Our New Orleans Late Summer Festival Guide
Summer is almost halfway over and our friends down in New Orleans know that this means HEAT. Imagine consistent 90 degree weather in a city where humidity is sardonically expressed in feet below sea level. Let’s just say it gets pretty hot down there. But summer in New Orleans has its perks: festivals. Here are a few must-see events and festivals in New Orleans this summer.
Red Dress Run
When: August 8th
Where: Louis Armstrong Park
Why: Red Dress Runs aren’t unique to New Orleans, but New Orleans’s Red Dress Run is most certainly unique. In a typical New Orleans fashion there will be great food, great music, and copious amounts of alcohol. A group called the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, who claim they are a drinking club with a running problem, will sponsor the event and all proceeds will go to local charities. Throw on your favorite red dress (men included) and make your way down to Louis Armstrong Park for the event. The race starts at 11:30, but the beer starts flowing at 9.
Brewsiana
When: August 23rd
Where: House of Blues
Why: A friend of mine who works at the House of Blues told me that this is the one event that I can’t miss this summer. Brewsiana is a celebration of South Louisiana’s music and cuisine. As a matter of fact their website specifically outlines three “B”s that will make this event a hit: brews, bands and bites. We’re assuming they forgot Bocce and Beersbee. Anyway, this event will have over 21 varieties of Louisiana’s finest craft beers, a variety of local musicians who are “making waves in the scene,” and high quality gastro-pub food pairings for the beer. If you’re a typical New Orleanian that likes craft beer, good food, and live music, this one is for you.
Louisiana Seafood Fest
When: September 4th-6th
Where: City Park
Why: Need your fix of some of Louisiana’s best seafood in the classic Cajun fashion? Look no further. City Park has what you need. Some of New Orleans’s finest restaurants will be posted up in the park this September to showcase some of their finest seafood dishes, and some of the city’s finest chefs will be showcasing their techniques in public demonstrations. And of course, there will be plenty of live music, including one of the city’s all-time favorites: Rebirth Brass Band! And the best part? Entrance is free!