August 1–30
COOLINARY NEW ORLEANS
A celebration of dining in America’s most delicious city will feature special menus and pricing for lunch and dinner at restaurants throughout New Orleans. Visit coolinaryneworleans.com for more information or call 566-5011.
August 5–8
SATCHMO SUMMER FESTIVAL
“What a Wonderful World” you’ll discover during an entertaining and educating weekend in the French Quarter honoring New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The Satchmo-inspired program includes musical performances, lively discussions, jazz exhibits, a jazz Mass, activities for budding young jazz fans, a club crawl, “red beans and ricely yours” foods, and a star-studded lineup of performances that would have made Louis smile. Visit frenchquarterfestivals.org for more information.
August 5, 12, 19 and 26
TOP DOG AT TWIST
Media personalities will partner with local celebrities to act as guest bartenders vying for the title of “Top Dog” each Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Twist, the hip bar adjacent to Mike’s on the Avenue. The dynamic duo that raises the most money during their bartending gig will be named the “Top Dogs” at a closing event slated for September 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. A signature Szambelan Vodka cocktail will be available weekly for $5 with proceeds, as well as celebrity tips, being donated to Southern Animal Foundation. Bring your pooch to this dog-friendly event and join the fun! Visit mikesontheavenue.com for more information.
August 7
CAC’S WHITE LINEN NIGHT
Stroll along Julia Street in the Warehouse District or Magazine Street Uptown to visit galleries with fabulous artworks on display and for sale. Sample cuisine from local restaurants and cool drinks as you gallery hop. The outdoor celebration on Julia includes live entertainment provided by some of the city’s most eclectic and talented musicians from 6 to 9 p.m. The official post-party at the Contemporary Arts Center is a summer must-attend! Cuisine and drinks at the cash bar are available from 9 p.m. till midnight. Admission is $7 and free for CAC members. Visit cacno.org for more information.
August 8
MOVIE NIGHT AT THE INN ON BOURBON
The French Quarter hotel is proud to announce free monthly showings of New Orleans–themed movies, starting with the 1947 classic New Orleans, starring Louis Armstrong. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. The Inn on Bourbon is located at 541 Bourbon St.; call 524-7611 for more information.
August 8
HOUSE OF BLUES PRESENTS CYNDI LAUPER
Cyndi Lauper burst onto the world stage as the quintessential girl who wants to have fun. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8. Visit hob.com for tickets.
August 10
TEA ON TUESDAY AT LONGUE VUE GARDENS
Join author Pamela D. Lyles as she explores the fabulous “gumbo” of Cajun, Creole and regional recipes included in her cookbook, Da Cajn Critter: The Lifestyles, the Rules, and Makin’ Groceries, winner of a Best Books Award from USA Book News. A traditional tea will be served after the lecture, with a selection of scones, pastries, homemade lemon curd and finger sandwiches. Event time is 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and reservations are required. Contact Lydia Vaughn at 488-5488, ext. 333, or lvaughn@longuevue.com.
August 11
ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON
The popular Round Table Luncheon hosted by yours truly at noon at Begue’s of the Royal Sonesta Hotel will feature as speakers: writer and radio personality Poppy Tooker and writer Mary Lou Widmer. Enjoy live entertainment and lots of networking. The three-course gourmet luncheon is $38 and includes complimentary parking and wines to complement the food. For reservations, call Noel Scallan at 553-2220 or e-mail her at nscallan@royalsonestano.com.
August 12
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT PRESENTS M. I. SCOGGIN
Enjoy a musical evening with Regeneration, featuring M. I. Scoggin, Nell Saussy, John Parker and Will Robicheaux. Show starts at 6 p.m. in the Botanical Garden at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters. Mint juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, water and food will be available for purchase.
August 13
BONOPERATIT
The Inn on Bourbon (541 Bourbon St.) is continuing its Opera Returns to Bourbon Series with a jam-packed schedule of free opera performances. Come celebrate with food, special opera-themed cocktails and fun at the inn’s Puccini Bar. Visit bonoperatit.com for more info.
August 13
HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS PRESENTS MARC BROUSSARD
Lafayette native and Louisiana favorite Marc Broussard channels the multiple spirits of classic R&B and soul into contemporary sounds. Not only is Broussard a talented musician, songwriter and vocalist, but his philanthropic cred is strong too. Held at Harrah’s Theatre; call 800-745-3000 for tickets.
August 13–29
JEFFERSON PARISH ARTS SOCIETY PRESENTS THE FANTASTICKS
The Fantasticks is the longest-running production of any kind in the world, and with good reason: At the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Held at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave.. Call 885-2000 or visit jpas.org for tickets.
August 14
AN ADOPTION OPTION, SPONSORED BY THE LA/SPCA
Adoption counselors and volunteers will be on hand at Jefferson Feed, 4421 Jefferson Hwy., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help you select the right pet for your family. A variety of shapes, colors and sizes of four-legged friends eager to find a new home will be available for adoption. Call 368-5191 or visit la-spca.org for more information.
August 14
DIRTY LINEN NIGHT
Don your “dirty” white linen attire soiled from White Linen Night and head to Dirty Linen Night, the French Quarter’s version of the gallery hop, which will feature more than 60 galleries and shops. Most participants will serve cool refreshments and offer special surprises. This free, public gallery hop has become a favorite summer event for both locals and visitors alike. Held from 1000 Ursulines St. to 200 Royal St. from 6 to 10 p.m. Visit Dirty Linen Night’s Facebook page for more information.
August 14
UNO LAKEFRONT ARENA PRESENTS NORAH JONES
Grammy Award winner Norah Jones brings her amazing vocals and latest tour to the Lakefront Arena. Don’t miss out on the tour supporting her most recent CD, The Fall. Show starts at 8 p.m. at the UNO Lakefront Arena. Visit ticketmaster.com for tickets.
August 14
RED DRESS RUN
The New Orleans Red Dress Run is the biggest and best in the U.S. Thousands of red-dress-clad men and women will run and walk through the French Quarter, mixing and mingling while enjoying the sights, sounds and lively libations affiliated with the Quarter. Join the fun or come watch the craziness! Funds raised benefit several local charities. Brought to you by New Orleans Hash House Harriers. Visit nolareddress.tumblr.com to register.
August 19
A MEET-N-SNIFF FOR PET-LOVING SINGLES
Hosted by Canine Connection and Walkin’ the Dog to benefit the Louisiana SPCA, the event will be held at the Bridge Lounge, 1201 Magazine St., from 6 to 8 p.m. The $5 registration fee benefits the LA/SPCA. Come enjoy games, music, raffle, appetizers and specially priced cocktails at Meet-n-Sniff. It’s an ideal opportunity for single dog lovers and their dogs to connect—because if your pets can’t get along it’s just not going to work! Call 218-4098 or visit www.la-spca.org for more information.
August 19
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT PRESENTS PAUL SONIAT
Singer-songwriter Paul Soniat will perform his original songs, which always entertain and engage the audience. He is sure to have some new songs for this concert, so grab your mint julep and get ready for an enjoyable evening in the Botanical Garden of Pavilion of the Two Sisters. Open 5 to 8 p.m., with performance at 6.
August 21
YOUNG LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ROLE MODEL GALA
The YLC will salute 25 New Orleans Role Models who make a difference through civic engagement and professional achievement. Participants at the dinner, dance and silent auction will enjoy music from Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Program and dinner will begin at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal St. Call 585-1500 or visit youngleadershipcouncil.org for tickets or more information.
August 25
TASTINGS AT THE TRACK
The popular wine tasting series, held in the Club House of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, continues with “New World Wines: A Tasting Tour From Argentina to South Africa.” More than 25 fine selections from top-producing regions, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States, will be showcased. The reception-style tasting will also feature a selection of cheeses and wine experts who will answer wine-related questions. For more information, visit fairgroundsracecourse.com or call 948-1285. Tickets are $25 and available at Dorignac’s (710 Veterans Blvd.), which is sponsoring the event.
August 26
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT AT EAST JEFFERSON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Come enjoy wine, food, health screenings, back massages, hand massages, along with some health tips from six of the hospital’s top doctors. Screenings include skin scanner, pulmonary and sleep apnea, bone density, blood pressure and body mass index, all for a suggested donation of $10. 7 p.m.
August 27–28
WOMEN WHO ROCK!
“Women Who Rock!” will feature the music of legendary female rock-pop artists in recognition of the barriers they broke down for all women in the music world. An A-list group of musicians and vocalists, led by Lawrence Sieberth, musical director and keyboardist, will perform a 90-minute show featuring songs that were originally recorded “back in the day.” Harrah’s New Orleans Theatre at 8 p.m. Call 800-745-3000 for more information. Admission is $25.
August 28
AN ADOPTION OPTION & BAKE SALE & RAFFLE
Sponsored by the LA/SPCA, this event will be held at Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Blvd., from 11 to 3 p.m. LA/SPCA adoption counselors and volunteers will be on hand to help you select the right pet for your family. A variety of shapes, colors and sizes of four-legged friends eager to find a new home will be available for adoption. Call 368-5191 or visit www.la-spca.org for more information.
September 1–6
SOUTHERN DECADENCE
Celebrate with a long weekend of parties, parades and gay pride in the lower Quarter at one of the oldest and largest gatherings in the country for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. Visit southerndecadence.net or call 522-8049 for more information.
September 3
NEW ORLEANS ARENA PRESENTS THE BUDWEISER SUPERFEST
The Budweiser Superfest will feature Anthony Hamilton, Kem, Jaheim, and Raheem DeVaughn. New Orleans Arena at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39.75 to $125. Call 800-745-3000 for more information.
