The Stardust Krewe’s annual Thanksgiving Horse Racing Event is back—Creature Academy style! A beloved tradition at the Academy, this fantastical celebration honors both individuality and teamwork as students prepare for the race of the year. Campers will dream up original characters, craft creature or horse masks, design elaborate headpieces for the fashion show, and transform Clouet Gardens with festive decorations and interactive activities. They'll also bake delicious treats for the concession stand AND craft surprise performances for the big day. Camp culminates in a magical neighborhood block party on Wednesday, Nov 26 from 3:30–5:30pm. 

This camp is inspired by the Human Horse Races, a beloved New Orleans Thanksgiving tradition. We encourage you to attend the 5th Annual Human Horse Races on Thanksgiving Day—Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 from 11am–3pm at Easton Park in Mid-City. The mission is to raise funds and awareness for local animal sanctuaries, all in classic New Orleans style.

DATES: Dec 19, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, Jan 2, 5

It’s the most magical time of the year… time to build the Enchanted Forest House Float! The Enchanted Forest exists in another dimension and is home to the esteemed Creature Academy. Over eight days, we’ll transform the outside of the Tigermen Den into a large-scale interactive art installation showcasing the talents of our students and local artists. Together we’ll sculpt towering trees, craft vibrant flowers and leaves, and create exotic foliage as we bring our magical world of creatures to life. Get ready to climb on a ladder and get messy, we have a lot of work to do!

In addition to constructing the 2026 House Float (on display through April), students will have the opportunity to select from a variety of classes, including costume design, filmmaking, cooking, sculpture, creative writing & illustration, and more. We can't wait to continue our adventures with the Creature Academy Class of 2026!

HOW TO REGISTER: Add this class to your cart. As you go through the registration process, you will be prompted to select your days. You total price will adjust based on the number of days.

NOTE: Once you register for the class, you will not be able to add additional drop in days through our online platform. To add days, email us to check for availability. You will then submit payment through venmo @artcamp504 or card/cash on site.

PRICES:

• Single Day: $80
• Full Session (8 days): $595

PAYMENT PLAN: Because this camp is drop in, we can't set up payment plans through Coursestorm. We are offering a payment plan through venmo. 

• To utilize the plan, register online for your selected camp days. At checkout, enter the discount code VENMO to complete your registration at no cost.
• Send your payments to @artcamp504 on Venmo. Please include your child’s name and “Fall Break” in the description.
• Full payment must be completed by your child’s first day of camp.

BEFORE & AFTERCARE: Advance notification is not required to attend.

• BEFORECARE, 8:00-8:30: $10/day 
• AFTERCARE, 3:30-5:30: $20/day or $15/day if enrolled in 3 or more days
• Payment options: Venmo @artcamp504 or pay cash or card at drop off/pick up. Write student name in payment description

Learn more at www.ArtCamp504.org/holiday

Join us for Punk Rock Spring Break — we’re filming the second official Freddie & the Chins music video! Freddie & the Chins formed during Punk Rock Camp 2025 and quickly skyrocketed to global fame. Their hit single “Stardust, Stardust” shattered records and topped charts around the world — watch the music video HERE!

This spring, our student punk rockers will explore every part of the creative filmmaking process: designing costumes, decorating shirts and jean jackets, styling hair, experimenting with makeup and face paint, exploring stop motion animation, learning a dance routine, and even helping record the next track! And of course, we’ll be whipping up some rockin’ treats in the kitchen. The week wraps up with a punk rock celebration for family and friends!

HOW TO REGISTER: Add this class to your cart. As you go through the registration process, you will be prompted to select either full week sessions or drop in days. You total price will adjust based on the number of days.

• NOTE: Once you register for the class, you will not be able to add additional drop in days through our online platform. To add days, emailinfo@artcamp504.org to check for availability. You will then submit payment through venmo @artcamp504 or card/cash on site.

PRICES:

• $80/day drop in
• April 3-10 (6 days) $450

PAYMENT PLAN: Because this camp is drop in, we can't set up payment plans through Coursestorm. Contact community@artcamp504.org if you’d like to set up a payment plan  

BEFORE & AFTERCARE: You may pay in advance or at drop off/pick up. Advance notification is not required to attend.

• BEFORECARE, 8:00-8:30: $10/day 
• AFTERCARE, 3:30-5:30: $20/day or $15/day if enrolling in 3 or more days
• Payment options: Venmo @artcamp504 or pay cash or card at drop off/pick up. Write student name in payment description