The origins of Dirty Linen Night: Once upon a time there was White Linen Night, the upscale party thrown by Contemporary Arts Center (now sponsored by Whitney Bank). It’s always the same weekend as Satchmo SummerFest and its participants pride themselves on wearing white southern-style linen garb, sweating, and checking out the art

Sweatier, raunchier and maybe even artsier than White Linen Night, Dirty Linen Night rules this Saturday. (Photo: artsneworleans.org)

galleries (and each other) on Julia Street.

French Quarter artist and galleries—not to be outdone by their tonier neighbors in the Warehouse District—decided to throw their own late-night party in August—this weekend—and name it Dirty Linen Night. It’s a lot more “Quarter-esque,” meaning it’s raunchier, sweatier and may even be more fun than the event it was created to satirize.

Dirty Linen Night takes place this Saturday August 9 on nine blocks on Royal Street—New Orleans’ original gallery district—from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

After Royal Street shops close, the Lux Lounge at Latrobe’s is the official Dirty Linen after-party organized by the Arts Council and hosted at the iconic French Quarter landmark, Latrobe’s (403 Royal Street). That event opens at 9 p.m. and ends at midnight. A good time will be had by all. For more information, check out the Arts Council website.