Temperatures are not the only thing that rises during the summer season in the Crescent City. The number of festivals and celebrations increases substantially to help anyone forget about their summertime blues. There are festivals and events that celebrate our city’s diversity, culture, food and music. Whether you try one of the great dishes at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, dance to a great performer at Essence Fest, run from Rollergirls with bats at the Running of the Bulls or sashay like a fashionista at the Red Dress Run—all your cares will fall away as you discover you why New Orleans is a magical city no matter what time of the year you visit.
Wine Down! The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (Jun. 7–11, 2023)
showcases two things we do best in NOLA: eat and drink. Celebrating their 31st Anniversary, the festival has become one of the most celebrated culinary events in the nation, attracting gourmands and connoisseurs. With fabulous events such as the Grand Tasting, Viola and the Tournament of Roses, you will have a memorable culinary experience.
New Orleans Rainbow Connection! The month of June is Pride Month and there are all sorts of events happening to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community starting with a Picnic for All Y’all (Jun. 3, 2023) at the French Market. The event will feature food, entertainment, a drag brunch, children’s activities, community groups and shopping.
frenchmarket.org/festivals-events
The New Orleans Pride Parade (Jun. 10, 2023) will roll through the streets of the French Quarter with floats, walking groups and bands.
PRIDEFEST 2023 Block Party (Jun. 10, 2023) is a day-long block party that has music, food and cocktails sponsored by the Phoenix Bar.
Creole Tomatoes Is What’s on the Menu! The Creole Tomato Festival (Jun. 10–11, 2023) happens in the French Market and heralds the seasonal start of this fabulous local delicacy. Held every summer in the heart of the French Quarter, festivals goers can get fresh Creole tomatoes at the French Market, see live music, and enjoy many more family-friendly activities. frenchmarket.org/festivals-events
Come Pass a Good Time! The New Orleans Zydeco Festival (Jun. 10, 2023) will take place at A. L. Davis Park located on Lasalle Street. The New Orleans Zydeco Festival is an annual event that bridges the flavors of Southwest & Southeast Louisiana Culture. Performers this year include Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Crush and Alphonse Ardoin & the Zydeco Kings plus many more.
Embrace Diversity! NOLA Juneteenth Festival (Jun. 18–19, 2023) began June 2020 in New Orleans. After years of celebrating Juneteenth in the city it was time to grow and truly examine the state of liberation within the Black community while simultaneously promoting Unity & Cooperative Economics. This two-day event begins with the Freedom Gala on Sunday, Jun. 18 at Andre Cailloux Center and the festival on Monday, Jun. 19 at Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park. nolajuneteenthfestival.org/
The Essence of Culture! Explore the world of fashion, celebrity, beauty and lifestyle at the Essence Festival of Culture (Jun. 29–Jul. 3, 2023). Held over Fourth of July weekend at the Caesars Superdome and throughout downtown New Orleans, this festival named for its founder and sponsoring magazine combines high-octane music performances with inspirational speakers and provocative conversations about gender, race, culture and art. Some of the celebrities performing this year include Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Jermaine Dupri, Wizkid, Jill Scott and many more. essence.com/essencefestival2023/
Let Freedom Ring! Enjoy Independence Day along the Mississippi River at 4th Fest at Crescent Park (Jul. 4, 2023). 4th Fest in Crescent Park in the French Market District begins at 5:30 p.m., with free live music leading up to the 9:00 p.m. Fireworks Over the Mississippi River Show.
Vive la France! Celebrate Bastille Day, the French national holiday with the Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans. There will be live music, a French DJ, a champagne bar, crêpes, a silent auction with great items, and many more surprises.
af-neworleans.org/bastilleday/
Bully! The Crescent City hosts its own version of Spain’s Encierro de Pamplona with Running of the Bulls (Jul. 14–16, 2023). This year’s events include Txupinazo, Running of the Bulls, Fiesta de Pantalones and El Pobre de Mi. nolabulls.com/
Cheers! Tales of the Cocktail® 2023 (TOTC) is the global cocktail conference (Jul. 23–28, 2023) celebrates its 21st year with the theme “Vitalize.” This annual conference and festival brings together a worldwide cocktail and hospitality community right here in New Orleans. This five-day event is filled with seminars, workshops, tastings, competitions, networking and much more. talesofthecocktail.org/events/tales-of-the-cocktail-new-orleans/
White Nights! Fidelity Bank White Linen Night (Aug. 5, 2023) is an art lover’s dream. Talking place in the Warehouse/Arts District on Julia Street and the surrounding galleries, attendees don their finest white linen apparel and stroll through the galleries and shops admiring (and buying) the works of talented local artists.
artsdistrictneworleans.com/events/fidelity-bank-white-linen-night
What a Wonderful World! Satchmo Summerfest (Aug. 5–6, 2023) takes place at the Old U.S. Mint now called the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The two-day celebration is one of the only festivals in the world dedicated to honoring Louis Armstrong and coincides with Louis Armstrong’s birthday on August 4. The festival features two stages of music, a delicious culinary lineup featuring Louisiana restaurants, and an incredible indoor lecture series poised to educate guests on Armstrong’s history and enduring impact. The man known around the world as “Satchmo” was widely recognized as a founding father of jazz. satchmosummerfest.org/
Get Dirty! One week after White Linen Night (Aug. 12, 2023) is Dirty Linen Night hosted by the Royal Street Arts District. Born as a satirical take on White Linen Night, this event invites participants to relish in everything dirty, and celebrates the not-so-pristine side of the French Quarter. Galleries and shops along Royal Street open their doors and play host to visitors as musicians line the streets and the party feels never-ending. The event has grown to include some galleries and shops off Royal Street and has expanded from the 300 block of Royal to the 1100 block.
Seeing Red! The New Orleans Hash House Harriers explained as a local “drinking club with a running problem” hosts the Red Dress Run (Aug. 12, 2023), a charity “run” in the Crescent City. Participants wear red dresses that range from sporty to elegant beaded gowns as they make their way normally through the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods. You will have a hard time parting the red sea of celebrants who enjoy a day of cocktails and festivities. All of the monies raised after expenses go to local charities around the city.
Something Decadent This Way Comes! The last hurrah for the summer in New Orleans happens over Labor Day Weekend with Southern Decadence (Aug. 31–Sep. 5, 2023). This annual LGBTQ+ event started in 1972 includes parties, a parade, costumes, dancing and lots more.
