In 1949, a group of steadfast and vocal women, driven by their desire for social equity, stormed the historic Sazerac Bar, which had–up until that point–only served women on Mardi Gras day. Decades later, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel–the building where the Sazerac Bar resides–is not only reminding patrons of this momentous event but is commemorating it with a celebration.  

On September 20, the hotel is inviting the women of New Orleans for a day of food, drinks and entertainment, marking the 70th anniversary of the day in 1949 when those brave women stormed the Sazerac Bar.

The day will start with a luncheon in the Blue Room at 1 p.m., consisting of a three-course lunch, a fashion show and live entertainment. Also during the Blue Room portion of the event, the 2019 Spirit of the Sazerac will be recognized, with the 2018 Spirit, WDSU Chief Meteorologist Margaret Orr, passing on her role to this year’s honoree. Each year, The Spirit of the Sazerac award recognizes one New Orleans woman who embodies the same values of perseverance and adamance that it took to storm the bar in 1949.  

After the luncheon, the event will move to the Roosevelt’s lobby at 3 p.m. Here, the attendees will gather together and storm the Sazerac Bar with a second line. Guests are encouraged to wear clothing inspired by the post-war culture of late 40s and early 50s America – this includes hats, veils, gloves and peep-toe shoes.

Tickets for the event are $69, not including tax or gratuity. With this event, The New Orleans Roosevelt calls all women to drink at the Sazerac Bar, a symbolic moment celebrating the social change New Orleans has seen and the brave women who made it happen.

For more information, including reservations, click here.