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March 21 Olde Towne Street Closures for Arts Evening

In preparation for Arts Evening on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the City of Slidell is announcing temporary street closures throughout the Olde Towne district. To ensure public safety during the festivities, several streets will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Affected areas include portions of the following streets:

  • First Street

  • Erlanger Avenue

  • Bouscaren Street

  • Cousin Street

  • Carey Street

  • Robert Street

Please refer to the map for more information.

Mayor Randy Fandal invites the community to explore the works of over 50 artists showcased at more than 30 locations. The event will also feature live performances from eight bands, antique and boutique shopping, and various dining options at local restaurants.

Important Parking Information:
Residents and visitors are advised not to park within the closure area during the designated hours. For public safety, bollards will be positioned throughout Olde Towne. Any vehicles remaining inside the barricaded perimeter after 2:00 p.m. will be unable to exit until the bollards are removed at 10:00 p.m.

For more information about Arts Evening, please visit MySlidell.com or contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

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32nd Annual Arts Evening to Bring Art, Music, and Culture to Olde Towne Slidell on March 21

The streets of Olde Towne Slidell will come alive with a celebration of the arts during the 32nd Annual Arts Evening on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. More than 50 artists and eight bands and musicians will transform the historic district into an outdoor arts venue, offering art, live music, food and drinks, and unique shopping experiences for visitors.

“Olde Towne Slidell is the cultural heart of our community, and Arts Evening is a perfect showcase of the creativity and talent that make our city special,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “I invite everyone to come out, enjoy the music, meet the artists, and celebrate the arts in Olde Towne Slidell.”

Visitors will enjoy a vibrant mix of visual arts, live entertainment, fine and casual dining, a variety of drinks, and antique and boutique shopping throughout Olde Towne. They may also notice something a little unexpected – Christmas decorations.

“If you notice Christmas decorations in Olde Towne during Arts Evening, you’re not imagining things,” said Alex Carollo, Director of Cultural & Public Affairs. “Netflix is currently filming a Christmas movie in Olde Towne, and parts of the district will be decorated for the holidays, so visitors will get to experience a little holiday magic during this year’s event.”

Participating businesses include:

  • American Legion Post 374 – Artist Michele Maiaroto
  • Antiques & Art on First – Music by Two Peace Mild
  • Arcade on Carey
  • Audibert’s Bistreaux – Live entertainment by Fat City Swing. Artists Betty Baker-Kelly, Jake James, Omega Johnson
  • Brass Monkey – Music by Alpha Tribe
  • Bridge Street Ink
  • Camellia City Pizza – Music by Overboard
  • Camellia Wellbeing – Coach Chias Trucker Hat Bar with Anastasia, The Bread Company
  • Carolynn’s Wonderland – Artists Cher Levis, Paula Merrit Windham
  • Christina’s Therapeutic Touch – Artist CoCo Calderon
  • Crave 985 – Music by Audio Beach. Artist Joe Dean
  • Engel & Völkers – Artists Christy Gautreaux, Hannah Marks, Joshua Wichterich
  • Expo Signs – Arts Evening Poster Artist Charmaine Allesandro. Artists Cindy Bachemin, Connie Born, LaRisa Clevinger, Keith Delaune, Pat Lera, Matt Litchliter, David Miller.
  • The Golden Goat
  • Heidelberg’s
  • KY’s
  • Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien – Artists Elsa Baker, Lizzie Shelby D’Aquin, Charlotte Lowry-Collins, Lyba Murphy, Michael Reed
  • Luna Tequila
  • Old Town Soda Shop
  • Olde Towne Pizza
  • Olde Towne Slidell Main Street at Crippin Cottage – Music by SteveA. Artists Lori Anselmo, E. Robert Gallery Decor, The Happy Photo Booth, K.L. Smith Fine Art, Mosquito Mollie Insect Resin Art, Olivia’s Creations, Gina Reviere, Sweeties Creamy Pralines, Shana’s Kitchen, Olivia Yi
  • Olde Towne Tavern
  • Pontchartrain Investment Management – Music by Sara, Jim and Jeff. Artists Ray Farrell, Mary Rich, Mia Simmons
  • Roots Plants + Coffee – Slidell Art League, Swamp Sprouts Art
  • Rustic Wick
  • St. August Maison – Artists Linda Bickel, Phil Galatas, Ernest Robert, Krystal Shermack, Robin Veerkamp, John Wilson, Dustin Young
  • Slidell Museum – Leadership Northshore’s Team Trashformation
  • Tacos & Beer
  • Tres Co.
  • Triangle Square – Music by Highway Miles. Artist Wild Lily Designs
  • Whiskey and Ashe

Live entertainment will fill the streets during Arts Evening, with eight musical acts performing throughout the district. Alpha Tribe will perform near Brass Monkey, Audio Beach will play near Crave 985, Fat City Swing will perform near Audibert’s Bistreaux, and Highway Miles will take the stage at Triangle Square. Overboard will entertain under Antique Umbrella Alley near Camellia City Pizza, Sara Jim and Jeff will perform at Pontchartrain Investment Management, SteveA will play a solo set near the Olde Towne Slidell Main Street booth on First Street, and Two Peace Mild will perform in the courtyard at Antiques & Art on First. The lineup features a diverse range of musical styles, from jazz and rock to pop favorites, ensuring there is something for every musical taste.

Visitors can also enjoy Olde Towne’s thriving dining and bar scene throughout the evening. Participating establishments include Audibert’s Bistreaux, Brass Monkey, Camellia City Pizza, The Golden Goat, Heidelberg’s Bar, KY’s, Luna Tequila, Olde Town Soda Shop, Olde Towne Pizza, Olde Towne Tavern, St. August Maison, Roots Plants + Coffee, Tacos & Beer, Triangle Square, and Whiskey and Ashe. These venues will offer their regular menus along with special Arts Evening offerings, providing everything from casual to fine dining, craft cocktails, and specialty coffees.

This year’s Arts Evening Poster Artist, Charmaine Allesandro, will be selling signed event posters at Expo Signs. A New Orleans native, Allesandro is a retired registered nurse who dedicated 30 years of service to Children’s Hospital. Her artistic journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she turned to acrylic painting as a source of solace and creative fulfillment. Her path as an artist has been shaped by personal trials and resilience, including undergoing treatment for breast cancer while her husband, Phil, was placed on the lung transplant list for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Although he received the gift of life in 2022, he sadly passed away two years later due to organ rejection. Now cancer-free, Allesandro has returned to her art with renewed passion and purpose. Known for her impressionistic style, she creates portraits and landscapes featuring bold colors, often hiding a small bluebird in her paintings as a tribute to her mother, “Birdy,” symbolizing love and loss. Her future work will continue to reflect themes of healing, perseverance, and compassion.

For more information about Arts Evening, contact the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Updates and details about City of Slidell events can be found at MySlidell.com or by following the City of Slidell, Louisiana on Facebook.

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𝐍𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐥𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟖 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭. 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞

In preparation for the Olde Towne Merchants Association’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, several streets in the Olde Towne area will start closing at 6:00 a.m.
For public safety, any vehicle that is left parked along the parade route after 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, will be towed at the owner’s expense. See the parade map for more information.
This includes sections of Bouscaren, First, Erlanger, Fremaux, Teddy, Front, Carey, Cousin, Robert, Brakefield, Guzman, Bryan, Cleveland, Bilten, Mayfield, Old Spanish Trail, Lee, College, William Tell, and Ciruti.

The Slidell Police Department will begin closing down streets along the parade route to vehicular traffic at 8 a.m. Please do not congregate in the streets until all the streets are closed.

 

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Mayor Fandal and Slidell Commission on the Arts Announce Charmaine Allesandro as Arts Evening 2026 Poster Artist

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are proud to announce that Charmaine Allesandro has been selected as the official Poster Artist for Arts Evening 2026. Her artwork, titled “Good Morning Bayou Liberty I,” will be featured on the official event poster and all publicity materials for the city’s cultural celebration.

“Charmaine’s artwork is truly beautiful. It perfectly represents the serenity, beauty, and nature of our community,” said Mayor Fandal. “I invite all of our residents and visitors to join us in Olde Towne on March 21 to celebrate this incredible talent and enjoy everything Arts Evening has to offer.”

The search for this year’s poster artist began in January, when artists were invited to submit their original artwork for consideration. The call for entries drew significant interest, resulting in over 30 submissions from 12 different artists. Following an initial review, the final selections were presented to the Slidell Commission on the Arts, where Allesandro was ultimately selected as the 2026 Poster Artist.

A New Orleans native, Allesandro is a retired Registered Nurse who dedicated 30 years of service to Children’s Hospital in various nursing management positions, as well as serving as the Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network.

Her artistic journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Seeking solace and creative fulfillment during a time of global anxiety, she turned to acrylics. Her path as an artist has been deeply shaped by personal trials and resilience. While undergoing treatment for breast cancer, her husband, Phil, was placed on the lung transplant list for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Although he received the gift of life in 2022, he sadly passed away two years later due to organ rejection.

Now cancer-free, Allesandro has returned to her art with renewed passion and purpose. Known for her impressionistic style, she creates portraits and landscapes that incorporate an array of bold colors. Viewers are encouraged to look for a hidden bluebird in her paintings – a touching tribute to her mother, “Birdy,” representing both love and loss. While she remains captivated by the beauty of nature, she looks forward to creating new pieces that reflect themes of healing, perseverance, and compassion.

 

“When I learned that my painting was selected as the Slidell Arts Evening poster for 2026, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude,” said Allesandro. “I have always loved Slidell and its beautiful bayous and wildlife. Being selected as this year’s artist is one of the greatest honors of my life. This recognition is not only validation of my art but an inspiration for me to continue my journey in capturing the beauty of nature that is all around us.”

The 32nd annual Arts Evening will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. Recognized as one of the largest cultural festivals on the Northshore, this family-friendly event features over 80 artists displaying their works at more than 40 locations throughout Olde Towne. In addition to the visual arts, guests can enjoy live entertainment, fine and casual dining, and shopping at antique, boutique, and unique shops. Admission is free.

Charmaine Allesandro will be present during the event to sell signed copies of the commemorative poster. For more information about the artist and her work, please visit www.CharmNolaArt.com.

For more information about Arts Evening, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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Country Club Estates Neighborhood Park Temporarily Closed for Playground Upgrades

The City of Slidell is announcing that the neighborhood park in Country Club Estates is now temporarily closed to the public as crews begin work to remove aging infrastructure and install new playground equipment.

“This investment in Country Club Estates Park is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to upgrading our parks and recreation facilities for our citizens,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “Over the next several years, we will be upgrading all of our neighborhood parks. We want families to have access to safe places to play. These improvements are not just about new equipment, they are about quality of life and making sure today’s kids have even better parks than the ones we grew up with.”

Recent recreational infrastructure upgrades include new tennis courts at the Henry J. Calamari Tennis Complex on Sgt. Alfred Drive, the Slidell Pickleball Courts and Slidell Skatepark at John Slidell Park, and the Rue Rochelle neighborhood park.

The closure is expected to last for several months during construction and installation. In the meantime, citizens are encouraged to visit other nearby parks and recreational facilities in Slidell.

For more City of Slidell news and information about upcoming events, visit MySlidell.com and follow “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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City Offices Closed February 16-17 for Presidents Day, Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras

In observation of Presidents Day, Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras holidays, city offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Offices will reopen during regular hours on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Essential personnel will remain on duty, should an emergency arise. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.
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Temporary Street Closures Announced for Mona Lisa and MoonPie Parade in Olde Towne Slidell

There will be several temporary street closures in Olde Towne Slidell for the annual Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The closures will affect multiple streets beginning at 2:00 p.m., with normal traffic resuming following the conclusion of the parade. The Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade will proceed through the streets of Olde Towne Slidell beginning at 7:00 p.m.

These temporary closures are being implemented to accommodate parade staging, increased pedestrian activity, and public safety operations in the Olde Towne area. Residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find parking, enjoy Olde Towne shops and restaurants, and secure a viewing spot along the parade route.

“We’re implementing these closures to ensure the safety of both parade participants and spectators,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “We encourage residents to plan alternate routes and arrive early to enjoy the parade and everything Olde Towne has to offer.”

The Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade is one of Slidell’s oldest established parades and is recognized as the city’s first walking parade. Known for its whimsical and artistic flair, the parade features costumed revelers who walk the route, push decorated carts, and hand out the event’s signature treat, MoonPies. The 2026 parade theme is “Mona’s Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales,” which is expected to inspire creative walking krewes and elaborate cart designs, creating a unique, family-friendly Mardi Gras experience in the heart of Olde Towne.

For more information about the Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade, visit their website at MoonPieParade.com.

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City of Slidell Finalizes Purchase of SBBA Ballfields

The City of Slidell is excited to announce the official purchase and closing on the Slidell Bantam Baseball Association (SBBA) ballfields, turning a key vision that Mayor Randy Fandal spoke about in last week’s State of the City address into reality.

After two years of hard work, planning, and collaboration, the city now owns the SBBA ballfields and has secured a commitment from a private investor to contribute between 7 and 8 million dollars to turf and upgrade the facilities.

“This project will improve recreational facilities for our families and allow Slidell to host tournaments from across the region right here at home, bringing visitors and economic activity without placing the full burden on taxpayers,” said Mayor Fandal. “I would like to thank everyone who worked hard on making this deal possible, the SBBA board, and especially Councilman Kenny Tamborella and the members of the Slidell City Council for their support. This is a major win for our families, our young athletes, our local businesses, and our taxpayers.”

The upgraded SBBA complex is expected to provide modern, high-quality facilities for local youth and families, attract regional baseball tournaments and associated tourism spending, support local businesses through increased visitor traffic, and deliver significant recreational and economic benefits without fully relying on public funds.

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Colliers releases redevelopment opportunities report for Northshore Square Mall

Colliers partnered with the city of Slidell for a redevelopment concept

Slidell, LA., January 22, 2026 – Colliers is pleased to release its published comprehensive report outlining insights into the redevelopment potential of the Northshore Square Mall site in Slidell. Commissioned by the City of Slidell in partnership with the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation (STEDC), the report identifies strategies to repurpose the property in ways that stimulate economic growth, diversify the tax base and create quality jobs for the region. The feasibility report for the redevelopment was orchestrated by Colliers’ Chris Abadie, Fiona Sterritt and Jason Boris.

“Our findings highlight significant opportunities to reposition Northshore Square Mall as a catalyst for long-term economic development,” said Chris Abadie, senior vice president at Colliers. “By leveraging public and private-sector insights, we can help the City of Slidell and STEDC make informed decisions that align with market demand and community priorities.”

Key areas in the feasibility report include:
• Event center analysis
• Distribution/Logistics Center analysis
• Light manufacturing analysis
• Logistics and retail hub analysis

“What makes this study especially valuable is that it reflects extensive input from both industry experts and the Slidell community,” said Russell Richardson, President and CEO of St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation. “We’re proud to partner with the City of Slidell, Mayor Fandal, and local stakeholders to help return the Northshore Square Mall site to productive use—ensuring it can once again play a meaningful role in Slidell’s and St. Tammany’s economic future for decades to come.”

Northshore Square Mall is a predominantly vacant retail building generating nominal tax revenue due to a significant lack of business activity. The property spans approximately 54 acres, offering substantial potential for a mix of uses. Its strategic location and existing assets position it as a prime candidate for redevelopment. Property site advantages include excellent interstate exposure and access, proximity to nearby hotels, retailers, and restaurants, a robust economic development environment, a growing population and increased investment in logistics.

“On behalf of the City of Slidell, I want to thank Colliers and STEDC for their partnership on this report,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “For a long time, Northshore Square Mall has been both a challenge and an opportunity for our community. This report confirms what we have believed for some time, that this site has strong potential to drive economic growth for Slidell and St. Tammany Parish. Now that we have these results, we can work to attract new investments, create quality jobs, and transform this underused property into an economic hub that supports our families, our businesses, and our future.”

View the report here

 

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City Offices Closed on Monday, January 19, in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all City of Slidell offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026. Offices will reopen and resume normal business hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Essential personnel will remain on duty to respond to any emergencies. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service during the holiday, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.

Mayor Randy Fandal encourages all citizens to honor the legacy of Dr. King by joining him at Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade on Monday, January 19, 2026. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2445 Fourth St. and goes through Olde Towne. All are welcome to attend and participate in this community celebration.

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