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A middle aged woman plays chess with a child at Chess Fest. Another women smiles nearby as she watches the game.
HNOC Chess Club Presents

Chess Fest 2026

October 31, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

The Tate Etienne and Prevost (TEP) Center
5909 St. Claude Ave.

Free admission, registration required
Registrations opens fall of 2026

Chess lovers of all ages are invited to the fifth annual Chess Fest, presented by HNOC’s Chess Club! Each year, Chess Fest participants enjoy the opportunity to craft DIY chessboards, play chess puzzle games, move as “human chess pieces” on a giant chessboard, join a friendly fast-chess tournament, and more. 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.

A view of families taking part in HNOC's Chess Fest, hosted at the TEP Center in the 9th Ward of New Orleans.
The ever-popular “human chess” game at Chess Fest. Photo by Amber Johnson, HNOC
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Photos by Tere Kirkland, HNOC

Schedule of Activities

Stay tuned for more details and registration information, coming fall of 2026.

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 and the Chess Cave.

Partners
Down River Chess
The Chess Cave
Learn & Explore

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.

Learn More Learn More
A man and a young boy play chess on a colorful pink and orange board at a tournament. The boy, wearing a straw hat, watches the mans move intently. Other participants are visible in the background at blue-covered tables.

Upcoming Chess Club Events

Saturday
May 16, 2026
1–3 p.m.

2026 Chess Club Meeting

Join HNOC’s free, all-ages Chess Club to learn more about the game and help plan future gatherings and events.
Chess Club, Students & Families
Read More
A view of families taking part in HNOC's Chess Fest, hosted at the TEP Center in the 9th Ward of New Orleans.
Saturday
July 11, 2026
1–3 p.m.

2026 Chess Club Meeting

Join HNOC’s free, all-ages Chess Club to learn more about the game and help plan future gatherings and events.
Chess Club, Students & Families
Read More
A young girl in glasses, wearing a striped shirt, thoughtfully playing chess with purple and yellow pieces. She is sitting at a blue table among other concentrated players in a room with several chess games in progress.
Saturday
September 12, 2026
1–3 p.m.

2026 Chess Club Meeting

Join HNOC’s free, all-ages Chess Club to learn more about the game and help plan future gatherings and events.
Chess Club, Students & Families
Read More
Children are playing chess at a table covered with a blue cloth in a busy room. One child looks thoughtful while contemplating a move. Adults and other children are engaged in activities at surrounding tables.

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A vintage illustration of a European street scene, featuring a row of two-story buildings with balconies. People are walking and interacting on the sidewalk. The architecture shows ornate windows and doors, creating a classic, historical atmosphere.

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