San Fermin: A NOLA Running of the Bulls

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Clear your weekend for this gem of a festival—San Fermin in Nueva Orleans. The popular fiesta is modeled after the San Fermí­n festival and its running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. But releasing raging bulls through the streets of the French Quarter would be copying, so local organizers went for bat-wielding roller derby girls instead. Resplendent in horned helmets and armed with whiffle ball bats, the Big Easy Rollergirls unleash their fury on any slow-moving stragglers (and yes, we're speaking from experience.)

Friday features El Txupinazo, the pre-party at The Sugar Mill (1021 Convention Blvd.), with an open bar, live music, a silent auction, and cuisine from area restaurants. $50, with 100% of the profits benefitting the nonprofit Beth's Friends Forever. 

Saturday is the big day, when El Encierro, or bull run, begins promptly at 8 am (with a 7:15 am Procession of San Fermin before). Join thousands of runners as they pour through the French Quarter with hundreds of Roller Bulls in hot pursuit. Runners are required to wear a white shirt, white shorts or pants, and a piece of red cloth about the neck and waist. After a frenzied morning and time to rest in the afternoon, the festival continues on Saturday evening with La Fiesta de Pantalones. Be sure to come dressed Pamplonese-style: white shirt and bottom, and something red at the waist and neck, but feel free to be creative beyond that! $40 to participate in the run, plus beer, wine, and sangria for the festival; $30 online entry only pass ($40 at the door); $95 VIP. 

Nurse aching legs and heads at Sunday's El Pobre de Mí­ (Poor Me). Enjoy a savory tapas brunch and specialty drinks as well as the annual Ernest Hemingway Celebration and Talent Contest, an afternoon of Hemingway-themed daring, drama, dress-up, and laughter. Free entry. 

nolabulls.com to register (required), see the rules, and discover all the details, including special rates from area hotels.