We got your weekend: Saints, spills, seed spitting contests

Friday / Kickin’ off coolinary month : As you probably know (and are reminded of daily), the Saints first game of the preseason is this Friday at 7 PM. Let’s face it, even if you aren’t a fan (gasp), you’ll probably end up watching (or pretending to watch) the game. And what’s a game without good pre-game food?

Throughout the month of August, many New Orleans restaurants are participating in the Coolinary dining series, in which establishments feature prix fix lunch ($20 and under) and dinner ($35 and under) menus. Whether you’ll watch in the Dome or in a sports bar, why not kick off the preseason with good food at reasonable prices.

Manning’s recliners available for reservation

If you’re watching in a bar, head to Manning’s (519 Fulton Street), which is furnished with 30 flat screen TV’s, creative plates of tailgating classics, and recliners available for reservation. The coolinary dinner menu is $35 for three courses; beer and wines are half-off.

If you’re watching at the Dome, dine a few blocks away at Besh’s Borgne (601 Loyola). The restaurant will feature a $35 three course dinner, as well as their $5 happy hour tapas and half priced beers, wines, and well cocktails

Saturday / Let’s get melonfrolic : Mother Nature’s Cupboard hosts watermelon eating and watermelon spitting contests at the French Market, in celebration of National Farmers Market Week. The contests begin at 3:30 PM, after Abita Springs Opry, a Louisiana bluegrass and country band, performs from noon – 3 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday / Spill as you will : Saturday is packed with hygienic obstacles for both you and your garments: morning (and let’s be honest, afternoon) Bloody Mary spills and profuse sweating at the Red Dress Run; red wine stains and, well, more sweating at Dirty Linen Night. If you weren’t so nimble, and your attire comes with a sample of everything you ate and drank throughout the day, and you smell… like the Quarter, hey, you’re just in theme.

Check out the official Dirty Linen Night After Party from 9 – 12 PM in the Lux Lounge at Latrobe’s (403 Royal Street). Tickets are $30 per person online until Friday at 5 PM, or in person on Saturday from 6 – 10 PM on the corner of Conti and Royal.Tickets include complimentary cocktails, hors d’ouevres, and music by DJ Matty and NOLA Jitterbugs.

If, however, at some point you happen to pick up a stick of Secret, no one’s stopping you.

Saturday / So they think they can dance? They have reason to; they learned from legendary burlesque dancer Bella Blue. From 9 – 11:30 PM, Bella Blue’s burlesque students will shimmy and sway like pros at the New Orleans School of Burlesque Student Showcase. 9 PM-11:30 PM at the Allways Lounge and Theatre (2240 Saint Claude Ave). Tickets are $5 at the door.

Saturday – Sunday / This ain’t no Barney Show : You’re welcome to love it with your family though. This weekend, the CAC (900 Camp Street) hosts the 6th Annual Children’s Film Festival, in partnership with the New Orleans Film Society and the Los Angeles Children’s Film Festival. The festival will feature screenings of animated, live action and documentary children’s films. Showings begin at 10:30 AM and end at 4:30 PM on Saturday and 3 PM on Sunday. Click here for the full lineup. Free and open to the public.

Chelsea Lee is assistant editor of NolaVie. Email comments to her at chelsea@nolavie.com.