New Orleans always has a lot going on during the weekend, but this one promises to be extra full. The combination of Labor Day, Southern Decadence, and one of the last weekends of the summer season have our calendar jammed full of things to do – so let’s jump in and get right into the picks!
Friday, August 30
Southern Decadence Gay History Walking Tour – 4 pm to 6 pm
Take a walk through the city and learn about the LGBT+ history of New Orleans. You need to reserve a spot at the link – make sure you book ahead.
Colors: A Decadent Celebration of Color – 7 pm to 9 pm
COLORS celebrates some of the Gulf Coast’s most talented and brilliant performers of color. Each performer paints a picture of their lives using various forms of storytelling and performance art.
The Meetup at Cafe Dauphine – 7 pm to 9 pm
If you’re looking for a way to eat with intention, the Community Foodie Meetup is where it’s at. Meet up with like-minded foodies while intentionally spending money at and patronizing black-owned businesses. “Eat. Drink. Be Revolutionary.”
Saturday, August 31
New Orleans Pride Run & Walk – 8 am to 1 pm
This family-friendly 5K event takes place along the Mississippi River, beginning and ending at The Crescent Park. Members, friends, allies, and all supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community are encouraged to attend. All proceeds from the event go to support the PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship Program. Further event details are available at runNOTC.org.
Opening Day at the new Louisiana Children’s Museum – 12 pm to 7:3o pm
The new Louisiana Children’s Museum is opening its doors for the first time this Saturday! While free tickets are already sold out, there are plenty of general admission tickets still available for the weekend. Grab yours at the link above and come and support this great museum.
C4S: Light It Up Jam – 2 pm to 7 pm
Come support Compete For the Street in this effort to raise money for additional lighting at Parisite Skate Park. The event is free to enter and free to attend, and there will be music, food vendors, and competition for boards and bikes with cash prizes.
Sunday, September 1
Courtyard Community Cleanup – 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Bring your gloves, bags, and other cleanup tools to help clean up Coliseum Square Park and neutral ground! Participants will get free water, snacks, and a beer token to use at The Courtyard Brewery – wear your Courtyard shirt if you have one!
The Southern Decadence 45th Annual Walking Parade – begins at 2 pm
This is a walking parade with no motorized vehicles except for the truck at the front that carries the sound system. The parade starts at 2 p.m. near the Golden Lantern and ends in the vicinity of the intersection of Bourbon and St. Phillip Streets. Be prepared for a few detours along the way – though fewer than in years past.
Curve The Runway NOLA 2019 Fashion Show – 6 pm to 9:30 pm
Come out and support body-positive fashion design at CURVE the Runway! This is the last all-white affair of the summer and will feature free parking and a cash bar. 3803 Toulouse Street!
“Encuerate De Amor” – Sep 1 @8 pm to Sep 2 @12 pm
Come out to The Domino at 344 St. Claude and support the LGBTQIA+ migrant community, which is facing a particularly difficult time of hate, discrimination, and violence under the current administration. All proceeds raised from this event will be used in support of the community.
Monday, September 2
133rd Labor Day Celebration – Free Carnival Rides – 10:30 am to 5 pm
The Labor Day Association presents this day of solidarity and support for all local unions in the tri-state area. Head out to the Gibson Co. Fairground and show your support!
Electric Girls Labor Day Mini-Camp – 9 am to 12 pm
Come out and join the inaugural Electric Girls Labor Day Mini-Camp! This half-day open build workshop encourages girls to explore the world of STEM. Grownups can stay and build at no additional cost.
Free Music Class for Kids 7-12 – 5 pm to 7 pm
Students can come out and learn guitar, piano, vocals and more! This first session is free – just call or text the number listed at the link above to let them know that you’re coming!
St. Roch Game Night – 6 pm to 10 pm
Come out to St. Roch Market for this night of tabletop gaming! Games are furnished by Turn Table Tops, and will include Splendor, Azul, Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Onitama, Sushi Go, and more! Happy hour priced drinks will be available from The Mayhaw all evening, and various selections of food will be available from the market’s award-winning vendors.
