Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Stretching along the Mississippi Riverfront from the base of
Canal Street to Crescent Park, Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park
is an area of picturesque greenspace that offers locals and
visitors a front-row view of the river and ample areas for
picnics, events, and sight-seeing. The park is a hotspot for
everything from festivals to popular pathways for joggers and
bikers. It is filled with sculptures, artwork and memorials to
complement the riverfront view.
History
On the site of what is now the park, flood walls, warehouses, and industrial docks once ran along the Mississippi River. The area was transformed into a public park complete with lush greenery, bricked walkways, and public art, and it opened to the public before the 1984 World’s Fair, which the city hosted that year. The park was named for philanthropist Malcolm Woldenberg, who contributed to the park’s creation.
In 2015, the park activated a new 90-foot linear water fountain in front of the aquarium, which is the perfect place for kids to run around and cool off on a hot summer day in New Orleans. The fountain is open during the aquarium’s business hours, depending on the weather, and it is enhanced by 30 varying light shows when events on the plaza stretch into the evening hours.
In April of 2026, the park was renamed the Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park to honor the significant financial contributions and lasting impact of both the Goldring Family Foundation and the Woldenberg Foundation. A former warehouse at the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf was reimagined as a beautiful greenspace, with native landscaping, a marsh-inspired playground, and a communal hub called the “NOLA Front Porch.” With this addition, the park now stretches more than two miles, making it one of the longest uninterrupted riverfront green spaces in the U.S.
Events
Goldring Woldenberg Park hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The park is most notably home to the main stages for French Quarter Fest, held each April. It’s also home to the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival, the day before Mardi Gras. The magnificent view of the river from Woldenberg Park also makes it a top destination for watching fireworks over the Mississippi, which are set off for both New Year’s Eve and the Go Fourth on the River celebration for Fourth of July.
For a unique way to enjoy the beauty of New Orleans, visit Goldring Woldenberg Park, a free destination with an unforgettable view and space to take a break from the bustle of New Orleans’ city life.
