What Happens in New Orleans in May?
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: It’s springtime in NOLA so the weather is very pleasant. This year, the May festivities start on Sunday, May 3rd with Jazz Fest. Wait a minute – the word “start” is not quite correct. Actually it’s the LAST DAY of this event because in 2020 Jazz Fest starts on Thursday, April 23rd and ends Sunday, April 26th – then picks up again a week later on Thursday, April 30th to end on Sunday, May 3rd. This event is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the third-largest racetrack in the country, which is at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard in New Orleans.
When Jazz Fest recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary it drew a record-breaking 475,000 festival attendees – one of the biggest numbers in the history of this event. Over the years it has grown from a small neighborhood gathering to an over-the-top two-weekend party with music, food, artisan tents, crafts for sale and more.
TIME TO CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO: Which is Spanish for the “Fifth of May” and is an annual celebration to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It’s a very big deal here in New York City. I happened to be at Party City at 34 West 14th Street on May 4th one year and the store was bursting at the seams with customers buying everything in sight for this festive day. In New Orleans it’s time for you to head for a great frozen margarita and tacos on this special day. Our vote is for Casa Borrega – which is located at 1719 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in New Orleans. You’ll love it – lots of atmosphere!
IT’S TIME TO HONOR MOUTH-WATERING SHRIMP on National Shrimp Day that falls on May 10th. But let’s face it a chilled Gulf Coast shrimp cocktail is great anytime. If you’re hankering for a delicious Fried Shrimp Po-Boy head out to Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant in the French Quarter. It’s located at 841 Iberville Street and they’ve been serving huge portions of the best boiled, broiled and fried seafood for over 50 years. (I buy big, fat shrimp at the Kips Bay Fairway at 550 Second Avenue and serve it with Louisiana Cocktail sauce made with fresh horseradish – it’s to die for.
MOTHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, MAY 10TH SO HOP TO IT and do the right thing by treating her to brunch (or dinner) on this special day at the Apolline restaurant located at 4729 Magazine Street. I took a look at their menu on the web and the first two items are described as “Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Then, in case you didn’t quite get it, they add “all you can drink.” Before the two of you get smashed and can’t remember what you’re celebrating may I suggest Eggs Apolline that includes a house made biscuit, smoked andouille sausage, Louisiana crawfish tails and poached eggs with hollandaise sauce. That should do it.
FROM FRIDAY, MAY 15TH TO SUNDAY, MAY 17TH there’s a party on the bayou when Bayou Boogaloo comes to Bayou St. John in Mid-City. What makes this weekend special is the location on the banks of Bayou St. John. Folks fill the bayou and enjoy the music from their small boats, kayaks, canoes, inflatables or anything that floats. One can stroll about, grab some great food and drink then go and sit by the waterside and enjoy this lively scene. This fun event has been going strong since 2006.
If it floats you’ll find it at Bayou Boogaloo
FINALLY WE’RE AT MONDAY, MAY 25TH: MEMORIAL DAY which is the perfect time to visit the National World War II Museum – a must-see for all patriots and history lovers. The museum was founded in 1991 and is located at 945 Magazine Street in New Orleans. The cost is $28 for adults, $24 for seniors and $18 for students. World War II vets and others are admitted FREE – be sure and ask about this.
Now you’re set for the month of May.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Some of these events may be canceled – BUT Mother’s Day has to be celebrated NO MATTER WHAT. Be sure and send an email, make a phone call or get everyone to send greetings via ZOOM.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick