Looking for something to do this Memorial day weekend?
Nola Boomers has compiled 11 events you will not want to miss.
Wednesday, May 22
From Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years of American Art
M.S. Rau Antiques, 630 Royal St., New Orleans. Since the founding of the United States, American painters have sought to capture the essence of the country on canvas. From Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years of American Art presents works that span the first two centuries of our rich history, highlighting the variety and strength of American artistic achievement from the colonial era through World War I. To register, click here. Continues daily through June 8 at 9 am. Closed on Sundays.
Thursday, May 23
New Orleans Greek Festival
Bayou St. John. Opa! The 46th Annual Greek Festival will begin with a soft opening on Thursday, May 23, from 5-9 pm. The Thursday menu will be limited. Admission to the soft opening is $5, cash only, at the door. On Friday, the event swings into action at 5 pm with homemade traditional Greek food, wine, pastries, and other great desserts! Enjoy live, traditional Greek dancing, and listen to the live Greek band playing near the Bayou. Finish up by touring the beautiful Cathedral, browsing the wonderful marketplaces, and visiting the Greek grocery with delectable cheeses, dips, spices, and much more. Continues through Sunday, may 26, times vary. Admission is $8/person. Children under 12 are free.
Friday, May 24
Memorial Day Flag Planting
Chalmette Battlefield, . The NOLA VFW will be hosting this event where volunteers are needed to place and memorial flags on grave sites at the Chalmette National Cemetery. Volunteers will place flags at every headstone in the cemetery. The project begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call 504.233.8387.
Music in the Park
Kenner Heritage Park, 303 Williams Blvd., Kenner. The Topcats return to Rivertown’s Heritage Park to play a free, outdoor concert. Come enjoy the nice spring weather and rock with The Topcats from 6:30-9:30 pm.
Cinderella
The Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans. The New Orleans Ballet Theatre is bringing to life a brand new production of the timeless and enchanting full-length ballet “Cinderella.” Perfect for the entire family. A select group of talented local children will join the professional dancers of NOBT for this production. Premiering with NOBT in the leading roles of Cinderella and Prince are Gabriela Mesa and Fabian Morales, principal dancers with Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami. NOBT dancer Felicia McPhee will return to the stage in the role of the Fairy Godmother. Saturday showtime is 8 pm. Continues on Sunday, May 25 at 2 pm.
Saturday, May 25
Treme/7th Ward Arts & Cultural Festival
Various locations. Celebrate the history, traditions, and culture of two of the oldest, most notable neighborhoods in the United States. Continues on May 26.
New Orleans Baby Cakes vs. Iowa Cubs
Shrine on Airline. The New Orleans Baby Cakes will host the Iowa Cubs in an 5-game match. Visit the Baby Cake’s website to find out what time each game will be played and the special events that will be taking place. Continues through May 29.
SoFAB Fish Fry
Southern Food & Beverage Museum, Cajun RV Fryer presents the SoFAB Fish Fry with catfish plates and drinks, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, kids activities and museum tours. $25 all inclusive. 11 am-3 pm.
Harrah’s 20th Anniversary Concert Celebration
228 Poydras St., New Orleans. Kick-off Harrah’s 20th year in NOLA with a free outdoor concert on the Canal Street Plaza with Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Little Freddie King, TBC Brass Band, Tin Men and DJ Rob Nice. All ages welcome. Food and drink available for purchase. 3-9 pm.
Sunday, May 26
Memorial Day Crawfish Boil
NOLA VFW, 531 Lyons St., New Orleans. Celebrate the lives of those that have gone before us to ensure the freedom we all enjoy. $25 all you can eat crawfish with all of the fixings. They will have burgers and hot dogs for the kids or the non-crawfish eaters — all you can drink as well. 1-4 pm.
Monday, May 27
Memorial Day at The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans. Join for a concert and commemoration. From 10-11 a.m., the US Marine Forces Reserve Band will perform a program of patriotic music that will begin the day’s commemorative activities. From 11 a.m.-noon, the Commemoration Ceremony will honor the families of the fallen. Join for this solemn remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price for their country. And from 3-3:05 p.m., the National Moment of Silence will honor the fallen. The moment concludes with the ringing of the Normandy Liberty Bell. All events are free and open to the public.
A lynching museum and a former president both seem to deliver a message from the American South pulpit: solidarity. Check out Keith Marshalls’ moving article here.