

The Northshore has so much to enjoy. To stay up-to-date on the latest happenings, visit visitthenorthshore.com

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Three Fests for Family Fun

Tamanend LA — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:50:55 +0000

We love being on the Northshore, especially for the fall festival season! Here are three fests to enjoy during the cooler weather.

Blueberries abound at the Fourth Annual Bluesberry Festival!

A “Berry” Cool Day

Back for its fourth year, the Annual Bluesberry Festival is set for Saturday, October 7, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., at Bogue Falaya Wayside Park. This family friendly fest boasts live music, art, food and culture, all with the added “flavor” of blueberry. Blues music from regional and local artists will be performed throughout the day, including bands from Austin, Nashville and New Orleans. In addition to the live entertainment, you will enjoy works from talented artisans; kids’ activities; variety of food trucks; wine tent; and beer garden. Of course, there will be lots of blueberry delicacies! For additional details and tickets, click here.

A Waterside Treat

The following weekend, October 14 – 15, starting at 10 a.m., set your sights on the charming town of Madisonville. The town is the site for the Annual Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival along the Tchefuncte River. You will experience up-close dozens of hand-crafted, classic wooden vessels, from cruisers to sailboats, from skiffs to luggers. In addition to the boats, you will enjoy music, food, beverages and activities. The event benefits educational programs at the Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum and lighthouse restoration. Adding more fun is the Quick ‘n’ Dirty Boat Building Competition, with participants building a boat from provided materials in a short time period, then trying to complete a 100-yard water course. It is a hoot just to see which vessels simply make it past the start line! Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for 65+ and free for kids and active-duty military. For tickets, click here.

An Artsy Time

In November, art comes to town! The Annual Three River Arts Festival takes place November 11 – 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., all along Columbia Street in Downtown Covington. Artists from all over the country participate in this festival. Whether you prefer ceramics, paintings, photography, woodworking, metal work, sculptures or jewelry, you will find it here. Plus, there will be art demonstrations including pottery and glass blowing. The children’s discovery area, music, food and beverages will keep the entire family happy. Better yet, Admission is free!

St. Tammany Parish has many annual festivals. Check out the entire list at louisiananorthshore.com.

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Toast the Taste

Tamanend LA — Tue, 30 May 2023 18:32:07 +0000

June is one of my favorite months of the year. Yes, it is the beginning of summer, school is out and vacations begin! However, the reason I get so excited is it is A Taste of Covington time! This annual event, held every June, continues to expand this year with so many opportunities to partake. Here are three tasty ways to truly enjoy these 30 days of yum.

Tasty Treat #1

Each week of A Taste of Covington presents a choice of wine dinners.

If you are looking for a special evening out, the Vintner’s Dinner schedule boasts an expansive selection of outstanding restaurants. Each one features an all-inclusive dinner of four or more courses with wine pairings. Whether you choose the Lebanese deliciousness of Tavi, the Spanish and Cajun tastiness of Valencia or any of the other options, you will have an amazing experience. For a complete list of participating restaurants, click here.

Tasty Treat #2

Those who live on the Northshore know how much we love our Sunday brunches. In June, we have some incredible choices to enjoy all the wonderful delicacies of our area. On June 18, you can indulge at Annadele’s, with its scrumptious seafood dishes. The following Sunday, June 25, a spectacular brunch awaits at The Southern Hotel, with catering by the Gloriette and live music by Ben Redwine, Don Vappie and Ed Wise. For more information, click here.

Tasty Treat #3

On Saturday, June 24, you can travel back to historic Italy with “A Grand Toga Wine Tasting” at The Southern Hotel. Come with your best yoga attire as you sample a variety of wines and listen to live music by the Deja Vu Band. Admission is $100; click for details here.

A Taste of Covington has garnered well-deserved recognition as the ultimate food and beverage event of the year in St. Tammany Parish. Once you have a taste, you will want to come back for more!

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Press Your Luck

Tamanend LA — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 20:18:03 +0000

Top o’ the morning (or evening) to you! We all know St. Tammany Parish has loads of fun opportunities from January through December. After the abundance of Mardi Gras, you may wish for some relaxation in March. If you are up for more excitement, here are three upcoming events sure to make you see green!

Come out to see the action at the Paddles on Paddy’s Day Pickleball Tournament.

Lucky Button #1 – America’s Newest Sport

On Saturday, March 11, it is time to witness what all the hubbub is about pickleball! While registration to play is closed, you are invited to come out to Pelican Park in Mandeville for the Paddles on Paddy’s Day Pickleball Tournament. The day-long event offers women’s, men’s and mixed doubles, plus several skill level divisions, so everyone is sure to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. For more information, click here.

Lucky Button #2 – Parade on in

It’s back! The Olde Towne Slidell Merchants Association is rolling out the green for the 49^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 12, 1 p.m. The route begins at City Hall and features over 50 floats, walkers, horses, cars, trucks, dance teams, marching bands and more. Of course, you will have the opportunity to shop for traditional Irish stew ingredients! For more information, click here.

Lucky Button #3 – Win, Win, Win

If you really want to press your luck, you can win big at the $5,000 Drawdown to benefit the Maritime Museum Lighthouse Fundraiser on Friday, March 17, 6 p.m. For $100, you and a guest will enjoy cocktails, dinner and an entry into winning the pot of gold! Be sure to bring out your festive St. Patrick’s Day attire. For more information, click here.

While these are three options to make your March a month of good luck, there are so many more ways to see green on the Northshore. Check out louisiananorthshore.com for more!

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