Thursday / Boatin’ in da Bayou: Avoid the Riverwalk crowd on the 4th and join the floatin’ posse in the Krewe of Kolossos Boat Parade on Bayou St. John. From 5-8 PM, people are encouraged to adorn themselves in their favorite patriotic costumes and bring out their boats, canoes, kayaks, or paddle boards and roll — er, bob — down the Bayou waterways. The event is free. See the event page for more information and canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rental details.
Thursday – Saturday / Get your grub and groove on in Mandeville : When in doubt, fest. This year Mandeville’s Seafood Fest, at Fountainbleu State Park, will emphasize music and food (I imagine a few drinks, too). The space formerly used for carnival rides and car shows will, instead, house a larger number of vendors, cooking demos, and craft stalls. I guess someone realized that tilt-a-whirls and fried, uh… everything, don’t mix after all. Adult admission is $15 for a one-day pass, $20 for a two-day pass, and $30 for a three-day pass. Admission for children 5-12 is $5 daily, and children under 5 years attend for free. For the daily lineups and vendor list, visit the festival’s official site.
Gravity A
Friday / Freebie Friday: If you’re feeling well enough to go out after festivities on the Fourth (I’m sure you just ate a bad hot dog), check out Tipitina’s Foundation Free Fridays Concert Series. Headlining this week, will be Gravity A, a New Orleans funk quartet, recently nominated for Best R&B/Funk Album for the 2012 Best of the Beat Awards. Doors open at 9 PM, and the show starts at 10 PM. Admission is free.
Sunday / Swinging in the Rain: Well, technically, you’ll be swinging out of the rain. Forgo the summer humidity and downpours, and head to the WWII Museum for free swing dance lessons from professionals, as the New Orleans Moonshiners provide a WWII-era appropriate soundtrack. Afterwards, stay and listen to two more hours of live music from the Moonshiners, and then head on over to the American Sector for their food and drink happy hour specials. Dance lessons are from 1-2 PM, and live music is from 2-4 PM. No reservations required. All dance levels welcome.
Chelsea Lee is assistant editor of NolaVie. Email comments to her at chelsea@nolavie.com.
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