Now that Thanksgiving and the shopping-til-we-drop holiday are behind us (and that little thang that made the Saints the divisional champs) we can take a short breather. In about three weeks, Christmas will be here, and we’ll leave the past 10 years behind us and welcome a whole new bag of crazy and fun with a new decade. This week we’re celebrating all the things, and people, that make our city bright and merry. Heaux heaux heaux!
Need help Christmas shopping?
We know it’s tempting to go to big box retailers and sites for your gifts, but there are plenty of amazing gift ideas from local shops and entrepreneurs. From apparel to self-care and even a little lagniappe in between, New Orleans stores have it all. Click here to see our list.
“This is who we are…”
Run by Beau Ciolino and Matt Armato, the blog “ProbablyThis” sports the cheeky tagline “better homo and garden.” Powered by their mid-century modern aesthetic, honesty and charm, the duo have an audience well over 100,000, which only looks likely to grow as Ciolino and Armato key into how they’d like to see their brand expand. An evolving work in progress, the blog shares what the couple love about the local life in New Orleans in their distinct, unique voices. Click here to read more about “ProbablyThis.”
The art of facade
If Ann Marie Auricchio does her job right, you won’t even know she was there. A door that fades into the wall around it. A concrete wall that looks as it though it’s been there for decades. A column seemingly carved from stone — and all of it’s fake. What is real, though, is the work and love that goes into making everything Auricchio’s brush touches come to life in an entirely new way. Click here to read more about Auricchio and see her striking art.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. Dec. 6, 2019
Rouses is making an attempt at its second Guinness World Records title by making the largest-ever avocado display. It will take up to 20 hours to prep and build the fruit display at the Tchoupitoulas location. An estimated 112,000 individual Hass avocados from Mexico will be used. As if the world’s largest Hass avocado display wasn’t enough, chefs will be on hand to sample avocado recipes, including street tacos and a variety of guacamoles, and show shoppers avaca-dos and avoca-don’ts. There will be additional demos and sampling at the store daily through Saturday.
Hey Louis! preview event | 5 p.m. | Riverboat Louis Armstrong, 1 Poydras Street | Free
See New Orleans’ newest and most unique concert and events venue on the Mississippi River, for free. Local jazz musicians will be performing, along with craft cocktails at a cash bar and take in a view of downtown New Orleans from the grand promenade deck.
Sat. Dec. 7, 2019
First Saturdays on Magazine Street | 10 a.m. | Magazine Street | Price varies
Shops, restaurants and Magazine Street businesses make the First Saturdays special with discounts, exclusive free events and more. It’s a great time to buy local gifts for Christmas, and we’ve got a shopping guide here just for that.
Krewe of Jingle Parade | 1 to 3 p.m. | Begins at Howard and Baronne streets | Free
What’s a holiday in New Orleans without a parade? The first of two Christmas parades is hitting the streets Saturday: the Krewe of Jingle Downtown.
Algiers Bonfire | 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Algiers Ferry Landing | Free
This free event celebrates the custom of lighting the way for Papa Noel. This is New Orleans’ only official bonfire (others happen further out in the River parishes).
Sun. Dec. 8, 2019
Game Day Block Party | Noon | Barcadia | Free to attend
Come cheer on the Saints before, during and after home games at this block party. There’s room for everyone inside and outside the bar, with two DJs.
Bywater Cajun Brunch + Dance | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | The Tigermen Den | Price varies
If you’re looking for a brunch that serves up community, music and a healthy dose of dancing, look no further: Cajun Brunch at the Tigermen Den has it all. This monthly event has been going since April 2012 and happens every second Sunday of the month. This week, the band is an all-female lineup, The Swamp Blossoms. Food is being provided by Bywater Bakery, and dance lessons start at noon. Click here to read more about the awesome Cajun brunch at The Tigermen Den.
