NEW ORLEANS — Mayor-elect Helena Moreno will be sworn in as New Orleans’ 63rd mayor on Jan. 12 during an inaugural ceremony scheduled from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Saenger Theatre. Moreno takes office after serving two four-year terms as an at-large member of the New Orleans City Council.
“I’m so excited to being able to take office,” Moreno said. “I see so much opportunity for our amazing city… we have some significant challenges. No doubt about that… But that doesn’t mean that we can’t face these challenges head-on and move through them and ultimately have a much better city on the other end. That’s what I’m committed to do.”
All In for New Orleans
The swearing-in ceremony will anchor a weekend of public inauguration events branded under the theme “All In for New Orleans,” which emphasizes community participation and accessibility.
The inauguration weekend represents one of the most extensive public-facing mayoral transitions in recent years, with multiple events designed to engage residents across neighborhoods and council districts. Unlike previous mayoral inaugurations that centered on ticketed galas, Moreno’s transition emphasizes free public events and volunteer activities.
“I am all in for New Orleans, and I’m proud to lead a team that is all in too,” said Moreno. “Beyond being fully committed, “all in” also means all of us are in this together. It reflects our shared commitment to face challenges honestly, move with urgency, and seize the opportunities ahead. When we bring our best and move forward as one city, there is nothing New Orleans cannot achieve.”
Organizers have indicated that the major “All In for New Orleans” inauguration events will be available via online streaming platforms to expand public access.
Community Festival in Place of Inaugural Ball
Moreno has opted not to hold a traditional inaugural ball, instead hosting a free, public community festival titled All In for Our Culture, scheduled for Jan. 10, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Lafayette Square.
The festival follows the morning’s citywide service activities and will feature live music, food vendors, and programming highlighting New Orleans culture.
Scheduled performers include Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Rockin’ Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters, Cha Wa, DJ Jess, Roots of Music, and Uptown Angela.
A rotating lineup of local food trucks will operate throughout the afternoon, and community and cultural organizations will host showcases and activations across the square. A dedicated Kids Zone will offer family-friendly activities. Additional details will be posted at allinforneworleans.com.
Citywide Day of Service
Ahead of the afternoon community festival, an All In for Our Community: Day of Service is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, at New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) facilities across all five City Council districts.
Volunteer projects will focus on facility improvements, including painting, landscaping, cleaning, and general maintenance. Site assignments and logistics will be coordinated in partnership with HandsOn New Orleans, a local nonprofit that organizes and manages volunteer service projects. Since its founding, HandsOn New Orleans has mobilized hundreds of thousands of volunteers across a range of civic projects and supports dozens of partner organizations in the metro area.
The Day of Service is intended to support neighborhood recreation facilities while marking the start of the new mayoral administration through direct community engagement. The initiative aligns with Moreno’s stated focus on leadership and coordination as key tools for addressing city challenges.
“There’s a lot of work ahead, but when we’re all in for New Orleans, we can get it done,” said Moreno.
Inaugural Mass
An inaugural Mass is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 11, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The service will be broadcast on local television stations and streamed online, allowing residents to participate remotely.
