Every week I will spotlight five fabulously fun and gay happenings that you may be interested in doing in and around NOLA. This week’s choices are:
#1. Monday, June 29, 2015
Are you smarter than the average person, test your knowledge at Trivia Night at The Country Club every Monday Night at 9 p.m. with Rikki Gee and DJ Ping. You can win drinks, pool passes and an array of other fun prizes. The Country Club is located at 634 Louisa Street.
#2. Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Sing it out loud at Kafe Karaoke at the Café Lafitte in Exile. Every Hump Day starting at 9 p.m. all you aspiring singers can let it all out at the Oldest Gay Bar in North America. Café Lafitte is located at 901 Bourbon Street.
#3. Thursday, July 2 – Sunday, July 5, 2015
The Essence Music Festival has once again returned to New Orleans over the patriotic 4th of July weekend with more incredible artists and exciting events than ever. Usher, Mary J. Blige, Kevin Hart and Missy Elliott are just a few of the headliners appearing at the New Orleans Superdome. But this noteworthy festival is much more, there are empowerment seminars at the Morial Convention Center, DJ Day dance Parties, a restaurant area serving the best in NOLA Soul Food and even a live filming of Steve Harvey’s Dating Show. For more information, go to www.essence.com.
#4. Saturday, July 4, 2015
Celebrate America’s Independence with a drag extravaganza at the Tulane Avenue Bar (3813 Tulane Avenue). There will be two exciting drag shows at 8 and 11 p.m. Escape the craziness of the city at this Mid-City neighborhood gay bar. The queen’s await to entertain you.
#5. Sunday, July 5, 2015
Every Sunday, jump to your feet and give praise at the Sunday Social Jubilee at the Golden Lantern (1239 Royal Street). The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with this lively and quite unforgettable drag show starring Reba Douglas. Best way to end a weekend on an uplifting note.
Fourth of July Lagniappe
There are several 4th of July events happening in and around New Orleans. Let’s start in Madisonville where they are turning back the clock and celebrating the 4th of July old school. Bring your families and friends along with a picnic basket and a cooler to celebrate along the Riverfront in Madisonville. Activities include: apple pie baking contest, horseshoe tournament, watermelon eating contest, three legged race, a fourth of July parade, pageant and of course Fireworks!
In St. Bernard Parish, they are gearing up for their 4th event entitled St. Bernard Salutes America at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center Grounds in Chalmette from 6 – 10:30 p.m. There will be live music from the Jeff Davis Project (6 – 7:30 p.m.) and At Fault (8 – 10:30 p.m.). There will also be a hot dog eating contest as well as fireworks beginning at 9 p.m.
Go 4th on the River in New Orleans with lots of happenings along the mighty Mississippi. The Riverfront Marketing Group presents the 25th annual Independence Day celebration, at 9 p.m., with the Dueling Barges Fireworks extravaganza over the Mississippi River between the Gov. Nichols Street Wharf and the Canal Street Dock. Bring radios to hear the soundtrack, which will be simulcast on WLMG-FM, WWL-AM, WWL-FM and WWL.com. The fireworks also are visible from the Algiers levee on the West Bank, for those wishing to avoid CBD/French Quarter traffic and crowds. There is also a Fourth of July Cruise on the Creole Queen. The evening offers a buffet of American favorites such as barbecue chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, white chocolate bourbon bread pudding and more. There will be live music and themed cocktails. Guests can view the fireworks from the paddlewheeler and, afterward, cruise down the Mississippi River. Boarding begins at 8 p.m.; Go 4th on the River fireworks start at 9. Admission: $129 adults, $69 children ages 6-12, $20 children ages 3-5. Creole Queen at Spanish Plaza, Poydras Street, For more information, call 504.529.4567.