New Orleans Magazine is turning 60! And we are in good company. Jazz artist “Lady Louis” Doreen Ketchens, New Orleans native and actress Katherine LaNasa (star of TV’s “The Pitt”), former Gov. John Bel Edwards, the New Orleans Saints and the Historic New Orleans Collection all celebrate 60 years in 2026, as well.
Throughout the history of the magazine, from its origin story in a tiny dining room in Antoine’s to its transition and rebirth to Renaissance Publishing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, through the dark days of the pandemic to now, we have seen countless writers, artists, familiar faces, politicians, supporters (and sometimes scoundrels,) like the ones mentioned above, come and go as we covered the city.
Each time an issue to goes to press, after weeks of planning and work, I feel so fortunate to be a part of the New Orleans Magazine team of writers, photographers, illustrators, our creative director (my super-talented right-hand woman), publisher and the entire staff that help make it happen each month.
Growing up, I always wanted to be in publishing. I read everything from Nancy Drew to the Brontë sisters growing up. Each weekend we would gather as a family and read the Sunday newspaper while listening to my dad’s favorite Linda Ronstadt record. Magazines took everything I love — good writing, art, design and people — to the next level, all wrapped up in glossy pages each month. I would marvel at newsstands, trying to pick the next issue I would read cover to cover, or feel that special excitement that came with the latest issue being delivered in the mail.
This is where readers (like little me) come in. We owe our readers, subscribers and supporters a big “thank you” and “cheers” on our birthday. The lasting legacy of publications like New Orleans Magazine — small local magazines that tell the stories of a place, a home and community — is why supporting real people, real writers, real photographers and illustrators is so important right now. No one else can truly the tell the stories — your stories — from a unique hometown point of view.
This issue is no different from the past. We’ve got everything you need for a great October, from the best fests, how to Halloween, a look at the artistry of tattoos, plus restaurant news, recipes, style guides and some great hometown writing.
So, thank you for reading! We hope to keep bringing you the flavor, the personalities, the community spirit of New Orleans for another 60 years. Happy birthday to us…and to you.
