We’ve got your weekend: Getting cheery yet?

Artwork and photo by Priya Kambli

Friday, December 8/New Orleans Museum of Art (1 Collins Diboll Circle): For some reason, we at NolaVie love when foreigners and New Orleans intertwine so deeply that a shared love is all that remains. That love will be on display starting this weekend, at NOMA. Designer Bror Anders Wikstrom (1854–1909), a Swedish émigré, made a name for himself in New Orleans with his Mardi Gras work, and NOMA is presenting Bror Anders Wikstrom: Bringing Fantasy to Carnival, on view from December 8, 2017 through April 1, 2018. The exhibition showcases highlights from Wikstrom’s Mardi Gras float and costume designs, including a full set of twenty float plates from the Krewe of Proteus 1904 “The Alphabet” parade and the only known bound set of float designs for the Krewe of Rex 1910 “The Freaks of Fable” parade. For full details, check out NOMA’s site.

Friday, December 8/Lutcher Ave (La HWY 3193, Lutcher, Louisiana): It’s called the “Festival of Bonfires,” and it must be amazing because the event page has no details; yet, still people are signing up! How could you not? If you are going to travel out of New Orleans for a festival, it better be a festival of bonfires! If anyone goes, report back and let us know what happens. Our curiosity is stricken!

Friday, December 8/Trinity Episcopal Church (1329 Jackson Ave): So we may not have snow for the holiday season, but we have carols. Beautiful carols thanks to Krewe de Voix, who will be hosting its second annual Christmas Concert with traditional carols, madrigals-turned-motets by Monteverdi, and a Christmas Cantata from the 1736 Ursuline Manuscript given to the New Orleans Ursuline sisters in 1754. Not running for the door yet? Well, there’s also free admission and a reception to follow. It all begins at 7:00 PM, and here’s the event page for more details.

Saturday, December 9/Second Line Brewery (433 N. Bernadotte Street): Tis the season for crafts that you may question–or at the very least laugh at–in future years. You can get those craft juices flowing by being a part of holiday art-making, which will be hosted by Whole Village Art Therapy. They are asking for a $10 donation, and they will provide the supplies for your heart’s art desire. This craft day is open to kids, adults, friends, families, everyone! It all starts at 1:00 PM and goes until 5:00 PM. Glitter and beer…it’s the way we like to do things in New Orleans.

Saturday, December 9/Saenger Theater (1111 Canal Street): Two things New Orleans always loves is giving and music, so The Marine Corps Band New Orleans, along with Chevron and the
Saenger Theatre is hosting–for kids “1 to 92”–the annual “Santa Meets Sousa” Holiday Concert on Saturday. The holiday performance is open to the public; however, the donation of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is appreciated. While admission is free, all seating is reserved and requires an event ticket,
which will be available at the Saenger Theatre box office (1111 Canal Street, New Orleans) or by calling
(504) 287-0351. Get some cheer and give some cheer with song and toys.

Saturday, December 9/Staple Goods Gallery (1340 St. Roch): Priya Kambli was born in India, moved to the United States at age 18–carrying her entire life in one suitcase–, and that’s when she began her artistic career in the States. Now her work will be exhibited at Staple Goods with her series Kitchen Gods. This series references one of her early childhood memories where she found her father’s family photographs pierced by her mother. The opening reception begins at 6:00 PM and will go until 9:00 PM, and the exhibit will be up through January 7, 2018.

Saturday, December 9/Manning’s (519 Fulton Street): It wouldn’t be the holiday season without people dressing in costumes and taking to the streets. No, we aren’t talking about Carnival (although, we are almost there!); we are talking about that other holiday with all the Santas running around. More specifically, we are talking about the Running of the Santas! The run returns to showcase Christmastime flare, and the run also includes food, specialty drinks, music, and a costume competition. It kicks off at 3:00 PM (at Manning’s), and the run officially starts at 6:00 PM. Registration for the event opens at 1:00 PM at Manning’s. So don a hat and get your kicks on!

Sunday, December 10/Octavia Books (513 Octavia): Do you ever find yourself walking along the bayou, taking a deep breath, and wondering: What kind of life did this waterway have? Well do we have an answer for you. Actually, we don’t, but author Cassie Pruyn does, and she will be signing books and celebrating the launch of her new New Orleans local history book, Bayou St. John, a comprehensive narrative history of the most beloved waterway within the city. You can get a little preview by checking out her posts from her research, and to submerge yourself fully into her findings, head to Octavia Books at 2:00 PM for a reading and signing!