Women Take Center Stage During FestiGals
Photo courtesy of Festigals – festigals.org
Created by women for women, FestiGals celebrates women in all their glory during a power-packed weekend (June 21-23) that combines inspiring presentations and breakout sessions with plenty of only-in-New-Orleans fun.
Now in its eighth year, FestiGals kicks off on Friday, June 21, with a Celebrating Women’s Conference that includes a Shopping Showcase of women-owned businesses and a Hats Off Award Luncheon honoring exceptional women in the community.
On Saturday, June 22, FestiGals can explore New Orleans by touring historic homes in the Garden District and sampling local spirits at the Seven Three Distillery. That sets the stage for FestiGals’ marquee event: the annual STEP UP parade on Saturday night.
Led by 2019 Grand Diva Amanda Shaw, the internationally acclaimed Louisiana fiddle sensation, hundreds of women decked out in sparkles, glitter and boas will second-line through the French Quarter, strutting their stuff for enthusiastic crowds to the street beats of jazzy brass bands.
The fun starts with pre-parade cocktails at New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old US Mint, which benefits The American Heart Association, and continues at a post-parade After Glow Party at Harrah’s New Orleans Casino Theater. Revelers can refresh themselves with light bites and cocktails before hitting the Harrah’s dance floor, where Amanda Shaw will pick up her fiddle and heat things up with her crackerjack band.
On Sunday, June 23, “every woman is a queen” at the annual Drag Queen Brunch, which features spicy Bloody Mary’s and Creole cuisine, along with the always-entertaining antics of beloved New Orleans drag queen Reba Douglas.
FestiGals attendees can purchase tickets for individual events, or spring for the Total Weekend Diva Package ($350), at EventBrite. All tickets must be purchased by June 21.
