Jazz Fest Specials & Happenings Around NOLA

Beggar's Banquet (photo by Kat Kimball)

Commons Club to Host Jazz Fest Burlesque Brunches
Commons Club, the bustling restaurant on the ground floor of Virgin Hotels New Orleans, will host two sensational Jazz Fest brunches. On Sunday, April 28th, from 10AM - 2PM for $40 per person, guests can get their drag and burlesque fix with a two-course prix fixe Jazz Icons Burlesque and Drag Brunch with Trixie Minx. Relish in new Spring brunch dishes from Executive Chef Chris Borges. Showtimes are at 10:30AM and 2PM.

On Saturday, May 4th, the restaurant will host The Burlesque Brunch Strikes Back - a Star Wars-themed burlesque brunch from 10AM - 2PM. Visitors can enjoy a two-course prix fixe brunch for $40 per person.

For both brunches, unlimited mimosas are available for an additional $35 per person, or opt to “Build Your Own Mimosa” with a bottle of sparkling wine and an array of juices ($65). Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 603-8000. Commons Club is located at 550 Baronne Street. https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/commons-club/
 
Beggars Banquet Offers Free Jazz Fest Shots
Named after the Rolling Stones’ famous album, it’s only fitting that this Lower Garden District dining gem commemorates the Stones’ appearance at Jazz Fest 2024. From Thursday, April 25 - Sunday, May 5th, festival-goers who bring proof of attendance (ticket, wristband, Brass Pass, or VIP lanyard) can belly up to the bar for a complimentary shot! Aptly named Beggars Can’t Be Choosers, the boozy concoction crafted by Head Bartender Josa Lazas, will remain a surprise but will feature top-tier spirits, house-made ingredients, and perfectly balanced flavor. Also on offer and available for purchase, is the Under My Thumb specialty fest-inspired cocktail - a twist on a Brandy Milk Punch featuring brandy, candied pecan orgeat, and heavy cream.

Stick around for dinner, brunch, or light bites and enjoy dishes such as Fried Green Tomatoes with burrata, balsamic reduction, and arugula; Mushroom Toast – an array of mushrooms, cipollini onion, caper pesto, crispy garlic, and shaved radish atop of toasted focaccia with cured egg yolk; Pan Seared Scallops with crab hash, potatoes, bacon, onions and Old Bay aioli; and Fresh Gulf Fish. Beggars Banquet is located at 1330 Prytania Street. The restaurant serves dinner Monday – Sunday and weekend brunch. Closed Tuesdays. www.beggarsbanquetneworleans.com

Tujague’s Hosts Bonne Femme & Bubbles
The birthplace of brunch and the Grasshopper cocktail, Tujague’s is gearing up for Jazz Fest with a very special Bonne Femme & Bubbles Brunch on Sunday, April 21st from 10AM - 2:15PM and during dinner services from 5PM - 8:30PM. Executive Chef Gus Martin will highlight a special menu priced at $52 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Indulge in an all you can eat and drink with Chicken Bonne Femme, sides, plus unlimited Bouvet Sparkling & Bouvet Excellence Brut Rosé. Tujague’s is located at 429 Decatur Street in the French Quarter. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 525-8676. https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/

Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is teaming up with lifestyle music brand, Soul In The Horn and cheeky odor-eliminating spray, ~Pourri (from the makers of the Original Before-You-Go toilet spray, Poo-Pourri) to bring The Funk Factory - a series of high-energy after-parties during the city’s iconic Jazz & Heritage Festival. The after-parties will showcase a mix of top-tier local talent and renowned global DJs, such as Natasha Diggs & DProsper, making it the ultimate music experience for festival-goers. From May 1st - 5th, the schedule follows:
 
Wednesday, May 1 | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown Band and L3Ni
 
Thursday, May 2  | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs, Tondrae Kemp & Friends w/ Marcus Machado, Chris Rob + Joe Blaxxx and Soul Sister
 
Friday, May 2  | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs with a tribute to Casey Benjamin
 
Saturday, May 4 | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Trumpet Mafia Performance and DProsper
 
Sunday, May 5 | 2pm - 7pm
Featuring SANA, L3NI, Horn Players, and Black Dynamite