5 January 2026
By Daelyn House
Contributing Writer
As the scent of king cake begins to signal the return of carnival season, a new celebration is making its way onto New Orleans’ Mardi Gras calendar.
On Jan. 10, the Ashé Cultural Arts Center will host the inaugural King Cake Soirée, an evening of live jazz, Creole cuisine and cultural storytelling designed to officially kick off the city’s carnival season while honoring the traditions that have defined it for generations.
“At Ashé, we understand that tradition is something you experience, not something you observe from a distance. Creating spaces that honor Mardi Gras traditions while welcoming new audiences ensures that our cultural practices continue to be passed down, felt and understood,” said Erica Glenn, chief production officer at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center.
“Partnering with Kayla Lewis reflects our commitment to uplifting creatives who lead with authenticity and cultural integrity. Collaborations like this allow Ashé to continue supporting artists and culture bearers who are shaping how our traditions are experienced today and every day,” Glenn said.
The Ashé Cultural Arts Center is thrilled that the event is being led by New Orleans-born jazz vocalist Kayla Lewis, whose vision for the King Cake Soirée centers on honoring carnival traditions through music, movement and community. This event is really taking the cake this carnival season, as it’s rooted in tradition while still feeling accessible and joyful to the community.
“We are defined by our visual art, music, food, dance and so much more, and I want that to be reflected in the King Cake Soirée,” Lewis said. “I want this to be an event for everyone. No one should feel like they’re stepping into a space that is not meant for them.”
The organization set aside tickets for guests experiencing financial hardship, Lewis said, because accessibility is central to the event’s mission. “I really take pride in New Orleans culture, and nothing would make me happier than to see our traditions carried through generations beyond my own,” said Lewis. “This has been something I’ve always wanted to do, and my recent experiences hosting themed events in New York City gave me more confidence to take the idea seriously,” Lewis said.
The soirées organizers hope it will be more than just a treat not for the tastebuds. Both established bakeries and emerging businesses will have the opportunity to put their baking skills to the test while continuing to build upon the cultural tradition.
“King cake isn’t just a dessert here. It’s tied to memories, family gatherings, music and the rhythm of Carnival season,” said Martha Gilreath, owner and head baker at Nolita Bakery, a participating bakery that is celebrating its second anniversary on King’s Day. “Events like this create space for those stories to be shared and passed on, especially to newer generations and visitors who may be experiencing these traditions for the first time,” Gilreath said.
In addition to Nolita Bakery, festivalgoers will have the chance to sample slices from multiple other bakeries from around the Crescent City, including Antoine’s, Brennan’s and Dong Phuong. The event will include a king cake contest, judged by local food journalist and radio personality Poppy Tooker and Matthew Haines, author of “The Book Book of King Cake;” Creole cuisine by Myra Jay; live music by Kay Lewis and the Sugar Cane Krewe; and other cultural programming.
“We are so excited to participate in the King Cake Soirée, especially because arnival season is where our story began,” Gilreath said. “The event brings together so many parts of our culture that make this time of year so special.”
Tickets for the King Cake Soirée are $38.50 (plus fees) and can be purchased via Eventbrite.