What has more than 90 barbecue teams, 20 bands and lots of fundraising for pediatric brain cancer? Hogs for the Cause.
Now in its 18th year, Hogs for the Cause is one of the country’s largest and most popular barbecue and music festivals. Held April 10-11 at the UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds, the event kicks off with Bacon and Wings Night, during which teams compete in the Sauce, Blue Plate Side, Bacon and Wings categories. The next day, the competition goes even more hog wild for the Manning Family Children’s Grand Champion title, as well as Whole Hog, Ribs, Pork Butt/Shoulder, and Porkpourri, as well as Fan Favorite and Fundraising Champion categories. Musical entertainment spans over two days.
Tickets range from $60 a day general admission to a two-day Goin’ Ham Super VIP package $1,044. Children under 10 are free. This is a cashless event.
hogsfest.org; @hogsforthecause
Sally Baby’s Elixir
Sally Baby’s Three Silver Opera has the musical cure for April ennui when this charismatic group performs at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (514 Chartres St.) on April 29.
Fresh from an NPR Tiny Desk appearance, Sally Baby and the band’s retro New Orleans R&B, dance hall and Creole jazz sounds will immerse the audience in a memorable experience set in the museum’s courtyard (but don’t forget to check out the displays inside!). Oyster Dandy will be offering Bright Side oysters from Grand Isle and there will be cocktails (pay via cash or Venmo).
Tickets are $20; ages 18 and above, 21 plus to cocktail.
Note there is no seating at the event, so bring a festival chair.
pharmacymuseum.org, @pharmacymuseum, @sallybaby504
Rockwell Revealed
Painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell is best known for his portrayal of everyday American life in the mid-20th century. His images, particularly those for “The Saturday Evening Post,” are iconic.
On April 7, The National WWII Museum (945 Magazine St.) is hosting Dinner with a Curator: “Illustrating Freedom: Norman Rockwell and the American Ideal,” 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Rockwell’s works, including the “Four Freedoms” series, will be discussed by Museum Associate Vice President of Education Chrissy Gregg. Accompanying this is a three-course meal prepared by American Sector Restaurant & Bar chefs.
Reservations required; members $77, non-members, $80.
nationalww2museum.org/events-programs/events, @wwiimuseum
Behind the Gates
If you have ever wanted to see more than a glimpse of French Quarter courtyard and their gardens, now’s your chance to step back into these hidden oases at the Patio Planters Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré Tour on April 12, noon-4 p.m. This self-guided tour allows fans to see the unseen: the unique courtyards’ French or Spanish architecture that harkens to the 19th century (or before) and gardens that provide a calming and cooling area.
Tickets are $35 pre-purchased (recommended due to limited capacity) or $40 day of event, which takes place rain or shine. Children under 12 are free.
patioplanters.net; @patioplantersvieuxcarre
Horsing Around
Polo, known as the sport of kings, arrives in St. Francisville on April 18 when the Azalea Polo Classic takes to the field at West Feliciana Parish Park (10226 W. Felicia Parkway), 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
The polo match, a benefit for the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum, will also have some off-field excitement with music from the John Gray Quartet, food and cocktails.
Tickets are $150 per person and include admission to the event, passed hors d’oeuvres and more. Event is ages 18 and above, 21 to purchase cocktails.
azaleapoloclassic.com; @theazaleaclassic
