Looking for something to do this Memorial day weekend?
Nola Family has compiled 15 events you will not want to miss.
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.
Free Admission for Active Duty Military & Families
The Blue Star Museums Network has partnered with museums around the New Orleans area to offer free admission for active-duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families each summer. Starting on Armed Forces Day (May 18) through Labor Day (September 2) 2019, active-duty military families must show a Geneva Conventions common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card to receive complimentary admission for the military ID holder and up to five family members. The military ID holder can be either an active-duty service member or other dependent family member with the appropriate ID card. The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the US military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps. The following museums are participating in the area: Contemporary Arts Center, Gallier House, Hermann-Grima Historic House, Historic New Orleans Collection, National WWII Museum, New Canal Lighthouse, New Orleans Museum of Art, and Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
The Henchman: A Shakespeare Story
NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle. “The Henchman: A Shakespeare Story” is a sequel to “A Midsummer Nights Dream” that reveals the true story of Jacob, the changeling boy Oberon and Titania quarreled over many years ago. This adventurous comedic follow-up to the Bard’s timeless tale features familiar fairies, mischievous magicians, and a powerful villain determined to dispatch Jacob. Ticket prices $12-$28. Continues through May 31 at 7 pm. Seating begins at 6 pm.
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 am. For more information, call 504.233.8387.
End of the School Year Party
X Fusion Family Arena, 1455 N. Collins Blvd., Covington. Enjoy an afternoon of fun. $15/child includes a pizza slice, drink, an ice cream cup, one zipline ride and one hour to enjoy more than games and activities with supervised counselor instructors. Children may be dropped off or parents can stay. 3-7 pm.
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.
The Parenting Center Open House
The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital, 938 Calhoun St. Members, as well as any interested new families, are invited to stop by to play, check out the facilities, and learn about all of the wonderful services offered throughout the year. The playroom will be open. Enjoy treats, music, and lots of fun, so bring your extended family, including your older kiddos. 10 am-noon.
Kids Canteen: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
BB’s Stage Door Canteen, Escape the heat of the summer by enjoying a matinee. Families with kids aged 5 to 13 are invited to participate in a hands-on craft, a selection of theater snacks, and a kid-friendly, WWII-themed movie. All kids are welcome free of charge and accompanying adults receive $7 admission. 10:30 am-noon.
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.
Summer Blast-Off
Magic Box Toys, 5508 Magazine St. Magic Box Toys is blasting off with giveaways and coupons to help you gear up for summer. Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls will be celebrating from 11 am-3 pm, and Kourtni Mason, author of the “Little Miss Dancey Pants” books, will be reading and signing her books and leading a dance demo. Mr. Justin from the weekly storytime, will also do a sing-along. 10 am-5 pm.
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.
Sunday, May 26
STEM Sunday – Science Theater
Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, 21404 Koop Drive, Mandeville. Explore weather, magnets, friction, and more with the resident Mad Scientist for this fun activity. Admission is $7 for any guest over 12 months of age. The show begins at 1 pm.
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 hotdogs 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.