Chess Fest 2026
The Tate Etienne and Prevost (TEP) Center
5909 St. Claude Ave.
Free admission, registration required
Chess lovers of all ages are invited to the fifth annual HNOC Chess Fest, presented by HNOC’s Chess Club! Each year, Chess Fest participants enjoy the opportunity to meet other chess players from around the city, craft DIY chessboards, play chess puzzle games, move as “human chess pieces” on a giant chessboard, join a friendly fast-chess tournament, and more. And because Chess Fest falls on Halloween this year, all participants are invited to come dressed in their spookiest (or chess-themed) attire for our annual costume contest!
Whether you’re already an experienced player or someone just curious about learning the fundamentals of the game, HNOC’s youth-led Chess Fest is the place to be. Admission to Chess Fest is free, but registration is required.
Schedule of Activities
10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Family Activities
Join us for chess-themed arts and crafts and activities for attendees of all ages. Take a chess crash course for beginners, learn how to play Chinese chess with HNOC Visitor Services Assistant Winston Ho, or design and color your own chess board!
11–noon | Human Chess and Costume Contest
Step onto our life-sized chessboard, where a full match will be played with 32 volunteers moving as human chess pieces. For added fun, come dressed in your spookiest or best chess-themed attire for a chance to win prizes in our Chess Fest Costume Contest!
12–1:30 p.m. | Chess History and Puzzle Competition
Join us for a mind-bending challenge blending chess strategy with New Orleans history! Participants will test their knowledge by answering questions about local chess history and solving a series of chess puzzles. Points are earned through tactical skills and historical knowledge. How high can you score?
12–2 p.m. | Five-Round Fast Chess Tournament
Beginning players as well as seasoned veterans are invited to compete in a blitz-style, five-round Fast Chess tournament. The Fast Chess Tournament is directed by the Downriver Chess Club.
Day-Of Parking
We ask that Chess Fest participants please park on St. Claude Avenue or streets adjacent to the TEP Center. Please do not use the small parking lot behind the building, which is reserved for TEP Center staff and residents.
Questions? Contact us at education@hnoc.org.
Support
Chess Fest is presented in partnership with Down River Chess, Chess Cave, and the Louisiana Chess Association.
About Chess Club
HNOC’s Chess Club blends the game of chess with creative activities and historical research. Members learn about the rich history of chess in New Orleans from the 19th century to the present day. This is a club for all ages! Anyone with basic knowledge of the rules of chess and chess notation can join.
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