We’ve written a lot of blogs over the course of 11 years publishing The Scout Guide New Orleans, and the second most popular one we ever wrote was this one that shared ideas for celebrating a birthday in New Orleans. A lot of the ideas are still golden, but we thought it was time to share some new ones. This year has marked a myriad of 40th birthday celebrations as my friends and I enter a new decade. As I contemplated my own 40th birthday celebration this year, I’ve been thinking of all the fabulous ways to celebrate in a city with so much to offer where there’s something for everyone on their big day. What’s not to love about celebrating a birthday in the city that celebrates 365 days a year?

Festive Friday Lunch – New Orleanians do Friday lunch like no other. Reserve a table at your favorite restaurant and order the party supplies for a festive table! Over the Christmas holidays, my Sacred Heart friends and I gathered at Arnaud’s to celebrate 40 years! Want something a little bit more casual? I put together this birthday lunch at Sylvain a few years back.

Party Poolside – My cabana at the Windsor Court Pool is reserved for April 21st! Yes, you heard that right, the Windsor Court pool now has cabanas and an entire new poolside look. Book a room or a spa appointment for access. This is literally one of my favorite places in the city to escape to!

Visit a NOLA Vineyard – We recently scouted Wild Bush Vineyards on the Northshore. Their branding is a hoot, the wine is neat, they have excellent cheese boards, and they also offer live music on weekends. It was such a fun afternoon being away from the city. Hire a driver and get out of town for the day!

Gift Yourself a New Hobby – I recently re-learned how to sew with the help of Leisa Stanton, owner of Papermaple Studio. Take a few friends down to this chic space in the French Quarter. You will feel so accomplished by the time you finish! I can’t wait to get back and make a caftan.

Fitness with Friends – Start the day on the right foot in a boxing class with Rosie Nowhitney at Body By Ford in Mid-City or a reformer class at Forward Fitness with Katharine Syme in Old Metairie.

Boas and Bonding – Feel empowered (or sexy!) with a burlesque 101 class at Trixie’s Burlesque Boutique in the French Quarter. Bring your friends, your own ice chest, and dress comfortably while the legendary Trixie Minx teaches you how to shimmy and shake the old cobwebs away.

Jazz with Jeremy – I’m closing out my 40th birthday month at an after-hours Jazz Fest show at the Saenger with Trombone Shorty and Eric Church. Last year, these two played an epic show at the Arena, so I can’t wait to get back. Looking for an alternative at any time of year? Davenport Lounge is a great place to gather before or after dinner for live jazz by Jeremy Davenport.

Lunch and Learn – I have visions of a beautiful sit-down luncheon inside Cole Pratt Gallery on Magazine Street. Invite the exhibiting artist to share on their work, have owner Erika Olinger share tips on investing in art, and watch the day pass by through the big window overlooking Magazine Street. I’d call Patti Constantin for the perfect menu.

Shop Local Til Ya Drop – Hit the streets big with our shopping guide, and end your day with pisco sours on the patio at Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco.

Bestie Birthday Session – We couldn’t forget the kiddos…. The perfect way to celebrate your child and their krewe is with a Bestie Session with Olivia Grey Pritchard Photography!