Every summer, a wide range of New Orleans area restaurants participate in COOLinary, offering special prix-fixe, multi-course brunch, lunch and dinner options for $20-$39. Think: spicy popcorn shrimp, rosemary & balsamic glazed pork tenderloin and Mississippi mud pie – and that’s all in one sitting. From August 1 to September 13, enjoy the tradition by dining in or ordering takeout or delivery from over 55 participating restaurants. Enjoy a meal from an award-winning chef all while supporting locals during COOLinary.
The yearly festival celebrating Louis Armstrong has gone virtual this year. WWOZ will host “7 Days of Satch,” which takes place July 27-August 2. Fans can also look forward to traditional jazz performances, Louis Armstrong-inspired cooking demos on WWL-TV and a full weekend of original performances and Armstrong scholars broadcast on Facebook Live.
New Orleans’ first permanent pop-up experience is dedicated to the music, art and culture of the city. Weave your way through the Bywater warehouse and step inside the minds of over 25 local artists who brought the experience to life. Exhibits include films on Mardi Gras traditions, murals representing the faces of New Orleans, tributes to New Orleans musicians, a life-size interactive crawfish boil pot, a wall of rotating second line umbrellas, a touch-free sensory sound exhibit and plenty of photo opportunities. JAMNOLA opens August 1, and admission is $20 for kids ages 3-12 and $29 for adults. Louisiana residents can save 15% on tickets through August 31 with the code NOLALOVE.
August is National Black Business Month, the perfect time to support the many Black-owned restaurants, shops and attractions in New Orleans. Start by ordering takeout from Dooky Chase or Neyow’s Creole Cafe, and then head on down to Bayou Road for some shopping. Browse our guide to Black-owned businesses in New Orleans here.
Another August event that’s pivoted due to the pandemic, White Linen Night is now White Linen Light, a self-guided art stroll through the downtown Arts District. Local stores, restaurants and galleries are welcoming patrons throughout the month of August in lieu of the summertime block party. Virtual exhibits and an online auction are part of the fun. Check out the participating businesses, and don’t forget to don white linen and wear your mask when strolling the galleries.
