If it is the first weekend of May, it’s time for the Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do! A benefit for Audubon Zoo (6500 Magazine St.), it is considered one of the best parties in New Orleans. Chaired this year by Helen Nalty Butcher, the event on May 3 will feature music from Phunky Monkeys, Casa Samba, and Sierra Green and the Giants, while cuisine and cocktails from numerous local restaurants and purveyors will tempt partygoers. A silent auction, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Pick-a-Present and a Lexus luxury car raffle add to the excitement! This year’s party is in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Odenheimer Complex, known for the domed structure at its center and home of a number of exhibits, including Wings of the World and the Reptile Encounter. The event is also recognizing Louisiana Pine Snake conservation efforts. zootodo.org; @auduboninstitute
Unconventional Spirit
In a world that is rapidly changing, a segment of New Orleans still holds on to its eccentric spirit. These people and their stunning, eclectic homes are celebrated in the new book, Bohemian Soul, by Visual Vamp’s Valorie Hart and photographer Sara Essex Bradley. On May 9, Garden District Book Shop (The Rink, 2727 Prytania St.) will host a happy hour and book-signing at 6 p.m. to celebrate the publication. Other special events at the bookstore this month include: Big Red’s Mercy: The Shooting of Deborah Cotton and a Story on Race in America by Mark Hertsgaard on May 15 and The Venture Alchemists: How Big Tech Turned Profits Into Power by Robert Lalka on May 16. gardendistrictbookshop.com; @the.gardendistrictbookshop, @saraessexbradley, @visualvamp
City Park Harmony
Start your weekend a day early at Thursdays at Twilight, the concert series featuring jazz, pop, soul, funk and more at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park. This month features: May 2: Patrice Fisher and Arpa; May 9: The Hot Club of New Orleans; May 16: Wanda Rouzan and A Taste of New Orleans; May 23: Ladies of Soul; and May 30: Paul Soniat Band. Doors at 5 p.m., show is 6 p.m.-8 p.m. with food and drink (cocktails, too) available for purchase. neworleanscitypark.org; @neworleanscitypark
Rum-Tastic!
Sip and savor at the second annual Rum Rendezvous presented by Red River Bank at the Palace Cafe (611 Canal St.) on May 15, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. This rum-focused event, a benefit for the Friends of the Cabildo and the Louisiana State Museum, features the spirited stylings of Louisiana-based distilleries including Oxbow Rum Distillery (New Orleans), Porch Jam (New Orleans), Seven Three Distilling (New Orleans), Atelier Vie Rum (New Orleans), Wildcat Brothers Distilling (Lafayette) as well as rum authorities and authors Wayne Curtis, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry and Matt Pietrek on hand for spirited discussions. Food will be provided by Palace Café with music from Charlie Halloran and the Tropicales. friendsofthecabildo.org;
@friendsofthecabildo, @palacecafenola
A Yoga Vibe
Like yoga in a former church? Or perhaps outdoors on the banks of Bayou St. John? Then NOLA Vibe Yoga has a unique spot to cleanse your chakras: Tues. 7 a.m. at Hotel Peter and Paul (2317 Burgundy St.); Wed. 6:30 p.m. at Tchoup Yard (405 Third St.); Thus. 6 p.m. at Bayou St. John; Fri. 12 p.m. at City Park under the Peristyle (42 Dreyfus Dr.); Sat. 10 a.m. at Hotel Peter and Paul; Sun. 9 a.m. at Hotel Peter and Paul and 10:30 a.m. at Livaudais Hall (2205 Second St.). NOLA Vibe Yoga is adding classes all the time, so check the website and Instagram. nolavibeyoga.com; @nolavibeyoga
