This weekend in New Orleans, we’re ready to go out and enjoy the city. Tales of the Cocktail kicks off this week and lasts well into the weekend with dozens of curated cocktail events. Vegan 2 the Soul Food Festival is back for its second annual celebration of health and wellness. With Thursdays at Twilight and Friday Nights at NOMA, we’re kicking off the weekend right.

ALL WEEKEND
Tales of the Cocktail – More than just a cocktail convention for industry insiders, Tales of the Cocktail offers a wide range of events suitable for even the novice cocktail enthusiast. From July 16-21, participate in seminars, tastings, cocktail tours of New Orleans, curated dining and drinking events, and more. For information on schedules and ticket prices, see here.
FRIDAY
Friday Nights at NOMA – Ever wondered how to cook Spanish-style octopus? This Friday, you can learn how. Friday Nights at NOMA will feature an Artful Palate cooking demonstration with Ralph on the Park’s sous chef Knut Mjelde in Café NOMA at 6 p.m., along with music from Keiko and Mateo at 5:30 p.m. and an Artist’s Perspective Gallery Talk at 6:30 p.m. Regular museum admission prices apply and the event begins at 5 p.m. at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
SATURDAY
Pool Party Yoga – Beat the heat while getting a little exercise in with Pool Party Yoga this Saturday at the Drifter Hotel. NOLA Tribe Yoga leads the class starting at 10:30 a.m. Afterwards, lounge poolside and enjoy a complimentary drink included with your ticket price. Tickets are $15.
SUNDAY
Vegan 2 the Soul Food Festival – This free outdoor festival celebrates health and wellness on Sunday at Lehman Park in the Lafitte Greenway. Enjoy food and drinks, yoga and meditation, fitness classes, health discussions, cooking demonstrations, and music from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Vegan VIP tickets are still available for $35.

LAGNIAPPE
Thursdays at Twilight – Enjoy a performance from Little Freddie King at City Park this Thursday. Located in the Botanical Garden at the Pavillion of the Two Sisters, Thursdays at Twilight is a weekly concert series that encourages guests to stop by, sip on a mint julep, and enjoy the guest artist of the week. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the music begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $10.
Cultural Series in Duncan Plaza – Head to Duncan Plaza to learn about the culture of New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians this Thursday evening. Featuring performances from African drummers and dialogue with the Black Masking Injuns, this free event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy complimentary food, drink, and music.