The André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice (ACC) invites the community to join them for a holiday gathering during the center’s UNITY Fest. Experience the first-ever Light It Up @ ACC on Wednesday, December 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Located on historic Bayou Road, ACC has created a brave and welcoming space to celebrate the season with culturally centered programming, including a light projection show and an immersive augmented reality (AR) tour highlighting the history of André Cailloux. Cailloux was the first Black officer killed in the Civil War, and his bravery strengthened the call to allow more Black men to fight for their freedom in the U.S. Army.

Guests can enjoy holiday cocktails at The Sanctuary Bar, curated by Justini’s, a satellite bar within ACC. Loretta’s will offer an onsite praline-cooking demonstration, and Santa Claus will make a special appearance to help bring holiday cheer. “Our goal is to bring the community together for the holidays at a historic site where culture can be uplifted and celebrated,” says Lauren Turner Hines, ACC’s Founding Envisionist and Executive Lead.

Light It Up will serve as a signature highlight of the André Cailloux Center’s End of Year Giving Campaign, building momentum toward its Capital Campaign launching in 2026, through which the center plans to raise $2.5 million to enhance the site. The center’s acquisition was made possible by The Emerge Group. “Bringing in the holidays with ACC is the perfect way to celebrate liberation—where self-determination becomes real when we hold the power to tell our own stories,” says Shay Sellars, Founder & Managing Director of The Emerge Group.

The light display is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $25 is requested to enjoy the full programming inside ACC. Families and friends are encouraged to attend. To learn more about Light It Up, visit ACCNewOrleans.com.