Do You Voodoo?
It seems as though every year Voodoo Music Experience gets bigger and better. It could be magic or it could be that New Orleans is just so appealing to musicians that they want to come here from far and wide. The weekend of concerts, Oct. 26-28 at City Park, will offer several choices. Some of the major headliners include Rage Against the Machine, The Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco, Sinead O’Connor and Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals but don’t overlook all the amazing local acts such as Morning 40 Federation, Dr. John, Soul Rebels, The Bingo! Show and Fleur de Tease Burlesque show – they too provide riveting performances. Check the Web site for the complete schedule and vendor list.
Information, voodoomusicfest.com.


The Return of MOMIX
MOMIX is a popular dance troupe known for their innovative choreography and surreal settings. Directed and choreographed by Moses Pendleton, the group of dancers is known to float through alien terrains, mutate into Gila monsters and leave audiences wondering if they perhaps defy gravity. Of course, this all makes for a fascinating performance, and “The Best of MOMIX,” featuring a quarter century of greatest hits, will kick off the 2007-’08 New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) season, Oct. 26 and 27 at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall on the Uptown campus.
Information, 522-0996, www.nobadance.com.





Creative Cans
The American Institute of Architects New Orleans Chapter (AIA New Orleans) and Second Harvest Food Bank are hosting the ninth annual Canstruction fundraiser, which is a charitable competition that puts students, architects and engineers to a creative test building a functional kind of sculpture – out of canned food that will later be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

On Oct. 26, the public is invited to watch the creative competition that will last from noon until midnight at the Shops at Canal Place. The next day, there will be a gala that will include live music, a silent auction and cuisine from top restaurants. The sculptures will be on display until Nov. 3 before the components are donated. Fun fact: In the past nine years, this fundraiser has provided nearly 300,000 meals to the hungry throughout the area.
Information, 525-8320, www.aianeworleans.org; www.canstruction.org.


Dali Who?
Can’t distinguish Monet from Dali? No problem – you don’t need to be an expert to have fun on Oct. 6 at Art for Arts’ Sake, the annual street party in the Warehouse Arts District and on Magazine Street. The evening will begin at 6 p.m., with hundreds of open galleries and shops (and outdoor cash bars). It’s bound to be a pleasant experience as long as the weather agrees with us.

Plus, The Contemporary Arts Center will stay open until midnight, displaying new exhibits and hosting a reception and party. You will see interesting, inspiring works from artists from near and far. Who knows? Maybe by the end of the evening, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge and passion for art.
Information, 528-3805, www.cacno.org.


Hornets on Halloween
October is arguably a sports lover’s favorite month, with football season well underway and basketball season just beginning. The beloved New Orleans Hornets will debut at their first home game Oct. 31 against the Sacramento Kings in a game that’s sure to be fast-paced and entertaining. Be sure to arrive in costume – or at least Hornets’ colored clothing to cheer on the home team.
Information, 525-HOOP (4667), www.nba.com/hornets.


Krewe of Boo
There’s now a krewe that’s oriented towards New Orleans’ other big holiday – Halloween – and it’s appropriately named the Krewe of Boo. Raising money for the nonprofit First Responders’ Fund, the krewe will be hosting events throughout the month in the French Quarter and at Mardi Gras World – which will be transformed into a haunted house opening Oct. 5. The Krewe of Boo will collaborate with local bars and businesses in the French Quarter Oct. 26-30. (They  will also hold a costume contest Oct. 27 outside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.) The grand finale, Halloween night, will be the Exposé Bash, an extravagant costume party at Mardi Gras World. The krewe, which is a Blaine Kern Sr. production, is recruiting new members and sponsorships, as well as selling tickets to these events through its Web site. Members will be working during the coming year to not only raise money for their cause but also to put together a parade for October 2008.
Information, 394-5642. www.kreweofboo.org.


Films and Fun
Film buffs and movie geeks – and anyone who wants to check out some creativity from around the world – are invited to the 18th Annual New Orleans Film Festival, which will showcase some amazing new films of many genres including documentaries, major feature films and shorter films from here and abroad. Throughout the duration of the festival (Oct. 11-18), citywide audiences will have a chance to meet with filmmakers and mingle with actors and others who worked on the films at panels, workshops, social events and parties. And, speaking of parties, Republic will host a gala Oct. 11, which will feature music, great food and a DJ dance party as a kickoff to the excitement.
Information, 309-6633, www.neworleansfilmfest.com.