Take it easy and relax in the Big Easy this summer by checking out some New Orleans festivals, cool summer eateries, and venues that will get you out of the sun and into some fun. New Orleans likes to celebrate, and what better way to do it than attending festivals with some sweet summer treats?
NOLA Summer Jam
June 19 at Washington Square Park
12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Hip Hop is alive and well in New Orleans this summer with the NOLA Summer Jam. Featuring local and national artist as well as fashion, hip-hop dancers and graffiti artists the event will have something for all hip-hop enthusiasts as well as those new to it. Some proceeds from the event will go to Gulf Aid relief and Sickle Cell, so come out, get some sun and experience the hip-hop culture.
Go 4th on the River!
July 4 at Canal Place
Celebrate the nation’s independence the right way on the New Orleans riverfront. The fourth of July festival will feature traditional fireworks as well as performances from the U.S. Navy band. There will also be an array of happenings at shops and restaurants along the riverfront as well as free flag fans and tattoos. Come out and show your true reds, whites and blues in New Orleans.
White Linen Night
Aug 7 on Julia Street
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Named after the New Orleans tradition of wearing all white to reflect the summer sun, White Linen Night takes place in the Warehouse Art’s district every first Saturday of August. This event will feature live musicians, cuisine from some of New Orleans top restaurants, and of course art for display and sale.
Dirty Linen Night
Aug 14 on Royal Street
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The following week of White Linen festival, forget doing your laundry and come on out for The Dirty Linen Festival on Royal Street. There will be live music, food and beverages to keep you cool as you stroll through various galleries and art displays.
Queen of the Ball
8116 Oak St.
(504) 861-3055
Escape the shimmering hot NOLA sun with a snowball from Queen of the Ball. It’s small, but jam packed with décor of pink and black Polka dots, chandeliers as well as an array of flavors like mango, coconut, and wedding cake. The owners’ friendly services add the shop’s already wonderful atmosphere. Along with snowballs, you can get snacks including candies and sodas. This snowball shop will leave you feeling like snowball royalty.
La Divina Gelateria
3005 Magazine St.
(504) 342-2634
Cool down and have a cup of gelato at La Divina Gelateria. While you’re there, have a Panini too. This Gelateria offers more than Italian creamy custard with cookies, coffee and salads. All of the ingredients are locally grown and made from scratch. This place is one summer treat you should not deprive yourself of.
Sucré
3025 Magazine St.
(504) 520-8311
Summer is sweet at Sucre, a bakery where you can escape the heat in the cute shop with mint green interior. The bakery has an array of gelatos and sorbets as well as chocolates and pastries, to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Pinkberry
5601 Magazine St.
(504) 899-4260
Pinkberry is one of the newest frozen yogurt places in New Orleans. With its uptown New Orleans location just minutes from the university on Magazine Street, Pinkberry is a great alternative to the traditional ice cream parlor.
As you stand in line, employees hand out samples of their flavors for customers, allowing them to taste everything before ordering. Flavors include: original, chocolate, coconut, pomegranate and a feature flavor which changes with the seasons. There’s also a spread of almost any topping imaginable, including fresh cut pineapple, kiwi, berries and Fruity Pebbles.
Raven Crane can be reached at [email protected].
Carl Harrison contributed to this story. He can be reached at [email protected].
