
Authors must be registered by
April 1, 2025 to be considered for a panel.
Thursday, September 3, 2025
SPECIAL EVENTS
Second Line Parade to the World War II Museum
6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Line up in front of the Marriott - Try to get there by 6:30
Parade will start at 6:45 pm
Hostess: Heather Graham
Get ready for the ultimate Mardi Gras experience! This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to march in a dazzling Mardi Gras Parade! Feel the electrifying energy as you join a vibrant procession filled with colorful stilt walkers, exuberant revelers, and the soul-stirring sounds of a dynamic six-piece brass band!
As the music swells and the crowd cheers, you’ll parade through the streets in true New Orleans fashion, soaking in the spirit of celebration. Your journey culminates in a grand arrival at the World War II Museum’s Freedom Pavilion, where the unforgettable Opening Ceremonies await.
Don’t miss this spectacular kickoff—march, dance, and revel in the magic of Mardi Gras!
Opening Ceremonies
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
World War II Museum
Host and Hostess: Alex Segura and Heather Graham
After the exhilarating Second Line, step into the stunning Freedom Pavilion at the World War II Museum for an unforgettable evening! As you arrive, enjoy snacks on a first-come, first-served basis and grab a drink from the cash bars ready to serve you.
Find a seat, get comfortable, and let the evening begin as our LOC Chair, Heather Graham, and our Guest of Honor Toastmaster, Alex Segura, welcome you and introduce our Distinguished Guests of Honor:
✨ Michael Connelly
✨ Steph Cha
✨ Craig Johnson
✨ Lisa Jewell
✨ Brad Thor
✨ Charles Todd
✨ Jonathan Maberry
✨ Ali Karim
Guiding us through the night is our incredible Toastmaster Guest of Honor, Alex Segura, one of our esteemed hosts.
🎖 Honoring Excellence 🎖
The David Thompson Special Service Award will be presented by Bouchercon National Chair, Cheryl Head, recognizing remarkable contributions to the crime fiction community.
🏆 Celebrating the Best in Mystery and Crime Fiction 🏆
Next, we unveil the winners of some of the most prestigious awards in the genre:
📖 The Barry
📖 The Derringer
📖 The Macavity
📖 The Shamus
📚 Meet the Authors! 📚
The Bouchercon Anthology "Blood on the Bayou: Case Closed" will be available, and authors will be on hand for book signings. Don't miss this chance to get your copy signed!
🔍 Explore History Up Close 🔍
As a special treat, the "Campaigns of Courage" Pavilion will remain open exclusively for Bouchercon attendees until 10:00 pm.
Step into history and experience the grit, determination, and heroism of World War II. Spanning over 19,000 square feet, this immersive exhibit takes you deep into the war’s most infamous battlefields—from treacherous jungles to stormy beaches, towering mountains to vast oceans. Walk in the footsteps of the brave men and women who fought, reliving their triumphs and struggles in 19 breathtaking galleries dedicated to the European and Pacific Theaters.
Stay and explore until 10:00 pm, or head back to the hotel at your leisure—the night is yours to enjoy.
✨ We hope you had an incredible evening! ✨