When it comes to creativity, New Orleans is overly familiar with the right-brained out-of-the-box thinkers who bring that extra pizazz to the city. It draws artists and serenades musicians with its magnetic personality and passion. It’s also why you’ll find hundreds of tattoo artists in one place for the second annual New Orleans Tattoo Convention. So now is the perfect time to decorate and express yourself. With that in mind, we’re focusing on the people this week who made their mark with ink and art and how you can make yours.
Drawing your own path
Being a tattoo artist is already a hustle, but when you’re a woman, it can be even more challenging. New Orleanian Katie Rhoden started tattooing in her teens, and fought her way onto the 10th season of the reality show “Ink Master.” This weekend, she’ll be taking part in the N.O. Tattoo Convention. Click here to read more about her story.
Express Yeauxself
Did you know New Orleans is home to America’s first black female tattoo artist? The development of our city’s tattoo scene primarily existed within larger trends, that important first is inked permanently into our history at Aart Accent, located just outside the French Quarter. Read more about some of the best tattoo shops in the city here.
Not your average entertainment
At this weekend’s convention, tattoos aren’t the only thing being featured. Sideshow acts are part of the entertainment, and while performers might be few and far between, one of their biggest admirers lives right here in New Orleans. Feral Femme, aka Rachaela DiRosaria, creates images in the style of Great Depression-era American advertising, creating boxes that focus on themes of vice, depression, religion and politics mostly through the lens of a series of fictional sideshow performers and circus freaks of her own invention. Click here to read more.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. Sept. 6, 2019
This conventions brings together hundreds of tattoo artists in one place, including past contestants of reality-show “Inkmaster.” Pro tip: if you’re planning on getting some new ink, bring cash. There are ATM’s on-site, but they’ll come with a fee, and not all of the artists take cards.
The Sting Ring | 7 p.m. – Midnight | The Sugar Mill | $35
In addition to premier boxing matches, music, entertainment and food trucks—including Taceaux Loceaux, Burgers Ya Heard, & Afrodisiac NOLA, a custom cigar-rolling station will be at the Sugar Mill for attendees.
Sat. Sept. 7, 2019
Downriver Fest | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | New Orleans Jazz Museum | Free
The seventh annual Downriver Festival celebrates the environmental, cultural, and economic impact of the Mississippi River and the land it built through live music, cooking demonstrations, presentations, panels, and walking tours that explore this year’s theme: seafood.
Lizzo – Cuz I Love You Too Tour | 8 p.m. | The Fillmore | $45-$80
Grab your confidence and your “Juice”– Lizzo and Ari Lennox are coming to Harrah’s newest concert venue. Lizzo’s “I am who I am” attitude and in your face lyrics are just what you need to get your weekend, and life, together.
Lil WeezyAnna Fest | 2 p.m. | Lakefront Arena | Tickets start at $100
Lil Wayne brings his annual festival back, but this time at a new venue. Now at the 90-acre Lakefront Area festival grounds, the fest is hoping to double its attendance with big names like Trey Songz, Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott.
Sun. Sept. 8, 2019
Saints Nation Kick-Off Party on Fulton Street | Noon – 9 p.m. | Fulton Street | Free
The Saints Season Kick-Off Pep Rally is taking place on Fulton Street in New Orleans with performances by Choppa, Kermit Ruffins, Rockin Dopsie Jr., Partners-n-Crime & the Big EZ Band, Cupid & the Dance Party Express, Jonny Sketch& the Dirty Note J & the Causeways, Big 6 Brass Band, Angela Bell, and more. Best part: It’s free and open to the public.
The organizers of BlerdFest are hosting a movie night! MICMACS is a French film from the director of “City of Lost Children,” “Delicatessen,” and “AmĂ©lie” (if you don’t know those films, you should), about a man seeking revenge on the weapons manufacturers that caused him so much pain.
