Mardi Gras
Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)! Every year in February or March (check dates), New Orleans indulges in Fat Tuesday, a rowdy celebration with parades, costumes, masks and huge crowds.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Each year on the last weekend of April and first weekend of May, "Jazz Fest" celebrates the rich musical culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Various musical genres besides jazz are represented, with hundreds of live performances at the Fair Grounds Race Course and at venues throughout the city. Plenty of local food and craft vendors are also part of the fun.
French Quarter History Talk
From 6/19/2024 - 9/28/2026
Uncover New Orleans' layered cultural history through insightful talks by Park Rangers from renowned National Historical Parks. These enlightening narrations decode the city's vibrant charm, serving as a journey rather than entity explorations.
Rodrigue: Before the Blue Dog
From 11/23/2024 - 9/28/2025
Guests can deeply examine the work of George Rodrigue, prior to his famous Blue Dog era, immersing themselves into his captivating portrayals of Cajun culture and landscapes. The event appreciates the artist's efforts towards the Cajun Revival, offering an emotionally-charged journey of increased understanding for Acadian culture.
Higher Heights Reggae and R&B
From 1/3/2025 - 12/26/2025
Talented artists promise a soulful journey through performances immersed in Reggae and R&B music at the Higher Heights event. The night bubbles with the magic of live music, pledging a groovy atmosphere brimming with good vibes and unforgettable memories.
Keith Duncan: Battle of the Bands
From 2/15/2025 - 8/10/2025
Immerse yourself in Keith Duncan's newest exhibit, 'Battle of the Bands', highlighting the rhythmic cadence of HBCUs marching bands through striking, large-scale fabric paintings. This visual tribute not only celebrates music but also invites a dialogue on discipline, athletics, unity, black culture, joy, and the rich narratives embedded in the South's HBCUs band tradition and their cultural importance to contemporary American history.
Fall of Saigon with Hoa Tay (Flower Hands)
From 3/15/2025 - 9/21/2025
Hoa Tay (Flower Hands) pays tribute to 50 years since the Fall of Saigon with creations by both promising and recognized Vietnamese-American artists from the American South. Through a wide range of styles and mediums, the event weaves critical insights into horror, resistance, and cultural shaping against a backdrop of intricate histories, revealing deep emotional experiences of the Vietnamese Diaspora.
Comedy Beast Stand-Up Showcase
From 4/29/2025 - 10/21/2025
This weekly stand-up show boasts a lineup of hilarious comics, guaranteed to supply a steady stream of laughter. Attendees can couple their belly laughs with a selection of excellent drinks.
Art Walk on Magazine Street
From 1/4/2025 - 11/1/2025
First Saturdays are making their joyous return, keeping alive a beloved New Orleans tradition for Magazine Street's art galleries. Attendees can look forward to artist openings, servings of refreshments, and a lively atmosphere, all courtesy of a collaboration with The Scout Guide New Orleans.
Anime Conclave
From 6/7/2025 - 6/8/2025
The Anime Conclave is a must-attend gathering for anime enthusiasts, providing opportunities from elaborate cosplay to exclusive screenings. Attendees can explore stacks of rare merchandise, dance to J-pop tracks, or become engrossed in the myriad of anime-themed activities.
New Orleans Food and Wine Festival
From 6/11/2025 - 6/15/2025
The New Orleans Food and Wine Festival is a delectable celebration of the city’s world-renowned culinary scene and vibrant culture. This annual event showcases a rich array of flavors, with offerings from top local chefs, award-winning restaurants, and renowned winemakers. Visitors can indulge in gourmet tastings, expertly paired wine dinners, interactive cooking demonstrations, and informative seminars. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans’ historic charm and lively atmosphere, the festival blends culinary artistry with the city’s unmistakable joie de vivre, making it a must-attend for food and wine enthusiasts.
Laughs and Drafts Comedy Showcase
On 6/11/2025
Participants are assured an evening filled with hysterical laughs at the Stand Up Comedy event. The intimate venue promises undeniable humor by talented comedians, along with local craft beers to enjoy in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Pokémon North America International Championships
From 6/13/2025 - 6/15/2025
The Pokémon North America International Championships is a major annual event in the Pokémon Championship Series, attracting competitors from around the globe. Participants compete in both the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Video Game Championships across various age divisions. This event offers ample Championship Points, crucial for qualifying for the Pokémon World Championships. Besides the competition, it features a lively atmosphere with side events, merchandise, and community engagement opportunities.
Brutal: Good Improv about Bad Jobs
On 6/13/2025
A vibrant improv comedy event promises laughs galore, inviting audience members to share their hilariously awful job stories. All shared experiences serve as fodder for a troupe of gifted comedians, transforming workplace grievances into lively, spontaneous comedy performances.
Cheers: An Improvised Comedy Celebration Show
On 6/14/2025
Embrace life's various victories at this unique comedy event where nothing is planned. Organizers utilize unpredictability and audience engagement to create an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.
Creole Tomato Festival
From 6/7/2025 - 6/8/2025
Enliven your taste buds to the vibrant Creole Tomato flavors resonating from a variety of food booths and strike a bargain on freshly picked Creole tomatoes to carry this beautiful experience at home. Sing along to live music that shall reverberate through the air, while your family enjoys a plethora of free, engaging activities designed to enthrall attendees of all ages.
Nola Soul Flower Music Fest
On 6/7/2025
Discover the magical encounter of diverse music styles at the Nola Soul Flower Music Fest, an occasion that brings together National and Local Soul, R&B, Neo Soul, and Hip-Hop artists. Guests can not only embrace superior musical performances, but also embark on a captivating journey across food stalls, shopping avenues, vivacious games, and thrilling contests complete treat for the soul.
Big Easy Vibe Fest
On 6/7/2025
Big Easy Vibe Fest promises an unmissable education-focused event, diving deep into the ever-evolving world of cannabis culture. It offers attendees an opportunity not only to learn but also to network, fostering community engagement and connection among like-minded individuals.
BBQ and Beer Crawl
On 6/13/2025
The BBQ and Beer Crawl delivers to everyone a palatable balance of beer and barbecue served by enthusiastic experts. Packed with offerings of off-bone ribs from fine barbecue spots and local crisp brews from top craft breweries, followed by more juicy, finger-licking barbecue and exclusive, discounted beers, the event is serious.
Juneteenth Celebration Sip and Sail River Cruise
On 6/14/2025
Boasting a superb DJ playing diverse genres from Hip Hop and R&B to Latin, Juneteenth Celebration Sip and Sail River Cruise makes the ultimate fun-filled weekend on board the Creole Queen Paddle Wheeler. Attendees should brace themselves for fantastic music, delightful dancing, sensational food, a packed bar, and stunning views; certainly, an event scrabbling for immediate tour tickets sounds fair.
St. John's Eve in New Orleans
On 6/21/2025
Every summer solstice, New Orleans comes alive with the enchanting celebration of St. John's Eve. This vibrant event draws in thousands of locals and tourists alike, all eager to partake in the lively street parades, traditional bonfires, and colorful rituals. From dancing to live music to indulging in delicious Cajun cuisine, attendees are sure to be swept away by the magic and energy of this historic event.
Pool Sesh
On 6/21/2025
Nola Secret Sesh promises poolside relaxation where attendees can indulge in tasteful offerings from vendors while vibing to the tunes of live DJs. Expect a chilled-out atmosphere, full of music, food, and endless opportunities for social engagement.
New Orleans Pride Bar Crawl
On 6/21/2025
Gear up for an iconic Pride event touted to be the highlight of the century. Attendees can anticipate camaraderie, inclusivity, and a spectacular celebration of love, showcasing an array of exuberant activities and programs.
WYES Season of Good Tastes
On 6/22/2025
Zasu is set to headline the 32nd running of the esteemed WYES Season of Good Tastes wine dinner series. Patrons can look forward to a decadent pairing of choice wines with Zasu's celebrated gourmet creations in a sophisticated yet convivial atmosphere.
Kolaj Fest
From 6/25/2025 - 6/29/2025
Known as the ultimate celebration of contemporary collage art, Kolaj Fest brings together artists, educators, and art enthusiasts from around the world. This annual event features a dynamic mix of workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects, providing a unique platform for creative exchange and inspiration. Attendees can expect to immerse themselves in the diverse world of collage-making while networking with like-minded individuals.
Double Duos: Improv Comedy in Pairs
On 6/25/2025
Experience an abundant spree of hilarity as two sets of improv pairs bring unfiltered fun, performing their captivating, unscripted comedy shenanigans separately. Later, they mash up, combining the trademark humor of their pairs to present an ensemble laugh riot as a double duo.
Getting Witchy With it in New Orleans
From 6/28/2025 - 6/29/2025
This book extravaganza offers a chance to hobnob with over 200 accomplished authors and like-minded book-lovers alike. Attendees should ready themselves to experience engaging presentations, author Q&As, and exclusive signings, and to discover their next great read.
Mac and Cheese Festival and Fried Chicken
On 6/29/2025
Get ready for a soulful and flavorful feast at the upcoming NOLA Mac and Cheese Festival. Brimming with countless vendors, the event promises savory depths of mac and cheese experimentation and irresistible variations of fried chicken that would leave anyone's taste buds in joyous revolt.
Essence Festival of Culture
From 7/3/2025 - 7/6/2025
The Essence Festival of Culture in Louisiana is an annual celebration that honors African American music, culture, and empowerment. Held in New Orleans, this iconic festival features a star-studded lineup of musical performances, powerful speakers, and cultural events that highlight the best of Black culture.
Rock the Boat: All-White Boat Ride Party
On 7/3/2025
With every ticket sold out year after year, the event attracts vibrant party-goers ready to rock the boat at New Orleans' popular annual All-White Boat Ride Party. Participants experience an unprecedented thrill, engrossing themselves in non-stop entertainment on three party levels while cruising down the scenic, historical Mississippi River onto the gateway of the annual Essence Fest Weekend.
R&B Glow Paint and Sip
From 7/3/2025 - 7/4/2025
The R&B Glow Paint and Sip event offers attendees the chance to tap into their creative sides, painting glow-in-the-dark masterpieces amid a soulful R&B atmosphere. Amplifying the fun, an R&B silent headphone party invites guests to groove to their own beat, cultivating an eclectic but cool vibe only surmounted by underrated engagement.
