Upcoming Events
20th Anniversary of Coolinary
- In honor of its 20th anniversary, COOLinary will run an additional two weeks from August 1 to September 15.
- From Creole classics to contemporary twists on Southern staples, participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus that allow diners to explore a variety of dishes at a great price. Prices range from $28 or less for two-course lunches and $58 or less for three-course brunches and dinners.
Go Fourth on the River
- Celebrate America’s birthday along the historic New Orleans Riverfront with the free Go 4th on the River Fireworks Show at 9:00 p.m. on July 4th.
- At the Spanish Plaza at Riverwalk Outlets visit the free Music and Cultural Festival from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. benefiting the New Orleans Musicians Burial Fund that will feature James Andrews and the Crescent City All Stars and other exciting guest performers.
- From 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. experience the French Market District, with free live entertainment at the Moonwalk, including the passionately patriotic performance by the National World War II Museum’s Victory Belles.
- For more information about the events, visit here.
30th Essence Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola
- Essence Fest returns July 4-7, celebrating 30 years of festival with the theme: "loving on us." Headliners include Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, Usher and Birdman & Friends, who will also honor three decades of Cash Money Millionaires.
- Often referred to as "a party with a purpose," Essence Fest promotes, celebrates and explores health & wellness, spirituality, beauty & style, community & culture, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and more within the African American community.
- A full list of concerts and events are available here.
22nd Tales of the Cocktail
- The 22nd Annual Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) event, taking place from July 21-26, is a weeklong celebrations of cocktails and mixology aiming to educate, advance and support the cocktail professionals and enthusiasts.
- This year, TOTC has choses the theme "Inspire" as a call to action for the global drinks industry to embrace growth through the collective sharing of ideas and energy.
- For more information of events and festivities visit talesofthecocktail.org.
New Developments
YLC’s Wednesday at the Square Named a Top 10 Best Outdoor Concert Series in the US by USA Today
Wednesday at the Square, a dynamic 10-week concert series organized by the Young Leadership Council (YLC), brings together music lovers, local artists, and the community for an unforgettable series of performances. This free-to-attend event not only features amazing live music but also offers delicious local food and drinks. Every purchase directly supports YLC’s community projects, making it an event that combines entertainment with purpose.
Hotel News
New Developments Underway for Ace Hotel New Orleans and Maison de la Luz
Photo Courtesy of Maison Métier
The Domain Companies, one of the leading real estate development and investment firms based in New Orleans, have enlisted HRI Hospitality, an award-winning local hotel management group, to assume operations of the Ace Hotel New Orleans and Maison de la Luz, effective June 18. Alongside management and name changes, the two hotels are set to undergo a rebrand to enter the Hyatt portfolio by mid-2024, including a renovation and reimagination of The Barnett (formerly Ace Hotel New Orleans), mainstay restaurant, Josephine Estelle, the rooftop pool and bar, Alto, and upgraded amenities and offerings at Maison Métier (formerly Maison de la Luz) and a new identity for the sophisticated bar located within the hotel (formerly Bar Marilou).
The NOPSI Hotel Reopens Iconic Rooftop - Above the Grid
On June 21, the NOPSI Hotel reopened its iconic rooftop - Above the Grid. Above the Grid offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, refreshing cocktails and a delectable small bites menu. Above the Grid will be open with refreshing cocktails and music daily, Sunday through Thursday 12pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday 12pm-11pm with daily happy hour from 4pm-6pm.
Special Announcements
New Orleans Named One of the 16 Best Places to Visit in the United States by Travel + Leisure
Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Todd
"Summers are hot and humid in New Orleans, but August is a great time for a family visit with lots to do, hotel room bargains, and restaurant discounts with the annual COOLinary program. The Audubon Zoo features a real swamp in the middle of uptown New Orleans with elephants, bears, snakes, orangutans, and a rare white tiger. In the Audubon Aquarium, there are interactive exhibits, sharks, alligators, penguins, and fascinating insects. The Satchmo Summer Fest, Aug. 3-4 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, celebrates Louis Armstrong with music and food. There’s live music everywhere, and during the annual Red Dress Run (Aug. 10), runners and walkers don their best red dresses for the charity event. " - Excerpt from Patricia Doherty's article.
Be sure to check out the full list here.
Mark Romig Appointed as Honorary Consul for Thailand in Louisiana
Thailand Ambassador Dr. Suriya Chindawongse presents Romig with the official appointment document on Monday, June 17, 2024
- The Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. has confirmed the appointment by the Kingdom of Thailand of New Orleans native Mark Romig as Thailand's Honorary Consul in Louisiana.
- This prestigious appointment underscores Romig's more than four decades of experience in international relations and his commitment to fostering bilateral relations between Thailand and the United States in the 191st year of diplomatic relations, making Thailand the oldest treaty ally of the United States in Asia.
- Romig's appointment as Honorary Consul signifies a commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing mutual understanding between our two nations.
- To view the full press release, visit our website here.