New Orleans Free and Frugal Events This Weekend

If you're not out there scoring shopping deals this weekend and are looking for some free and fun things to do around town, here are a few events for you to check out:

Friday night at 6:30 pm, head to Spanish Plaza at the Riverwalk for a free outdoor screening of the Christmas classic "The Polar Express".   Make sure you bring a blanket and wear some warm clothes - it's bound to be a bit chilly!

While you're downtown, visit Santa in front of the Macy's Tremendous Tree as part of Harrah's "Miracle on Fulton Street" celebration.  Santa will be hearing gift requests from 6 pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 2 pm to 7pm on Sunday.  If you bring a new gift worth at least $15 to donate to the Friends of the Fishermen Foundation, you'll get a free picture with Santa.  Check out the free live music while you're there - including Big Sam's Funky Nation on Saturday night! 
Have a wonderful weekend!

Tis the Season!

Look no further than the opening of Miracle on Fulton Street tonight for a sure sign that the holidays are upon us.  Head downtown for a 5:30 pm lighting of the Macy's Tremendous Tree, then a 6:30 pm concert by Benny Grunch and the Bunch.  Enjoy complimentary refreshments, snowfall, and face painting to usher in the season.

New Orleans Free and Frugal Events This Weekend

There's plenty to do around town this weekend, so if you're looking for some free fun, look no further!

On Saturday, Lowe's has it's latest installment of their Build and Grow program.  This Saturday from 10 am to noon, bring the kids to make a wooden snowman!

From 6:30 am Saturday through 6:30 am Sunday, experience the fifth annual Draw-A-Thon at the Green Project.  Check out performances by various artists, children's art activities, music and games, and draw all over the walls of "The Drawing Room".

From 11 am to 4 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, head to Plessy Park for Family Fringe as part of the New Orleans Fringe Theater Festival.  See performances for children, arts and crafts activities, and watch the parade pass on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking of parades, if you've never experienced a New Orleans second line parade, Saturday morning is your chance.  A parade to honor the memory of musician and music teacher Walter Payton Jr. will follow a brief memorial service at Preservation Hall on Saturday morning at 10:30 am and wind from Preservation Hall down St. Claude, pass McDonough No. 15 where he taught, and back through the French Quarter back to the start.

Santa Claus himself, along with Mrs, Claus, Rudolph, and Frosty, will lead another second line parade through Lakeside Mall in Metairie as he arrives on Saturday at 9:30 am. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mid-week Fun in New Orleans

Wednesday is free admission to the New Orleans Museum of Art for all visitors.  Stop by between 12 noon and 8 pm to take advantage of free admission and extended hours.  While you're there, you might as well stop by the Besthoff Sculpture Garden to take in the scenery!

Ready to jump start the Christmas season?  On Thursday at 6pm head down to Washington Artillery Park across from Jackson Square for the lighting of the French Market Christmas Tree!  After the lighting, join a second line parade to Dutch Alley for some food, drink, music, and dancing!

Have a great week!

New Orleans Free and Frugal Events This Weekend

On the westbank, check out the Westwego Cypress Swamp Fest that runs from Friday through Sunday.  Admission is $2 for those over 10 years old, and 10 and under are free.  Enjoy food, rides, games, and a showcase of crafts at this weekend festival.

Take a drive to the northshore on Saturday or Sunday for the Three Rivers Art Festival in downtown Covington.  In addition to the myriad works of art available for sale, enjoy live music and a children's activities and entertainment at this free weekend festival.

Celebrate National Neighborhood Toy Store Day with a visit to Magic Box Toys on Magazine Street.  On Saturday from 11am until 5 pm they will be celebrating the day and their 15th anniversary with book signings, face painting, music, and more.  What a fun way to entertain your kids, support local business, and get a jump on your Christmas shopping at the same time!  10% of all proceeds will go to Children's Hospital.

At 11am at Borders, bring the kids to Build-A-Bear Storytime.  Geared toward kids ages 3 to 8, the Build-A-Bear Storytime will feature the new Build-A-Bear book: Holly & Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure.  Check the Borders website to see if a store near you is participating.

On Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm, why not stop by the Po-Boy Festival on Oak Street?  36 po-boy vendors will be on hand with such offerings as Maine lobster with Crystal hot sauce or grilled shrimp with blackened avocado, in addition to the "staples" we know so well.  A children's area and live music on multiple stages throughout the day make this free festival a winner!

Also on Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm is the Congo Square Rhythms Festival at the Old US Mint on Esplanade.  Enjoy world music, crafts, a children's area, and food at this free festival.

Take advantage of the Saints' bye week and the beautiful weather - enjoy the weekend with your family!

New Orleans Free and Frugal Events This Weekend

It's going to be a beautiful, though chilly, weekend in the Big Easy.  Take advantage of the sunshine and bundle up to enjoy these fun events around the area:

Saturday from 11am to 5pm, the Audubon Charter School will host its "Fall Fete".  Enjoy games and activities, and live music by Freddy Omar con su Banda.  Admission is free.

Markey Park on Piety is the site of the annual Mirliton Festival on Saturday from 11am to 7pm.  Enjoy live music, children's activities, and mirliton dishes, of course!  Admission is $5 per person, and free for children under 12 years old.  If you attend, please bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Like pizza?  Kids ages 7-9 can head over to the Jefferson Parish Library (East Bank Regional) at noon on Saturday and learn to make and cook their own pizzas!  Younger kids can come by the library at 10am to make a paper plate Pilgrim craft.  

If this chilly weather has you longing for the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean, check out Bayou Bacchanal 2010 at Lafayette Square on Saturday from 11am to 7pm.  Enjoy a parade (starting at Harrah's Casino and ending at Lafayette Square), and authentic Caribbean food and music.  Proceeds from refreshment sales will benefit Haiti's earthquake victims.

Have a wonderful weekend - get out and enjoy it!