Dirty Linen Night
The second Saturday in August marks Dirty Linen Night, created by Linda Sampson, a jeweler on Royal Street. It’s the ultimate night out where the art galleries and antique shops come alive on Royal Street. A play on White Linen Night (another popular August event), it quickly grew to boast one of the biggest pedestrian traffic nights of the summer. Held just one week after White Linen Night, enjoy an arts-driven night of reverie as six city blocks are taken over for a party that lasts until the wee hours.
Dirty martinis and dirty rice are on offer at many of the participating shops. Cajun-style white rice with chicken giblets and liver is a staple of the city (and dirty martinis are a natural match). Many attendees wear linens that were dirtied the week prior at White Linen night as they dance the night away to live music amidst wandering mimes and clowns.
Art Gone Wild
Royal Street is usually considered worlds away from the raucous Bourbon Street. Normally known for elegance and culture, it’s the one night a year that artists and craftspeople go all out for a wild party. As you admire the ancient architecture and ornate balconies overhead, the most photographed street in the world proves that—just like every other corner of New Orleans—it knows how to host a party.
Admission is free and up to 40 galleries participate. It’s the best night to make a deal with gallery owners and get the best possible price on a piece of New Orleans to take home with you.