Black-and-white Lafcadio Fest logo featuring an illustrated portrait of Lafcadio Hearn in a wide-brimmed hat, set in front of a globe. Curved text reads “Lafcadio Fest” above the portrait and “Est. 2026” below.

Lafcadio Fest 2026

Sat, Jun 20, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
New Orleans
New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint

Join us at the New Orleans Jazz Museum for Lafcadio Fest 2026, a celebration of the life and legacy of New Orleans author Lafcadio Hearn, presented and produced by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Festivities include: a panel of scholars offering insights on Lafcadio's writings from New Orleans, the Caribbean, and Japan; a keynote from Hearn biographer Steve Kemme; talks by Krewe of Lafcadio founder John Kelly and Krewe of Rex float designer Caroline Thomas; community members' reflections on the ongoing connections between New Orleans and its sister city Matsue, Japan; food by Greta's Sushi; virtual "visits" from the Mayor of Matsue and Hearn's great-grandson; and musical surprises to come! Entry to the event is free and open to the public.

For more information and schedule updates, visit the JSNO website (www.japansocietyofneworleans.org/Lafcadio-Fest) and our Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/2388455514989408

Follow us on Instagram @lafcadiofest. To get involved with Lafcadio Fest, for media inquiries, or to learn more about the Japan Society of New Orleans, contact us at [email protected].

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