Another week has come and gone, which means it’s time for the Progressive’s Weekend! This week we’re trying something new and giving you a selection of community events, places to eat, and fun to enjoy.
Friday, August 16
Community
86 ICE – 1250 Poydras Plaza from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Southern Babes for Social Justice group is holding a rally to encourage Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees to quit their jobs by reminding them they are accomplices in crimes against humanity, as well as to demand the removal of ICE Director George Lund III. This is a silent action.
Assessment Appeals Workshop by FTNA – Corpus Christi Community Center from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
During this workshop, the Fairgrounds Triangle Neighborhood Association will assist homeowners in filing a formal appeal contesting the Assessor’s value of their home. If possible, please bring survey/measurements of your home and lot, homeowners insurance/flood insurance information, a recent appraisal if you have one, and a contractor’s estimate of repairs if you have one. (If you can’t bring these documents, you can still get help)
Food & Fun
Way of Life: Meet the Chef/Meet the Chief – NOLA Craft Culture from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Chef James Battiste, Big Chief of the Young Brave Hunters will demonstrate how to cook his Creole Gumbo as well as a Gumbo z’Herbes. Afterward, Chief James will talk about life as a Mardi Gras Indian and the importance of Indian culture in the New Orleans community. Tickets for this event are available here.
Free Friday Concert Series at Tipitinas beginning at 10 p.m.
This week’s event features performances from The Low End Theory Players and Noisewater.
Saturday, August 17
Community
Erase The Board Coalition Candidate Forum – Corpus Christi Community Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The New Orleans area candidates who qualified to run for Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Louisiana State Senate, and Louisiana State Representative have been invited to participate in this community forum on public education. The forum will be moderated by teachers, students, and community members who are experienced moderators.
Rally for Gun Violence Research with Mayor LaToya Cantrell – Ogden Library from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Research funding is virtually absent, in spite of gun violence having reached a 40-year high. Come and hear Mayor LaToya Cantrell as well as advocates from Giffords, the American Academy of Pediatrics Louisiana Chapter, American Medical Student Association, Doctors of America, This Is Our Lane, and more as they call on Congress to approve $50 million in funding for research. If you are a medical professional, please wear your scrubs or white coat!
Food & Fun
NOLA International Foodie Fest – Deja Vieux Food Park from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This is a festival of international flavors from local food trucks, pop up chefs, and restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment, specialty drinks, and of course, great food. Tickets are $5 if purchased ahead at the link above, or $10 at the gate.
Oz Southern Decadence Buy-A-Boy Auction: Dinner’s On Us! – Oz New Orleans from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All of the proceeds from the Oz Southern Decadence Buy-A-Boy auction go to benefit the official charity for this year’s Southern Decadence. Exclusive dinner for two packages have been furnished by some of New Orleans’ top restaurants. Cover is $10.
Sunday, August 18
Community
Blood Drive: Everybody Gets Lei’d – Deutches Haus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
#ItTakesAllTypes to #KeepTheBeatAlive! Help the New Orleans Music Clinic as they partner with The Organ Grinders to reach their goal of 500 pints of blood for The Blood Center. Snacks will be provided by The Fresh Market & Nacho Mama’s Elmwood.
Louisiana Books 2 Prisoners Weekly Worknight from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Help pick out books to match prisoner’s interests and wrap them for shipping, give a hand with computer tasks, and help shelve new book donations. You can drop by at any time during the event – 2523 George Nick Connor Drive. Enter on the ground level side door on the right side of the building.
Food & Fun
Hoppy Happy Hour at Brieux Carré hosted by Animal Rescue New Orleans from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Come enjoy an afternoon with some adorable, adoptable pups while you enjoy a specially-chosen Brieux Carré Brewing Company brew!
Drunk as a Skunk Scavenger Hunt – Voodoo Lounge from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
You can participate in this Sunday Scavenger Hunt for free (the winner gets a basket created by a Krewe member) – but for a $10 donation, you can join the Krewe of Amon-Ra tailgate and enjoy hot dogs, chili, baked beans, deviled eggs, chips, cookies, and cake while you watch the game.
Jenn Bentley is a freelance journalist and editor whose work has also been featured in publications such as Wander N.O. More, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, Examiner.com, and others. Follow her on Twitter: @JennBentley_
