Good Things to Do in New Orleans

With the arrival of warm (soon to be HOT) weather, it’s time to get outside and experience some of the great events the city has coming up.

April 16^th looks like it will be a busy one for the city. A number of events are going on, but two of my favorites are the Community Records’ Block Party and Crawfest. The Community Records’ Block party, headlined by California’s RX Bandits, will feature 2 stages of 20 touring and local punk, ska, and reggae bands. The Block Party gets better every year and you’re sure to discover some new, amazing bands. Tickets are $20 or $17 in advance.

The Big Top

1638 Clio St.

Noon- Midnight

Crawfest is Tulane University’s annual crawfish and music festival. Featuring 16,000 pounds of crawfish (your mouth is watering, isn’t it? Mine is too.) and local bands, Crawfest is a great time for anyone looking to dance, drink, and eat a ton of crawfish. Admission to the festival is free and crawfish/drinks are $10 to anyone who is not a Tulane student or staff member.

6828 St. Charles Ave.

11am-9pm

If you’re out doing some shopping, why not contribute to a good cause? The New Orleans area Habitat for HumanityHabitat ReStore holds sales for home building materials and household goods.  This is a chance to get some great deals (and score some great finds—the store recently featured some beautiful claw foot tubs) and give back to the community. If your house is too cluttered to justify buying anything else, do a little spring cleaning and make a donation. You can also volunteer to help out at the ReStore!

2830 Royal St. 

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-4pm

Even though school is out during the summer, there’s still an opportunity to learn some new skills! For those of us who wish we could replicate restaurant-style Cajun and Creole favorites, Crescent City Cooks offers cooking classes for $30. Each class will teach you to cook 4 different dishes, including jambalaya, etouffee, gumbo, and even pralines. With a different class each day, you’ll soon be whipping up classic New Orleans dishes like your name is Emeril. Bam!

1 Poydras Place

Monday-Sunday, 10am-12:30pm

If you’re not looking to potentially add inches to your waistline during swimsuit season, there are also various dance classes at Crescent Lotus Dance Studio. Crescent Lotus offers various dance classes throughout the year, including belly dance, burlesque, and pole fitness. Beginning May 13^th, they will also be offering a 3-part self-defense class. Be sexy AND safe!

3143 Calhoun St.

*Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=485817517446&set=a.437549817446.239187.133048957446