NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - For the first time since 2019, two popular summer soirees return to the Crescent City’s calendar. New Orleans Red Dress Run and Dirty Linen Night will both hit the steamy streets on Aug. 13.
After two years of skipping out, New Orleans Red Dress Run organizers say they are excited about being back for 2022. The popular summertime event also serves as a fundraising effort for local charities.
“We can’t wait to see everyone out there donning red and having a good time for a good cause,” the New Orleans Hash House Harriers said in a Facebook post.
Red Dress Run returns to Crescent Park, and gates open at 9 a.m. Runners will line up on N. Peters Street for the start of the run at 10 a.m.
A spokesperson says the event will return to its traditional format, but registration and packet pickup will stage at Deutsches Haus, at 1700 Moss Street, on Thursday and Friday this year. Participants can still register on the day of the event.
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For more than two decades, the Red Dress Run attracted thousands of participants for the 2-mile trek through the French Quarter while sporting red dresses. The annual summertime tradition also helps raise money for small local non-profits.
In 2021, organizers planned to host the event before rising COVID concerns forced a last-minute cancellation less than a week before the event.
Organizers say they’ve been in communication with participants wanting to roll over registration from last year’s event via e-mail. Runners who haven’t confirmed what to do with last year’s registration should contact the New Orleans Hash House Harriers.
Dirty Linen Night also makes a comeback for 2022. Now in its 19th year, the art block party takes place in the 200 to 1100 blocks of historic Royal Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Traditionally, Dirty Linen Night follows a week behind White Linen Night, with the idea of being a cooler, funkier art party. As a satirical play on White Linen Night, you can come as you are or wear your white linen from the previous weekend.
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Galleries and shops along Royal Street open their doors and play host to visitors with art, food and cocktails, as musicians line the streets.
This year, 48 shops and galleries signed up for the stroll. Some of the participating businesses include Gallery Rinard, Porter Lyons, Rodrigue Gallery, Craig Tracy Gallery and Fifi Mahoney’s, among others.
Matt Rinard, Royal Street Arts District director and gallery owner, says to enjoy the full experience with adult beverages $20 wristbands will be on sale online and at the event.
On the day of the event, wristbands will be available for purchase at the tents located in the 500, 700 and 900 blocks of Royal Street starting at 4 p.m. Wristbands ordered online can be picked up from the will call tent in the 500 block of Royal Street.
The wristband includes access to specialty drinks, wine, beer and water during the event.
Rinard said the NOPD will provide officers to patrol the party.
For the past two years, Dirty Light Night also became one of several major events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In past years, Dirty Linen Night has passed through many organizations and planning committees, including the Arts Council of New Orleans. Since 2017, a non-profit organization called the Royal Street Arts District, formed by shops and galleries along Royal Street, has planned and executed Dirty Linen Night each year.
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