May 20, 2025
June 7–8, 2025
The French Market Creole Tomato Festival
The 39th Annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival is a cherished summer tradition in New Orleans that honors the region's renowned Creole tomatoes through food, music, and family activities. This signature festival marks the official start of summer, featuring fresh local produce, live entertainment and a variety of tomato-based dishes. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The festival takes place at the historic French Market, located at 1235 N. Peters St. This free and open-to-the-public event spans the French Market district, from Dutch Alley to Farmers Market. For more information, visit https://www.frenchmarket.org/event/37th-annual-creole-tomato-festival/all/
June 11–15, 2025
The New Orleans Food & Wine Experience 2025
The 33rd Annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE) is your chance to indulge in great food and drink while supporting a worthwhile cause. This five-day celebration offers a full schedule of events for everyone, from novices to connoisseurs, and those who simply love good cuisine. The event features unique programming, including Vinola, where guests can enjoy an intimate atmosphere while sampling a variety of rare and highly sought-after wines, expertly paired with delectable dishes crafted by local chefs. Another highlight is the Tournament of Rosés, where attendees can join in the fun New Orleans style, dressed in shades of pink, and taste premier rosés—both still and sparkling—from France, Spain, Italy, the United States and the Southern Hemisphere. The grand finale is The Grand Tasting, which showcases wines from around the world and delicious food prepared by some of New Orleans' finest chefs. For more information, visit www.nowfe.com.
June 14, 2025
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival takes place at Whitney Plantation from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your FREE tickets are available only at: https://whitneyplantation.org/juneteenth Admission is free (registration required) for this special event, which honors the history and resilience of Black communities while celebrating freedom through culture, education and community engagement. Experience a day at Whitney Plantation, the only plantation museum in Louisiana dedicated to narrating the story of slavery. Enjoy live performances, engaging panel discussions and educational storytelling that connects the past to the present. Stroll through our vibrant marketplace featuring local Black artists and craftspeople, and savor delicious offerings from some of the region's best food trucks. This family-friendly event will include interactive activities for all ages, making it a meaningful and immersive way to commemorate Juneteenth. Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future.
June 14, 2025
New Orleans Pridefest
New Orleans Pridefest is back in the Marigny at the Phoenix Bar, located at 941 Elysian Fields Ave. The event will feature live music, drag shows and many other activities. Miss Kerri Colby will perform as the headliner for the 2025 event. She gained fame from her appearance on Season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and is also known for her work as a trans rights activist. It is an honor to welcome her to Pridefest 2025. This year, the celebration shifts to the evening for the first time. Pride events in New Orleans began in the early 1970s when the LGBTQ+ community organized gatherings to celebrate progress and push for equality. The festival is the biggest Pride event in Louisiana. It attracts thousands from New Orleans, the Gulf South, and all across the U.S. For more details, visit https://www.nolapridefest.com/
June 16–19, 2025
NOLA Juneteenth Freedom Gala and Festival
Commemorate Juneteenth with the NOLA Juneteenth Festival at Armstrong Park/Congo Square. Admission is free. The kickoff Juneteenth Freedom Gala will be held on June 16. In the southern corner of Armstrong Park is Congo Square, an open space where the enslaved and free people of color gathered throughout the 19th century for meetings, open markets and the African dance and drumming. For more information, go to https://www.nolajuneteenthfestival.org/
June 16–22, 2025
New Orleans Restaurant Week
New Orleans is a city renowned for its culinary delights, featuring some of the finest cuisine globally. From traditional Creole restaurants with beautiful courtyards in the French Quarter to casual dining spots offering the freshest Gulf seafood, your next favorite dish is just around the corner. There has never been a more opportune moment to explore these culinary offerings than during Restaurant Week New Orleans. This event, held for one week in June, showcases multi-course menus from some of the city's top restaurants. For further details about this event and the participating establishments, please visit https://www.neworleans.com/restaurantweek/
July 3–6, 2025
Essence Festival of Culture
ESSENCE Festival’s theme this year is We Are “Made Like This.” Boyz II Men, Davido, Maxwell, Master P, GloRilla, The Isley Brothers, Nas and Summer Walker are among the artists set to take the stage. Jermaine Dupri will perform a tribute to legendary producer Quincy Jones. Held over Fourth of July weekend at the Caesars Superdome and throughout downtown New Orleans, this multi-day party named for its founder and sponsoring magazine combines high-octane music performances with inspirational speakers and provocative conversations about gender, race, culture and art. The popular event brings a slew of big names to New Orleans for large evening performances, intimate lounge shows and DJ parties. By day, the Empowerment Experience spotlights dozens of speakers on thought-provoking topics such as religion, economics and education. These are traditionally free. Dozens of vendors have displays set up in different locations around the Superdome and park areas that are temporarily turned into outdoor markets. You can expect to see a variety of quality fine art and crafts from clothing and jewelry, to collectible paintings and sculptures. All art displays and demonstrations will represent the rich culture developed from all over the African Diaspora. The Essence Expo Experience includes seminars and workshops on a wide range of topics including beauty and style as well as power and finance. Attendees can participate in live tutorials, free consultations, fashion and makeup presentations and more. For more information, visit www.essence.com/festival.
July 4, 2025
Go 4th on the River
Celebrate the 4th of July along the Historic Riverfront in Downtown New Orleans to witness the extraordinary Go 4th on the River fireworks display over the Mighty Mississippi. This traditional, FREE family tradition is produced by the Riverfront Marketing Group in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy and NOTCF and presented by New Orleans & Company and The Berger & Tiller Families along with more than 20 True Blue sponsors. The fireworks show begins at 9:00 PM along the Riverfront and can be seen from the East and West Banks of the river from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside to the French Market District. For more information visit Go4thontheRiver.com or call 985-630-4604.
July 11–13, 2025
Running of the Bulls
The excitement of the renowned Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, has been creatively adapted to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, presenting a distinctive Big Easy flair. This thrilling event embodies both exhilaration and peril as daring participants, known as correros (runners), are chased by the formidable Big Easy Roller Derby and their most aggressive counterparts. Inspired by the original event, the San Fermin’s New Orleans Running of the Bulls elevates the excitement to unprecedented heights. Rather than actual bulls, a group of derby skaters on roller skates unleash their energy, wielding foam-filled plastic bats. The inaugural New Orleans Running of the Bulls occurred in 2007, featuring 200 brave participants. Since then, this adrenaline-charged spectacle has expanded significantly, drawing over 14,000 runners and 400 derby athletes from across the country. This year, the Running of the Bulls Nueva Orleans is set to commence on Saturday, July 12, at 6:30 a.m., with the release of the bulls at 8 a.m. The event will be hosted at a new venue, The Howlin’ Wolf. While the indoor area is restricted to correros aged 18 and older, the outdoor spaces are open to individuals of all ages. Participants are encouraged to don white pants and white tops complemented by a red bandana. This year's schedule includes a full range of activities such as Txupinazo, Running of the Bulls, and El Pobre de Mi, all taking place at the historic Gallier Hall, which was once the site of New Orleans City Hall. For further details, please visit www.nolabulls.com/
July 20–25, 2025
Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail stands as one of the foremost global conferences dedicated to cocktails. Experience a week-long festivity centered around cocktails and mixology at the 23rd annual Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) event. This international cocktail conference, organized by the nonprofit Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, seeks to educate, promote and support both cocktail professionals and enthusiasts. Taking place at the Ritz Carlton in the French Quarter, this event promises to convene the most brilliant minds in the industry. This year, the TOTCF has adopted the theme 'Evolve' to honor the continuous evolution of the cocktail industry, featuring an engaging array of signature programming, including educational seminars, Beyond the Bar events, tastings, Futures Labs and much more. For additional details, please visit www.talesofthecocktail.org/
Aug. 1–31, 2025
Coolinary New Orleans
Coolinary New Orleans is one of the city’s most delicious traditions. Restaurants in and around the city run amazing specials to help combat the summertime slump. This special event features socially priced prix-fixe lunch, dinner and brunch menus. For more information, go to https://www.neworleans.com/coolinary/listings/
Aug. 2, 2025
White Linen Night
White Linen Night stands out as a prominent event in New Orleans, where attendees dress in their finest white linen garments. This event occurs across the Warehouse/Arts District and the Central Business District of New Orleans. While the majority of activities are centered on Julia Street, renowned for its numerous art galleries, events also extend to adjacent streets such as Magazine and Camp. Alongside the galleries on Julia Street, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art will open their doors to invite guests to discover intriguing new exhibits. On the first Saturday of every August, Julia Street becomes a vibrant center of artistic activity, featuring a variety of galleries, live music, food and beverages and engaging art installations. Organized by Arts District New Orleans (ADNO), a nonprofit committed to promoting the arts within the city, White Linen Night was created to highlight the skills of local artists and facilitate cultural exchange. The event is free and accessible to the public, with food and drinks available for purchase, as well as a ticketed cool down lounge. For more information, go to https://www.artsdistrictneworleans.com/events/fidelity-bank-white-linen-night
Aug. 2–3, 2025
Satchmo SummerFest
The Satchmo SummerFest originated as a homage to one of New Orleans' most celebrated figures, the late Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, in honor of his centennial birthday. The inaugural festival in 2001 attracted thousands who gathered to enjoy traditional New Orleans blues and jazz, as well as to savor the exquisite local cuisine. Its remarkable success has led to its establishment as an annual event, taking place on the first weekend of August each year. The festival showcases some of the finest jazz artists in New Orleans, celebrating the legacy of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong over several days. Sponsored by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., Satchmo SummerFest has grown into one of the premier celebrations in a city famous for its vibrant festivities. The event is hosted at the New Orleans Jazz Museum located in the French Quarter. Outdoor activities feature live performances on two stages, highlighting many of New Orleans' leading traditional musicians, many of whom pay tribute to Armstrong and his musical contributions. Alongside the energetic outdoor music and culinary offerings, the festival also hosts "Satchmo Seminars," which include indoor lectures and discussions led by Armstrong biographers, historians and musicians inspired by his work. This event is free and accessible to the public, with no tickets required. For further details, please visit www.satchmosummerfest.org/
Aug. 6–10, 2025
NOLA Pickleball Fest
The NOLA Pickle Fest, which supports the Brees Dream Foundation, is a distinctive festival-style pickleball tournament that will showcase 24 high-quality PickleRoll courts, live musical performances, a celebrity exhibition match, VIP experiences and much more. The tournament includes three divisions of round-robin play: Women's doubles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles, catering to skill levels of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0+. Participants can compete in two brackets: Open and 40+ years old. Featured matches will take place on a center court with grandstand seating, complemented by Kern Studio Mardi Gras floats for VIP viewing. For additional details, please visit https://www.nolapicklefest.com/
Aug. 9, 2025
Dirty Linen Night
Dirty Linen Night presents a distinctive alternative to White Linen Night, encouraging art lovers to appreciate the flawed and unconventional aspects of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Hosted by the Royal Street Arts District nonprofit, this iteration of the event seeks to infuse enthusiasm and music into the realm of art. Galleries along Royal Street will welcome visitors with engaging exhibits to discover, while live musicians will serenade the streets, crafting a magical ambiance that enhances the artistic experience. Both tourists and residents are invited to showcase their dirty linens from the previous White Linen Night and join the block party on Royal Street. The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., spanning the 300–1100 blocks of Royal Street. This renowned street will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of creativity, artistic expression and imperfection. In addition to the art, attendees can enjoy a variety of specialty beverages, wine, beer and culinary specialties from New Orleans. How can one access Dirty Linen Night? The event is free and open to the public, with no ticket purchase necessary. For further details, please visit https://dirtylinen.org/
Aug. 9, 2025
Red Dress Run
If you have ever been curious about the sight of numerous individuals wearing red dresses in New Orleans on the second Saturday of August, the answer lies in the Red Dress Run. This charitable event, organized by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, is renowned as one of the most distinctive running experiences in the world. Participants, both locals and visitors, don red attire—specifically dresses—for this annual occasion. The event features a two-mile run that commences at Crescent Park in the Bywater neighborhood. Attendees will enjoy lunch at 11:30 a.m., accompanied by live music. It is important to note that all participants must be at least 21 years old. While membership in the New Orleans Hash House Harriers is not a requirement for participation, registration is strongly recommended, as all proceeds benefit local charities. The Red Dress Run begins at Crescent Park in Faubourg Marigny/Bywater and winds through the surrounding area, with the starting point located at 2300 N Peters St. The festivities often extend into the nearby French Quarter, continuing from early afternoon into the evening. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m., followed by live music at noon. Participants are encouraged to spend the remainder of the day exploring amidst the vibrant sea of red. For further details, please visit https://www.neworleanshash.com/reddressrun/
Aug. 29–Sep. 1, 2025
Southern Decadence
The Southern Decadence celebration during Labor Day weekend is a fundamental aspect of queer culture in New Orleans. This multi-day event is frequently viewed as a blend of New Orleans Pride and Gay Mardi Gras, albeit with a more risqué, adult-oriented flair. Attracting participants from across the globe, Southern Decadence includes street festivities, concerts, club gatherings, a parade and a variety of other activities. It stands as one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the United States, occurring annually in New Orleans over Labor Day weekend and drawing thousands of participants worldwide. Originating in 1972 as a modest assembly of friends, it has transformed into a grand multi-day festival featuring parades, parties and live entertainment. The festival's centerpiece is the Southern Decadence Parade, which meanders through the historic French Quarter, showcasing extravagant costumes and vibrant music. Known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, Southern Decadence is a must-experience event for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of New Orleans
The French Market Creole Tomato Festival
The 39th Annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival is a cherished summer tradition in New Orleans that honors the region's renowned Creole tomatoes through food, music, and family activities. This signature festival marks the official start of summer, featuring fresh local produce, live entertainment and a variety of tomato-based dishes. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The festival takes place at the historic French Market, located at 1235 N. Peters St. This free and open-to-the-public event spans the French Market district, from Dutch Alley to Farmers Market. For more information, visit https://www.frenchmarket.org/event/37th-annual-creole-tomato-festival/all/
June 11–15, 2025
The New Orleans Food & Wine Experience 2025
The 33rd Annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE) is your chance to indulge in great food and drink while supporting a worthwhile cause. This five-day celebration offers a full schedule of events for everyone, from novices to connoisseurs, and those who simply love good cuisine. The event features unique programming, including Vinola, where guests can enjoy an intimate atmosphere while sampling a variety of rare and highly sought-after wines, expertly paired with delectable dishes crafted by local chefs. Another highlight is the Tournament of Rosés, where attendees can join in the fun New Orleans style, dressed in shades of pink, and taste premier rosés—both still and sparkling—from France, Spain, Italy, the United States and the Southern Hemisphere. The grand finale is The Grand Tasting, which showcases wines from around the world and delicious food prepared by some of New Orleans' finest chefs. For more information, visit www.nowfe.com.
June 14, 2025
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival takes place at Whitney Plantation from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your FREE tickets are available only at: https://whitneyplantation.org/juneteenth Admission is free (registration required) for this special event, which honors the history and resilience of Black communities while celebrating freedom through culture, education and community engagement. Experience a day at Whitney Plantation, the only plantation museum in Louisiana dedicated to narrating the story of slavery. Enjoy live performances, engaging panel discussions and educational storytelling that connects the past to the present. Stroll through our vibrant marketplace featuring local Black artists and craftspeople, and savor delicious offerings from some of the region's best food trucks. This family-friendly event will include interactive activities for all ages, making it a meaningful and immersive way to commemorate Juneteenth. Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future.
June 14, 2025
New Orleans Pridefest
New Orleans Pridefest is back in the Marigny at the Phoenix Bar, located at 941 Elysian Fields Ave. The event will feature live music, drag shows and many other activities. Miss Kerri Colby will perform as the headliner for the 2025 event. She gained fame from her appearance on Season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and is also known for her work as a trans rights activist. It is an honor to welcome her to Pridefest 2025. This year, the celebration shifts to the evening for the first time. Pride events in New Orleans began in the early 1970s when the LGBTQ+ community organized gatherings to celebrate progress and push for equality. The festival is the biggest Pride event in Louisiana. It attracts thousands from New Orleans, the Gulf South, and all across the U.S. For more details, visit https://www.nolapridefest.com/
June 16–19, 2025
NOLA Juneteenth Freedom Gala and Festival
Commemorate Juneteenth with the NOLA Juneteenth Festival at Armstrong Park/Congo Square. Admission is free. The kickoff Juneteenth Freedom Gala will be held on June 16. In the southern corner of Armstrong Park is Congo Square, an open space where the enslaved and free people of color gathered throughout the 19th century for meetings, open markets and the African dance and drumming. For more information, go to https://www.nolajuneteenthfestival.org/
June 16–22, 2025
New Orleans Restaurant Week
New Orleans is a city renowned for its culinary delights, featuring some of the finest cuisine globally. From traditional Creole restaurants with beautiful courtyards in the French Quarter to casual dining spots offering the freshest Gulf seafood, your next favorite dish is just around the corner. There has never been a more opportune moment to explore these culinary offerings than during Restaurant Week New Orleans. This event, held for one week in June, showcases multi-course menus from some of the city's top restaurants. For further details about this event and the participating establishments, please visit https://www.neworleans.com/restaurantweek/
July 3–6, 2025
Essence Festival of Culture
ESSENCE Festival’s theme this year is We Are “Made Like This.” Boyz II Men, Davido, Maxwell, Master P, GloRilla, The Isley Brothers, Nas and Summer Walker are among the artists set to take the stage. Jermaine Dupri will perform a tribute to legendary producer Quincy Jones. Held over Fourth of July weekend at the Caesars Superdome and throughout downtown New Orleans, this multi-day party named for its founder and sponsoring magazine combines high-octane music performances with inspirational speakers and provocative conversations about gender, race, culture and art. The popular event brings a slew of big names to New Orleans for large evening performances, intimate lounge shows and DJ parties. By day, the Empowerment Experience spotlights dozens of speakers on thought-provoking topics such as religion, economics and education. These are traditionally free. Dozens of vendors have displays set up in different locations around the Superdome and park areas that are temporarily turned into outdoor markets. You can expect to see a variety of quality fine art and crafts from clothing and jewelry, to collectible paintings and sculptures. All art displays and demonstrations will represent the rich culture developed from all over the African Diaspora. The Essence Expo Experience includes seminars and workshops on a wide range of topics including beauty and style as well as power and finance. Attendees can participate in live tutorials, free consultations, fashion and makeup presentations and more. For more information, visit www.essence.com/festival.
July 4, 2025
Go 4th on the River
Celebrate the 4th of July along the Historic Riverfront in Downtown New Orleans to witness the extraordinary Go 4th on the River fireworks display over the Mighty Mississippi. This traditional, FREE family tradition is produced by the Riverfront Marketing Group in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy and NOTCF and presented by New Orleans & Company and The Berger & Tiller Families along with more than 20 True Blue sponsors. The fireworks show begins at 9:00 PM along the Riverfront and can be seen from the East and West Banks of the river from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside to the French Market District. For more information visit Go4thontheRiver.com or call 985-630-4604.
July 11–13, 2025
Running of the Bulls
The excitement of the renowned Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, has been creatively adapted to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, presenting a distinctive Big Easy flair. This thrilling event embodies both exhilaration and peril as daring participants, known as correros (runners), are chased by the formidable Big Easy Roller Derby and their most aggressive counterparts. Inspired by the original event, the San Fermin’s New Orleans Running of the Bulls elevates the excitement to unprecedented heights. Rather than actual bulls, a group of derby skaters on roller skates unleash their energy, wielding foam-filled plastic bats. The inaugural New Orleans Running of the Bulls occurred in 2007, featuring 200 brave participants. Since then, this adrenaline-charged spectacle has expanded significantly, drawing over 14,000 runners and 400 derby athletes from across the country. This year, the Running of the Bulls Nueva Orleans is set to commence on Saturday, July 12, at 6:30 a.m., with the release of the bulls at 8 a.m. The event will be hosted at a new venue, The Howlin’ Wolf. While the indoor area is restricted to correros aged 18 and older, the outdoor spaces are open to individuals of all ages. Participants are encouraged to don white pants and white tops complemented by a red bandana. This year's schedule includes a full range of activities such as Txupinazo, Running of the Bulls, and El Pobre de Mi, all taking place at the historic Gallier Hall, which was once the site of New Orleans City Hall. For further details, please visit www.nolabulls.com/
July 20–25, 2025
Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail stands as one of the foremost global conferences dedicated to cocktails. Experience a week-long festivity centered around cocktails and mixology at the 23rd annual Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) event. This international cocktail conference, organized by the nonprofit Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, seeks to educate, promote and support both cocktail professionals and enthusiasts. Taking place at the Ritz Carlton in the French Quarter, this event promises to convene the most brilliant minds in the industry. This year, the TOTCF has adopted the theme 'Evolve' to honor the continuous evolution of the cocktail industry, featuring an engaging array of signature programming, including educational seminars, Beyond the Bar events, tastings, Futures Labs and much more. For additional details, please visit www.talesofthecocktail.org/
Aug. 1–31, 2025
Coolinary New Orleans
Coolinary New Orleans is one of the city’s most delicious traditions. Restaurants in and around the city run amazing specials to help combat the summertime slump. This special event features socially priced prix-fixe lunch, dinner and brunch menus. For more information, go to https://www.neworleans.com/coolinary/listings/
Aug. 2, 2025
White Linen Night
White Linen Night stands out as a prominent event in New Orleans, where attendees dress in their finest white linen garments. This event occurs across the Warehouse/Arts District and the Central Business District of New Orleans. While the majority of activities are centered on Julia Street, renowned for its numerous art galleries, events also extend to adjacent streets such as Magazine and Camp. Alongside the galleries on Julia Street, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art will open their doors to invite guests to discover intriguing new exhibits. On the first Saturday of every August, Julia Street becomes a vibrant center of artistic activity, featuring a variety of galleries, live music, food and beverages and engaging art installations. Organized by Arts District New Orleans (ADNO), a nonprofit committed to promoting the arts within the city, White Linen Night was created to highlight the skills of local artists and facilitate cultural exchange. The event is free and accessible to the public, with food and drinks available for purchase, as well as a ticketed cool down lounge. For more information, go to https://www.artsdistrictneworleans.com/events/fidelity-bank-white-linen-night
Aug. 2–3, 2025
Satchmo SummerFest
The Satchmo SummerFest originated as a homage to one of New Orleans' most celebrated figures, the late Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, in honor of his centennial birthday. The inaugural festival in 2001 attracted thousands who gathered to enjoy traditional New Orleans blues and jazz, as well as to savor the exquisite local cuisine. Its remarkable success has led to its establishment as an annual event, taking place on the first weekend of August each year. The festival showcases some of the finest jazz artists in New Orleans, celebrating the legacy of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong over several days. Sponsored by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., Satchmo SummerFest has grown into one of the premier celebrations in a city famous for its vibrant festivities. The event is hosted at the New Orleans Jazz Museum located in the French Quarter. Outdoor activities feature live performances on two stages, highlighting many of New Orleans' leading traditional musicians, many of whom pay tribute to Armstrong and his musical contributions. Alongside the energetic outdoor music and culinary offerings, the festival also hosts "Satchmo Seminars," which include indoor lectures and discussions led by Armstrong biographers, historians and musicians inspired by his work. This event is free and accessible to the public, with no tickets required. For further details, please visit www.satchmosummerfest.org/
Aug. 6–10, 2025
NOLA Pickleball Fest
The NOLA Pickle Fest, which supports the Brees Dream Foundation, is a distinctive festival-style pickleball tournament that will showcase 24 high-quality PickleRoll courts, live musical performances, a celebrity exhibition match, VIP experiences and much more. The tournament includes three divisions of round-robin play: Women's doubles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles, catering to skill levels of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0+. Participants can compete in two brackets: Open and 40+ years old. Featured matches will take place on a center court with grandstand seating, complemented by Kern Studio Mardi Gras floats for VIP viewing. For additional details, please visit https://www.nolapicklefest.com/
Aug. 9, 2025
Dirty Linen Night
Dirty Linen Night presents a distinctive alternative to White Linen Night, encouraging art lovers to appreciate the flawed and unconventional aspects of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Hosted by the Royal Street Arts District nonprofit, this iteration of the event seeks to infuse enthusiasm and music into the realm of art. Galleries along Royal Street will welcome visitors with engaging exhibits to discover, while live musicians will serenade the streets, crafting a magical ambiance that enhances the artistic experience. Both tourists and residents are invited to showcase their dirty linens from the previous White Linen Night and join the block party on Royal Street. The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., spanning the 300–1100 blocks of Royal Street. This renowned street will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of creativity, artistic expression and imperfection. In addition to the art, attendees can enjoy a variety of specialty beverages, wine, beer and culinary specialties from New Orleans. How can one access Dirty Linen Night? The event is free and open to the public, with no ticket purchase necessary. For further details, please visit https://dirtylinen.org/
Aug. 9, 2025
Red Dress Run
If you have ever been curious about the sight of numerous individuals wearing red dresses in New Orleans on the second Saturday of August, the answer lies in the Red Dress Run. This charitable event, organized by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, is renowned as one of the most distinctive running experiences in the world. Participants, both locals and visitors, don red attire—specifically dresses—for this annual occasion. The event features a two-mile run that commences at Crescent Park in the Bywater neighborhood. Attendees will enjoy lunch at 11:30 a.m., accompanied by live music. It is important to note that all participants must be at least 21 years old. While membership in the New Orleans Hash House Harriers is not a requirement for participation, registration is strongly recommended, as all proceeds benefit local charities. The Red Dress Run begins at Crescent Park in Faubourg Marigny/Bywater and winds through the surrounding area, with the starting point located at 2300 N Peters St. The festivities often extend into the nearby French Quarter, continuing from early afternoon into the evening. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m., followed by live music at noon. Participants are encouraged to spend the remainder of the day exploring amidst the vibrant sea of red. For further details, please visit https://www.neworleanshash.com/reddressrun/
Aug. 29–Sep. 1, 2025
Southern Decadence
The Southern Decadence celebration during Labor Day weekend is a fundamental aspect of queer culture in New Orleans. This multi-day event is frequently viewed as a blend of New Orleans Pride and Gay Mardi Gras, albeit with a more risqué, adult-oriented flair. Attracting participants from across the globe, Southern Decadence includes street festivities, concerts, club gatherings, a parade and a variety of other activities. It stands as one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the United States, occurring annually in New Orleans over Labor Day weekend and drawing thousands of participants worldwide. Originating in 1972 as a modest assembly of friends, it has transformed into a grand multi-day festival featuring parades, parties and live entertainment. The festival's centerpiece is the Southern Decadence Parade, which meanders through the historic French Quarter, showcasing extravagant costumes and vibrant music. Known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, Southern Decadence is a must-experience event for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of New Orleans
