Excuses to Stay Another Day or Come Back Soon
Looking for Mardi Gras Parades? Click HERE for this years schedule!
JUNE 2026
Creole Tomato Festival - June 6-7, 2026 - French Market - Held at the historic French Market, this annual festival celebrates the region’s famous Creole tomatoes with food booths, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and the traditional Creole Tomato Second Line parade.
Restaurant Week - June 8-14, 2026 - Citywide - Restaurant Week showcases New Orleans’ renowned culinary scene with specially priced multi-course menus at participating restaurants throughout the city. The event encourages visitors and locals alike to experience the city’s diverse dining culture.
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience - June 10-13, 2026 - Downtown New Orleans - Known as NOWFE, this premier culinary event features wine tastings, gourmet dinners, seminars, and food experiences hosted by top New Orleans restaurants and chefs paired with wines from around the world.
July 2026
Essence Festival of Culture - July 3-5, 2026 - Caesar's Superdome & Venues Throughout New Orleans - One of the nation’s largest celebrations of African American culture, Essence Festival features major musical performances, empowerment seminars, celebrity appearances, beauty showcases, and cultural events throughout New Orleans.
Go 4th on the River Fireworks - July 4, 2026 - New Orleans Riverfront - This annual Independence Day celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, live music, and a "Dueling Barges" fireworks display over the Mississippi River along the downtown riverfront.
Running of the Bulls - July 10-12, 2026 - Downtown New Orleans - Inspired by Pamplona’s famous bull run, New Orleans’ version features roller derby skaters dressed as “bulls” chasing participants through the streets in a playful and uniquely local tradition.
Tales of the Cocktail - July 19-24, 2026 - Downtown New Orleans - This internationally recognized cocktail festival gathers bartenders, distillers, chefs, and spirits professionals for tastings, seminars, competitions, dinners, and special events celebrating cocktail culture.
X Games New Orleans - July 24-26, 2026 - Caesar Superdome - Extreme sports athletes compete in skateboarding, BMX, and motocross events as the Caesars Superdome transforms into a large-scale action sports arena for the X Games League competition.
August 2026
Coolinary New Orleans - August 1 - 31, 2026 - Citywide - Coolinary New Orleans is a month-long dining promotion featuring specially priced menus at participating restaurants across the city, offering visitors an affordable way to experience New Orleans cuisine.
White Linen Night - August 1, 2026 - Arts/Warehouse District - This popular summer art event invites guests dressed in white linen to explore galleries, artist exhibitions, live music, and special events throughout New Orleans’ Arts District.
Satchmo SummerFest - August 1-2, 2026 - New Orleans Jazz Museum - Dedicated to Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, this festival honors the legendary musician with live jazz performances, educational programs, food vendors, and local cultural exhibits.
Red Dress Run - August 8, 2026, French Quarter - Hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, this annual charity run features thousands of participants dressed in red attire for a festive day of fundraising and entertainment.
Dirty Linen Night - August 8, 2026, on Royal Street, French Quarter - Held one week after White Linen Night, Dirty Linen Night highlights Royal Street’s galleries, antique shops, and boutiques with live music, food, and evening art events.
September 2026
Southern Decadence - September 4-7, 2026 - French Quarter. Often called “Gay Mardi Gras,” Southern Decadence is one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, featuring parties, live entertainment, parades, and events throughout the French Quarter. Event for mature audiences only. Not family-friendly.
NOLA x NOLA - September 24 - October 4, 2026 - Citywide - This citywide music celebration showcases New Orleans musicians and venues with concerts, performances, and cultural events highlighting the city’s diverse music scene.
October 2026
NOLA Coffee Festival - Dates TBA, 2026 - Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center (13 miles NW) - Coffee professionals, roasters, and enthusiasts gather for tastings, demonstrations, educational panels, and specialty beverages celebrating New Orleans’ rich coffee heritage.
Gretna Fest - (Cancelled for 2026 due to construction in that area) - Gretna, Louisiana (6 miles) - Traditionally one of the region’s largest music festivals. Enjoy the casual atmosphere of the diverse music and arts festival located in historic downtown Gretna. Take the ferry across the Mississippi River, and make a day of it.
Art for Arts' Sake - Dates TBA - Warehouse District on Julia & Magazine Streets - This annual arts season kickoff features gallery openings, live music, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout New Orleans’ Arts District and Magazine Street corridor.
National Fried Chicken Festival - October 2-4, 2026 - New Orleans Lakefront on Lakeshore Drive at Franklin Ave. The National Fried Chicken Festival brings together restaurants, food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities, celebrating one of the South’s favorite comfort foods.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival - Dates TBA - Lafayette Square Park - This free festival combines live blues performances with barbecue from local vendors in downtown New Orleans, attracting music lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Gentilly Fest Oct 9-11, 2026 at Pontchartrain Park in Gentilly. From its beginnings many years ago, the annual Gentilly Fest has aimed to raise funds to aid in the rebuilding and continued growth of the Gentilly area.
Oktoberfest - October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2026 - Deutsches Haus (1700 Moss St.) - New Orleans’ annual Oktoberfest features German food, beer, music, dancing, and cultural traditions over multiple weekends at Deutsches Haus.
NOLA Funk Fest - October 16-18, 2026 - Audubon Aquarium/Riverfront Park - This music festival celebrates Louisiana funk and New Orleans musical traditions with live performances, local food vendors, arts, and cultural programming.
Wooden Boat Festival - October 17 & 18, 2026 – Madisonville, LA (40-mile drive NW) – Located north of New Orleans, this family-friendly festival showcases wooden boats, maritime culture, crafts, food vendors, children’s activities, and live music.
Treme Fall Fest - Dates TBA - Tremé Neighborhood - Produced by the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association, this neighborhood festival celebrates the history, culture, food, and music traditions of one of New Orleans’ oldest communities.
Boo at the Zoo - Dates TBA - Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St – A favorite Halloween event for families, Boo at the Zoo features trick-or-treating, games, themed attractions, and entertainment for children at Audubon Zoo.
Krewe of Boo - October 24, 2026 - French Quarter - New Orleans’ official Halloween parade features elaborate floats, costumes, marching groups, and themed entertainment through the French Quarter.
New Orleans Film Festival - October 22-27, 2026 - Various Venues - This internationally recognized film festival showcases independent films, documentaries, shorts, and special screenings from filmmakers around the world.
Halloween - October 31, 2026 - Citywide - Halloween in New Orleans includes costume parties, haunted attractions, live music, and themed events throughout the city’s bars, clubs, and neighborhoods.
<>NOVEMBER 2026
NOLA Zydeco Fest - October 31- November 1, 2026 – Slidell, LA (40-mile drive NE) - Held on the Northshore near Bonfouca Bayou, this festival celebrates zydeco music and Louisiana culture with live performances, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
Louisiana Renaissance Festival (RenFest) - Weekends in November & December, 2026 - Hammond, LA (59 miles NW) - This Renaissance-themed event features period costumes, live entertainment, artisan crafts, food vendors, and interactive attractions for visitors of all ages.
Beignet Fest - November 7 - City Park Festival Grounds - Beignet Fest highlights creative takes on New Orleans’ signature pastry while supporting programs for children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Treme` Creole Gumbo Festival – Dates TBA 2026 – Louis Armstrong Park – This free festival celebrates New Orleans culture with live brass bands, funk and R&B performances, and a variety of gumbo from local vendors.
LUNA Fête – Dates TBA 2026 – Downtown New Orleans - LUNA Fête combines public art, light installations, technology, and interactive experiences in a large-scale outdoor festival throughout downtown New Orleans.
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival – November 8, 2026 – Oak St. - This Uptown street festival celebrates New Orleans’ famous po-boy sandwich with food vendors, live music stages, local art, and neighborhood entertainment.
Sober Fest – November 21, 2026 – Convention Center Blvd. – Sober Fest offers a substance-free music festival experience featuring live entertainment, wellness programming, food vendors, and community support resources.
Bayou Classic – November 28, 2026 – Caesars Superdome – The Bayou Classic is the annual football rivalry between Grambling State University and Southern University, accompanied by parades, concerts, and community events.
DECEMBER 2026
Celebration in the Oaks – November 27, 2026 – January 1, 2027– City Park - One of New Orleans’ favorite holiday traditions, Celebration in the Oaks features elaborate light displays, amusement rides, seasonal entertainment, and family activities throughout City Park.
Christmas New Orleans Style - Month of December, 2026 - Citywide - Throughout December, New Orleans celebrates the holidays with Reveillon dinners, concerts, caroling, decorations, and seasonal events blending local traditions with classic holiday festivities.
NOLA Christmas Fest – Dates TBA, 2026 – Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - This indoor holiday attraction features ice skating, festive displays, amusement rides, holiday entertainment, and family-friendly seasonal activities.
Caroling in Jackson Square – December 20, 2026 - Jackson Square, 7-8 p.m., gates open at 6:30 p.m. - Thousands gather in the French Quarter for this annual community sing-along featuring traditional Christmas carols led by local musicians and clergy.
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee – December 24, 2026 - River Parishes: Gramercy, Lutcher, and Paulina, LA (40 miles W of New Orleans) – A Louisiana tradition dating back generations, bonfires are lit along the Mississippi River levees to help guide Papa Noël on Christmas Eve. Gray Line New Orleans offers three different adventures departing from New Orleans. Learn more
Crescent City Countdown – December 31, 2026 – New Orleans Riverfront - New Orleans rings in the New Year with live entertainment, fireworks over the Mississippi River, and the annual fleur-de-lis drop near Jackson Square.
JANUARY 2027
Twelfth Night/King's Day - January 6, 2027 - Citywide - Twelfth Night marks the official beginning of Carnival season in New Orleans. Celebrations throughout the city include king cake parties, parades, and events commemorating the Epiphany and the start of Mardi Gras festivities.
Allstate Sugar Bowl - January 15, 2027 - Caesars Superdome - One of college football's premier postseason games, the Allstate Sugar Bowl returns to New Orleans as part of the College Playoff semifinal series at the Caesars Superdome.
FEBRUARY 2027
Mardi Gras Season - January 6 - February 9, 2027 - Citywide – Carnival season in and around New Orleans features weeks of parades, balls, king cakes, and celebrations leading up to Fat Tuesday. Festivities take place throughout the city with events ranging from family-friendly parades to elaborate krewe traditions.
Family Gras - February 5 & 6, 2027 - Metairie, LA (7 miles) - Family Gras is Jefferson Parish’s free Mardi Gras celebration featuring live music, parade viewing, family activities, and appearances by Carnival royalty just outside New Orleans.
Lundi Gras Festival - February 8, 2027 - Spanish Plaza (adjacent to the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk) – Held on the Monday before Mardi Gras, Lundi Gras features live music, food vendors, cultural events, and the traditional arrival of Rex, King of Carnival, along the riverfront.
Mardi Gras Day/Fat Tuesday - February 9, 2027 - Citywide - Fat Tuesday marks the grand finale of Carnival season with parades, costumes, marching clubs, and celebrations throughout New Orleans from early morning until late at night.
MARCH 2027
Wednesdays at the Square Concert Series - Wednesdays, March - May, 2027 - Lafayette Square, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - This free weekly concert series features live performances by local musicians spanning jazz, funk, brass band, swamp pop, and Latin music in downtown New Orleans.
Oyster Festival - TBA - Amite, LA (75 miles NW) - The Amite Oyster Festival is made up of three days of fun events with live entertainment, carnival rides, oysters of all varieties, and a much-loved oyster-eating contest.
Freret Street Festival - March 7, 2027 - Freret St., 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - This neighborhood festival celebrates local businesses, artists, and restaurants with live music stages, food vendors, shopping, and entertainment along Freret Street.
Spring Fiesta - Dates TBA - French Quarter & Garden District - Spring Fiesta offers visitors access to historic homes, private courtyards, and architectural tours alongside concerts and cultural programming throughout New Orleans.
New Orleans French Film Festival - Dates TBA - Prytania Theater. One of the nation’s longest-running French film festivals, this annual event showcases French-language films, documentaries, shorts, and international cinema.
Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival - Dates TBA - New Orleans Jazz Museum - Named for legendary musician Danny Barker, this festival celebrates New Orleans jazz traditions with performances, workshops, and educational programming.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations - Dates TBA– New Orleans – St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just one day in New Orleans; here it’s turned into a multi-week celebration with parades, block parties, and plenty of corned beef and cabbage.
St. Joseph’s Day and Irish-Italian Parades - Dates TBA - Citywide - These annual parades celebrate New Orleans’ Irish and Italian heritage with marching groups, floats, music, and traditional food throws.
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival - March 17 - 21, 2027 - French Quarter - This internationally recognized literary festival features author panels, theater performances, writing workshops, and cultural events honoring Tennessee Williams and Southern literature.
Saints + Sinners Literary Festival - March 17 - 21, 2027 - New Orleans - This LGBTQ+ literary festival brings together writers, readers, and publishers for book discussions, panels, readings, and community events.
Easter - March 28, 2027 - Citywide - Easter celebrations in New Orleans include church services, jazz brunches, French Quarter parades, and festive gatherings throughout the city.
APRIL 2027
French Quarter Fest - April 8 - 11, 2027 - French Quarter - French Quarter Festival showcases hundreds of local musicians across multiple stages while featuring New Orleans cuisine, art, and entertainment along the riverfront and in Jackson Square.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival - Apr 9-11, 2027 - Ponchatoula, LA (50 miles NW) - This popular Louisiana festival celebrates the region’s strawberry harvest with live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and fresh local strawberries.
Irish Italian Islenos Parade - Dates TBA - St. Bernard Parish (5 miles SE) - This festive parade celebrates Irish, Italian, and Islenos heritage with marching bands, floats, and traditional food throws, including vegetables and produce.
LCMC Crescent City Classic - Mar 27, 2027 - New Orleans - The Crescent City Classic is a nationally recognized 10K race attracting runners from around the world along a scenic route from downtown to City Park.
Zurich Classic of New Orleans - April 8 - 11, 2027 - TPC Louisiana - Avondale, LA (15 miles SW) - This official PGA Tour event brings professional golfers to the New Orleans area for a four-day tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Week 1) – April 22 - 25, 2027 (last weekend in April) – New Orleans Fairgrounds. - Jazz Fest celebrates New Orleans culture through live music, local food, arts, and crafts with performances spanning jazz, blues, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, and more.
May 2027
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Week 2) - April 30-May 3, 2026 – New Orleans Fairgrounds – One of New Orleans’ signature festivals, Jazz Fest celebrates the city’s music, food, and culture with performances across multiple outdoor stages. Visitors can enjoy jazz, blues, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, R&B, reggae, country, and more, along with local crafts and classic Louisiana cuisine.
Bayou Boogaloo - May 15-17, 2026 - Historic Pitot House & The Broadside - This popular neighborhood festival brings together live music, local art, food vendors, and bayou culture. Featuring more than 20 artists across multiple stages, Bayou Boogaloo offers a lively mix of funk, indie, brass band, and regional music in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Greek Fest New Orleans - May 22-24, 2026 - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Celebrate Greek culture in New Orleans with authentic food, live music, dancing, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment. The annual festival highlights traditional Greek cuisine, pastries, and cultural performances at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Sail 250 - May 27 - June 1 - Woldenberg Park & Mississippi Riverfront - Part of the national America250 celebration, Sail 250 brings a fleet of tall ships and naval vessels to New Orleans for a multi-day waterfront event honoring America’s maritime heritage. Visitors can enjoy ship tours, live entertainment, military demonstrations, fireworks, educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities along the Mississippi River.
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival - May 30, 2026 - George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center - Celebrate Greek culture in New Orleans with authentic food, live music, dancing, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment. The annual festival highlights traditional Greek cuisine, pastries, and cultural performances at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
