January
12 Second annual “Big Wig Ball”
Benefits: New Orleans Opera
Event Info.: Kick off Carnival Season at this year’s event themed “HAIRajuku.” Guests are encouraged to don their biggest, most elaborate wigs (costumes or cocktail attire with wigs required); the event features sweet treats, champagne, live music, a raffle for coveted prizes and a wig contest to crown New Orleans’ official “Big Wig 2018.”
Tickets: $50/Ticket; $95/Couple
Location: Opera Guild Home
Contact: NolaBigWig.com
14 “Concert Celebrating Allen Toussaint’s Legacy of Caring”
Benefits: New Orleans Artists Against Hunger & Homelessness
Event Info.: Marcia Ball and Deacon John Moore and The Ivories will perform 7-10 p.m. to benefit the grants that NOAAHH distributes to the region’s philanthropic and nonprofit agencies and charities that provide food and shelter to those in need. Toussaint and Aaron Neville founded NOAAHH in 1985, when they brought together a group of New Orleans musicians to perform a concert that would benefit the New Orleans area’s hungry and homeless people. Since then, NOAAHH has distributed more than $3 million in grants to more than 50 area organizations.
Tickets: $30/GA; Free/Children 10 and under; $80/Patron Party
Location: Rock ‘N’ Bowl
Contact: NOAAHH.org, RockNBowl.com
18 “Good Apple Gala”
Benefits: Louisiana Appleseed
Event Info.: Celebrating its ninth anniversary, this year’s gala will honor Social Justice Honorees Chief Justice Bernette Johnson, Ken Polite and Alan Philipson and Pro Bono Honorees Sam Ford, Caroline Crosby, Lillian Grappe and Patty and Madison McMurray. The Gala will be followed by a Core Members After-Party.
Tickets: $100/Ticket-$10,000/Sponsorship
Location: NOPSI Hotel
Contact: LouisianaAppleseed.org
23 “Porsche of New Orleans Leukemia Cup Kickoff Party”
Benefits: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Event Info.: A party to engage participants to get excited for the upcoming “Leukemia Cup” events in April and May. There will be food provided by Southern Yacht Club and a cash bar. The Leukemia & Lymphoma society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Tickets: Free
Location: Southern Yacht Club
Contact: 837-0945
28 Fifth annual “King Cake Festival”
Benefits: Ochsner Hospital for Children
Event Info.: The Carnival-themed festival features King Cakes from across Louisiana, a “Gladiator Rep Run & Fun Run” presented by Smoothie King, a Kids’ Zone and live music.
Tickets: Free/Entrance; $10/10 Tasting Tickets (1 ticket per sample)-$25,000/Sponsorship
Location: Champions Square
Contact: KingCakeFestival.org
20 “Bal Masqué”
Benefits: Link Stryjewski Foundation
Event Info.: Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski will host an evening to kick off Carnvial Season and to benefit the youth of New Orleans featuring food and drink from some of the country’s top chefs and mixologists with entertainment by international and local artists.
Tickets: $300+/ticket
Location: Sugarmill
Contact: BalMasque.LinkStryjewski.org
February
21 “Fête de Voyage”
Benefits: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Event Info.: This event is a kickoff celebration for the LPO’s performance at Carnegie Hall in New York on February 27, and to raise funds to curate expansive LPO concert seasons presented across the Greater New Orleans area and provide education and community engagement programming serving a 12-parish region.
Tickets: $1,000/Ticket
Location: Home of Frances and Calvin Fayard
Contact: 523-6530, extension 30
21 “New Orleans Take Steps”
Benefits: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
Event Info.: A family-friendly fundraising event where patients, loved ones, friends and supporters gather to encourage each other and to connect with the greater IBD Community, helping them understand that they are never alone in this fight.
Tickets: Free to register
Location: Champions Square
Contact: 408-2119, CCTakeSteps.org/NewOrleans2018
23 “Une Affaire d’Avant Garde: En Blanc et Noir”
Benefits: Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization of the New Orleans Ballet Association
Event Info.: This year’s Gala will recall Truman Capote’s grand “Black and White Ball,” and guests are invited to dress in black-and-white formal wear and masquerade in ode to Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s contemporary staging of Roméo et Juliette – the company is returning for the first time in over a decade as the first stop of three on its North American tour and a special tricentennial feature event. The night will include a Patron Party featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Hyatt’s 8 Block Kitchen & Bar, a three-course menu of French cuisine, entertainment by the Benchwarmers, a raffle of a $3,000 Lee Michaels shopping spree, a champagne pull and a silent auction.
Tickets: $250+/Ticket
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Contact: 522-0996, extension 208
24 Seventh annual “Jewish Roots Gala – An Evening of Cabaret”
Benefits: Jewish Children’s Regional Service
Event Info.: This event will honor and celebrate Ned Goldberg, JCRS Executive Director, on his 30th anniversary of leadership of the agency. In addition to a cocktail reception and seated dinner, entertainment will feature Leslie Castay and a silent auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities.
Tickets: $250+/Patron Ticket
Location: New Orleans Marriott
Contact: 828-6334
24 “Get Yah Praise On”
Benefits: Audubon Nature Institute
Event Info.: In celebration of Black History Month, Audubon Nature Institute presents “Get Yah Praise On,” a “hand clapping, foot stomping good time for the entire family” featuring a great gospel music showcase with a “soul stirring” line-up of local and regional gospel performers.
Tickets: Included with admission/membership
Location: Audubon Zoo
Contact: 581-4629, AudubonNatureInstitute.org
25 Ninth annual “Recycled Fashion Show”
Benefits: Bridge House / Grace House
Event Info.: This event highlights what the Bridge House / Grace House Thrift Stores have to offer when more than 30 local designers will display their creative spins on recycled clothing and other treasures. This annual party also features food from local restaurants, a silent auction (featuring items modeled on the runway), a cash bar and a raffle.
Tickets: $25/Ticket in advance; $35/Ticket at door; $50/VIP
Location: Rock ‘N’ Bowl
Contact: 821-7134
March
2 “Go Red For Women Luncheon”
Benefits: American Heart Association
Event Info.: This luncheon is part of the “Go Red For Women” movement that encourages local women to take charge of their heart health. Guests can participate in free health screenings and a silent auction, and at 11:30 a.m. the ticketed heart-healthy luncheon and program will include stories of local women affected personally by heart disease.
Tickets: $150/Ticket
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Contact: 872-3440
3 “Soul Revival”
Benefits: Legacy Donor Foundation
Event Info.: Known as a “soul-shaking good time,” each year this event attracts close to 1,000 guests to dance to live music and enjoy local cuisine. The Legacy Donor Foundation’s mission is to educate Louisianians about the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation, and to encourage individuals to register as donors in order to save the lives of those waiting for transplants.
Tickets: $100-$25,000
Location: Home of Lauren and George Brower
Contact: 558-8900, OrganAwareness.com/Soul-Revival
3 37th annual “Sugarplum Ball”
Benefits: Children’s Hospital
Event Info.: This year’s theme is “Grecian Gala,” which will be reflected throughout the VIP Tent and the Gala in fabulous decorations in white and gold. Cuisine will be provided by more than 40 local restaurants and multiple bands will keeps guests dancing throughout the night.
Tickets: $350/2 Tickets-$15,000 Sponsorships
Location: Hellenic Cultural Center
Contact: CHNola.org/Sugarplum
3 “Annual Gala 2018: Le Bar Clandestin”
Benefits: Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans
Event Info.: This year’s gala will honor Nell Nolan. Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans is part of a worldwide network that fosters and funds ongoing French educational and cultural programs in the New Orleans region.
Tickets: $125/Ticket; $225+/Patron
Location: New Orleans Jazz Market
Contact: 568-0770
3 “Temple Sinai Gala”
Benefits: Temple Sinai
Event Info.: This annual gala is themed “Temple Sinai Dines and Dances Through the Decades” and will honor Pamela and Robert Steeg; Amy Gainsberg-Haspel and John Haspel; and Jennifer and Jack Benjamin.
Tickets: N/A
Location: Temple Sinai
Contact: 861-3693
3-4 “Soul Fest”
Benefits: Audubon Nature Institute
Event Info.: This event is a two-day family-oriented event featuring live musical performances by local jazz, R&B and gospel artists at the Capital One Stage. Visitors can purchase authentic soul food prepared by local restaurants and caterers, and can visit with local health, education and social service organizations and receive valuable wellness and lifestyle information.
Tickets: Free with admission/membership
Location: Audubon Zoo
Contact: 581-4629, AudubonNatureInstitute.org
8 34th annual “Mad Hatters Luncheon and Fashion Show”
Benefits: Women’s Guild of New Orleans Opera Association
Event Info: Wear your most glamorous, whimsical or outrageous hat for the “Mad Hatters” luncheon and Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show themed “Happy Birthday New Orleans.” The afternoon will include a hat contest, lunch and a silent auction.
Tickets: Starting at $75
Location: Marriott Hotel
Contact: 267-9527
9 “Lark in the Park”
Benefits: Friends of City Park
Event Info.: This year’s event will be raising funds to restore the Casino Building and the Parkview Terrace. The fundraiser will include an auction, raffles, live entertainment, full bars and cuisine from over 40 local restaurants.
Tickets: $100/Ticket; $90/FOCP Members
Location: City Park
Contact: 483-9369
9 16th annual “Next Generation Golf Tournament”
Benefits: Next Generation
Event Info.: This is a four-man scramble event benefiting the 50 Next Generation School Clubs across the Gulf South Region and Florida. Next Generation aims to establish student-initiated moral and character education clubs on junior and senior high school campuses.
Tickets: $150/Person; $600/Foursome
Location: Beau Chene Country Club
Contact: 885-0980
10 “Annual Gala”
Benefits: National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section
Event Info.: This annual gala benefits NCJW, which strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Tickets: N/A
Location: NOPSI Hotel
Contact: 861-7788
11 “YEP Fest”
Benefits: Youth Empowerment Project
Event Info.: A community street festival featuring a series of pedicab races between local businesses, live music, food and more.
Tickets: Free; donations accepted
Location: YEP Offices
Contact: 522-1316, YouthEmpowermentProject.org
15-18 “Art in Bloom”
Benefits: New Orleans Museum of Art and The Garden Study Club of New Orleans
Event Info.: “Art in Bloom” showcases spectacular floral designs created by over 100 exhibitors that remain on display at NOMA for four days. This year’s theme, “Queen of Arts: Celebrating 30 Years of ‘Art in Bloom,’” will bring together exhibitors from New Orleans and beyond to celebrate music and its role in New Orleans’ vibrant culture.
Tickets: $100-$150/Ticket
Location: New Orleans Museum of Art
Contact: 658-4100
15 “Crimestoppers Annual Luncheon”
Benefits: Crimestoppers
Event Info.: This annual awards luncheon honors civic and community leaders and individuals who assist Crimestoppers with fighting crime and keeping the streets of our city safe.
Tickets: $125/Ticket
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Contact: 837-8477
15 “French Quarter Festival 35th Anniversary Gala”
Benefits: French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
Event Info.: Patrons will celebrate a “Taste of Fest” with festival chefs. Gala guests will enjoy tastings by Antoine’s and an open bar courtesy of Abita Brewing Company and Brown-Forman/Republic Beverages.
Tickets: $155-$500/Ticket
Location: Antoine’s
Contact: 522-5730
16 “Amazing Grapes Wine Auction”
Benefits: Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses
Event Info.: This evening under the stars will feature impressive vintages, rare bottles of wine and other great items through a fabulous online auction. The night kicks off with a Patron Party and will include live music, specialty cocktails and food.
Tickets: N/A
Location: Hermann-Grima House Courtyard
Contact: 274-0750
16 41st annual “Julia Jump”
Benefits: Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans
Event Info.: This year’s event will feature live music by Bon Bon Vivant, local cuisine and a silent auction. Proceeds from “Julia Jump” will help the PRC to: “Provide critical home repairs for low income, elderly, disabled and veteran families in neighborhoods across the city; transform blighted properties into family homes; and train new homebuyers in purchasing and renovating a home of their own.”
Tickets: $75-$125/Ticket; $275-$3,000/Patron Party
Location: New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts
Contact: 581-7032, PRCNO.org/event/julia-jump-2018
17 “UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball”
Benefits: United Negro College Fund
Event Info.: This ball is hosted by UNCF and local corporate sponsors to involve celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, educators and other supporters in the annual local fundraising activities of UNCF. The evening will include national live entertainment, dining provided by celebrity chefs, dancing, student testimonials and a parade of masks.
Tickets: $600/Ticket
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Contact: 581-3794
21-25 32nd annual “Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literacy Festival”
Benefits: Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literacy Festival
Event Info.: The five-day event offers a range of speakers and performers, writer’s craft sessions, panel discussions, celebrity interviews, a scholars conference, a book fair, a breakfast book club, theater, food and music events, French Quarter literary and LGBT walking tours and special evening events and social gatherings.
Tickets: $10-$600/ticket
Location: Throughout the French Quarter
Contact: TennesseeWilliams.net
22 “An Edible Evening”
Benefits: Edible Schoolyard New Orleans
Event Info.: This event showcases the ESYNOLA’s signature seed-to-table garden and culinary education program, and raises approximately 20 percent of the ESYNOLA budget to sustain daytime garden and culinary programming for students and special food and garden celebrations for their families and the larger community. Guests will enjoy local restaurants and food businesses, live music and signature wines, cocktails and a beer garden.
Tickets: $60/Ticket; $250+/Couple Ticket to Patron Party
Location: Langston Hughes Academy Garden
Contact: 421-1060
23 “Keeping Our Promises Gala”
Benefits: Daughters of Charity Foundation of New Orleans
Event Info.: This annual event includes a silent auction and the Inspired Cross Award presentation (presented to individuals and/or organizations who have worked with us to “keep our promises” to provide health care for those in need, and to transform health care through innovation and courage).
Tickets: $100/Ticket; $175/Patron Party
Location: Messina’s at the Terminal
Contact: 212-9544
23-24 “Hogs X”
Benefits: Hogs for the Cause
Event Info.: This annual two-day fundraising event celebrates 10 years and features nationally recognized musical talent alongside amateur and professional barbecue competitors, and this year it’s added a Craft Beer Hall in addition to its popular Thursday Night Dinner. “Hogs” operates as the premier funding source for pediatric brain cancer outreach services in the U.S. and has given grants to over hundreds of families in need.
Tickets: $25+/Ticket; Free/Children under 12
Location: UNO Lakefront Arena Field
Contact: HogsForTheCause.org
24 “NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival 2018”
Benefits: New Orleans Museum of Art
Event Info.: A fun-filled family day featuring egg hunts, a petting zoo, face painting, spacewalks, painting, crafts, activities and more.
Tickets: $10-$15/Ticket
Location: Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans Museum of Art
Contact: 658-4106
24 “Earth Fest”
Benefits: Audubon Nature Institute
Event Info.: “Earth Fest” is a fun way for Audubon Zoo visitors to learn about saving the environment. Exhibitors representing groups from the nonprofit and governmental sectors as well as businesses involved with environmental issues help Zoo visitors answer questions for prizes on the Earth Quest game. Food and crafts available for purchase.
Tickets: Included with admission/membership
Location: Audubon Zoo
Contact: 581-4629, AudubonNatureInstitute.org
25 “Parkway Promenade XXVII”
Benefits: Jefferson Beautification, Inc.
Event Info.: A “Southern Elegance” extravaganza, featuring a sit-down dinner, live entertainment, dancing, raffles and live auctions featuring artwork by James Michaloupolas. Jefferson Beautification, Inc., formed in 1990 to provide funding for tree planting and beautification projects on public green space in Jefferson Parish.
Tickets: $80/Ticket
Location: Chateau Country Club
Contact: 737-7583
April
7 “Party on Lake Pontchartrain”
Benefits: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Event Info.: The “Porsche of New Orleans Leukemia Cup Regatta” presents the “Party on Lake Pontchartrain.” After a day of sailing, everyone is invited back to the Southern Yacht Club’s third floor for a party featuring live music, tastings from 24 different restaurants, wine pull and liquor pull, a live and silent auction and more.
Tickets: $100/ticket; $1,000/table
Location: Southern Yacht Club
Contact: 837-0945
7 “Paint the Town Green”
Benefits: Raintree Children and Family Services
Event Info.: This annual evening consists of a Patron Party, live auction, silent auction, music by The Wise Guys and food from New Orleans’ finest restaurants.
Tickets: $85/Ticket
Location: Generations Hall
Contact: 899-9045, extension 235
7 “Asian Pacific American Society Festival”
Benefits: Audubon Nature Institute
Event Info.: A colorful celebration of Asian pride, partnership and progress at Audubon Zoo featuring live entertainment; hand-made crafts from India, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and other Asian countries; internationally themed displays; and authentic Asian dishes.
Tickets: Included with admission/membership
Location: Audubon Zoo
Contact: 581-4629, AudubonNatureInstitute.org
7 “Cochon Cotillion XXII”
Benefits: Bridge House / Grace House
Event Info.: This annual event serves as a parody of traditional black-tie galas and of Mardi Gras Balls. Guests attend the event in tacky attire, in pig-themed clothing or other costumes. The gala features a King and Queen, a live band, a mini Mardi Gras parade, celebrity emcees, food from local restaurants, libations, a large silent auction, a raffle and more.
Tickets: $100/Ticket; $150/Patron Party
Location: Mardi Gras World
Contact: 821-7134
11 “The Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon”
Benefits: City Park & New Orleans Town Gardeners, Inc.
Event Info.: This inaugural event will benefit the magnificent trees of City Park and the projects of the New Orleans Town Gardeners, Inc., such as Grow Dat Youth Farm and Edible Schoolyard. A gourmet luncheon will follow a champagne reception, and fabulous hats are de rigueur.
Tickets: $150+/Ticket
Location: Popp Fountain & Arbor Room, City Park
Contact: 259-1509, jhopper@nocp.org
18 “Prix d’Elegance Luncheon & Fashion Show”
Benefits: Men and Women of Fashion
Event Info.: At this annual event, 10 men and 10 women who represent outstanding style and a commitment to community service will be honored. In addition, a man and woman from the respective memberships will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa will be honored as this year’s Women of Fashion Hall of Fame recipient.
Tickets: $125/Ticket; $1,250/Table of 10
Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Contact: 522-0996, extension 208
19 “FOREver Green Golf Classic”
Benefits: Girl Scouts Louisiana East
Event Info.: All player packages include range balls, lunch, dinner and unlimited beverages. There will also be a pre-event golf show, prior to the 1 p.m. shotgun start, scramble format and an awards reception.
Tickets: $250/Single Player; $1,000/Foursome
Location: Bayou Oaks, South Golf Course at City Park
Contact: 733-8220
20 “WYES Studio 12 Gala”
Benefits: WYES
Event Info.: This themed evening (a spin on the iconic Studio 54) will be the hottest and most exclusive “club” in town that night, beginning with a Patron Party and followed by the Gala.
Tickets: N/A
Location: WYES Studio
Contact: 486-5511
27 30th annual “Zoo-To-Do For Kids Presented by Tulane Pediatrics”
Benefits: Audubon Nature Institute
Event Info.: This annual party for kids at Audubon Zoo features food, musical entertainment, crafts, arcade games, face painters, crafts and inflatables. The 30th annual “Zoo-To-Do for Kids” will celebrate the return of lions to Audubon Zoo in a brand-new exhibit made possible through a generous donation from Joy and Boysie Bollinger.
Tickets: $20/Members; $25/Non-members; $40/Early admittance
Location: Audubon Zoo
Contact: 861-6160, AudubonNatureInstitute.org
