TODDLER TIME. Barnes & Noble, 3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 455-4926. Mask making, king cake and stories for kids. 1 p.m.

‘QUEEN AND KING CAKE BALL.’ Children’s Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., 468-7321. Children’s Castle invites kids and their families to experience a unique ball with Angela the Yarnspinner and Storyteller Frank Levy. One lucky boy and girl will be chosen to reign over the festivities. Admission $2.50 children and seniors, $3.50 adults. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FAMILY FESTIVAL. St. John Lutheran Church, 3927 Canal St., 486-0547. Families are invited to enjoy the Endymion parade with restrooms, prizes, food, and knick-knacks. Music guests include New Orleans Rhythm & Blues Co., Fiesta Flamenco and Dave Easley & the Heartifacts. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LUNDI GRAS PARTY. Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357. Kids can paint their faces purple, green and gold, create a festive Mardi Gras mask, play in the "Costume Corner," and enjoy king cake. Music provided from noon to 1 p.m. by the Batiste Kids. Admission $6 adults and children. Kids in costume receive $1 off admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LECTURE. Tulane University, Thomson Hall, Rm 201, 865-5389. Panel discussion with local community leaders on "Building the Future of New Orleans: Cultural Resources, Institutions and Economic Development." Free admission. 6 p.m.

‘MARDI GRAS MAMBO BINGO.’ Jefferson Orleans South, 2536 Edenborn Ave., 454-6105. Children’s Hospital Guild’s annual fundraising event helps the hospital continue to provide exemplary health care to its young patients. Tickets $20 person. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP. East Jefferson General Hospital Conference Center, 4200 Houma Blvd., 454-4066. Free support group meets 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CLASSICAL ARTS EVENT. Hotel Monteleone, La Nouvelle Ballroom, 486-5900, ext. 160. The eighth annual Tribute to the Classical Arts features a gourmet luncheon, 14 awards and live performances. Reservations required. Tickets $20. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WINE TASTING. Fairmont Hotel, 123 Baronne St., 529-7111. Sazerac Club’s monthly wine tasting event with wines presented by the Great Southern Liquor, plus hors d’oeuvres and the chef’s pasta station. General admission $20. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

BOSOM BUDDIES. East Jefferson General Hospital Yenni Treatment Center, 2nd Floor, 4200 Houma Blvd., 456-5000. Group sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Free admission. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

MASTER CLASS SERIES. Loyola University, Nunemaker Auditorium, 865-3492. Residency with Armen Guzelinian. Free admission.12:30 p.m. Thursday and 1:30 p.m. Friday.

IMPROVISATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL. Zeitgeist, 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 525-2767. A celebration of composer and musician Jimbo Walsh, conductor of The Naked Orchestra, with an all-star lineup of special guests. Tickets $8 general, $6 members. 8 p.m.

APOCALYPSE BALL. 7930 Palm St., 486-5134. Unusual ball designed to raise money for the construction of a school in the Nepal countryside. Costumes required. Local bands Egg Yolk Jubilee, The Objects and Fireball Rocket to play. Tickets $10.

NATIVE AMERICAN DEMONSTRATION. Cannes Brulee, 303 Williams Blvd., 468-7231. Louis Billiot, a member of the United Houma Nation, will be at the Cannes Brulee Native American Exhibit to demonstrate the craft of bead working. Admission $3 adults, $2.50 children. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

‘AFRO-CARIBBEAN CREOLIZATION IN JAZZ.’ Dillard University, Lawless Memorial Chapel Social Room, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., 816-4711. Lecture featuring ethnomusicologist and jazz vocalists Andy Bey and Jon Lucien. Event co-sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. Free admission. 11 a.m. to noon. Musical performance 7 p.m.

ROYAL KREWE OF RUNNERS. Audubon Park, Magazine Street entrance. Mardi Gras 1 mile and 5k run/walk. Pre-registration at Southern Runner Sports (891-9999) or Fitness Expo (887-0880). One mile race begins 7:45 a.m.; 5k run 8 a.m. Registration fee $16.

LUNDI GRAS CELEBRATION. Riverwalk Spanish Plaza, 522-1555. Riverwalk Marketplace hosts its 15th annual celebration featuring fireworks on the river, performances by the Iguanas and the traditional arrival of Rex, King of Carnival. Free admission. 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

RIVERTOWN LUNDI GRAS. Mardi Gras Museum, 421 Williams Blvd., 468-4038. King and Queen of Zulu and the King of Argus will meet to toast the public and enjoy a second line at the Mardi Gras Museum. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

‘JELLY’S LAST JAM.’ Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 483-6005. Seeking black female, late 20s to 35 years old for the role of Anita Morton. Singing is not required, but a plus. Actors should bring sheet music if singing, or audio cassette if accompanied by music track. Up-tempo jazz or R&B preferred. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION. Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, 1581 Carol Sue Ave., Ste. 215, 398-0098. Organization seeks direct-service volunteers to spend 3-5 hours per week at a local hospital, visiting with new parents. Training will be provided.

KEVIN CADOW. Martin Wine Cellar, 714 Elmeer, 899-7411. The chef of Cafe Indo will cook with sampling. Noon to 2 p.m.