White Linen Night
Photo courtesy of Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans on Facebook
Back in the days before air conditioning, New Orleanians kept cool and looked fresh in the face of August swelter by wearing light-colored linen clothing. Back in the days before White Linen Night, local art galleries felt the pinch of the August tourism slowdown.
In order to combat said slowdown, and to showcase local summer fashion, White Linen Night was created (Fidelity Bank is the title sponsor). Art galleries and restaurants in the Arts/Warehouse District throw their doors open for a night of wine, art showcasing, dining, and more wine — plus modeling of, naturally, the latest in white-linen fashion.
The event, held on Saturday, August 2 this year from 5 to 10 p.m., has several components that showcase local art and provide plenty of opportunities to eat, dance, drink, and stroll in the New Orleans’ Arts District in Central Business District (CBD). One of the main features is a free block party and an open house for galleries on the 300-600 blocks of Julia Street in the Arts/Warehouse District, with live music and dozens of food and drink stands.
The events also spill out onto neighboring streets throughout the area, including Magazine and Camp streets. In addition to most galleries on Julia Street, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art will be open. As the name suggests, participants are invited to wear white.
You can check out this guide to see which galleries are participating. Remember, the block party is free, though you’ll have to get tickets to buy food and drinks. There’s also a ticketed “cool down lounge” on-site.
The event is usually really well attended, so parking is limited, though there’s some street parking as well as the paid parking lots in the area.
So, don your best white linen and brave the heat to support the Arts District New Orleans as they celebrate 31 years of this unique event!
