After last year’s Block Party, White Linen Night is officially back! Are you ready to dress in white and mingle on 19th Street on Saturday, August 6th? We sure are! Keep reading to learn more about White Linen Night 2022 and what the event has in store this year.
What is White Linen Night?
First, what exactly is White Linen Night, and why does 19th Street celebrate it?
White Linen Night stems from a centuries-old New Orleans tradition. At the height of summer, being outside in the Louisiana heat can feel like being in an oven. Houstonians can sympathize with that! The people of New Orleans realized that wearing white made life a little cooler and began dressing in white in an effort to turn down the heat.
In the 1980s, New Orleans’ warehouse district underwent revitalization, and urban warehouses were transformed into lively art galleries that garnered plenty of attention. Over the years, city residents turned wearing white while celebrating culture a traditional community festivity. The first White Linen Night occurred in 1994 and drew significant attention to the city’s culture. Every first Saturday evening in August, New Orleans hosts a free block party that attracts hundreds of visitors.
Why Houston and 19th Street in the Heights?
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Without homes or businesses to return to, many refugees started over in Houston, bringing their culture, art, and traditions to Space City.
In 2006, the owners of a 19th Street jewelry boutique and New Orleans transplants saw similarities between Houston and New Orleans. They decided to bring a bit of home to their new city by introducing White Linen Night to the community. It was a massive hit and has since become one of the area’s largest annual social events.
Houston has embraced New Orleans culture with open arms, and residents look forward to the event each summer. This year, more than a thousand people are expected to participate in the event.
Who Can Participate and How?
Anyone can participate and have a blast during the festivities! In fact, people from all over Houston head to 19th Street to celebrate. Since parking is tight and 19th Street traffic will be shut down, we recommend using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.
Locals wear white to deflect the heat and stick to New Orleans tradition. Get creative with your breeziest ivory outfit or simply wear a white T-shirt. Keep in mind that once you’re in a sea of white, it can become a little difficult to keep track of the people you’re with – just something to consider as you plan your attire!
Since the centuries-old history of New Orleans included men donning white suits and hats and women wearing white dresses and wide-brimmed white hats to beat the heat, don’t be surprised if you spot some outfits that bring a bit of the past to the present.
Seating can be hard to come by due to the crowds, so be prepared to do some standing and wear comfortable sneakers for the occasion.
Since this event is free to attend, you won’t have to spend a penny on tickets. However, you may want to bring some money with you if you plan to dine or do some shopping.
Businesses to Look For
Many of the Heights’ local businesses are joining in on the fun this year, including the Heights Theater, Manready Mercantile, the Now Massage, Circa Real Estate, Emerson Rose, Jubilee, AG Antiques, Harold’s Restaurant, and more. Keep an eye out for invitations to private gatherings and open houses as well as for specials on your favorite items.
Emerson Rose will host drink pop-ups and have deals on clothing and gifts. Fly High Little Bunny has also been hard at work producing one-of-a-kind jewelry for the event. And in case you forget to wear white, don’t worry: Jubilee can save the day with its White Linen Night-approved selections.
While 19th Street is sure to be packed with shoppers and locals eager to take advantage of free hors d’oeuvres and giveaways, you should know that 19th Street isn’t the only street participating. Businesses all across the heart of the Heights, including White Oak Boulevard, are also joining in. If a pub crawl sounds like a fun way to spend the evening, you may want to head over to White Oak Boulevard to get in on White Linen Night drink specials.
White Linen Night has even gone to the dogs this year, with Sit Bar hosting an event for humans and pooches at Railway Heights featuring a band, sprinklers, splash pads, dog pools, and drink deals. If there is a business you love anywhere in the Heights, be sure to ask if they’re participating in White Linen Night.
The event is a welcome opportunity to celebrate the amazing art, diversity, and culture in our community. Music and art fill the streets, and locals come together to revel in it. Lords of Kool and the Zydeco Dots are live performers you won’t want to miss. Stop by for a memorable evening!
Connect with Circa Real Estate
Come celebrate White Linen Night 2022 with Circa Real Estate from 5 PM – 9 PM. They’ll be serving wine, spirits, and refreshing locally-made Karbach beer. Listen to a DJ and live bands situated at the front and back of Harold’s Restaurant, take photos in a professional photobooth and with an event photographer, and enjoy some light eats in Circa’s office at 350 West 19th Street, Suite D.
It’ll be a damn good time – and a great opportunity to ask seasoned real estate agents about the housing market, if you feel so inclined!
Circa will also host a private gallery reception from 4 PM – 5 PM for local artist La Donna Foto. The event is co-sponsored by Danielle Stewart of the Historic Heights Living magazine, and selected works will remain on display after the reception during Circa’s White Linen Night celebration. For a sample of what to expect, check out this beautiful piece La Donna Foto produced after an inspiring trip to Italy!
See you in the Heights on White Linen Night!