MAY
Through May 20
“Hard Truths: The Art of Thornton Dial”
Event Info: NOMA will display Thornton Dial’s significant contribution to the field of American art through his large-scale paintings, drawings and found-object sculptures. The exhibit, organized by the Indianapolis Museum of Art, spans 20 years of his artwork and is the most extensive showing of his art ever mounted.
Time: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays until 9 p.m.
Location: New Orleans Museum of Art
Tickets: Adults, $10; seniors, students and active military, $8; children 6 to 17, $6; younger, free. Wednesdays free
Contact: 658-4100
May 2
Instruments A Comin’
Benefits: Tipitina’s Foundation
Event Info: This instrumental event strikes the right note with a silent auction, Battle of the Marching Bands, Walk and Wall of Fame Induction Ceremonies and much more.
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Tipitina’s
Tickets: TBA. VIP packages are available.
Contact: 895-8477 or foundation@tipitinas.com
May 2
11th annual Innocence Project New Orleans Anniversary Gala
Benefits: Innocence Project New Orleans
Event Info: Come celebrate with Innocence Project New Orleans, a nonprofit law office and honoree Jennifer Thompson-Cannino (author, Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption) as they commemorate well over a decade of fighting to right the wrongful convictions in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Time: 6:30 to 11 p.m.
Location: Generations Hall
Tickets: $150 per person; $275 per couple; $1,100 for tables of eight or more.
Contact: 943-1902
May 5
Lemonade Day
Benefits: Young entrepreneurs
Event Info: Empowers youth to learn and have fun by starting and operating their own lemonade stands. Each child that registers receives a backpack and an Entrepreneur Workbook.
Time: Various
Location: At home
May 5
Opera Ball 2012
Benefits: Opera and its education in the city
Event Info: In this exciting Russian-themed ball, feast at a gourmet seated dinner, enjoy live music and dancing performances, participate in the silent auction and be in store for a few surprises as well.
Time: 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Location: 4717 St. Charles Ave.
Tickets: Starting at $225
Contact: 738-3003
May 6
18th annual Spring Garden Party
Benefits: The McFarland Institute
Event Info: Enjoy a gourmet dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions and a tour of the lovely gardens surrounding the Pavilion on this spring evening.
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Pavilion of the Two Sisters, City Park
Tickets: $150
Contact: 593-2300
May 7
Harvest At Home 2012
Benefits: Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
Event Info: Second Harvest Food Bank and Chef Tory McPhail invite participants to gather their friends and family, prepare and share a meal and spend a night at home to raise awareness about hunger in the community.
Time: Anytime
Location: Your home
Contact: 729-2823
May 11
17th annual Grace House Women of Substance Luncheon
Benefits: Grace House
Event Info: Enjoy a live and silent auction and fashion show at this spring luncheon honoring Grace House alumni, Volunteer of the Year and the Women of Hollywood South.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Audubon Tea Room
Tickets: Individual tickets, $85; table of 10, $850
Contact: 821-7135
May 12
The Power Walk
Benefits: Dress For Success New Orleans
Event Info: Celebration of family, fitness and financial independence that occurs in three countries and 32 cities. This 5K event promotes health and wellness. Proceeds will benefit Dress for Success empowerment of women to make healthy choices in work and in life.
Time: 7 a.m.
Location: City Park
Tickets: $10 to $15
Contact: 891-4337
May 12
Forestival 2012
Benefits: Tulane’s A Studio in The Woods
Event Info: A celebration of art and music featuring musical entertainment, poetry and book readings, as well as fun for kids.
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: A Studio in the Woods
Tickets: Open to the public with a $5 suggested donation
Contact: 392-5359
May 12
Tour De Lis Healin’ Through Wheelin’
Benefits: Tour De Lis
Event Info: A 3-mile bike loop that can be circled as many times as you wish and a 5k run/walk. This ride with a purpose is intended to raise awareness about cancer survival, support and research.
Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Roosevelt Mall in City Park
Tickets: $35 per person
Contact: 293-2618
May 14
East Jefferson General Hospital Foundation 2012 annual Golf Tournament
Benefits: East Jefferson General Hospital
Event Info: Proceeds from the tournament support programs for EJGH including diagnostic and treatment equipment, patient education, community wellness programs and nursing scholarships.
Time: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Chateau Golf and Country Club
Tickets: Sponsorship and individual prices levels vary
Contact: 456-5025 or rleonard@ejgh.com
May 15
Landscaping Out City
Benefits: Build Now
Event Info: Build Now, a New Orleans nonprofit homebuilder, is holding this judged competition and fundraiser for Delgado Horticulture Technology students to design and landscape the front yards of Build Now homeowners. On the final day, the public is invited to tour the landscaped homes and meet the contestants at a crawfish boil at a Build Now model home.
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: 5713 Elysian Fields Ave., Gentilly
Tickets: Free
Contact: 324-3964
May 17
Business Hall of Fame
Benefits: Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Event Info: Come help honor local businessmen and women who excel in the business, culinary arts, medicine, public service, professional service and entertainment and art industries.
Time: Reception at 6:30 p.m.; dinner and awards presentation at 7:15 p.m.
Location: The Roosevelt Hotel
Tickets: Two for $500; table of 10 for $2,500 or $5,000 (visit jagno.org for information on the different benefits of each)
Contact: 569-8658
May 17-19
Symphony Book Fair
Benefits: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Event Info: Join co-chairs Mary Jo Brown, Phyllis Jordan and Bev Churchill for several great events including the book sale as well as framed art and music, from CDs to sheet music.
Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Delgado Community College Student Life Center
Tickets: $10 for the first day, free for the next two days
Contact: 866-1672
May 18
Sippin’ in Seersucker
Benefits: Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Event Info: Arrive in your most chic summer ensemble for this party! Sample hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, participate in raffles for amazing prizes and enjoy live entertainment.
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: The Shops at Canal Place
Tickets: Presale for members, $25 and non-members, $40; Day-of for members $30 and non-members $50
Contact: 539-9616
May 18
Discussion on Modern Folk Art
Benefits: New Orleans Museum of Art
Event Info: Join the conversation on modern folk art in America by art historians Jane Livingston and John Beardsley.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: New Orleans Museum of Art
Tickets: Included with general admission
Contact: 658-4100
May 18-20
7th annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo
Benefits: The MotherShip Foundation
Event Info: Come “Shake-a-Tail Feather” and celebrate the start of summer with food, art, music and fun down on the bayou
Time: Friday, May 18, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, May 19, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, May 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: The Banks of Bayou St. John
Tickets: Free
Contact: 210-2558
May 20
Art & Soul “The Gateway Garden Party”
Benefits: The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Institute
Event Info: Attendants at this year’s Art & Soul “The Gateway Garden Party” will be decked out in seersucker and linen to enjoy performances, a live auction, a variety of culinary choices and an open bar featuring Chef Dana D’Anzi Tuohy’s specialty sangria.
Time: Patron party 6 p.m.; gala, 7 p.m.
Location: 2800 Charters St.
Tickets: Patron $250; gala $100
Contact: 940-2900
May 22-26
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Benefits: Various local charities
Event Info: More than 30 prestigious New Orleans restaurants will participate in this “Five Day Feast for All the Senses” by hosting the Wine Dinners on Wednesday. Then, on Thursday enjoy the Wine Tasting VINOLA and the popular Royal Street Stroll. The Big Gateaux Show, an international cake competition and tasting, will be held the night of Friday, May 25. Finally, on Friday and Saturday, eventgoers can experience various seminars with the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as the site of the Grand Tastings.
Time: Various
Tickets: Various packages available at nowfe.com
Contact: 529-WINE (9463) or nowfe.com
JUNE
June 1-2
17th annual Fishing Rodeo
Benefits: Rummel Alumni Association, Inc.
Event Info: The 17th annual finishing rodeo returns to Shell Beach. A Captains Party Seafood Dinner will be hosted on Friday, June 1. On Saturday, June 2, there will be food, music, drinks and fun.
Location: Campo’s Marina, Shell Beach
Time: Weigh-in on Friday from 5 to 6 p.m.; Captain’s Party Seafood Dinner from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; final weigh-in Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Pre-sale $35; day-of $40; sponsorship levels vary.
Contact: 838-8787
June 9
IBERIABANK Victory Ball
Benefits: National World War II Museum
Event Info: Celebrate a victorious night of World War II-era entertainment; an elegant three-course dinner catered by Chef John Besh; “How Sweet It Is!” Dancing and Dessert Soirée; and a silent auction to commemorate the opening of the United States Freedom Pavilion.
Time: 5 p.m. to Midnight
Location: National World War II Museum
Tickets: Individual, $500; patrons, $750; How Sweet It Is, presale $35, at the door $40; sponsorships start at $7,500
Contact: 528-1944 or rsvp@nationalww2museum.org
June 9
New Orleans Heart and Soul Gala
Benefits: American Heart Association
Event Info: A gourmet dinner, continuous New Orleans live entertainment and an outstanding live and silent auction.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: 601 Loyola Ave.
Tickets: $250
Contact: 830-2300
June 10
22nd annual Celebrity Chef Gift of Life Gala
Benefits: National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana
Event Info: Enjoy the 22nd annual dinner prepared by various restaurants and silent auction to support the health and well being of families affected by kidney disorders. Honored guest, Bob McMyne, will be awarded the Julio Figueroa Award.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Marriott Convention Center Hotel
Tickets: Celebrity Chef Gift of Life Partner, $5,000; Premier Partner Club, $3,000; Platinum Club, $1,000; Gold Club, $750; Silver Club, $500
Contact: 861-1976
June 11-12
Children’s Hospital Telethon
Benefits: Children’s Hospital
Event Info: WDSU NewsChannel 6’s Margaret Orr and fellow newscasters broadcast live from Children’s Hospital and their studio. Telethon will feature patient stories and testimonials from hospital supporters.
Time: 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Location: WDSU Studios and Children’s Hospital
Tickets: Donations accepted via telephone
Contact: Children’s Hospital Public Affairs Department, 896-9373
June 13
Komen Summercure Chefs Wine Dinner
Benefits: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Event Info: Five famous chefs each bring a signature course to this wine dinner and silent auction, featuring wine and the chefs themselves!
Time: Cocktails 6 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m.
Location: Windsor Court Hotel
Tickets: Individual $225; table of 10 $2,500
Contact: 455-7310
June 16
Bourbon and Burlesque
Benefits: Contemporary Arts Center
Event Info: Guests can enjoy complimentary cocktails created with premium bourbons, bourbon-inspired cuisine and a burlesque review.
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: 900 Camp St.
Tickets: TBD
Contact: 528-3828 or lross@cacno.org
June 22-24
2012 FestiGals
Benefits: Community projects that benefit women
Event Info: A festival for women by women, featuring speakers Hoda Kotb, Collen Mullaney, Ti Martin, Cary Broussard, Tonya Fitzpatrick, and Pamela Arcenaux, provides the ultimate New Orleans women’s experience.
Location: Hotel Monteleone
Tickets: $275
Contact: 483-6330
JULY
July 14
Mr. Legs XII: “A Different Kind of Pageant”
Benefits: Bridge House
Event Info: Come experience this hilarious all-male pageant. Whoever raises the most money through donations and raffles wins the title of Mr. Legs. Other awards go to the contestants with best costume as well as the hairiest, sexiest and skinniest legs.
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Location: Generations Hall
Tickets: $30, $35 or $50
Contact: 821-7135 or BridgeHouse.com
July 25-29
10th anniversary of Tales of the Cocktail
Benefits: The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
Event Info: Save the date for the world’s largest cocktail festival with five full days of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where guests can sample latest products.
Time: 8:00 to Midnight
Location: Hotel Monteleone and Royal Sonesta Hotel
Tickets: $40 to $65; packages $150 to $600
Contact: 948-0511
AUGUST
August 11
Young Leadership Council Role Model Gala
Benefits: Young Leadership Council
Event Info: The YLC will salute 25 New Orleans “Role Models” who make a difference through civic engagement and professional achievement. Participants in the dinner, dancing and silent auction will enjoy music from Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
Time: Patron party, 6 p.m.; program and dinner, 7 p.m.
Location: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Tickets: Patron Table (patron party, dinner and program), $2,500; Supporter Table (dinner and program), $1,500; Patron Ticket (patron party, dinner and program), $300; Supporter Ticket (dinner and program), $175. All tickets include admission to After Party with Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
Contact: 585-1500
August 25
14th annual CHAIRish the Children
Benefits: Louisiana Children’s Museum
Event Info: This auction gala will feature one-of-a-kind chairs, food, entertainment and more.
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.
Location: Louisiana Children’s Museum
Tickets: Patron levels start at $150; general admission $75
Contact: 586-0725 F