White Hot Night

The much anticipated event was created in the early 1990s to combat the sluggish business the heat of the summer brings with it by reviving an old New Orleans summer tradition in which men and women wore white linen clothing during the hottest months of the year.

This year, over 40,000 people donned in head-to-toe white linen converged on Julia Street to sample food from over two dozen vendors and sip on the signature ginger-mint lemonade (adult version) while they gallery hopped and tried to keep cool with complimentary paper fans. Two dozen or so art galleries on or adjacent to Julia Street opened their doors to art lovers, casual strollers and AC deprived people alike, drumming up enthusiasm over the historic arts district. The outdoor celebration included three stages with live entertainment provided by Ernie Vincent and the Top Notes, Erica Falls and The Hot Club of New Orleans Quartet.

The “Official Whitney White Linen After-Party” at the Contemporary Arts Center was the place to be after the galleries closed. Partygoers enjoyed the latest pieces on exhibit, danced to the beats of DJ Matty and munched on cuisine from Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant, Mellow Mushroom and the Kupcake Factory. Proceeds from food and drink sales go to benefit the CAC’s year-round artistic programming and the New Orleans Arts District Association.


Event at a Glance

What: “Official Whitney White Linen After-Party,” benefiting the Contemporary Arts Center
When: Saturday, August 3
Where: CAC

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