If there is one place that can feature world-class horse racing along with dogs showcasing their racing savvy, its the Fair Grounds Race Course (1751 Gentilly Blvd.). On March 8, the track belongs to the dachshunds for the Wiener Dog Races, proving that speed isn’t just for long legs. And while the dogs get to show their racing mettle, it is the horses that makes the Fair Grounds the place to be, particularly on March 22 when the Louisiana Derby returns. Spanning 1 3/16 miles, this pivotal race is a key stop on “The Road to the Derby,” where elite three-year-old Thoroughbreds compete for a shot at the Kentucky Derby. The stakes are high, and history proves it: three of the past five Kentucky Derby winners ran in prep races at the Fair Grounds, and last year’s Louisiana Derby champion, Catching Freedom, went on to chase glory in the legendary “Run for the Roses.” fairgroundsracecourse.com; @fairgroundsnola
Bubbles and Boils Bash
Is there such a thing as too much Champagne? Seafood? In South Louisiana, the answer would be there is never enough! Brews, Boils and Bubbles festival on March 29 focuses on boiled seafood with favorites such as Clesi’s, Drago’s and Mr. Shrimp’s Kitchen in the culinary lineup. Entertainment includes music, games and more for the whole family. New options include reserved tables for small groups and two VIP areas for 21 and up: Champagne and Lobster Lounge presented by Veuve Clicquot, and the Brews and Bugs Lounge. Located at the New Orleans Lakefront (5000 Lakeshore Dr.), festival general admission is $30 day of (advance is $20), children under 12, free. brewsboilsbubbles.com; @brewsboilsbubbles
Art & Ocean Vibes
March is a great month to hop in the car for a day trip from New Orleans, so be sure to stop at the Ocean Springs Spring Art Festival in Mississippi. Now in its 32nd year, the festival is March 22 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and 23 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and is located downtown, where there will be more than 200 arts, crafts, garden vendors, as well as food offerings. Music will also provide a lyrical backdrop. Admission is free.
oceanspringschamber.com, @oceanspringschamber
Curious & Curiouser
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (514 Chartres St.) takes a walk on the wild side when it puts an unusual twist on an arts market on March 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Oddities Emporium allows visitors to experience the quirky, bizarre and sometimes dark side of New Orleans with vendors offering taxidermy, art, entomology, poppets, clothing and jewelry. There is also free admission to the museum to see its fascinating collection and after the market close, a ticketed event, the “Holy Hag Seance & Art Installation by Seeress MuggaRose,” is from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. pharmacymuseum.org; @pharmacymuseum
Brews and Bluegrass
NOLA Brewing (3033 Tchoupitoulas) is the place to be on Monday nights when it hosts a Bluegrass Picking Party. The family friendly event, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., feels like an impromptu jam session, featuring bluegrass music from a variety of performers and a $3 blonde pint special starting at 6:30 p.m. The event is free. On March 23, the brewery marks its 16th anniversary with “16 Years of Beers,” 3 p.m.-8 p.m. It is an all ages, free event with music from The Walrus supported by the Electric Yat Quartet. Pizza, boiled crawfish and oysters, as well as a new and special beer, XVI, a Belgian Dark Strong Ale (Belgian quad) will be available. nolabrewing.com; @nolabrewing
