News Summary
New Orleans will observe the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a series of events focusing on reflection, resilience, and community engagement. Beginning August 29, the city’s week-long commemoration includes exhibitions, discussions, and cultural activities honoring those lost and examining the recovery since the disaster. Notable events include art exhibits, film screenings, author talks, and the annual Katrina March, all aimed at fostering dialogue and celebration within the community.
New Orleans Plans Extensive Commemorative Events for 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
New Orleans is set to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a week of extensive commemorative events beginning Friday, August 29. This observance not only honors the thousands who lost their lives but also reflects on the city’s resilience and recovery efforts since the disaster and the subsequent levee failures.
The week-long series of events will feature a mix of exhibitions, discussions, and cultural activities designed to engage the community and foster reflection. A notable exhibition, Weathering the Storm: Reflecting on New Orleans’ Past, currently running at the New Orleans Main Library, examines the city’s response to major hurricanes, including Betsy, Camille, and Katrina. This exhibit will remain open until the end of 2025.
The New Orleans Museum of Art is host to the exhibition Dapper Bruce Lafitte: A Time Before Katrina, showcasing the vibrant life of the city prior to the hurricane through the eyes of local artist Dapper Bruce Lafitte. This exhibition is set to run until September 21.
Insight into Rebuilding Post-Katrina
The CANOA center is presenting NO PAPERS! NO FEAR: Documenting the (UN)Documented, an exhibit recognizing the significant role of undocumented workers in the rebuilding process of New Orleans post-Katrina, available until October 24. Additionally, the Good Children Gallery will host Katrina Diaspora: A 20-Year Recursive Experiment, a group show featuring various artists until September 14.
Environmental and Cultural Discussions
Addressing ongoing issues of climate change and environmental justice, the Monarch Forum will be hosted by Taproot Earth on August 25 and 26. The Katrina 20 Mini Film Festival will also screen several documentaries related to the aftermath of Katrina on the same dates, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage with historical narratives through film.
Community organizing for coastal restoration will be discussed at the Coastal Reflections event on August 26, which is open to the public. Poet Donney Rose will perform Down by the Riverside that same day, blending storytelling and poetry rooted in Katrina’s experiences.
Literary and Cinematic Contributions
Author Sandy Rosenthal will discuss her book on levee failures at Octavia Books on August 27, while a panel titled Turning the Tide: Weathering Katrina will feature journalists sharing their firsthand experiences during the storm. The documentary Women of the Storm will be screened at Prytania Theatre, focusing on women’s advocacy in the aftermath, also on August 27. Additionally, the documentary 20 Summers will provide insights into the evolution of music and culture in New Orleans since Katrina.
Commemorative March and Public Discussions
The annual Katrina March and Second Line will take place at 11 a.m. on August 29, culminating in a healing ceremony and remembrance service. That day, the Louisiana State Museums will re-open the exhibit Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond, accompanied by public symposiums designed to foster community dialogue.
Performances, including Waves of Grace: Remember Katrina and Swimming Upstream: The Katrina Monologues, are also scheduled for August 29 and 30 at various venues around the city. Following this, the Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary Summit will facilitate discussions on pressing topics related to climate, water, and infrastructure on August 30, with free admission to the public.
Community Celebration and Ongoing Dialogues
The week concludes with the Deeply Rooted: 20 Years and Beyond block party on August 31, featuring local vendors and a mural unveiling. On September 6, a panel discussion at the Main Branch of the New Orleans Public Library will further explore post-Katrina experiences, promoting ongoing conversations about the hurricane’s lasting impact on the community.
This commemorative week not only serves to honor those affected by Hurricane Katrina but also aims to educate new generations about past challenges while celebrating the resilience of New Orleans in rebuilding and redefining its future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ray Nagin Reflects on Hurricane Katrina’s Aftermath
New Orleans Residents Reflect on Cultural Resilience and Identity
The Lingering Impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans
Mardi Gras Service Returns to the Gulf Coast
20 Years After Hurricane Katrina: New Orleans’ Resilience
Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Train Service Returns to New Orleans
Marking Two Decades Since Hurricane Katrina
Greater New Orleans Companies Shine on Inc. 5000 List
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Amtrak to Launch Mardi Gras Service Between New Orleans and Mobile
Additional Resources
- NOLA: New Orleans Events for Hurricane Katrina Anniversary
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Katrina
- WWLTV: Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary Events
- Google Search: Hurricane Katrina events 2025
- NOLA: Hurricane Katrina Diaspora
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Katrina
- NOLA: Restaurants Post-Katrina
- Google News: Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
