Boudin & Beer, Mirliton Fest, More Weekend Best Bets

With so many festivals, fundraisers, and block parties happening around town this weekend, Eater's got you covered with the best bets for food and drink, from brickyards to ball rooms. Whether you're Uptown or in da Bywatas, there's a little something for everyone, and honestly, if you plan your weekend accordingly (and you're totally loaded... with Benjamins, not booze), it's possible to hit up every single one of these events.

1. Boudin and Beer at The Foundry, 333 St. Joseph
When: Tonight, Friday, November 2, 7p.m.

Emeril Lagasse, Donald Link, and Maria Batali host tonight's honky tonkin' kick off for the gala/wine auction Carnivale Du Vin. Live music, cowboy boots and 50 awesome chefs serving artisan sausage. Plus Abita beer and Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Cost is $85/person, and proceeds go to help educational programs for New Orleans children. And it's just really fun.

2. Mirliton Fest, Brick Yard at Chartres/Clouet
When: Saturday, November 3, 11a.m.-7p.m.

The Bywater Neighborhood Association leaves Markey Park to the dogs construction this year, as the 23rd Annual Mirliton Fest makes its first appearance at the Brick Yard on Chartres (across from Dr. Bob's). Lots of mirliton-based dishes for 'foodies' to gobble up from local favorites like Maurepas Foods and Jack Dempseys. Capping off the music line-up is Kermit Ruffins. $5 to enter. Bring cash for food/drinks/art.

3. Louisiana Swamp Fest, Audubon Zoo
When: Sat/Sun, November 3-4, 10a.m.-5p.m.

Get your fried food on? ie. cracklins, deep fried Oreo cookies? at this year's Swamp Fest in Audubon zoo. This is a family-oriented affair with a look into Cajun culture with lots of Zydeco (Grammy award-winning BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet plays on Sunday) and crafts, plus swamp animals and special animal feedings. Swamp Fest is free with Zoo admission.

4. Movember, at PJ's Coffee, 5432 Magazine
When: Saturday, November 3, 11am- 2pm

The highlight of this Uptown party, which raises awareness for prostate cancer/men's cancer issues, has to be the on-site shavedowns that Modern Men Barber Shop will be giving. "Mo-Funk," featuring members of Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, The Country Fried Band and The Bucktown All-Stars, will play. Appearances by the 610 Stompers. Plus, DJ Dave Jinx and the New Orleans Saints' Whistle Monster. Food, drinks, raffle prizes for purchase. Admission is free.

5. Freret Street Market
When: Saturday, November 3
90 local vendors sell food AND produce, the Uptown Messenger reports, plus art, jewelry, and collectibles galore. There will also be pet adoptions from Used Pets. The Big Easy Rollergirls will be on hand as well as a day-long line up of live music.

6. Carnivale Du Vin, New Orleans Convention Center
When: Saturday, November 3, 6p.m.

Emeril's $1,000/seat black tie gala and auction has raised millions for his foundation that helps fund programs like Cafe Reconcile, The Edible School Yard, and the culinary program at NOCCA. Now in its 8th year, dinner is prepared by Mario Batali and star-chef-studded team, and a slew of celebrities, wine purveyors, and enthusiasts will bid on wines and dance to Preservation Hall and Trombone Shorty well into the night.

8. Channing Tatum's Saints and Sinners Grand Opening, 627 Bourbon
When: Tonight/Saturday, 9p.m.-til

Awww shizzle. Get your Rumplesnakeskinz gitty gitty dance ready because TONIGHT is the GRAND OPENING of Saints and Sinners. Dressing up in costume from the 1890s-1920s will get you "special treatment" from the Tatum Skinz ie. no cover charge. Only 21 and up after 9PM, and absolutely no male strippers allowed.

· Two Freret Markets and a Frerestivius [UptownMessenger]
· All Fess Time coverage [-ENOLA-]