REDISCOVER THE FRENCH
MARKET THIS SUMMER!
Play Tourist at America’s Oldest Open Air Public Market
New & continuing programs—All events are free and open to the public
(New Orleans, Louisiana—June 18, 2014) The French Market hosts monthly and weekly daytime
events year-round for the entire family, and is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, including major
holidays—even on the Fourth of July! Indoor and outdoor venues throughout the six blocks of the
district allow for plenty of street and river views, cooling off points, and relaxation spots. The iconic
Café du Monde is part of the historic French Market, as are the Shops at the Upper Pontalba on
Jackson Square. The increase in local artists selling at the Farmers and Flea Market, as well as a
regular daily produce vendor on site in the Farmers Market has added to the authentic feel of the
market; with nine Farmers Market eateries serving up a daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu
from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., one can truly make a day of it. Street performers, souvenirs, gift shops and
boutique retail shops featuring local jewelry, artwork, books, and home accessories make this a
locals’ best kept secret for getting away without going far.
Parking is easily accessible in the nearby parking lots that are behind the main Colonnade shops on
Decatur Street, and at nearby Elysian Fields or Esplanade Avenue. See parking and directions here.
This weekend at the French Market:
Sunday June 22nd at 1:00 p.m. The National WW2 Museum’s Victory Belles perform at the
Dutch Alley Performance Pavilion, followed by a WW2 veteran presentation and live piano music
by Jim Hession featuring WW2 era songs indoors at the nearby New Orleans Jazz National
Historical Park. See full description and press release here. Part One of a Three Part Series:
June 22nd, July 20, and August 10th from 1-3 p.m.
Sunday June 22nd at 2:00 p.m. FRENCH MARKET FARE weekly cooking demonstration series at
the Farmers Market stage 2:00 p.m. Hosted by Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SOFAB).
This week’s presenter is Aunt Sally’s Pralines. SoFAB is excited to announce that the historic Aunt
Sally’s Pralines in is the next listing on the SoFAB National Culinary Heritage Register. For almost
80 years, Aunt Sally’s Pralines is the authentic purveyor of all things New Orleans. The cooking
demonstration on Sunday will feature Café Reconcile creating a bread pudding stuffed with pralines.
Staff from Aunt Sally’s Pralines will be on hand to answer questions and offer praline samples.
ONGOING WEEKDAY SERIES’:
Monday walking tours of the French Market District. Meet licensed tour guide Anna Gonzalez at
9:55 a.m. at the French Market arch at Ursulines for a 35-40 minute walking tour of the French
Market District. First come, first served; limited to the first 25 people. Tours occur rain or shine. No
registration required.
Tuesday piano concerts at 12:00p.m. Noon at the indoor New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
Visitor Center in Dutch Alley, at 916 N. Peters Street. This month’s pianist is Richard Scott, a
regular performer at the Jazz Park and on the Steamboat Natchez as a member of the Dukes of
Dixieland.
Wednesday walking tours at 1:30 p.m. Meet licensed tour guide Anna indoors at the New Orleans
Jazz National Historical Park Visitor Center in Dutch Alley, at 916 N. Peters Street at approximately
1:20 to register. NOTE: You can register anytime from noontime onward for this tour by signing in
at the front desk at the Jazz Park. First come, first served; limited to the first 25 people. Tours occur
rain or shine.
NEXT MONTH AT THE FRENCH MARKET:
ABITA SPRINGS OPRY returns for a third summer of entertaining guests with two bands for three
hours of music every Saturday in August, starting August 2nd. Find them at the Farmers Market
Stage every Saturday 12 noon to 3 p.m. Stay tuned for a full schedule to be released in the coming
weeks.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING SEPTEMBER EVENTS:
A Taste of the Opera at the French Market: At the Dutch Alley Performance Pavilion this year!
(Formerly at the Farmers Market stage). Find a different trio of New Orleans Opera Association
performers each Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the pavilion in Dutch Alley, behind Pop City at 940 Decatur,
where St. Phillip meets the River. The group will perform solo and group pieces previewing the
2014-2015 season. Limited seating. One hour performance 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Second Annual DownRiver Mississippi River Fest at the French Market and Old U.S. Mint 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday September 13th: A full day of activities are planned, from cooking
demonstrations, walking tours and a Sacred River secondline at the French Market to indoor lectures,
films and musical and theatrical performances at the Mint. The event will encompass all things
related to the Mighty Mississippi, including an emphasis on this year’s theme of coffee and bananas.
Stay tuned for a full schedule.