Get ready for a good, old fashioned New Orleans block party!
Whitney White Linen Night is an event that occurs every year around Labor Day in the New Orleans Warehouse District. Sponsored by Whitey Bank, Whitney White Linen Night is a chance for the Warehouse District, which has distinguished itself as being New Orleans's art epicenter, to show off NOLA’s thriving art scene.
Music, Food, Drink and Art
In the closed-off 300 to 600 blocks of Julia Street, three stages are set up for live entertainment featuring some of New Orleans' top bands. This year’s event features over 20 galleries and museums, as well as food and cocktails from 25 local restaurants. From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. the art galleries on or adjacent to Julia Street will open their doors to art aficionados and casual strollers alike.
White Attire Encouraged, But Not Mandatory
Those who turn out for Whitney White Linen Night are encouraged – but not required – to wear as much white attire as they can. White linen was chosen both for its breeziness and because traditionally, white linen suits and similar attire are not worn after Labor Day. If you don't have white attire, that's okay! Any combination of light apparel will do.
For centuries New Orleanians have been wearing white linen to beat the heat. Men wore white suits and hats to reflect, rather than absorb, the sun's rays, and women wore white dresses and hats.
Happening in the Hip Warehouse District
Following the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans, a massive urban renewal initiative began transforming abandoned and neglected warehouses into lofts, condominiums and – especially – art galleries. In the early 1990s, owners of the art galleries, centered primarily on or near Julia Street, brainstormed about ways to attract potential art buyers into the area. They came up with the idea of reviving the old summertime white linen tradition and the first White Linen Night was held in 1994. Its success took off from there and the event has grown steadily in popularity and attendance ever since.
This is an iconic New Orleans tradition, and if you happen to be visiting the city during this time, you are in for a treat!
For more ideas on things to see and do in New Orleans, scroll through the posts below!
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Every female solo traveler is different when it comes to exploring a city alone at night. Some are reluctant to leave the comfort of their hotel, others are eager to hit the town, and some want to be out and about, but don’t want to drink alcohol. Our list of 7 things to do at night as a solo traveler in New Orleans has something to suit every preference!