New Orleans’ signature celebration of contemporary visual art returns Saturday, Aug. 1, as the 32nd annual Fidelity Bank White Linen Night takes over the Downtown Warehouse Arts District from 5–10 p.m.
Founded by Arts District New Orleans (ADNO) in 1994 as a neighborhood gallery stroll, White Linen Night has evolved into one of the city’s premier arts events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each summer to explore galleries, museums, artist activations and public art while dressed in the event’s traditional white attire.
Held in conjunction with ADNO’s monthly First Saturday Gallery Openings, this year’s event will feature more than 20 participating galleries, museums and cultural institutions unveiling new exhibitions and special programming by both emerging and established artists. The district will also come alive with live music, local food and beverage vendors and outdoor gathering spaces celebrating New Orleans’ visual arts community.
“This event began with a simple idea: invite people into our galleries and create a deeper connection between artists and community,” said Matthew Weldon Showman, co-president of Arts District New Orleans. “Thirty-two years later, that vision remains the heart of White Linen Night.”
A new partnership with French Quarter Festivals, Inc. marks a major addition for 2026, bringing expanded production and cultural programming while maintaining the event’s mission of supporting local artists, galleries and creative businesses. The collaboration also creates a citywide arts weekend alongside Satchmo SummerFest.
The event is free and open to the public, with proceeds supporting Arts District New Orleans’ year-round efforts to promote the city’s visual arts community.
The Main Stage on the 300 block of Julia Street will feature performances by Primus Roman, Robin Barnes & The Fiya Birds and Irvin Mayfield. A lineup for the NOCCA Stage on the 600 block of Julia Street will be announced at a later date.
Additional details, including participating food vendors and raffle information, will be released in the coming weeks.
White Linen Night also includes an Official Cool Down Lounge at 420 Julia (formerly Common House), where attendees can use the code EARLYBIRD for discounted admission, and an official after-party at the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans running from 5 p.m. until midnight.