If your parents are coming for Wave Weekend next weekend and you are unsure of how to entertain them, look no further. This list will provide you with options that will have your family eager to come back.
Beignet Fest
The culinary arts of New Orleans are quintessential to any experience in the city. The 8th Annual Beignet Fest is taking place on Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the City Park Festival Grounds. All types of beignets from restaurants and bakeries across the city will be available to try, many with their own signature style or twist on the pastry.
The festival also includes live music, with performances from Louisiana musicians such as Marc Broussard. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Beignet Festival Foundation, which aims to support programs that assist children with autism. General admission tickets are $25 for adults, and children 10-years-old and under are admitted free of charge.
Tipitina’s is a music club located on the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Napoleon Streets. The century-old building offers one of the most classic New Orleans vibes that I have experienced to date. They will host two shows during Wave Weekend. R&B group Durand Jones and the Indications take the stage Friday, and the iconic Rebirth Brass Band is set to play on Saturday. Tipitina’s is 18+, but if that is not a problem for you and your family, it is a fun option to experience New Orleans music.
Oak Street Po-boy Festival
If the Beignet Festival does not fully satisfy your taste for New Orleans food, the 17th Annual Oak Street Po-boy Festival is happening on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the 8100-8700 blocks of Oak Street. There will be 41 different restaurant vendors present, serving po-boys, including vegetarian variations and non-po’boy options.
There will be performances from several musicians as well as local art showcases to peruse between po’boys. A portion of the proceeds will go to Son of a Saint, an organization dedicated to providing mentorship, education and emotional support to young boys without fathers. Wristbands for the event can be purchased online for $10 or on the day of for anywhere from $5 to $15. The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is a great way to support a meaningful cause while simultaneously indulging in a key aspect of New Orleans culture.
New Orleans Pelicans games
For those with families who love sports, the New Orleans Pelicans are hosting two games at the Smoothie King Center Downtown during family weekend. The first game is against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Cup on Friday. The second is on Sunday, where they will play the Golden State Warriors in regular-season action. The atmosphere inside the stadium is always excellent, and the promotional giveaways mean you’ll likely leave the game with something free.
Frenchmen Street
A fully immersive New Orleans experience, Frenchmen Street is a great place to take your family to bask in the city’s vibrancy. The street is a hub for live music, with jazz, reggae and blues around every turn.
Frenchmen has its own nighttime art display, The Frenchmen Art Bazaar, which starts at 8 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday, and could be an excellent spot to buy a souvenir to remember the weekend. There are also plenty of restaurant options if you get hungry, including Dat Dog, a hit gourmet hot dog spot that has grown in popularity over the years. Also on Frenchmen Street is Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, where you can get a good dining experience before heading to the back room for some live music.