Friday, November 27, 2009

Christmas in New Orleans

Tonight is opening night for Celebration in the Oaks at City Park. Enjoy lights, rides, a laser show, and a narration of the Cajun Night Before Christmas - one of my favorite holiday tales. In fact, I still have the copy of the book that my Mamere gave to me MANY years ago, and read it to my own children! The celebration is open this weekend, closed Monday through Thursday, then begins its nightly run on December 4th until December 30th. Admission is $7 per person, and children 3 and under are free (rides extra).

Also opening tonight and running through January 3rd is Harrah's Casino's Miracle on Fulton Street. This is a free event and family-friendly. Enjoy Christmas lights, live music, visit Santa Claus, and if you're there at the right time, it just may snow!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The Christmas season is upon us!

It's official: the Christmas season is upon us in the New Orleans area! As if the holiday decorations that have been popping up all over town haven't put you in the Christmas spirit, tonight at 5:30pm the Christmas lights on Canal Street downtown will be switched on! Santa Claus will arrive on one of the red streetcars (how else would he arrive in New Orleans?) and will flip the switch to light the Christmas tree and lights on Canal Street. Stick around and listen to the McDonough 35 choir, and head over to Fulton Street to check out a preview of Harrah's Miracle on Fulton Street events.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

New Orleans Area Free and Frugal Events this Weekend

On Saturday, officially kick off the holiday season (as if the displays of Christmas decorations that have been up in stores since the beginning of October hadn't already clued you in) by welcoming Santa as he arrives at Lakeside Mall. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 9:30am, and where else but in southern Louisiana would you greet him and Mrs. Claus with a second line parade?

Also on Saturday, celebrate Fiesta Latina at Zephyr Stadium from 10:30am until 9:30pm. Festival admission is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Enjoy food, music, dancing, and art that celebrates different Latin cultures!

Want to be a part of a community art project? Head over to the Green Room at The Green Project in Faubourg Marigny to participate in the 4th annual Draw-A-Thon. The Draw-A-Thon begins at 6:30am Saturday and runs 24 hours ending with a pancake breakfast Sunday at 6:30am. Different workshops featuring various techniques will be held throughout the 24 hour event, including drawing with a sewing machine and drawing on film. Adults and kids are encouraged to visit this paper-covered room and channel their artistic sides!

On Sunday, head on over to Oak Street and stuff yourself silly with a huge array of the area's best po-boys at the 2009 New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival. Enjoy great local tunes while munching on delicious po-boys. Just reading the list of vendors and their wares has my mouth watering - I just have to try Emeril's bacon, lettuce, and fried green tomato shrimp remoulade po-boy (would that be a "BLFGTSR"?).

Enjoy the weekend!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

New Orleans Area Free and Frugal Events this Weekend

Another weekend full of free and frugal things to do in the New Orleans area. If your social calendar is open this weekend, check out a few of these events to keep you busy:
  • The weather should be great for the Gator Luau at Holy Name of Jesus school in New Orleans. It runs Friday through Sunday and includes food, drink, rides, music, and both the LSU and Saints games will be shown so you won't have to miss a play!
  • If you're in the mood to shop for Christmas presents, check out the St. Edward the Confessor Craft Fair on Saturday from 9am to 5pm at 4921 W. Metairie Avenue. With more than 100 exhibitors, you should be able to find something for everyone on your list!
  • Also on Saturday will be the next installment of the Kids Culinary Camp for second through fourth graders at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, sponsored by the Junior League of New Orleans.
  • If you're the handy type, head over to Lowe's for their Build and Grow clinic on Saturday from 10-11am. The kids will get to create a "garage" for the Lowe's NASCAR vehicle.
  • On Sunday, head over to the Louisiana Children's Museum for free admission courtesy of Target.
  • If music is your thing, check out the craft and food vendors and enjoy the music at the free third annual Congo Square Rhythms Festival on Sunday from 11am until 6:30pm.
  • Also on Sunday is the grand opening of the "Dreams Come True" Disney art exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This exhibit will be on display until March 14, 2010, so if you can't make it out this weekend, you'll have plenty of time to do so.
Have a wonderful weekend and get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

New Orleans Area Free and Frugal Events this Weekend

If you're looking for a free or frugal way to spend time with your family this weekend, check out some of these local events:
  • Pass a good time at the Swamp Fest at the Audubon Zoo. Enjoy some great cajun food and authentic cajun music while experiencing our wonderful Audubon Zoo.
  • The Disney movie series winds down with the Beauty and the Beast screening at the New Orleans Museum of Art (for members only). Or head to the museum on Sunday from 10am to 4pm for Japan Fest - all free for Louisiana residents, and all outdoor exhibits and demonstrations free for everyone.
  • If you're in Metairie, why not check out the St. Benilde Fall Festival? They will have great music and food, and rides for the kids all weekend long.
  • If you're into bicycling, on Saturday morning join the Tour de Jefferson for a unique view of the parish, and to encourage safe biking routes in the area.
  • If jazz music is more your style, check out the New Orleans Helsinki Connection at the New Orleans Jazz Historical Park. The free concert starts at 2pm.
It looks like it will be another beautiful weekend in the New Orleans area - there's no excuse to not get out and enjoy it!