September is winding down and October is here. Here are just a few festively gay things to do this week.
#1. Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Sip you cares away at one of the most beautiful courtyards in the French Quarter. The Maison Dupuy courtyard has been newly renovated and the staff invites you to join them for Sippin’ in the Courtyard from 5-8 p.m. There will be music, food, and cocktail specials in the French Quarter’s largest courtyard. The Maison Dupuy is located at 1001 Toulouse Street.
#2. Wednesday, September 30, 2015
One of the greatest musical divas is back in New Orleans and I am so excited since I have not seen her since Essence Festival a few years back. Janet Jackson’s “Unbreakable World Tour” is coming to New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center (1501 David Dixon Drive). Music icon, multiple GRAMMY Award-winner and multi-platinum selling artist Janet Jackson’s UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR will return one of this world’s most influential entertainers back to the live stage in support of her upcoming album due out this Fall on Rhythm Nation Records/BMG. The show starts at 8 p.m.
#3. Friday, October 2, 2015
Are you ready for October and all the Halloween mischief? EXOTIQUE will be kicking off the month of October at The Four Seasons Bar (3229 North Causeway Blvd.) with their show “A Drag Horror Story”. There is no cover charge to get in and the show starts at 10 p.m. During intermission we will have our Half Time Dance Off where three audience members get to come on stage and dance off for a prize of two free drinks at the back bar during the second half of the show. Come join the cast of EXOTIQUE as we kick off one hell of a spooky month at The Four Seasons Bar. The cast includes Pussy Hertz, Countess C. Alice, Taze-Ya Ballz, Carla Chalua and Ilaynnah Eve DeLoreon.
#4, Friday, October 2, 2015
World famous Antoine’s Restaurant is hosting their 175th Anniversary with a Block Party on the 700 Block of St. Louis Street from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. As part of the celebration they will be featuring: $1.75 specialty cocktails; A complimentary champagne toast to 175 years; Live Music from Mark Monistere and Friends and Festive giveaways. This event is open to the public.
#5. Saturday, October 3, 2015
No White Flags – words to live by an inspirational man. Get ready for one of the coolest races and after parties in NOLA benefitting a really great foundation and helping one of our local heroes, Steve Gleason. The race starts at 9 am with the festival beginning at 11 a.m. The race: 3.7 miles around beautiful Bayou St. John and City Park. Festival entertainment includes music by Better Than Ezra, Flow Tribe, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Paul Varisco and the Milestones. There is food and fun for the whole family. General Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the gate, VIP is $250 and $300 at gate. The purpose of Gleason Gras Run and Festival, hosted by What You Give Will Grow, is to raise awareness for ALS and to support Steve Gleason’s participation in advanced and experimental technology, equipment, and treatments. The event takes place at the Team Gleason House located at 3525 Bienville Street near Jeff Davis in Mid-City. For tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/gleason-gras-2015-run-festival-registration-17945212614.
#6. Saturday, October 3, 2015
Join October’s commUNITY® Speak Out as they tackle the subject of Suicide and the LGBTQ+ community at the New Orleans Healing Center 2nd floor classroom 250 (2372 St. Claude Avenue). The talk will focus on the issue of suicide and bullying prevention in the LGBTQ+ community. If you cannot make it in person, they now have live streaming video and you can participate in live chats. Just register on the following link http://www.webinarfusionprolaunch.com/register/community®-speak-out—suicide-and-the-lgbtq-community-eng-28969. The event starts at 3 p.m.
#7. Saturday, October 3, 2015
Enjoy on of the city’s most cultural events at Art For Art’s Sake from 5 – 9 p.m. at galleries and shops on Julia, Magazine, St. Claude and Royal Streets (as well as many other locations throughout the city). Created by the Contemporary Arts Center in 1980, this annual rite of fall has become one of the hottest events of the year for art lovers in and around New Orleans and has now expanded beyond the Julia Street borders. There are shuttles that run from Julia Street to Magazine Street at this unbelievable event. One of the major locations downtown the CAC Art & Membership Experience from 5 – 8 p.m. featuring Free Admission, Cash Bar, REVERB exhibition Artist Talks, Pop-up performance by progressive string quartet ETHEL, Grand Opening of The Stacks art & design bookstore, Visual Arts & Theater workshops for children & families, and Amending, a large-scale stop motion animation by artists Kira Akerman and Silvie Deutsch.
#8. Saturday, October 3, 2015
Get Twisted this October with the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras. The FNBMG presents their second party leading up to the 2016 Masquerade Ball. Take a trip down the rabbit hole and directly to Wonderland. Join Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts at this wild and wacky adventure at Mags 940 (940 Elysian Fields) from 3 – 7 p.m. Tea-themed cocktails at the open bar, a floor show featuring Alice and her Looking Glass companions, an “eat me/drink me” buffet of goodies and a fabulous auction featuring a Royal Red wig from Fifi Mahoney’s are just some of the fun things in store for guests. Tickets are $35. For more information, go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com.
#9. Sunday, October 4, 2015
Come play with the animals at Gay Day at Da Zoo. Join this fun event for all ages at the Audubon Zoo (6500 magazine Street). Bring your families, friends, co-workers; the more the better. The organizers are trying to supersede last year’s turnout of 400 people.
#10. Sunday, October 4, 2015
Come out to the Bourbon Pub and Parade (801 Bourbon Street) for a special edition of Lipstixx: Ladies on Parade starring: Miss Louisiana Continental 2015 and show director Aubrey Synclaire, Miss Black Mississippi Universe/MGLA 2013 Mercedez Ellis Loreal, MGLA 91/93 Tiffany Alexander, MGLA 2009 Bambi Bextor, and MGLA 2015 Delanie Valentine. Showtime is at 8 p.m.