EVENT CALENDAR (festivals and events we think may be of interest to you). We've seen professional, printed calendars for sale from companies who actually get PAID to do keep up with stuff like this and publish calendars you can buy. It's for love of our city that we, at Banana Courtyard, try to maintain this, FREE, for anyone to use.
The ULTIMATE ONLINE EVENT CALENDAR, by a local, for the terrific folks who want to visit our city!!!!!!!! (Well, before Katrina it WAS the ultimate one. Now, I can barely keep even current WEEK up to date.)
>>>>>> Going to places owned by locals and attending neighborhood events gives you a glimpse of what N'Awlins is all about. Our hearts are big and can carry a heavy burden. We WILL NOT go away. Our cultural heritage and diversity is TOO important. Please help support our community: We ALL need your support in our REBIRTH, especially small businesses and organizations. So please support the 'locals' by spending your dollars with them and not big chain restaurants, stores, hotels, etc.
This section is updated as future dates are obtained. Please use the pull-down menu above, to skip to the month of interest. Since there is SOOOO much wonderful stuff going on in New Orleans, it's hard for us NOT to make mistakes, so be sure to confirm times and dates and times before you make plans to go. If you are not from the USA, we've also included most national holidays, so you'll know if something special is going on during the dates you plan to come.
Mary (me), the banana lady, whines a lot. We've had an online event calendar since mid 1990s and KEEPING everything current is VERY difficult. Sometimes I don't have time to change info from one year to the next until the MONTH BEFORE or sometimes even the CURRENT month, so watch out. You will see current year and LAST year info, depending on whether I've gotten around to updating information. I'm learning -- that's the way most everything has always been in NOLA -- some day . . .
UPDATE Jan. 2006: NOPE. After the 2 'ladies' visited N'Awlins (Hurricanes Rita and Katrina) the banana lady has definitely NOT had time to update much. I do the best I can on this calendar of events.
Recurring Events
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Saturdays |
Free, live music @ Louisiana Music Factory (CDs, 78s, 45s, LPs, sheet music, posters, T_shirts, tapes, books & videos) You won't find tourists there, as this is a "locals" thing. Call 504-586-1094 for time (usually 2 or 3pm). 210 Decatur across the street from House of Blues. |
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SATURDAYS |
Free, live music @ Jazz National Historical Park Visitors Center, 916 N. Peters St., near the French Market. Call for time (usually 2-3pm) 589-4841, 877-520-0611. http://www.nps.gov/neor/. |
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Saturdays |
Crescent City Farmers Market: DOWNTOWN/CBD, 8am to noon. Cooking demonstrations by city’s premier chefs. Horticultural tips. Fresh vegetable and fruit stalls. Home baked goods. Sometimes music. 700 Magazine St. 504-861-5898. |
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3rd Saturday monthly |
The New Orleans Conservation Guild's Bywater Art Market. Markey Park, on Piety & Royal Sts. (8 blocks past Franklin Ave). The Bywater Art Market features paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, furniture, sculpture, etc. 9am-4pm. For additional information: (504) 944-7900 or visit http://www.bywaterartmarket.com. |
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Horse Racing starts Thanksgiving 'til end of March |
Horse Race Season @New Orleans Fair Grounds. Live thoroughbred racing at America's third oldest racetrack. Thanksgiving Day is always opening day at the racetrack (big hoopla) and the final race is always the last Monday in March. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. 504/944-5515 or 1-800-262-7893 |
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Sundays |
GOSPEL Mass: If it’s just gospel MUSIC you want to hear, go to House of Blues. If it’s a real GOSPEL MASS go to St. Augustine Catholic Church, 10am Sunday @1210 Governor Nichols St. @ St. Claude in the Treme neighborhood across the street from the French Quarter off N. Rampart St., 525-5934/525-9287. |
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Sundays (on hold until more musicians return - *call for update) |
JAZZ MASS is held near City Park off Esplanade Ave. @ 6pm Sundays, Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church, 1322 Moss St., 488-2659. (*Last update call was 9/21/07) |
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June, July August, and some of September |
COOLinary New Orleans: Celebration of dining, every Summer. Participating restaurants offer special 3 course lunch menus for around $20, dinner for around $30. Early bird specials abound! Our favorites, 2006, are Bayona, Pelican Club, Muriel's. Others participating are Arnauds, Galatiore's, Brennan's, Tujagues, Bacco, Gumbo Shop, Jacques-Imo, Palace Cafe, Ralph's on the Park, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Redfish Grill, Emeril's, Palace Cafe |
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Daily except major holidays and special events |
FRee walking tours,
Craft and cooking demonstrations and performances by musicians,
dancers, storytellers, and actors bring the traditions of the area
to life. A bookstore offers music and books from history to
cookbooks to children’s stories. At 9am, 25 tickets are issued daily
(1st come, 1st served) for 9:30am Ranger led walking tour, through the
French Quarter, to tell the story of this special place and its ties
to the Mississippi River, just over the levee from the visitor
center. Park rangers are also on duty daily to answer visitor
questions and present talks; special programs are available by
reservations. Open daily 9am-5pm. |
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daily (more vendors weekends) |
French Market and Flea Market: http://www.frenchmarket.org |
January
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1/1 |
New Year's Day Holiday |
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| 1/1/08 | AllSate Sugar Bowl @ Louisiana Superdome: football game, 7:30pm. http://www.nola.com/weblogs/sugarbowlevents/sugarbowlsite/index.ssf | |
| 1/6/08 | On 12th night after Christmas each year, Mardi Gras Krewe of Phunny Phorty Phellows takes to the streets to Herald the arrival Mardi Gras season. 2008 is special, as their route has changed to include ALL all parts of the Cresent City from Historic Mid-City, The CBD, Uptown by traversing the Canal and St. Charles Streetcar lines. The path taken by the group this year is the longest route by any Carnival Organization in New Orleans. Because the Phellows’ traditional St. Charles streetcar path is still undergoing repair, the group will break precedent on Sunday January 6 and begin their ride at Beauregard Circle on N. Carrollton near City Park down Canals St. and up the recently reopened section on the St. Charles streetcar line in what is now being called THE ROUTE OF THE GENERALS. The costumed and masked krewe will assemble on the neutral ground in front of City Park (at North Carrollton next to Beaureguard Circle) at 6:30pm and will board the streetcar at 7pm sharp. The Phellows are an historic Mardi Gras organization that first took to the streets 1878 through 1898. They were known for their satirical parades and today¹s krewe members’ costumes often reflect topical themes. The group was revived in 1981. | |
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1/11-12/08 |
Battle of New Orleans Commemoration @ Chalmette National Park (car needed): Daytime reenactment of the 1812 Battle of New Orleans featuring British and American encampments, period costumes, artillery demonstrations and tours of the Battlefield. It's a reenactment of visiting the battle camps the night before the battle. You'll have a chance to eavesdrop on last minute strategies and preparations. Free admission and parking at the St. Bernard Government Complex. Battlefield address is 8606 St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette, only about 5 miles from the French Quarter. 504-281-0510 or 504-589-2636 ext. 1. >>> NOTE: Much of the surrounding area and neighborhoods are a long way from recovering from the fury of the hurricanes, oil spill + surge and flood water. The spirit of residents is amazing, despite what was total devastation for many. We are so very blessed that we escaped what they endured. PLEASE support local businesses in that area to help them. Eat at Rocky and Carlo's for a blast back in time (ladies invited). It is the heart of the community, St. Bernard Highway (LA 39) in Chalmette, right across the road from an oil refinery, still referred to by locals as Tenneco. http://www.nps.gov/jela/planyourvisit/events.htm?om=0&oy=2008&prk=jela |
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1/15/08 |
Martin Luther King Holiday (although this is a Federal, bank and State holiday, most folks who work in N'Awlins don't get this day off, so don't expect the city to be closed down) |
| 1/19/08 | KREWE du VIEUX parade: 7pm. Words can't describe this parade, but photo's on their web site will! Party after parade. They parade through Faubourg Marigny and French Quarter. http://kreweduvieux.org | |
| 1/27/08 |
KREWE OF BARKUS parade:
Yesiree! A dog parade. INFO: 581-bark.
http://www.barkus.org
The day before there is usually the cat parade and ball (Krewe of Endymeow), but they've provided us with no info yet this year. You know those felines. They are very secretive and sly. |
February
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throughout the Mardi Gras season |
Mardi Gras Parades and Balls: From raucous and ritualistic, colorful, freewheeling celebrations in the streets to formal masquerade balls with the Krewe's "royalty", it's a magical time when Carnival royalty and merriment reign side by side. Fat Tuesday parades start early and continue to sundown. Season begins 12th night after Christmas and ends Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday). Some of the Mardi Gras Krewes (organizations) have balls where you can buy tickets to attend as a spectator. Gives you a rare glimpse into our social customs. |
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2/1-5/08 |
FRIDAY through TUESDAY, Last weekend of Mardi Gras, parades every day: Big day is "Fat Tuesday". For City of New Orleans parade stand seating contact TicketMaster @ 504-522-5555. http://www.ticketmaster.com. Hyperlink to purchase on line tickets |
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2/4/08 Mardi Gras Monday Lundi Gras) |
FESTIVITIES: Music in Woldenburg Park all afternoon leading up to and after the arrivals of King and Queen of Zulu arrival by boat. After arrival of Rex, King of Mardi Gras, there are fireworks. Then Harry Connick Jr's. Krewe, Orpheus, parades. |
| 2/5/08 | Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day. In addition to the traditional parades, don't forget the walking clubs or the NOT TO BE MISSED Mardi Gras Indians. You can see certain tribes of the Mardi Gras Indians around Jackson Ave. after Zulu passes, or later in the morning, around Orleans at Basin and N. Claiborne. | |
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FUTURE dates: 2/24/09, 2/16/10,
2011 - March 8, |
Mardi Gras/Carnival Day (Fat Tuesday). Only in N'Awlins is this a holiday. Banks and Federal employees who get lots of holidays other folks don't, usually forfeit President's or Columbus Day in lieu of this holiday, 'cause you can't get anywhere because of the parades and traffic!. GUESTS: we'll be happy to provide you with our suggestions to enjoy Mardi Gras. Just ask for our special list.
Parades during Mardi Gras season: Rex, Zulu, Phunny Phorty Fellows, Barkus, Bards of Bohemia, Ponchartrain, Shangri-La, Pegasus, Sparta, Carrollton, Mid City, King Arthur and Merlin, Saturn, Muses, Thor, Proteus, Iris, Babylon, Chaos, Thoth, Okeanos, Hermes, Krewe d'Etat, Orpheus, Tucks, Endymion, Bacchus, Elks-Orleaneans, L'il Rascals, Crescent City. (I'm sure I've forgotten many.) |
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2/14 |
Valentine's Day |
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2/18/08 |
President's Day Holiday ((although this is a Federal holiday, most folks who work in N'Awlins don't get this day off, so don't expect the city to be closed down)) |
March
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3/8-9/08 |
Oak Alley Plantation arts & crafts Festival (car needed): Vacherie, LA on LA Hwy. 18. Arts and crafts dealers from across the South, continuous music and live entertainment, food, special home tours. 800-442-5539. http://www.oakalleyplantation.com/ |
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3/7/08 |
St. Patrick's Irish Channel (uptown) Club PRE parade to practice march to prepare for the REAL parade next week: (Yes. We KNOW this is NOT St. Patrick's Day. What can we say?) I tell folks that in New Orleans, we'll use any excuse for a party, parade, or to drop into a bar or restaurant., I'm told that members will meet at 7am at a bar named “Pete’s Out in the Cold” then bar hop from there, stopping at Café du Monde fairly early in their stroll. As practice parade progresses, they make frequent stops at bars, hotels, & cafes to 'keep up their energy'. INFO: 504-522-5444 or (Dennis Roubion). http://irishchannelno.org |
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| 3/8/08 | St. Joseph's Day ITALIAN Parade: Starts at Canal and Chartres St. around 6pm (In N'Awlins, we never expect ANYTHING to actually start on time and they change routes from year to year). Grand Marshal leads 100s of marchers exchanging flowers and lucky beans for kisses. Sponsored by the Italian American Foundation/Federation. Parade goes down Chartres and Canal Sts., winds its way through the French Quarter. Museum 504-522-7294. (Anthony Russo 561-1006). http://www.italianamericanmarchingclub.org/ or http://www.airf.org. | |
| 2nd Sunday MARCH | daylight savings time begins (set clocks and watches forward an hour). Time changes 2nd Sunday of March @ 2 a.m., which makes it actually change late SATURDAY! | |
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3/14/08 |
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Decatur Street IRISH Club (Jim Monaghan's) , French Quarter: (Always the Friday before St. Patrick's Day.) Parade starts at 5:30-6pm (parades rarely start on time, so this is what we call a 'guestimate') @ Molly's at the Market, 1107 Decatur St. It usually turns on Bienville, Conti, Bourbon and Gov. Nichols Sts., then back to Molly's. Horses and buggies, bagpipers, stilt walkers, belly dancers, and Irish revelers lead the parade. 504-296-6683 or 525-5169. http://WWW.mollysatthemarket.net |
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3/15/08 |
St. Patrick's Irish Channel (uptown) Parade: Mass is usually at noon at St. Mary's Assumption Church (corner of Constance and Josephine Sts.). Parade starts after mass around 1pm, usually on Magazine St. between Race & Felicity Sts. PARADE ROUTE Goes through Garden District Jackson > St. Charles Ave. > Louisiana Ave., back down Magazine St. and ends at Jackson Avenue near Tchoupitoulas. (See how frequently we use the word "often". You just never know in this 'city that care forgot'. It's hard to pin folks down to a time.) INFO: 504-522-5444 (Dennis Roubion). Dick Burke 831-3773. http://irishchannelno.org |
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3/16/08 |
Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday Parade: 2006, it was our honor to take several guests to attend the candlelight vigil that was held in place of the parade. (So many folks were displaced because of hurricanes.) USUALLY, Super Sunday is the 3rd Sunday in March, after St. Joseph's Day. Old route used to start near Orleans and Bayou St. John, but the parade route is never published. INFO: 504-565-7290, 897-9501 (Bertrand Butler) >>>>UPDATE 1/22/08: Here is what the 2008 route will probably be starting at 1pm (remembering that nothing really starts on time in N'Awlins): LaSalle @ Washington, down LaSalle to MLK Blvd., left on MLK to N. Claiborne, down Claiborne *back to Washington or *MAYBE down Galvez, if the street isn't too torn up (their headresses and costumes are so heavy, they need to be on streets that are not so torn up that they will stumble and fall). Ends at Washington at S. Derbigny, at Taylor Park for a block party.
You can tell that the banana lady has plagiarized numerous sources to give you the following information: The legendary Mardi Gras Indians can be seen in their colorful costumes several times a year: >> On St. Joseph's Day at night in their neighborhoods (neighbors are out on their 'stoops' and porches, waiting to throw a smile of encouragement or shout a word of praise), >> on Super Sunday, >> and on Mardi Gras Day. Their costumes are elaborate, personal creations, lovingly crafted with beadwork, feathers and plumes exploding in color, and inspired by the ceremonial suits and headdresses of the Plains Indians of the 19th century. Everyone can enjoy them while they 'second line' , sing, and dance.
Their history is hard to explain. Some say it's an ancient ritual practiced by the descendents of African slaves, befriended by native American Indians. The secret societies of masked warriors, moonlight ceremonies, scouts, etc., represent the triumph of spirit, creativity, song and dance over every obstacle placed in their way. They rise above the drudgery of their daily lives to triumph as creatures of tremendous beauty. Others say these social organizations were formed during the turbulent reconstruction decades following the War between the States, and were designed to provide social, cultural and financial support for newly freed Blacks.
If you ever see the Wild Magnolias or Wild Tchoupitoulas on the schedule at one of our music clubs, they're not to be missed. |
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3/17/08 |
St. Patrick's Day Irish Channel Club block party. 10am-6pm at the Annunciation Square Playground in front of St. Michael's Special School (proceeds benefit the school). Food, beer, wine and soft drinks. Music and Irish dancers. 1522 Chippewa St. (between Race and Orange Sts.). INFO: 504-522-5444 (Dennis Roubion 269-9909). http://irishchannelno.org |
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3/17/08 |
St. Patrick's Day Parade (Downtown Irish Club): The ONLY NIGHTTIME parade ALWAYS on St. Patrick's Day, French Quarter. 6pm (Yep. Maybe it'll start on time, but MAY start late -- you're catching on, aren't you?). Route usually starts at Burgundy and Piety, travels down Royal into the French Quarter at Esplanade, then up Decatur to Bienville, down Bourbon to disband at Orleans. Parade features bands, and marchers have doubloons, green beads, garters and umbrellas. 488-3467. 943-0785. |
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| weekend before and through St. Joseph's Day (3/19) |
St. Joseph's Day alters: You can enjoy viewing the baking handiwork of locals who have spent weeks preparing the food and decorating the churches' altars, such as at St. Joseph's Church on Tulane Ave. Some private homes have an open house to share their altars. The annual St. Joseph Altar sponsored by the Greater New Orleans Italian Cultural Society (Italian Renaissance Foundation), is at the American Italian Museum in New Orleans (S. Peters St. adjacent to the Piazza d' Italia). Information: 504-522-7294 and 288-4609. http://www.airf.org Some may only know St. Joseph's Day as when the swallows return to Capistrano. In New Orleans, alters are decorated to honor the Patron Saint, Joseph and to give thanks to God for answering the prayers and special requests during the past year. The alters feature row after row of lovingly prepared foods, fruits, pastries, cookies, and desserts beautifully arranged. Afterward, the food is blessed taken to feed the homeless and poor. We have a coffee table book at the main B&B that tells you all about it, with photo's. |
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| 3/20/08 | WILD GAME DINNER (need car - an hour drive from New Orleans): It's usually too much trouble to try to get updated info on small things like this, but I'm going to try to keep this on our event calendar. We went 2005. I've never SEEN so much wild game. In a time when hunting is 'frowned upon' by some, it's a real throwback to the past, and a vegetarian's nightmare! Area chefs prepare game dishes, from wild game locals have hunted, from around the world. ranging from wild boar to buffalo ragout, moose, wild turkey, alligator, Alaskan quail eggs. There is also a wildlife mounted display. Event is sponsored by Larose Regional Park Endowment fund and held in Larose Civic Center. Tickets around $25/person, must be purchased in advance. INFO (985) 693-7355. | |
| 3/21/2008 | Good Friday. Some museums and businesses will be closed. | |
| 3/21-23/2008 | Easter Holiday weekend | |
| 3/22/08 | CRESENT CITY CLASSIC 10K race: (usually in April, but early this year because of Easter) French Quarter to City Park, usually starts @ Jackson Square @8:30am, through the CBD, and then up Esplanade Ave. to City Park. INFO: 861_8687; http://www.CCFF.org. | |
| 3/23/2008 | Easter Sunday | |
| 3/23/2008 | EASTER PARADE: French Quarter. At 9:30a.m. (Here we go again. On time is NOT something you can count on in N'ALWINS). The Parade of carriages & convertibles leaves Arnaud's Restaurant located at 813 Bienville St. goes throughout the French Quarter (Arnaud's > Dauphine St., > Iberville > Toulouse > with a stop at Chartres St. and Wilkinson Row, where members are honored with a champagne toast. At the next stop the participants will promenade in Jackson Square before attending the noon Mass St. Louis Cathedral at 11am.. After mass (approx. 1 hour), they promanade around Jackson Square again, parade back through the French Quarter to St. Ann > Decatur > Bienville > Chartres > St. Louis > Royal > Bienville > back to Arnaud's to disband. Stuffed bunnies will be given out along the route, plus a contest for the Most Exquisite Chapeaux (to us plain folks, that's 'hat'), Grand Easter Basket, and Regal Easter Attire. Info: 504-392-5393, ask for Donna. | |
| 3/23/2008 | Chris Owens’ French Quarter Easter Parade: @ 1:00p.m. Chris Owens, the ‘Grand Duchess of Easter’, leads the Easter parade throughout the French Quarter, starting at Canal St. (Astor Crowne Plaza) to Bourbon St., right at St. Philip, right on Decatur, going past Jackson Square to N. Peters, then back to Canal, right on Canal to where parade began at Canal and Bourbon. Colorful outfits and lively parade goers. Plan to catch plenty of Easter beads and trinkets! Or for a real New Orleans experience, make reservations to participate in the parade as it travels through the French Quarter. Info Susan or Ashley 888-7608. | |
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3/26-30/2008 |
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival: : Features a series of theatrical productions, musical events lectures, readings, panel discussions, literary walking tours AND culinary & wine tastings and dinners. Most panel discussions and plays are at Le Petite Theatre, 616 St. Peter, other offerings are throughout the city. INFO: 504_581_1144. | |
| 3/29-4/6/2008 | SPRING FIESTA self guided walking TOUR OF HOMES, and PARADE presenting Queen: http://www.springfiesta.com | |
April
| 3/29-4/6/2008 | SPRING FIESTA self guided walking TOUR OF HOMES: http://www.springfiesta.com | |
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4/5-6/08 |
Los
Islenos Festival (by car or taxicab): 3/24-25/07
This year Isleños
Fiesta will be held on grounds behind St. Bernard Parish government
complex (8201 West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette); It will not be
held in 2007 at Isleños Museum complex due to damage from Hurricane
Katrina. |
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4/11, 12, 13/08 |
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (car needed): Ponchatoula, LA in Memorial Park. Yesiree. You want to go to this (our granddaughter is in it almost every year). Music, crafts, rides, strawberry-eating and -cooking contests, food, and plenty of antiques. 985-386-6677 or 800-542-7520. http://www.lastrawberryfestival.com/ |
| 1st Sunday April | daylight savings time begins (clocks forward an hour) | |
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4/11, 12, 13/08 |
French Quarter Festival: Free community event celebrating the food and music. Events include local musicians on thirteen stages throughout the historic French Quarter, the "world's largest jazz brunch," patio tours, fireworks over the Mississippi River, and much more. Opening TGIF party is actually on Thursday (Yeah, yeah. We know 'F' is supposed to be for Friday. Well, HERE, 'F' is for festival!). It will include music by great bands, food, and open bar. Since it's a fundraiser, it's not free. Usually runs about $50/person. 800-673-5725 or 504-522-5730. |
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4/25, 26, 27/08 and 5/1, 2, 3, and 4/08 |
JazzFest (New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival): @ New Orleans Fairgrounds (for y'all that come during horse racing season, that's the race track!). One of the world's greatest music celebrations. Musicians, cooks, and crafts. Continuous music on several sound stages, in main building and in tents throughout the fairgrounds. Tickets usually go on sale in February @ http://www.ticketmaster.com. Brochures usually available 3/1, which list which WEEKEND musicians play. The schedule with times groups play each day usually available a couple of weeks prior to event. Each year, JazzFest is ALWAYS Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the LAST weekend in April and the FIRST weekend in May . 800-488-5252 or 504-522-4786. If you want to stay with us, remember to RESERVE EARLY, as we usually fill up by end of Summer each year with guests who keep coming back to stay with us -- we are amazingly lucky will all our return guests, who are neat folks!) |
May
| 5/1, 2, 3, and 4/08 | Jazz Fest: see info from last weekend in April | |
| 5/2, 3, 4/08 | BREAUX BRIDGE CRAWFISH FESTIVAL: (by car) Cajun and Zydeco music, crawfish races, food, crafts, and more. 337-332-6655. http://bbcrawfest.com | |
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5/21-25/08 |
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience: Each year, Memorial Day weekend. Several locations: restaurants, art galleries and antique shops. Vintner dinners @local restaurants. Royal St. experience. Stroll the art & antique galleries and experience wine and food offerings at each stop. Live Jazz and dancing in the street, which is closed to cars. Master's Roundtable Seminars. Panel discussions focusing on every major wine producing region in the world. Also wine tastings, food seminars, daily. Fee. 504-529-9463. http://www.nowfe.com/ |
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5/23, 24, 25/08 |
Greek Fest @ Hellenic Cultural Center: Memorial day weekend. Entertainment, music, cuisine and crafts. Friday evening, then 11am into evening, Saturday and Sunday. 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd 504-282-0259 or 504-271-4671. http://www.greekfestnola.com/ |
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5/26/08 |
Memorial Day Holiday (+weekend) honoring our military. Every year, LAST Monday in month. |
June
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6/5-6 |
D-Day Museum: Anniversary of D-Day Normandy, activities to include music and D-Day documentaries. 945 Magazine St., (504) 527-6012. http://ddaymuseum.org |
| 6/14/08 | BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL (by car): Arts and crafts fair held the second Saturday in June of each year. Located in Downtown Poplarville, Mississippi, the Blueberry Jubilee attracts about 10,000 visitors each year. The Jubilee features Arts & Crafts, Storytelling, Live Entertainment, Lots of Food, and Down Home Southern Hospitality. For a fee, you can even pick blueberries off the bush at nearby farms. Always 2nd Saturday June. 601-795-0578. http://www.blueberryjubilee.org/ | |
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6/??/2008 |
French Market Tomato Festival: Celebrates the culinary diversity of the tomato. Festivities include cooking demonstrations, tomato tasting, food booths and GREAT music from local musicians. Last update from Yolanda is that it will be held Saturday, 11am-5pm. (emailed calrification 1/22/08) 522-2621, 504-522-2621 or 596-3424. http://www.frenchmarket.org/subFeature.html |
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6/28, 29/08 |
Bayou Lacombe Crab Festival (car needed): (1/22/08: left mesasage re date 2008) Live music, crab and seafood dishes, crafts, carnival rides and more. Lacombe Park, US Hwy; 190. 800-647-1824, or 634-9443. http://www.lacombecrabfestival.com/ |
| Month of June | BLUEBERRIES: For a fee, you can even pick blueberries off the bush at nearby farms in Lacombe and Hammond areas.. |
July
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7/4 |
Independence Day Holiday/4th of July on the River (Riverfront) Day long 4th of July celebration: riverboat rides, food, free music on the banks of the Mississippi River and in Woldenberg Park. Ends with fireworks on the river. FREE. (800) 774-7394 or (504) 581-4629. 504-522-1555, ext. 7001 or 528-9994. http://www.auduboninstitute.org |
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7/4, 5, 6/08 |
Essence Music Festival: @ Superdome. The best of African American musicians and bands. Nighttime performances of Jazz and Blues. Food, seminars and more, TicketMaster 522-5555. 523-5652. 504-896-8300. 800-essence. |
| 7/16-20/08 | TALES of the COCKTAIL: In the 'big easy', we use any excuse to drink and party in N'Awlins. Here is what event producers say about this event. Experience a classic New Orleans weekend of food, fun and music, mixed with historical landmarks, literature and libations, all poured together with an exciting and educational look at cooking and mixology. No other culinary event features a similar schedule with book-signings, dinner pairings, cocktail parties, entertainment, cooking and cocktail mixing demonstrations and seminars with such a powerful roster of hosts and presenters. N'Awlins welcomes you to Tales of the Cocktail. Sip a cocktail and stay a while. (800) 299-0404. http://www.talesofthecocktail.com | |
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7/???/08 |
Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival (by car): Seafood (fish, shrimp, crabs, oysters, poboys, gumbo, Jambalaya, potato salad, red beans & rice and more), music on 3-stages, arts, crafts, puppeteers, amusement rides, and folk life exhibits in sleepy, rustic little bayou town. Jean Lafitte Auditorium. Sat. & Sun. USUALLY 11am-10pm. Small admission fee. 504-689-2208\4754, 800-689-3525. |
August
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7/31 - 8/3/08 |
"Satchmo" Louis Armstrong SummerFest @ Old US Mint: celebrating Louis Armstrong's birthday. Free music during the day. (Usually at the Old New Orleans Mint, but may be near French Market this year. We are awaiting clarification on location.) Seminars, food, children's tent. Gala benefit event, and "club crawl". Jazz mass, 2nd line parade through the French Quarter. Usually at the old U.S. Mint, but I think it will be in Dutch Alley 2006. 400 Esplanade Ave., 504-522-5730. http://www.frenchquarterfestivals.org/ |
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8/2/08 |
White Linen Night (art walk and street party) in the Warehouse District. (Always 1st Saturday August.) From 6-9pm on Julia St. (300 - 700 blocks) and throughout the Warehouse District, it's a FREE open air celebration. NUMEROUS art galleries have exhibit openings. Afterward, at the Contemporary Arts Center food, wine and beer, plus free live music. 9pm-midnight -- Admission fee. 900 Camp St. (504) 528-3805 or 523-1216. ALWAYS FIRST Saturday of August |
| 8/9/08 | DIRTY LINEN NIGHT: 600-1000 block of Royal St. The French Quarter's irreverent response to White Linen Night, previous week. Gallery hop, with vendors serving cocktails and N'Awlins appetizers. 6-10pm. 523-7945. ALWAYS SECOND Saturday of August after White Linen Night. | |
| 8/??/08 | RED DRESS RUN: usually afternoon of Dirty Linen Night (see http://members.tripod.com/~NewOrleansHash/ and http://reddress.gotothehash.net/ | |
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8/??/08 |
KREWE of OAK MIDSUMMER MARDI GRAS PARADE + BALL: (1/22/08 emailed re 2008 dates) You'll find very few tourists who know about this event! Parade usually starts around 9pm with 'ball' after. Cover charge for 'ball'. Sponsored by Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St., 866-9359. (Usually LAST Saturday August) http://www.kreweofoak.org |
September
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8/27 to 9/1/08 |
Southern Decadence Festival in the French Quarter. More than 50,000 visitors come during the Labor Day holiday to attend this event. Themed groups from the gay/lesbian community parade on Sunday afternoon and there is a Decadence Ball on weekend. 504-522-8047. |
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| 9/1/08 | Bourbon Street Extravaganza, Outdoor concert: 5pm until . . . Bourbon and St. Ann Sts. Free admission. www.napoleonsitch.com | |
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9/1/08 |
Labor Day National Holiday: `1st MONDAY September. There is usually free music at several French Quarter locations during the day. |
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9/???/08 |
Rayne Frog Festival in Rayne, LA, just off I-10 (car needed). Cajun Fais dodo, frog racing, jumping and cooking contests, food booths, carnival and parade. SATURDAY 9am-1:30pm (yep, we do stiff LATE in N'Awlins), SUNDAY 9am-7pm. (1/22/08 left message w/Pres. of Chamber of Commerce re dates) 337-334-7535 http://www.rayne.org Usually LABOR DAY weekend. |
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9/20/08 |
Alligator Day, Hammond, LA (car needed:1-hr. drive). Tours, alligator racing, music, food. Held at Kliebert's Alligator and Turtle Farm. 41067 W. Yellow Water Rd. 504-345-3617 or 800-854-9164. I-55N to Springfield exit. Cross over LA Hwy. 22W. Right on service road north and follow signs. ALWAYS 3RD SAT. SEPT. http://www.klieberttours.com/ |
| 9/??/08 | Inter-Fest @ Louis Armstrong Park: Caribbean and Latin American culture festival in Congo Square. Always good, local performers. (1/22/08 left message re 2008 dates) 581-2860 http://interfestnola.org/ | |
October
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every weekend October |
OktoberFest @ Deutsches Hause. 9/28/07 - 10/27/07 Every Friday and Saturday night in October starting at 6pm. Celebrating with German food & drink, schnapps, the chicken dance as well as polka dancing, usually to live music. 200 S. Galvez 504/522-8014. http://www.deutscheshaus.org/index.html |
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10/4/08 |
Art for Art's Sake @ Contemporary Arts Center, Warehouse District and Magazine St. 1st Saturday in October. Preceded by a citywide gallery hop, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) benefit bash marks the opening of the city's cultural and arts season. Features live music on two stages, gallery openings throughout the city ( major openings Magazine, Royal and Julia Streets), plus international food and drink vendors from around the city. Free bus service is usually provided by the Magazine St. Assn. from 6-9pm. Benefit party is usually from 9pm-1am. Admission fee. 504-528-3800/3805. |
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10/??/08 |
Secret Gardens of the French Quarter Tour. ALWAYS 1st Saturday and Sunday October, Noon to 4pm. Tickets usually $15/person, available by phone 2 weeks before event at 1-800-356-6252 or 504-524-9595, or in person at 533 St. Ann St. @ Creole Delicacies at Jackson Square, 527 St. Philip Street near Decatur St. @New Orleans Gem and Lapidary. Patio Planters Group. http://www.patioplanters.org |
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10/13/08 |
Columbus Day Holiday (2nd Monday October) (although this is a Federal, holiday, most folks who work in N'Awlins don't get this day off, so don't expect the city to be closed down) |
| 10/??/08 | ALGIERS POINT TOUR OF HOMES (by free ferry shuttle): 11am-4pm .Each day will be a different set of homes. On Saturday the tour will start at Mt. Olivet church at 530 Pelican. On Sunday the tour will begin at Trinity Lutheran church at the corner of Eliza and Olivier. Trinity will have their Oktoberfest going on as well. 2007 tickets $15 available at the Algiers Point Whitney bank, Aunt Leni’s restaurant, Hubbell Library, or by calling 361-1932, 2 weeks in advance, Jeanie Jones. or 366-6087, 390-3792. http://hometour@algierspoint.org | |
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10/??/08 |
Gumbo Festival in Bridge City @ Holy Guardian Angels Church (car needed). The festival centers on Louisiana's favorite soup/stew, "gumbo". Live entertainment, 5K run, Cajun cooking and annual Gumbo Cooking contest, arts & crafts (usually games, Fais Dodo, and rides). Free admission and parking. 1701 Bridge City Ave. 504-436-4712, 340-2046 or 436-4712/4070. http://hgaparish.org/Schedulegumbo.htm |
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10/??/08 |
Treasures of Bourbon St. tour of homes. House tour of several historic homes and sometimes spectacular courtyards Admission fee, 1-5pm. Tickets: 804 Dumaine St., (calendar update my contact: Jay, 504-524-3621) |
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10/??/08 |
Wooden Boat Festival in Madisonville, LA (car needed). Daytime, Water Street along the Tchefuncte River. Boat building demonstration and contests, marine auction, entertainment, flea market, food, crafts and more. Antique wooden boats are featured in a parade on the river. 985-845-9200. 133 Mabel Dr. http://lpbmaritimemuseum.org |
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10/??/08 |
GHOSTLY GALLIVANT headquartered @ 1850 Museum Store near Jackson Square: 523 St. Ann St, 10am-4pm. 523-3939, 524-9118, Admission: $18 adults, under 12 free. Tours will run from 10AM - 4PM. Tour bus takes you to the historic cemetery where you are greeted by its "ghosts" (costumed tour guides and historians) who will give a tour of New Orleans "City of the Dead" and tell the stories of the cemeteries' famous (and infamous) residents. All of the tales are true, and this tour reinforces the notion that "truth is often stranger than fiction". Guides will escort the group through the bus ride and participants will experience the sorrow of the funeral dirge and joy of the jazz funeral. Following the two-hour Galavant, guests are taken back to the 1850 House Museum Store for light refreshments. 504-523-3939 or visit web site http://friendsofthecabildo.org |
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10/??/08 |
PRESCRIPTION PARANORMAL @LA PHARMACY MUSEUM: Be afraid . . . as darkness falls in the French Quarter. Guided tour of museum featuring 19th century medical practices. Paranormal exploration of museum using 'tools of the trade' with clairvoyant investigators. Co hosted by International Society for Paranormal Research. $25 admission. 514 Chartres St. 504-565-8027. PACKAGE for $35 includes admission to ISPR's Haunted Attraction @4800 Canal St. 6:30-9pm. http://www.pharmacymuseum.org |
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10/??/08 |
Blaine Kern's Haunted House at Mardi Gras World (take free pedestrian ferry shuttle from Canal St. @ MS River, then FREE shuttle to event): 7 pm to Midnight, 233 Newton St., Algiers Point. Admission: $12. You feel like you’re in your worst nightmare then realize YOU’RE AWAKE! ! Dare to experience the most frightening haunted house in New Orleans. Inside the Dens at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World the most demented creatures and tortured souls searching for their next victims will haunt you. You will find yourself laughing and screaming through a world of oversized scares. Try to pass through quietly without disrupting the dead, make a sound and suffer the consequences. WARNING: Special effects may be too intense for young children and some adults. No costumes or masks will be allowed. http://www.blainekernshauntedhouse.com/ |
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10/??/08 |
WITCHING HOUR BALL (Anne Rice’s Vamprte Lestat fan club has fanned the flame back to life of past Coven Balls): Party kicks off at 9pm @ Howlin Wolf. 907 S. Peters St. 522-WOLF. Http:/vampirelestatefanclub.com or http://www.howlin-wolf.com |
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10/24-26/08 |
Voodoo Music Fest: City Park. www.voodoomusicfest.com |
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10/??/08 |
MOM’S HALLOWEEN Costume BALL: A N'Awlins tradition. Young and old will find something in common at this ball. Doors open 9pm. Music begins 9:30pm at Howlin Wolf Club 907. S. Peter St., 522-WOLF. Advance tickets not necessary. Usually around $25 bucks. http://www.howlin-wolf.com |
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10/??/08 |
THE ENDLESS NIGHT X FESTIVAL returns: The main event for the weekend will be...THE MASQUE of MORTE BALL at the MUSEE CONTI WAX MUSEUM. Vampyre Ball in the heart of the French Quarter. Gates open at 11pm!!! Unique and dark evening while celebrating the mystery and charm of the Crescent City of New Orleans!!! All patrons must come in elaborate costumes. Anything goes.– from masquerade masks and medieval armor to elves, goddesses and angels. 735 on Bourbon St. Adm. $27 in advance; $35 @ door http://www.myspace.com/sabretoothx or http://www.endlessnight.com |
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10/31 |
HALLOWEEN in the French Quarter and nearby. In New Orleans, Halloween is a special, adult celebration. If 10/31 is during the week, the largest Halloween celebration tends to be the previous weekend, Friday and Saturday, with Saturday having the largest crowds. Like Mardi Gras, but many people "mask" (DRESS IN COSTUMES) and several of the clubs and bars have costume contests. Most clubs and bars decorate with Halloween themes. Additionally, there are costume parties, Moonlight Witches Run, Ghostly Gallivant, Haunted Houses, Gala Benefits, and lots more. (Update: for 2008 Mardi Gras World owner is determined for there to be a special parade for Halloween) |
| 10/31 | FRENCHMAN STREET REVELRY: The locals know that Frenchman St. is the place to be Halloween night. Most clubs on street offer live music until the sun comes up! |
November
| 1st Sunday November | Daylight savings time. Time changes tonight
first Sunday in November @ 2 a.m., which means it's actually
SATURDAY night late! Please remember to set your clocks and watches
BACK one hour. |
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| 11/01 | ALL SAINTS DAY: Also known as All Souls Day, relatives visit graves, clean them, and decorate them to remember and honor their loved ones. | |
| 11/3-4/07 | Louisiana Swamp Festival:
@Audubon Zoo, Hear some of your favorite Cajun and zydeco
performers. Chow down on Cajun jambalaya and gumbo and bring home a
piece of Louisiana's rich arts and crafts heritage from the Craft
Village. Also, visit the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit and see exotic
swamp animals and the most authentic swamp exhibit in the state. 6500 Magazine St. Phone: (866) 487-1966, 581-4629. http://www.auduboninstitute.org |
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| 11/11/07 | VETERAN'S DAY HOLIDAY, usually celebrated as a Monday holiday. | |
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11/10-11/07 |
Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival (by car). Antiques village, chef's demo's, food, live music. 8 miles from the New Orleans Airport. 9a.m.-4p.m. Admission fee. 504-524-5522, 985-764-9315. http://www.destrehanplantation.org |
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11/23 to 12/30/07 |
Celebration in the Oaks, City Park (car, taxi or tour needed). See December calendar for details. http://neworleanscitypark.com/ |
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11/22/07 11/27/08 |
Thanksgiving Holiday +weekend (4th Thursday Nov.) |
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11/24/07 |
Bayou Classic football game @ Louisiana Superdome. Grambling and Southern University play their traditional end of the season football game. In addition to supporters who drive here just for 1-night (SATURDAY, kick-off usually 1pm), people come from all across the country to attend the game (>70,000 attend!). 504-587-3663/523-5652. |
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December
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throughout the month of DECEMBER |
We can't say it better than the city's official Christmas Guide: Christmas New Orleans Style: There's no place like New Orleans for the with a celebration of uniquely New Orleans holiday activities. Experience the magic of the season in a city steeped in traditions of the past, but with the food, music and good times of today. More than 100 festivities are planned during the month-long event, showcasing the cultural diversity that adds spice to the gumbo of New Orleans' heritage.
New Orleanians love any excuse to celebrate, but December offers a whirlwind of activities. Christmas is a very also a special season in the French Quarter and may be our best kept secret. These are the highlights (WHO 'DAT SAY N'AWLINS BE DEAD???????):
Most holiday activities take place in the French Quarter. Events and dates AREN'T UPDATED by the tourist organizations until late November each year, so don't be surprised if you see last years dates, below, until just before December. The following info should give you MORE of an an idea of what our city has to offer during this wonderful time of the year. |
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>> CHRISTMAS EVE was usually a family event with sweetbreads (I don't know if this means TRUE calf sweetbreads, or 'sweets'), egg dishes, Creole specialties like daube glacé (French stew turned into a terrine). Cake filled with fruit, topped with whipped cream and drenched with rum or white wine was the typical dessert served. >> NEW YEARS EVE dishes were a little more festive, often several families participating preparing elaborate desserts, such as sugar sculptures, crystalized fruits served with eggnog, French pastries, meringues. When finally exhausted, families would go home, have a light supper, then dance and sing the night away with cordials and liquors for the ladies and whiskey and wine for the men.
Many French Quarter restaurants celebrate this tradition during most of the month of December. Restaurant meal served is typically 4-courses. These special meals are served in the best New Orleans restaurants. Be sure to dress for these dinners, as casual attire is frowned upon. You may be lucky and get a taste of history from the Buche de Noel, a holiday dessert dating back to the Middle Ages. If you're staying with us, by Dec. 1, we have a list of participating restaurants posted on the bulletin board at the main B&B. |