Many places wind down around the holidays and a lot of people opt out of doing anything other than waddling around the house due to over-gorging. New Orleans doesn’t let its people get off that easy. This weekend, there are numerous activities, the liveliest taking place on Turkey Day. So take a post-feast disco nap and greet the streets, because nothing shuts down in New Orleans. Ever.
Thursday, November 24:
1. Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade – While New York will have the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – this year including our very own 610 Stompers all-male dance team – we’ll be dancing along the Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade route to 10 school marching bands, including the top two national contenders and Bayou Classic rivals: Southern University’s Human Jukebox and Grambling State’s Marching Tigers. The parade starts at the Superdome at 4 p.m. and ends at the French Market at 6 p.m. where there will be plenty of fun youth activities. Expect holiday floats including one carrying Santa and his elves.
2. Thanksgiving Throwdown – Two New Orleans music sensations take the stage at Howlin Wolf Thursday night for an ultimate Thanksgiving dinner after party. The Rebirth Brass Band and Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers will keep the Wolf bumpin’ throughout the night. Shake off all that turkey and stuffing as the brass legends summon you to the dance floor.
Friday, November 25:
3. Elf at NOMA – Who could possibly resist Will Ferrell’s infectious humor or Zooey Deschanel’s nearly intolerable cuteness? When the two forces are bonded with a Christmas adhesive, pure delight and warmth of heart results. Begin to feel the spirit of the holiday season at the screening of Elf co-presented by the New Orleans Film Society and the New Orleans Museum of Art. The movie starts at 7 p.m at NOMA and is $10 for general admission and $5 for members.
Saturday, November 26:
The beautiful lights at Celebration in the Oaks (coldspaghetti.org)
4. Celebration in the Oaks – The opening night of Celebration in the Oaks is Friday, Nov. 25 and City Park remains a winter wonderland until January 1, 2012. If nothing else, the ultimate outdoor light festival will put you in the Christmas mood. Celebration in the Oaks is a great family event, with much of the park decorated with lights including the Storyland children’s area, the Carousel Gardens mini amusement park and an ice skating rink.
Sunday, November 27:
5. Torch Song Trilogy – A striking piece of theater debuts in New Orleans at the Allways Lounge for its 30th Anniversary starting Friday, Nov. 25 through Dec. 10. The Tony Award-winning play by Harvey Fierstein is centered around a likeable yet troubled drag queen coping with a complicated life in late 70s/early 80s New York City. The cutting edge and controversial play written decades ago translates seamlessly with social and identity issues facing America today. Don’t miss this chance to see a former Broadway play full of thought provoking themes and musical variations.
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