On Saturday, August 10, the historic French Quarter of New Orleans will be the site of Dirty Linen Night, an annual event celebrating the galleries and shops of Royal Street.

Dirty Linen Night is helmed by the Royal Street Arts District, a non-profit organization formed in 2017 that provides area businesses the opportunity to promote themselves, encourage people to come to the gallery district in the French Quarter, and to have some fun. Taking its name from a tongue-in-cheek play on White Linen Night, the event invites galleries and shops to open their doors as performers and musicians line Royal Street, turning the corridor into a block party. Though perhaps less bacchanalian than Bourbon Street, the 300-1100 block of Royal definitely gets a little dirty.

Around 25 galleries and shops are participating this year, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on August 10. For $20, folks can purchase a “Dirty Linen Night Passport,” which bundles access to 3o galleries plus wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvre. Otherwise, all are welcome to come and go as they please (it is the French Quarter, after all), though they are also encouraged to patronize the businesses.