By Emma Boyce

This weekend on the philanthropy front, the Big Easy is abuzz with giving. Amuse yourself at City Park tonight with martinis, or check out the NOLA Opera on Prytania. Tomorrow morning, walk to fight AIDS at Audubon Park, and rock out with local dancers at Generations Hall to help people benefit Bridge Lounge. Read on for local fundraising opportunities.

Festival Extraordinaire (Tonight, New Orleans Opera Association Women’s Guild, 6-10pm) 

Anyone well versed in opera has heard the melodious voice of celebrated tenor and conductor Placido Domingo.  This Friday, the Women’s Guild and Junior Committee of the New Orleans Opera are going Spanish to welcome Placido Domingo’s upcoming performances in New Orleans.  If you like the opera and have some European flare you’re going to love the New Orleans Opera’s Spanish-themed party.  Come relax and have fun from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Grab a cerveza or vino and taste the unique creations from local restaurants.  Admission is $30 at the door, but you can order tickets early for only $25. Aside from offering a great time, the proceeds of the event will help support future events for the opera house in New Orleans.  Call Gina Klein at 504-529-2278 for further details.   

Martini Madness (Tonight at City Park, 8-11pm)

Throw on your cocktail attire and grab your 21 and over ID’s (no kids allowed) because tonight it’s martini time!  Friends of City Park (FOCP) and the Republic National Distributing Company are joining together to fundraise for a new train car for the miniature train in City Park.  We all know and love the train well, but as the second oldest ride in the Amusement Park it’s time for an upgrade.

Along with over 30 different martini recipes the event promises delicious dishes from local restaurants and entertainment in the Arbor Room at Popp Fountain.     

If you’re a member of Friends of City Park you are encouraged to come early at 7 p.m. for $75 and experience the “martini madness” before the crowd rushes in.  Non members and members both should come from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for $50 per person or $45 per person if you are a member. You can find tickets at the Friends of City Park’s website. 

Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club White Linen Benefit (Zulu Club on Broad, 9pm-1am)

Your pants don’t have to be linen, but they better be white.  Come gather and listen to some great music at Mardi Gras World’s River City Ballroom in the Warehouse District for the White Linen Benefit.  The lineup includes The Stooges Brass Band, Lobrado, Tuck A and DJ Captain Charles. Tickets are available now at the Zulu Club on Broad Street.  At the door, general admission tickets cost $35 per person and VIP tickets cost $65 per person.  If purchased in advance, general admission tickets cost only $25 and VIP tickets cost only $55.  Hurry!  Nothing’s worse than a sold out show. Call 504-827-1661 for more information. 

Decade Bash: New Orleans Video Access Center Anniversary (Tonight at the Republic, 7-10pm)

NOVAC hits the big 4-0 this weekend and they’re bringing it in with a party.  The organization has been instrumental in offering guidance and resources to local filmmakers since 1972. A DJ decades battle will start at 7:30 to celebrate all the decades since NOVAC’s establishment, meaning there will be a little something for everyone’s musical interests.  Guests will also vote on their favorite short film. VIP tickets for the patron party that starts at 7 p.m. cost $75, while general admission tickets only cost $20.  For more information go to their website. Go, have a good time and grab a t-shirt or a poster on your way out. 

Rockin with the NOLA Stars III (Saturday, Generations Hall, 6-10pm)

Bridge House/Grace House, a refuge for men and women to beat addiction, brings together local New Orleans celebrities and public figures with professional dancers for their Rockin’ with the NOLA Stars III fundraiser.  For those of you that watch Dancing with the Stars this should sound familiar.  The dancer that raises the most money for Bridge House/Grace House through sponsorship, ticket sales and donations, wins the competition.  Other awards will also be given for categories like Best Costume, Best Routine. While the winner may be still up in the air, one thing is certain: there will be no lack of food, drinks, music or laughter as local celebrities try and dance their way to the top for a good cause.  For more information call Wayne Olivio at 504-821-7135. 

A Funrock’n Pub Crawl for the NOFD (Saturday, Bulldog on Magazine, 7:30pm)

Wear your red, orange and yellow this Saturday to support the New Orleans Fire Department and their new campaign, “Like Funrock’n and Pop City for the NOFD,” at a free pub-crawl.  The funrock’n ends, countless drinks later, at Parasol’s on Constance. 

NO/AIDS Walk (Sunday, Audubon Park, 8am)

Come out to Audubon Park this weekend in support of the aids walk.  Sunday is supposed to be sunny, so even if you don’t like walking you can still donate, help fundraise or volunteer.  Anything helps.  Registration starts at 8 a.m., but the walk begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m.  After the walk enjoy food, beverages and, of course, music.