The Weekend Playbook: Chuck Palahniuk, a seafood fest, and a PRISON RODEO!

Event of the WeekLouisiana and seafood go together like oysters and beer, as the popular saying goes, and you'll find all of those things (plus two stages filled with rocking local bands) at the Louisiana Seafood Fest in beautiful City Park. What’s not to love? Find out more here

Thursday, October 10thJust in case you’ve forgotten the first two rules of Fight Club (no smoking?), and are maybe rusty on that Heimlich-for-cash scam from Choke, you’re in luck. The man himself, Chuck Palahniuk, will be at Tip’s on Thursday, hosting a pajama party for his “Adult Bedtime Stories”. More info this way, Jack

There’s a reason people are calling New Orleans “Hollywood South” these days, and it sure ain’t because of the temperate weather. Release your inner film nerd (and maybe meet a star or two) at the New Orleans Film Festival this weekend, w/ screenings and panels galore. Click here for the "action"(!)

Friday, October 11thSo you think you can stir a roux, eh? Well, find out that you definitely can't by competing against the best at the 24th Annual World Championship Gumbo Cookoff. It’s supposed to be a global contest, but odds strongly favor some bubba from the bayou taking home the blue ribbon. Soup’s up over here

If the idea of spending three days on a historic paddlewheeler, cruising the Mississippi river listening to tons of classic jazz is something that tickles your fancy, then Steamboat Stomp is what you need. Click here for more

Saturday, October 12thFrom the Land of the Rising Sun to the Land of the Brown Pelican, Japan Fest is headed to the New Orleans Art Museum. Whether you’re into tea ceremonies, taiko drumming, or confusing tentacle-related anime the ever-popular martial arts demos, if Japanese culture is your bag, then it’s gonna get filled on Saturday. For info, head here

Sunday, October 13thThere are only two reasons you would head to Angola State Penitentiary, and the more pleasant option is to check out the best damned prison rodeo this world has ever seen. There will be crafts and food, of course, but you know you’re going to go to see if a convicted felon gets gored by an enormous, angry steer. Giddyup this way, podnah