An Evening Honoring a Cultural Icon
On November 21, the Tennessee Williams Festival, in partnership with New Orleans Literary Festival, is excited to host their gala in celebration of Tennessee Williams, his accomplishments, and the literary legacy he left behind.
The festivities will commence at The Temple, referred to as a "Queer Art Church," which is the eclectic home of Tony-award winner John Cameron Mitchell and is the perfect backdrop for such a creative evening. There, members of the New Orleans community who have significantly impacted the city's cultural life and development will receive the Tennessee Williams Award. Those receiving the award this year include Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Bryan Batt, and Priscilla and John Lawrence.
For VIP ticket holders, the evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a private chef's table in the garden, paired with specialty cocktails, music by Delta Revues, and a tour of the iconic home. At 7 p.m., doors will open for those with general admission tickets, where guests can enjoy an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and music by Layla Musselwhite and Harry Mayronne. Following will be a silent auction, held in the stunning home's garden and decadent ballroom. Proceeds from the auction go to supporting the festival and its many creative endeavors.
About the Tennessee Williams Festival
Honoring the creative genius Tennessee Williams, the festival's mission is to serve, educate, and inspire the community by showcasing writers, actors, musicians, and other artists from around the world. Uniting the community through theatrical, literary, and musical programs, today the Tennessee Williams festival boasts over 100 events, including shows, discussions, workshops, and more. The 2025 Tennessee Williams Festival will run from March 26 through March 30, with attendees including: Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cunningham, NPR book reviewer Maureen Corrigan, and many more! The festival will feature special events like a drag queen brunch, books and beignets with Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire, a production of Orpheus Descending, and more.
An unforgettable night of live music, delicious food, and plenty of entertainment, tickets range in prices from $100 for general admission and $250 for the VIP experience. Support the Tennessee Williams Festival by attending their gala and enjoy an evening exploring The Temple and its memorabilia, as well as celebrating the city's cultural influences.
