"Every animal in the zoo has got the funk, do you?" asks the press release announcing the Audubon Zoo's Soul Fest, billed as "a celebration of African-American food, music, crafts and culture." Funny, but the average New Orleanian probably celebrates African-American food, music, crafts and culture -- whether consciously or unconsciously -- just about every day of the year. But that's like saying fathers don't deserve their day, so it's more than a happy coincidence that Soul Fest also lands on Father's Day. The Audubon Zoo will host an all-day party featuring Creole and soul food, handmade arts and crafts, free health screenings courtesy the New Orleans Health Department, kids' art with Richard Thomas and the P.O.P. Kids and a slew of music performances. While many local musicians will be on hand -- Maurice Brown (pictured), Euricka, Shades of Praize and Phillip Manuel, to name a few -- we're also delighted to welcome the godfather of rap, the Sugar Hill Gang. Admission included with regular zoo admission ($12 adults, $7 kids ages 2-12, $9 seniors, members free); dads get in free Sunday.

9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, June 18-19
Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., 581-4629; www.auduboninstitute.org