Friends of Bayou St. John (FOBSJ), the non-profit organization that produces the annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, has created a new outdoor community gathering spot in the heart of Mid-City called the Called the Bayou Backyard. Located at 725 N. Rendon Street, the canopied space will host a fall event series open to the public.

“Our hope with the Bayou Backyard is that it becomes a place for the community to gather, organize or celebrate,” said Jared Zeller, president of FOBSJ President and founder/producer of the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo. “As an outdoor space attached to the permanent home of Friends of Bayou St. John, Bayou Backyard is a resource for everyone that lives in or loves our Mid-City neighborhood as much as we do.” 

The Bayou Backyard features a stage (8′ x 12′ x 18″) and a public address system with microphones, cables, and stands. The shelter is equipped with solar panels, which allowed the site to serve as a disaster-relief station after Hurricane Ida in September 2021. At the time, the Backyard Bayou outdoor space served as food and water distribution outlet while also allowing residents to charge cell phones and store medication.

On Saturday, October 1, Bayou Backyard kicks off its fall offerings with an art market and bagel pop-up. Bayou Bagel Company will sell bagels from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The popular local bagel company will return on Saturday, October 15, and again on the November 5 and 19.

Weekly Backyard Comedy nights presented by Laugh Life Comedy start on Friday, October 7 and continue every Friday until November 18 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). The October 7 opening event is headlined by Hillary Begley, a comedian featured in the Netflix movie Dumplin’. 

Free, kid-friendly interactive drum circles will take place on October 8 and 22, November 12 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drums and instruction are provided by Tetrad Drums, but participants are encouraged to bring their own percussion instruments.

Bayou Backyard is also available for private function rental. Amenities include chairs, tables, a kitchen, bathrooms, a shaded area, and limited parking. Rental rates are available on a sliding scale to Bayou St. John community organizations. Standard rental rates start at $100 per hour.  For more information, email [email protected].

For a full list of fall events or to purchase event tickets, visit bayoubackyard.com.