NEW ORLEANS (press release) – FestiGals, the first and only New Orleans festival that inspires, connects and celebrates women while supporting causes important to their well-being, today announced official plans for the ninth annual women-centric event the weekend of June 21-23 at the Jung Hotel in historic downtown New Orleans.
The popular weekend event was created by women for women in 2011 and combines a powerful, 3 day-long Celebrating Women’s Conference with fabulous festivities that offer many unique New Orleans experiences. Following in the footsteps of local luminaries, Louisiana native and nationally acclaimed singer-fiddler Amanda Shaw has been named FestiGals 2019 Grand Diva and will lead the annual “STEP UP Parade,” an authentic second line parade in the French Quarter. Past Divas have included most recently Stephanie Burks, Angela Hill, Irma Thomas and Robin Barnes. This year’s parade, which begins with a pre-party at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old US Mint, will benefit The American Heart Association. The After Glow Party follows the parade at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s New Orleans Casino Theater with light bites, cocktails and dancing, Grand Diva Amanda Shaw will also perform. This year’s parade is gearing up to become the world’s largest all women’s second line complete with live music, entertainers and dance groups. Colorfully attired female marching krewes will join FestiGals ladies to saunter through the Vieux Carre.
FestiGals kicks off Friday, June 21, as hundreds of ladies celebrate the first annual Hats Off Luncheon, where The Bigger The Hat – The Bigger The Heart, featuring fancy hats of every size and shape as part of saluting exceptional women in the community. Keynote speaker Amanda Shaw will share her story of success, growing up while in the spotlight and how she broke glass ceilings in the entertainment industry to become one of America’s favorite entertainers.
FestiGals weekend will also feature celebrated speakers and presenters in various breakout sessions as they share their incredibly inspiring stories of success with their businesses and in their own personal lives as wives, mothers and sisters.
FestiTalks is back with fast-paced, five-minute sessions presented by successful women professionals who will share their ideas and passion on a variety of timely issues including health, nutrition, fashion, community causes, communications and business savvy.
FestiGals’ single event tickets are available; but for the truly festive ladies, the FestiGals Diva Package is available and includes additional perks for the entire women’s weekend. Further details and event pricing are available on the website at www.FestiGals.org.
