New Orleans, the city where every day feels like a celebration, is gearing up for a season of unforgettable events that will have you dancing in the streets and savoring every moment. From music festivals to culinary delights, the Big Easy has something for everyone. So, grab your calendar and get ready to mark down these dates for a journey into the heart and soul of NOLA!
1. August 5th – Satchmo SummerFest
Celebrate the life and legacy of the legendary Louis Armstrong at Satchmo SummerFest, held in the historic French Quarter. This three-day festival features live music on multiple stages, showcasing the best of traditional jazz, brass bands, and contemporary sounds. From tribute performances to second-line parades, it’s a joyful homage to one of New Orleans’ most beloved musicians.
2. September 1st-3rd – Southern Decadence
Get ready to let your freak flag fly at Southern Decadence, the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in the South! This colorful festival takes over the French Quarter with a whirlwind of parties, parades, and performances that celebrate love, diversity, and all things fabulous. Whether you’re dancing in the streets or soaking up the sunshine on Bourbon Street, Southern Decadence is an experience you won’t soon forget.
3. October 12th-14th – Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Indulge your senses at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, where the tantalizing aroma of smoked meats mingles with the soul-stirring sounds of the blues. Held in Lafayette Square, this free outdoor festival features performances by local and national blues artists, as well as mouthwatering barbecue from some of New Orleans’ top pitmasters. It’s a toe-tapping, lip-smacking good time that’ll leave you craving more.
4. November 1st – Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
Okay, so technically this one falls into November, but we couldn’t resist including it! Get ready to experience the magic of Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, New Orleans’ premier music festival. Held in City Park, this three-day extravaganza features performances by some of the biggest names in music, as well as immersive art installations, delicious food vendors, and more. It’s a Halloween weekend celebration like no other, and you won’t want to miss it.
5. October 29th-31st – Halloween in NOLA
When it comes to Halloween, no one does it quite like New Orleans. From haunted history tours to costume parties on Bourbon Street, the city comes alive with spooky spirit during All Hallows’ Eve. Whether you’re exploring the city’s eerie cemeteries or indulging in a ghoulishly good meal at one of its haunted restaurants, Halloween in NOLA is an experience that’s equal parts thrilling and chilling.
So, there you have it—the upcoming events in New Orleans that are guaranteed to make your heart sing and your taste buds dance. From jazz to blues, barbecue to beignets, there’s no shortage of excitement in the Big Easy. So, mark your calendars, book your flights, and get ready to let the good times roll in NOLA!