Upcoming Events

• • Today, Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Krewe social @ Oak and Ale
  • Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. – noon p.m. Book Club discussing “Agincourt” @ The Columns
  • Sunday, Nov. 8, 1-4 p.m. Throws @ Capt. Amanda’s
  • Saturday, Nov. 14, 1-4 p.m. Props: Orléans Victory Feast Table @ Chris Caravella’s
  • Sunday, Nov. 15, midnight: Maid of Honor contest deadline (to portray our young Joan of Arc on horseback and represent us in France)
  • Saturday, Nov. 21, 1-4 p.m. Throws @ Capt. Amanda’s
  • Save the date!  Coronation party Dec. 15 at Degas House

Krewe social tonight 6 p.m. at Oak and Ale

Oak & Ale (8118 Oak St., map) features a wine bar on one side, a beer bar on the other, and a patio in between. Look for us on the patio or inside on the Oak Wine Bar side (look for a krewe jacket or logo hanging on a chair).  Order on your own tab at either (or both!) bars (same food menu on both sides, and one tab works at both bars). Prospective members welcome. Meet other krewe members, ask questions, bounce ideas, show off what you’re working on, or just hang out. https://oakandalenola.com/ This is a regular krewe gathering on the first Tuesday of the month.

Book Club this Saturday: Agincourt by Salon speaker Michael Livingstone

Saturday, Nov. 6, 2026 10 a.m. to noon, at The Columns (3811 St. Charles, map). Anyone who wants to discuss the book is welcome!  There’s no requirement to be a krewe member.

Michael Livingston, professor of military history at the Citadel, spoke at our 2026 Salon de Jeanne d’Arc Oct. 3. SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 HISTORICAL WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION NON-FICTION CROWN AWARD ‘It’s quite a feat to write an account of England’s most famous battle that makes the reader feel like they’re experiencing history that is fresh, new and exhilarating.’ Dan Snow This groundbreaking study by Mike Livingston, as featured on History Hit’s Agincourt, presents a new interpretation of Henry V’s great victory. From Shakespeare’s ‘band of brothers’ speech to its appearances in numerous films, Agincourt rightfully has a place among a handful of conflicts whose names are immediately recognized around the world. Renowned medieval historian Mike Livingston provides a new look at this famous battle, with a foreword by world famous historic novelist Bernard Cornwell. Agincourt takes us back to the original sources, including the French battle plan that still survives today, to give a new interpretation, one that challenges the traditional site of the battlefield itself. It is a thrilling new history that not only rewrites the battle as we know it, but also provides fresh insights into the men who fought and died there. More about our book club.

Props Workshop: Orléans Victory Feast Tables

Our Orléans battalion represents the city of Orléans, France, in their moment of celebrating Joan of Arc’s first victory, breaking the English siege on May 8, 1429. Food and supplies for the siege recovery (sponsored by Yolande of Aragon) accompanied Joan and her troops into the city, and a historically documented victory speech took place. The city of Orléans has celebrated this victory on May 8 ever since. Our focus this year is to make the victory feast concept much more visible to the crowd with a couple of oversized feast tables that will serve as a backdrop for the costumed people in the Orléans battalion. Anyone is welcome to help with the prop build (not just Orléanais!). We’ll have jobs for all skill levels, and we’ll be working both on building the prop and decorating the feast table.

• Saturday, Nov. 14, 1-4 p.m. Props: Orléans Victory Feast Table @ the home of Orléans Battalion Lieutenant and krewe board member Chris Caravella, (59 Allard Blvd., New Orleans).

For All Saints Day, pledge your sword to St. Joan of Arc!

All Saints Day (Nov. 1) is the last day of “regular” membership pricing, with price increases Nov. 2 and again Dec. 2. Apply now!  Full members “Officers” will portray medieval French townspeople and characters associated with Joan’s story in our walking parade. They choose and provide their own costumes (help available!)  and work with krewe leaders to choose their parade roles. Our full members are our creative and financial core. Membership dues are essential for us to finance our year-round activities as well as parade expenses such as parade permits and musicians. 

Or, enlist as a free foot soldier volunteer

Foot Soldier Members. (FREE Volunteers, adults) Our “Foot Soldier” wear simple medieval costumes provided by the krewe and make our parade possible by carrying banners, shepherding props, and walking security. Foot Soldier members ARE invited to all krewe events and may purchase event tickets and keepsakes. Must be 16 or older. Foot soldiers wear an assigned costume, walk in an assigned section of the parade, and do NOT hand out throws.

Or, apply to be the star of the parade, our young Maid of Honor on horseback

Winner also gets a Rotary scholarship to visit Orléans, France

Local young women leaders ages 16-19 who speak or are studying French are eligble to apply. Applications are due November 15th (including essays and letters of recommendation).

2026 Maid of Honor Rory Davis (photo by Kim Welsh)

Joan of Arc in the theater!  

Mount Carmel Academy will perform two fresh perspectives on the Joan of Arc story this weekend and next week (Oct. 23, 34, 27, 28, and 29). In the first act, “Trials,” modern teen Beth finds insight into her own struggles as she studies Joan of Arc. The second act, “Wild Heart” tells the story of Joan’s life in a pop-rock musical with songs by P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Andra Day, Weezer, and Melissa Etheridge.  Tickets: https://stk.booktix.com/   Krewe members can use the discount code: JEANNE.  

Get hands-on at upcoming workshops

• Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6-9 p.m.: Throws @ Capt. Amanda’s
• Sunday, Oct. 25, 2-6 p.m. Jacket decorating @ Capt. Amanda’s
• Sunday, Nov. 8, 1-4 p.m. Throws @ Capt. Amanda’s
• Saturday, Nov. 14, 1-4 p.m. Props: Orléans Victory Feast Table @ Chris Caravella’s
• Saturday, Nov. 21, 1-4 p.m. Throws @ Capt. Amanda’s
• Sunday, Dec. 6, 2-5 p.m. Throws @ Capt. Amanda’s
• Saturday, Dec. 12, 1-4 p.m. Throws @ Capt. Amanda’s

This Sunday: Krewe Jacket Decorating Workshop

Bring your own jacket to decorate, and we’ll help you make the custom krewe “gang jacket” of your dreams! We’ll have available to buy and put on:

• Krewe logo badges, battalion badges, and French speaker badges
• Joanie on the Pony statue foil transfers
• Rhinestones, glue and heat setter
• Custom heat transfer vinyl letters and symbols (we’ll have two Cricut machines set up to do custom cuts on the spot to fit your jacket)!

Tips: Thrift stores can be a great jacket source.  When you choose your jacket, pay attention to the way the seams create decoration opportunities, such as jackets that have a smooth center back panel instead of a center back seam.

Workshop is Sunday, Oct. 25, 2-6 p.m. @ Capt. Amanda’s (7330 Sycamore St.) Please RSVP to help us plan!

Jacket made by workshop co-host and krewe board member Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

Jacket Workshop Helpers wanted:

• We’ll have two sewing machines and a serger set up but we’d LOVE to have a couple of people with sewing skills to stitch down badges for people after they’ve ironed them in place
• Crafters: If anyone has rhinestones, trims, fleur de lis or other adornments you’d like to donate for others, that would be great to bring
• Skilled crafters: Even if you don’t need our help to get your own jacket done, we’d love to have you here to guide others and help them with ideas! If you’ve got a finished jacket, bring it to display for ideas.
• If you have a heat-protective ironing mat and iron you could loan for the day, that would be a help too.

This Saturday is a big day for us! We have a great line-up of speakers this year, and the Salon is always a delightful day of interesting discussions. Please help us get our speakers the big audience they deserve and help us build excitement and membership for the krewe as well. 

Workshop Tuesday Sept. 29 6-9 p.m.

Help us make throws to sell at the Salon!  All skill levels welcome at the home of Captain Amanda 7330 Sycamore St. (map). We sell the throws to members as a fundraiser for the krewe; so your donated labor really helps us cover our parade costs.

Spread the Word

Please share the Salon with your social networks and invite friends. The Salon is free and open to the public, and the lectures will be fascinating for a broad audience, not just krewe members!  Take a look at the schedule and invite specific friends to specific lectures you think they’d especially enjoy. Check out our Instagram and Facebook and mark yourself as “going” on Facebook so you can increase engagement on our page.

• Eventbrite link to share for the full schedule and to pre-order lunch: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salon-de-jeanne-darc-2026-medieval-roots-modern-muse-registration-1997083454372
• Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/krewejeannedarc/
• Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1716204459282825 

Salon volunteers needed!

We need your help to staff our sale table, load in and pack out, and manage the lunch! Sign up here.

Greetings, Voices Battalion members!

You’re invited to a potluck dinner hosted by the Helm family (Captain Amanda and her parents Rich and Judy) on Thursday Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m. (7330 Sycamore St., map).  This is just for full members in the Voices of Joan battalion to get to know each other, not for the whole krewe, but anyone considering joining Voices is also welcome! The Helm family will provide red beans and rice and cornbread, and anyone who would like to contribute to the meal is welcome to bring side dishes or dessert to complement that. RSVP

This is mainly a social event, but it’s also a great time to ask questions, touch base about logistics, or show off any projects you’re working on. Those who need costumes can also discuss costumes with Amanda.

As most of you already know, battalions are the sections of the Joan of Arc parade, and the Voices of Joan battalion represents Joan hearing God’s commands through the three saints: Saint Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret. Here’s more about the Voices Battalion.

Coming Up….

• Joan of Art Gallery Opening THIS Saturday Sept. 5, 5-8 p.m. @ Ariodante Gallery
• Save the date!!!! Salon de Jeanne d’Arc conference Saturday Oct. 3
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Joan of Art 2026 Juried Exhibition opening night at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street: Saturday Sept. 5, 5 p.m.

Krewe members are encouraged to come in krewe colors blue and gold (or costume) to the opening reception for our 2026 Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery in the New Orleans Arts District! (535 Julia Street, map)  The opening reception starts at 5, and everyone can vote in the Choix des Personnes award until 6:45. Judges will view the artwork in person and choose winners.  Both the judges’ awards and the Choix des Personnes (people’s choice) award will be presented at 7 p.m., and people will hang out until 8. The exhibit will continue at the gallery through Sept. 30. Details

This event is part of the First Saturday Art Walk among the Julia Street galleries, so come on out and make a night of it!

Save the date for an outstanding Salon full day conference Oct. 3!

Salon de Jeanne d’Arc free full-day conference Saturday Oct. 3 at the East Bank Library with puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, keynote talk by military historian Michael Livingston from the Citadel, a fencing demonstration, throw sales and more. Spread the word!  Invite friends! 

See the whole schedule

• 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Welcome/Meet & Mingle/Coffee  & Croissants
• 10:00 a.m.to 10:45 a.m.  Puppetry and Pageantry: Pandora Gastalum and Jack Norcross will talk about puppetry in the Middle Ages and demonstrate some of their puppet craft and performance
• 11:00- 12 noon Patron Saints and Popes: Panel from the Archdiocese of New Orleans including Mrs. Betty-Ann Medieros Hickey, Assistant Director of the Office of Worship and Father David Ducote, Director of Vocations and Krewe Member; and an Archivist will discuss the request and process for designating St. Joan an official patron saint of New Orleans and Pope Leo’s New Orleans roots
• 12 P.M. TO 12:45  P.M. LUNCH & UPDATES: Pack your own or order a box lunch we will make available
• 12:45-1:45: What’s for Dinner, Joan? Medieval French Food and Wine, Liz Williams, Author and Founder of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, and Marc Witham, Certified Bordeaux Educator and Krewe member, will talk about Medieval food and wine and do a cooking demonstration.
• 2-3:30: Keynote: Michael Livingston, military historian, the Citadel Military College: Joan of Arc and the 200 Years War
• 3:45-4:30 Système d’Armes historical fencing club demonstration

– Co-Captain Amanda Helm,
Membership Director, Business Manager, Internal Communications

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Members of the Flaming Heretics battalion are invited to gather at Max Bernardi’s art studio (1525 St. Ferdinand, map) for a workshop to hand-dye costumes.  Wear your messy clothes and bring your costume if you have one ready to dye. If your costume isn’t ready to dye — no problem, you can still come to help others, learn the technique, get to know people, ask questions and get ideas!  Contact your battalion leader Max 504-258-5822 to let her know you’re coming and get more details — she will need to let you into the building, which is home to many different art studios

This workshop is not for the whole krewe; it’s for full members in the Flaming Heretics battalion only. Full members thinking about becoming Flaming Heretics or even just heretic-curious are also welcome! 

Coming Up….

• THIS SATURDAY Aug. 28: Throws workshop 1-4 p.m. @ Captain Amanda’s
• Tuesday: Sept. 1: Krewe social 6 p.m. at Oak and Ale
• Joan of Art Gallery Opening Saturday Sept. 5, 5-8 p.m. @ Ariodante Gallery
• Throws workshops: Sept. 12, 20 and 29th
• Save the date!!!! Salon de Jeanne d’Arc conference Saturday Oct. 3
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Krewe Throws Workshops

Come craft with us at the home of krewe captain Amanda Helm at 7330 Sycamore St.  We’re trying to get a bunch of throws ready to sell in person at the upcoming Salon conference. All skill levels are welcome and all supplies will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own tools if you prefer. These are a great way to connect with other krewe members, get your questions answered, show off your own krewe projects, and bounce ideas. FYI for those with allergies, Lady Jane the cat does live here. Workshops:

• Saturday August 29, 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday Sept. 12, 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday Sept. 20, 2-6 p.m.
• Tuesday Sept. 29, 6-9 p.m.
  One of the throws we’ll be working on for 2027: knights made out of a recycled champagne cork, cocktail sword, and bottle cap shield.

Krewe Social at Oak and Ale Tuesday Sept. 1

Gather for our monthly krewe social on the first Tuesdays of the month, 6-8 p.m. Oak & Ale (8118 Oak St., map) features a wine bar on one side, a beer bar on the other, and a patio in between. We usually grab the tables in the left front corner of the wine bar side.  Order on your own tab at either (or both!) bars (same food menu on both sides, and one tab works at both bars). Prospective members welcome. Meet other krewe members, ask questions, bounce ideas, show off what you’re working on, or just hang out. https://oakandalenola.com/

Save the date for two favorite events!

• Joan of Art 2026 Juried Exhibition opening night at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street: Saturday Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
  • Krewe members are encouraged to come in krewe colors blue and gold (or costume) to the opening reception for our 2026 Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery in the New Orleans Arts District!  This year, the judges will view the art in person and select the winners during the opening reception starting at 5, and everyone can vote in the Choix des Personnes award. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m., and people will hang out until 8. The exhibit will continue at the gallery through Sept. 30.  Details
• Salon de Jeanne d’Arc free full-day conference Saturday Oct. 3 at the East Bank Library
  with puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, keynote talk by military historian Michael Livingston from the Citadel, a fencing demonstration, throw sales and more. See the whole schedule

– Co-Captain Amanda Helm,
Membership Director, Business Manager, Internal Communications

Coming Up….

• Movie night The Messenger TONIGHT Monday Aug.24 @ Canal Place
• Spiritus Mundi medieval concert Wednesday Aug. 26 @ Cafe Istanbul
• Joan of Art Gallery Opening Saturday Sept. 5, 5-8 p.m. @ Ariodante Gallery
• Save the date!!!! Salon de Jeanne d’Arc conference Saturday Oct. 3 (puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, guest military historian, fencing demonstration and more!)
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Movie Night The Messenger  TONIGHT Monday Aug. 24, 6 p.m, at Canal Place Theater

Join us for a movie night with Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc!  Get your ticket here! Ticket sales benefit The Joan of Arc Project.  Prytania Theatre is generously donating the venue for this fundraiser/membership recruitment event. Doors open at 5:30 to meet and greet Krewe members and learn more about us (we will have a membership and volunteer sign up table and other krewe information available)!  Showtime is 6:00 p.m. and the running time is 2 hours and 28 mins. Come and enjoy this big-budget epic film of Joan’s life on the big screen. Stay afterwards for a brief 15-20 minute “trivia contest” reviewing the movie’s historical inaccuracies, and share your thoughts on this “modern” take on Joan. Krewe-sponsored, and a fundraiser for the krewe, but open to the public, so invite your friends!

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), directed by Luc Besson, is an American historical epic starring Milla Jovovich as the iconic 15th-century peasant girl. It follows her journey from witnessing English atrocities in her youth to receiving divine visions, leading the French army, and ultimately facing a tragic heresy trial. NOTE: This film is Rated R for strong graphic battles, rape, and some language. Contains severe violence, war gore, and highly intense/frightening scenes.

Spiritus Mundi Medieval Music Concert Wednesday at Cafe Istanbul

Spiritus Mundi Crescentis features many of the musicians who perform in our parade as St. Michael’s Angel Army Choir, playing Wednesday August 26 8-9 p.m. at Cafe Istanbul in the New Orleans Healing Center (2372 St. Claude, map). This will be their first full concert together as Spiritus Mundi, performing written works from pre-Renaissance Europe. Suggested donation $10. Many of the songs are music the medieval populace would have sung and danced to, and costumes and dancing are welcome — but no pressure to do either!!

Save the date for two favorite events!

• Joan of Art 2026 Juried Exhibition opening night at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street: Saturday Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
  • Opening reception for our 2026 Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery in the New Orleans Arts District!  This year, the judges will view the art in person and select the winners during the opening reception starting at 5, and everyone can vote in the Choix des Personnes award. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m., and people will hang out until 8. The exhibit will continue at the gallery through Sept. 30.  Details
• Salon de Jeanne d’Arc free full-day conference with puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, keynote talk by military historian Michael Livingston from the Citadel, and a fencing demonstration. The full schedule is up, with a great line-up this year!

Upcoming battalion meetings

These meetings are not for the whole krewe — just for people who are part of these groups, but anyone who is thinking about joining these groups is welcome (even if you’re not ready to commit yet). These would be great opportunities to meet other members of the battalion or sub-group or ask questions.

• Knights Battalion Planning Meeting on Zoom: This Saturday Aug. 22, 2-3:30 p.m.  Zoom link   Knights Battalion overview 
  Zoom link for the meeting
• Suffragists Meeting and Throws Workshop: This Sunday Aug. 23, 1-3 p.m. at the home of Legacy Battalion lieutenant Carol Lynch, (2317 Metairie Court, Metairie, map)  Legacy Battalion overview

New Battalion Options

• Road to Reims is a brand-new battalion! This group could include knights or other warriors, or characters associated with cathedrals. Details below
• Joan as Muse: This will be a new sub-group within the Legacy Battalion. Legacy Battalion leader Carol Lynch is looking for a group of about 12 people, with each person portraying a specific book, movie, play, opera, song, etc., about Joan of Arc. Details below

Joan as Muse

• The dress / tabards pictured above can be affordably ordered pre-made with your custom image representing your artwork — no sewing required! Carol has already ordered and received a sample.
• Contact Carol Lynch if interested, clynch@cdly.org, 504-343-5327

Road to Reims — New Battalion

New Battalion in 2027!  After her first victory at Orléans, Joan turned the tide of the Hundred Years War in one of the greatest military comebacks in history. She knew that Charles VII had to be officially crowned and anointed with the holy oil of the French kings at Reims, but Reims was occupied by the English. So Joan pushed Charles to take back 12 more cities, finally taking Reims itself, where Charles VII could be crowned with Joan at his side. This battalion will include: the French delegation including the official “Joan” from Orléans carrying the French banner, full members costumed as butterflies following Joan’s banner, the Rotarian “knights” who fund the French Joan exchange program, and the flag corps representing the cities Joan liberated after Orléans.

• Full member costumes: This battalion is open to full member character ideas that fit the theme, such as the Bishop of Reims, characters associated with medieval cathedrals, or knights or other soldier types representing the battles.
  • We’d love to have a Bishop of Reims character.  He was appointed but unable to take possession of the cathedral because he was exiled along with Charles VII and the rest of the court while the city was occupied. Joan took back the city for the French on July 16, 1429, the bishop was installed that very day, and he in turned crowned Charles VII the very next day.
  • Characters associated with cathedrals and the lucrative business of medieval pilgrimage sites are welcome, such as characters giving indulgences or people needing healing from the king’s evil.
  • The butterflies group costume may be an option for those who are committed to a significant investment in funds and workshop time to build your own wing costume with Gretchen’s guidance.   
• Music: The flag corps will be playing victorious medieval and medieval-style recorded music supported by live drummers.
• Props: Two new props are planned to build this summer, a battle map with moving led lights showing the progress of Joan’s army across it and a rolling Reims Cathedral in the style of other cathedrals in the parade
• Leader: Gretchen Zalkind, 504-439-4530, g.zalkind@gmail.com

The image to be used as the new Reims cathedral prop, which will roll down the street in the same style as our Notre Dame de Paris and Orléans cathedral props.

A new Krewe throw, the Holy Ampulla of France with jeweled postcard reliquary and a real glass bottle with real anointing oil, modeled after the divinely refilled oil bottle used to anoint the first French king Clovis at Reims and most of the subsequent kings including our Charles VII.

Let Captain Amanda know your battalion plans

• Whether you’re a new member choosing your first battalion or a returning member who wants to change things up, let Amanda know your battalion choice! 

Battalion FAQs

• All Battalion Options Overview webpage
• You can change your mind any time — just make sure your costume fits the concept for the section you’re walking in. 
• Most people stay in the same battalion from year-to-year, but others like to switch things up with a new costume, character or section from time to time.
• Your membership confirmation email will include the contact information for each battalion leader, so you can work with them on choosing a costume that complements the others in your section, and so you can be included in battalion idea discussions, workshops, etc. 
• It’s OK to take some time to talk to the different leaders or get to know people in different sections before you decide. 
• Be sure to talk to your battalion leader before you invest too much in your costume concept — especially to make sure you’re not duplicating a character someone is already playing! Your battalion leader may have some inspiring suggestions to get your creative juices flowing.
• There are battalions in the parade that are not listed here, because some of the battalions are reserved for specific groups. But, if you have a creative idea for one of the other sections, feel free to suggest it! Here’s the complete detailed line-up.