It’s that time of year again! The Running of the Bulls celebrates its 16th year in New Orleans on Saturday, July 9. Hundreds of roller derby athletes posing as bulls will return to the city this weekend to chase New Orleanians and visitors alike in honor of the encierros of Pamplona, a festival in Spain of Sanfermines in homage to Saint Fermin.

The festivities for San Fermin in Nueva Orleans begin on Friday, July 8, as Barcadia hosts the 2022 Kickoff Fiesta known as El Txupinazo.  Live music, food, and drinks will be offered, along with a live auction. The highest bidder will receive a lifetime VIP pass for the Running of the Bulls and the proceeds go to Beth’s Friends Forever, an agency that assists women battling cancer. Barcadia is located at 601 Tchoupitoulas Street.

The Running of the Bulls  will kick off at The Sugar Mill, where doors will open at 6:30 a.m. There will be a warm-up session, the Procession of San Fermin at 7 a.m. and a flourish of magnificence from The Very Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Brother Pastor Pope Andrew Ward. The two–time Grammy-nominated band Cha Wa will perform. Beer from Port Orleans Brewing Company, sangria and wine from RedThumb Natural Wines, and cocktails featuring products from the Diageo Spirits portfolio will be served and food trucks will be on site. The actual Running of the Bulls event will start promptly at 8 a.m. The Sugar Mill is located at 1021 Convention Center Boulevard.

On Saturday following the run, Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar will host La Fiesta de Pantalones beginning at 11 a.m. Drink specials will continue through the afternoon. The bar is located at 701 Tchoupitoulas Street.

On Sunday, July 10, the San Fermin weekend will close with El Pobre de Mi at Barcadia, featuring Ernest Hemingway-inspired burlesque, contests, food and more cocktails.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go towards Beth’s Friend’s Forever and Animal Rescue New Orleans.

Tickets are on sale now for $10-$95 and can be purchased here. For more information about the Running of the Bulls, visit the official website.