It's hard to compete with the Jazz Fest, but there are some great weekend events happening on the West Bank of New Orleans....

Visitation of Our Lady Cajun Festival
Amanda Shaw kicks off the festival Friday evening at 5:30, followed by Jr. and the Swamp Pop Players at 8:30 pm. Saturday's music includes Abdul and the Tentmakers, the Topcats and Five Finger Discount. The fun continues on Sunday with Redfish, Bucktown All Stars (one of my favorite local bands) and Molly Ringwalds close out the festival starting at 6:30 pm. Food, fun and games all weekend at the corner of Barataria and Ames in Marrero, LA.

Gretna Farmers Market
Saturday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, rain or shine. Under the Gretna Market on Huey P. Long Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets in Gretna, LA. Locally grown produce along with music, crafts and more.

Plant Sale
The Tri Beta chapter of Our Lady of Holy Cross College will be holding a plant sale, raffle and BBQ on Saturday from 9 am - 3 pm. Taking place out under the gorgeous oak trees that dot the campus on Woodland Highway in Algiers, it's a great way to start your Saturday on the West Bank.
Junior Ranger Day
The Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Marrero is the site of many special programs designed to help children learn more about national parks. On Saturday from 10 am til 2 pm, kids can take a wetlands walk, participate in a science lab and create their own craft project to take home.

Recycling Day in Westwego
Saturday from 9 am - noon at the Alario Center in Westwego. Plastics, paper, cardboard, paperboard, metal/aluminum cans and lids will be accepted. NO glass containers or hazardous materials will be accepted. The ARC of Greater New Orleans will be accepting beads for recycling at the same event.
Bellemeade Swim Club Open House
The Bellemeade Swim Club will be holding an open house on Sunday from noon to 6 pm with food, drinks and fun for the entire family. (You do not have to be a resident of Bellemeade to join the Swim Club) If you are looking for a family friendly place to cool off this summer in Gretna, check out the swim club and all of their activities at 501 Brookmeade Drive.
Other Events
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
One of the premier festivals, not just of Louisiana, but in the entire country, the Jazz Fest kicks off on Friday and continues on Saturday and Sunday and next weekend as well. With a stellar line up of music and some of the best food you will ever eat in your life, Jazz Fest is a local tradition. Don't be surprised if lots of folks in your office call in sick on Friday to head out for the opening acts!
Music schedule
Food and crafts
Ticket information
Make it a great West Bank weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
Hello to you Queen of New Orleans! It looks like there's some fun stuff to do! PS, the Today Show was just talking about how much smarter for our environment it is to shop at the local Farmer's Markets...nice timing! :)