Memorial Day Weekend has passed, signalling the official start to summer, which can only mean one thing here in New Orleans: more festivals! Kicking off the weekend is Birdfoot Festival where you’ll get the chance to hear world-renowned chamber music artists at select venues throughout the city. This Saturday and Sunday, enjoy all you can eat oysters at the New Orleans Oyster Festival. Lastly, the start of summer brings an end to some of our favorite outdoor concert series like the Maison Dupuy’s Sippin’ In the Courtyard Series and Wednesday at the Square. Make the most of this weekend in NOLA with our picks below.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Birdfoot Festival – New Orleans’ International Chamber Music Festival is in full swing and wraps up this weekend. There’s still plenty to check out this week, including open rehearsals at the Contemporary Arts Center where musicians will be in residence from May 29 – June 2. Enjoy the many performances throughout the week including one concert dedicated to the Tricentennial on Wednesday, May 30. For more information on the festival schedule, check out our guide to Birdfoot here.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
New Orleans Oyster Festival – Summer festival season has begun, and this weekend we’re celebrating Oyster Fest. Down at Woldenberg Park, the free festival will feature food from nearly two dozen restaurants, live music from Bag of Donuts, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and the Tremé Brass Band, cooking demonstrations, and more. Be sure to catch the oyster shucking and eating contests to find out who will take home the crown this year.
SUNDAY
Made in Louisiana 2018 – Craft beers, andouille, and ice cream make up the over 40 purveyors from around the state serving food, beverages, and culinary products at this festival. Head down to the Southern Food & Beverage Museum on 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a taste of it all. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 in advance.
LAGNIAPPE
Sippin’ In the Courtyard – This Wednesday, head to the Maison Dupuy Hotel on 1001 Toulouse St. for the final performance in the Spring Sippin’ in the Courtyard Series. Acclaimed clarinetist Tim Laughlin will perform, and the beneficiary of this week’s event will be The Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans. The event kicks off at 5 p.m., and admission is free.
Wednesday at the Square – Wednesday at the Square draws to a close this weekend, but not before one final all-star performance. Robin Barnes & Fiya Bird take the stage at 5 p.m. with Shamarr Allen closing our the show at 6:45 p.m. Head downtown to Lafayette Square for one last time this season for great music, food, and a good time
LIVE MUSIC
Check out The Dirty Rain Revelers + Shawn Williams + The Light at The Backroom at Buffa on Friday night at 9:30 p.m., The Nayo Jones Experience at The Jazz Playhouse at 8 p.m., and/or the Brass-A-Holics at Blue Nile at 11:00 p.m., and The Hummingbirds at AllWays Lounge on Sunday at 6 p.m.
