In preparation for the arrival of Tropical Storm Nate (forecast to be a hurricane by landfall), The Gentilly Festival, scheduled to take place this weekend, will cancel its Saturday and Sunday events. Tonight’s festivities, however, will continue as planned.

That means those who want to have a little fun before the city hunkers down for storm can still head over to Pontchartrain Park tonight starting at 6 p.m. to catch by performances John Pierre, James Andrews and Charmaine Neville. The festival will also offer food from a variety of local vendors including Café Dauphine, The Praline Connection and Big Bertha Barbecue Seafood.

Saturday and Sunday would have featured performances by PJ Morton, Rebirth Brass Band and Michael Ward, among others. A press release provided by the festival organizers did not specify whether or not they had any plans to reschedule the cancelled events.

Gentilly Fest donates proceeds to organizations working to better its namesake neighborhood such as the New Orleans police and fire departments as well as youth enrichment programs. This year, some of those proceeds will also go to The Roots of Music and Pontchartrain Park and Milne Playground sports programs.

Though attendance is free, the festival accepts donations through its website, http://www.gentillyfest.com. Directions to Pontchartrain Park can be found here: http://www.gentillyfest.com/map).