The V-Side: Peauxdunque Writers, Pumpkins, and ‘Parallel Play,’ oh my!

The V Side offers these offbeat entertainment options for the weekend.

Peauxdunque Writers Alliance

Thursday / Write on: The Peauxdunque Writers Alliance brings the first event of a series called “Yeah, You Write” to Tipitina’s this Thursday. Showcasing the work of many immensely talented and acclaimed local writers, the PWA is featuring slam poet extraordinaire Nick Fox as their emcee. As if those weren’t enough reasons to buy a ticket (and at $5, they’re quite a bargain), the reading is followed by a dance party with DJ Sep spinning. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the one-of-a-kind wordage starting at 7:30 p.m.

Friday / A full palette for Parallel Play : Have no fear: even though NolaVie’s Pop Up Art Show was last weekend, there is a show definitely worth venturing to the St. Claude’s Art District for this Friday. T-Lot opens Parallel Play, which will run for three months. Local artists turn their studio spaces into galleries, as well as convert the large gravel and grass lot to showcase their own as well as their peers’ works. Pieces range from works on paper to performance art. Stop by from 6-10 p.m. to get a glimpse.

Who Daiq?

Friday and Saturday / Who daiq?: New Orleans is nationally known for the drive-thru daiquiri. Frozen Daiquiri Culture, however, is so much more than that. OHNO co. is presenting the First Annual Daiquiri Days Festival and Parade. Friday evening entails a tour of some of New Orleans’ most legendary daiquiri spots by party bus (they aren’t just for prom queens, you know) and an after party at the Hi Ho Lounge. Saturday brings a parade, Second Line, and a finale party! The $30 pass helps raise funds for the OHNO co. Cultural Exchange Residency Program. With Martini Madness, New Orleans on Tap, and now Daiquiri Days, it has never been easier to do good while having a good time.

Saturday / It’s a charitable pumpkin, Charlie Brown: Then again, if you’d rather give back without the threat of a hangover, Operation Pumpkin at Canal Place might be just what the doctor ordered. Surgeons hand-carve Jack-o-Lanterns which are then judged by a panel of celebrity judges. Proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital. Children are also welcome to trick-or-treat through the Canal Place shops and decorate masks with RHINO Gallery Artists. This family-friendly event goes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday / Ending the week on a high note: Opera has long been recognized as the oldest performing art form in the city, which makes sense, seeing as both New Orleans and the opera share a love for all things over the top. The New Orleans Opera Association is bringing Turandot to the Convention Center for a one-night only, semi-staged event. Calaf’s Victory Feast follows the show around the corner at Mardi Gras World featuring Chinese delights, bottomless libations, the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra, and other surprises. Feast tickets start at $85, but if you call the box office and mention NolaVie, you’ll receive 15% your performance ticket when you purchase the dinner and performance tickets together. The revelations start at 6 p.m.