After a pristine and clean-clothed walk last week along Julia Street in your brightest of linens, it’s time to dig up the gallery gallivanting garments from your hamper and saunter on down to Royal Street for the French Quarter’s funky follow-up — Dirty Linen Night. But before the sun sets for the soiled soiree, you’ll be seeing hundreds clad in crimson frocks — many of whom will still be wandering walking staggering through the Vieux Carré into the evening — from the morning Red Dress Run. Prepare thyselves with our help.

You Are What You Eat

One Magazine Street bakery is serving up more than delicious pastries. Its owner is helping break barriers in the kitchen culture. “The energy that you feel—how you and the people around you feel—that goes into the food. If you make food without good intention, it just doesn’t taste as good,” owner Christina Balzebre, of Levee Baking Company, said. We talk to her about her about her bakery that motivates many to wait in long lines for her positive-infused pastries. 

51 Signatures, One Man

You think you’re a hardcore Who Dat? Let’s introduce you to Brian Henry, who has signatures from 51 — yes, 51 — Saints-affiliated people tattooed on his body, including the names of owner Gayle Benson, Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas. Read about what started his quest to become the #UltimateSaintsFan and the tattoo shop that helped his dream become a reality.

The History Behind Lakefront Airport

If the walls of this Art Deco building could talk, they’d tell the rumors of powerful political circles, world-renowned artists and the secrets of Earhart’s last attempt to fly around the world. The gorgeous building is tucked away in New Orleans East, but its storied past and current glory are a high-flying tale. 

What’s Happening This Weekend

Fri. Aug. 9, 2019

French Fete | 5-9 p.m. | New Orleans Museum of Art | $15 for admission, free for NOMA members

NOMA celebrates all things French on Friday. Food, wine, music, entertainment and children’s activities are planned, inspired by New Orleans’ Gallic heritage.

Saints Preseason Starts versus the Minnesota Vikings | 7 p.m. | Mercedes Benz Superdome | various ticket prices

🗣FOOTBALL IS BACK! We know it’s preseason, but after the way last season ended, we’ll take what we can get until the Super Bowl comes. Tickets to the game are still available on Ticketmaster, or you can click here for our picks on some of the best bars at which to watch the game.

New Orleans Salsa and Bachata Festival | Aug. 9-12 | Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel | $15-$200

Come dance the weekend away! With over 16,000 thousand square feet of ballroom space, which spans three separate rooms, one of each dedicated entirely to salsa, bachata, and Kizomba/Zouk, this festival features international Latin artists who will not only give world-class shows but offer over 70 hours of workshops, classes and dance performance challenges, plus over 20 hours of social dancing.

Sat. Aug. 10, 2019

Red Dress Run | 11:30 a.m. | Crescent Park | $65

You couldn’t miss the New Orleans Hash House Harriers’ annual charity drive and run if you tried. The men and women, all decked in bright red dresses, are impossible to miss as they run or amble through the Marigny and the French Quarter. We can’t blame anyone for wanting to throw a dress on in the middle of the summer. Airflow is critical.

Dirty Linen Night | 6-9 p.m. | Royal Street | Free for most galleries

Dirty Linen Night takes over Royal Street on the same night as the Red Dress Run. It mixes old-clothes-wearing art types with runners who have been drinking since 7 a.m. Expect a good time.

Sun. Aug. 11, 2019

610 Stomper Auditions | Noon |Harrah’s Casino | Free

Want to live out your dreams of being an ordinary man with extraordinary moves? Now’s your chance. The 610 Stompers are holding auditions this weekend. Pro tip: Come early because the line of hopefuls gets long.

What Else You Should Know