Tales of the Cocktail, Potterfest, WWE Smackdown among things to do this weekend July 27-30

NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - Here’s a list of events happening in New Orleans and the surrounding areas this weekend from July 27 to July 30.

Tales of the Cocktail

Tales of the Cocktail, the booze industry’s biggest conference and festival, kicked off on Sunday and continues through Friday, July 28.

Movers and shakers of the spirits industry gather for a curated lineup of seminars, events, tastings and big brand parties. This year offers more ways for cocktail lovers to join the fun, even if you’re not in the business, with hundreds of events on the schedule. Local bars and restaurants host drinking and dining events citywide, including happy hours, special dinners and parties featuring several cocktail brands.

Organizers host most of the programming at the official host hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, with other parties and activations at various bars and venues around the city. Visit the Tales of the Cocktail website for more details.

Inaugural Potterfest Celebration

Harry Potter fans can celebrate the iconic character’s birthday at the inaugural Potterfest celebration at Urban South Brewery from Thursday, July 27 to Saturday, July 29.

Kids and adults can enjoy a variety of activities during Urban South’s free, three-day Potterfest, beginning with a Tri-Wizard Trivia Tournament at the Tchoupitoulas taproom at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Throughout the festival, attendees will enjoy a movie marathon, a Potter playlist, a costume contest, wand decorating and a Diagon Alley vendor market. Additionally, Urban South will sponsor a sock drive for those in need. Urban South’s Butterbeer draft and slush will also be available in regular and non-alcoholic pours. See more information at the Urban South Brewery website.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown

WWE’s Friday Night Smackdown returns to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday, July 28.

Fans can see some of their favorite superstars, including Roman Reigns, the Usos, Bianca Belair and Rey Mysterio.

The event starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets start at $20 via Ticketmaster. See more details via the Smoothie King Center website.

‘Fashioning America’ exhibit at New Orleans Museum of Art

Fashionistas can check out a brand new exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art called “Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour.”

The exhibit explores how fashion has shaped the culture in America from the 19th century to the present day featuring work from more than 100 designers and iconic labels.

Some notable standouts are Isabel Toledo’s prototype for the 2009 inauguration suit worn by First Lady Michelle Obama, designer Tyron “Marquette” Perrin’s glittery green suit and long cape donned by bounce star Big Freedia at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant held in New Orleans, and popular celebrity collaborations including Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie and a dress from Tommy Hilfiger’s Tommy x Zendaya line.

The exhibit runs through Nov. 26. Visit NOMA’s website for more details.

Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo

The Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, the country’s oldest fishing tournament, attracts fishing enthusiasts and families to the coastal town from Thursday, July 27 to Saturday, July 29.

The annual South Louisiana tradition brings a three-day party to Grand Isle and combines an intense fishing competition with a family-friendly festival. Anglers can battle for bragging rights in more than 30 categories at the rodeo.

There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy at the pavilion, even if they’re not planning to fish. There’s live food, live music, vendor booths and crab racing for kids each day. Also, new this year, organizers say there’s a corn hole competition added in the mix. Visit the website for more details.