This blog was originally posted in 2017, but was updated in February 2019 for accuracy!
Get ready for a good, old fashioned New Orleans block party!
Whitney White Linen Night will return to the Warehouse District on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019. 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.
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.
Why White Linen?
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.
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.
For more ideas on things to do in New Orleans, scroll through the posts below!
New Orleans is host to many unique festivals and events throughout the entire calendar year. With so many options, it’s hard to sort through them all, so Astrid Solo Travel Advisor compiled a list of recommendations for the most solo-friendly New Orleans happenings in 2019:
Looking for the best New Orleans Happy Hours when traveling alone to the Crescent City? Here is a list of 5 of New Orleans’ favorite restaurant hangouts from classic to cool casual that are well suited for the solo traveler
A day in New Orleans is not nearly enough, but if you're here traveling solo for a layover or just passing through, 24 hours is enough time to see, eat, and dance your way through key things to do in the Crescent City. Here is Astrid Solo Travel Advisor's guide for a day trip to the Big Easy.
Get ready for a good, old fashioned New Orleans block party! 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.
While the hot Louisiana summer may deter many tourist from visiting the city, June might not be such a bad time to visit New Orleans. The hotel rates are lower, it’s less crowded, and June is slammed packed with special events, festivals, and concerts. Here are 6 June festivals and events to attend on your next solo trip to New Orleans!
New Orleans is a fabulous destination for the solo traveler! I take you on a virtual tour of the Crescent City on my new solo travel podcast--by neighborhood--and give you lots of highlights. As a special twist, I try and share places that you might not always hear about when considering New Orleans travel.
New Orleans is unlike any other city in the world, and it deserves a spot on your bucket list. If you have any concerns about visiting New Orleans as a solo traveler, read this post on 5 reasons why we believe New Orleans is the perfect solo destination
Be smart, be aware, and be safe. If you do those things and follow the tips we've detailed for you, solo female travel in New Orleans should be a piece of cake.
From Uptown to the Bywater, we will offer solo travel tips, tricks and advice to ensure a trip filled with affordable luxury and fun. Here are our top 15 things to do solo in New Orleans.
24 hours in New Orleans is not nearly enough, but if you're here for a layover or just passing through, a day is plenty to see, eat, and dance your way through New Orleans. Here is Astrid Solo Travel Advisor's guide for a quick trip to the Crescent City:
In celebration of our French heritage, New Orleans will host a wide variety of French-related events on Bastille Day! Ranked the 3rd best Bastille Day festival in the world by Reuters.com, this is one special occasion that is a treat for travelers and locals alike!
The Creole Tomato Festival is your chance to get a taste of a local delicacy, along with a myriad of culinary masterpieces that feature this almighty staple of Creole cuisine. This quirky, fun New Orleans festival is a great way to mix up the typical trip to the city!
Craft breweries are the perfect place to relax, grab a bite to eat, and drink a few cold ones. Over the past five years, New Orleans has seen a significant rise in the amount of breweries and beer gardens. Here are some of Astrid Solo Travel Advisor’s favorites:
Every year on Memorial Day Weekend, the New Orleans Greek Festival celebrates Greek culture and heritage with traditional food, music, performances and fun for kids and adults alike. This is a great opportunity for the solo traveler to get a taste of a specific aspect of New Orleans culture and heritage.
French Quarter Festival is one of the greatest celebrations of the unique and vibrant culture of New Orleans. With nearly 2,000 musicians across all genres of music, delicious local food, and ample amounts of entertainment, all for free, this is a great event for any solo traveler visiting New Orleans this spring!
Spend a day strolling down New Orleans' picturesque Oak Street, a Carrollton gem that still retains the turn-of-the-last-century feel of an old Americana Main Street.
Looking for things to do in New Orleans in January? Here are our recommendations for fun, exciting events to attend as a solo traveler visiting NOLA in the month of January!
While on a solo trip to New Orleans, make sure you check out Royal Street! In our humble opinion, Royal Street is one of the most lovely streets in the city. With ample shopping, noteworthy architecture and entertainment nearly every block, Royal Street will not disappoint!
New Orleans is full of fabulous places to find a glass of wine, a bite to eat, and maybe even somewhere to listen to live music. We've found the five best venues to drink wine in New Orleans for solo travelers and wine lovers alike.
If you enjoyed this post, let us know in the comments section below and share with someone who might enjoy it as well. For more affordable luxury solo travel tips, tricks, stories and advice, follow us on social media and listen to the Solo Travel Talk Podcast! Click on the links below!
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!