It’s been a crazy week, ya’ll. It started off bittersweet, with the sudden closure of a local sweet shop. Then, we got the Number One overall NBA draft pick, and this weekend we’ll be saying goodbye to New Orleans legend Dr. John. This week showed us the ups and downs of life, but in New Orleans fashion, we took it in stride and are ending things off with a celebration.

So long, Sucré

After 13 years, Sucré confectionary announced Monday it would be closing its doors. But the community rallied around those affected by the sudden decision: Bywater Bakery offered to fill wedding cake orders, and local businesses posted their job openings for employees who were laid off. Click here to read more about the closure and how business are stepping up to help.

Pot It Like It’s Hot

Carlos Detres is a planner, so it’s still a bit of a surprise to him that, a year ago, he accidentally started a plant nursery in the front room of his home. A photographer by trade, Detres operates We Bite Plant Parlor and Nursery as a labor of love — and plant obsession — with his wife, Aryn. The pair have no traditional brick-and-mortar location; instead, they run the business through pop-ups around New Orleans and appointments and events in their half of a shotgun double. Click here to learn more about We Bite Plant Parlor.

77 wings, 11 biscuits, 11 orders of fries and a Number 1 draft pick

Only in New Orleans is it acceptable to shuffle morning meetings for 77 Popeyes chicken wings, and that’s exactly what happened Thursday. How else would we welcome Zion Williamson to the Pelicans than with a combo named after his 6’10” wingspan? There were only two Wingspan Boxes available to the public, and we grabbed one. Read about it here.

What’s Happening This Weekend

Fri. June 21, 2019

Cash Money Yoga | 7 p.m | Historic Carver Theater | $10

Are you ready to downward dog for the ’99 and the ’00? This hour-long yoga workout will be accompanied by the sounds of Cash Money by DJ Legatron Prime.

Opera in the Piazza | 7-10 p.m. | Piazza d’Italia | $20

This celebration of Italian music and culture will feature opera singer Lena Prima, and opera singers will perform a selection of arias under the direction of Todd Simmons, former director of the New Orleans Opera Association. Italian food and beverages will be sold.

Sat. June 22, 2019

Cajun Zydeco Fest | 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Armstrong Park | Free

The two-day festival features Cajun-Zydeco artists like The Daiquiri Queens, Amanda Shaw and Dwayne Dopsie. There will be an arts market and plenty of food and drink vendors.

Dr. John’s Farewell Second Line | 3 p.m. | Orpheum Theater | Open to the public

Follow Dr. John’s private memorial (which will be broadcast live on WWOZ) a second line will follow, starting at the Orpheum Theater.

NOLA Caribbean Festival | 5-10 p.m. | Central City BBQ | $10

This festival celebrates Caribbean cuisine, music, dance, and culture while highlight New Orleans’ connections with the Caribbean. There will be three stages of music and food and beverage vendors on site.

Sun. June 23, 2019

Drag Diva Brunch: Britney Spears Edition | 10:30 a.m. | The Fillmore | $45

This drag brunch has a new theme every week, and this weekend they’re paying tribute to Kentwood, Louisiana’s own pop princess Britney Spears.

A Night of Music and Literature | 6:30-9 p.m. | New Orleans Museum of Art | Free

Eight renowned international authors will read excerpts of their literary work accompanied by a musical composition created to match the piece and the author’s home region. The writers include National Book Award-winning author Colum McCann from Ireland and former Louisiana State Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque.

What Else You Should Know