Best Festivals in the New Orleans Area this Summer
No matter the weather, New Orleans is always looking to celebrate. Whether it be a music, a food festival, or a celebration of culture, the metro area's calendar is booked throughout the summer with festivals left and right.
Here are some can't miss summer events taking place in Greater New Orleans.
Tales of the Cocktail
July 19-24, Multiple Locations
talesofthecocktail.org
Tales of the Cocktail returns as the annual meeting place for up-and-coming industry professionals such as bartenders or distillers. The convention is a space for these professionals to exchange new ideas and techniques. The event started in 2002 as a walking tour of all of New Orleans' best offered cocktails and has evolved into a world renowned conference with in-person education, tastings, and awards. This event is not only for professionals, however—any cocktail enthusiasts or guests who simply want a drink are also encouraged to attend.
For more information or tickets, visit the Tales of the Cocktail's website or Instagram.
White Linen Night
August 1, Arts District
artsdistrictneworleans.com/events/fidelity-bank-white-linen-night
In conjunction with their monthly First Saturday Gallery Openings, the Arts District New Orleans (ADNO) is returning with their 31st annual celebration of visual arts on the 300-600 blocks of Julia Street from 5 to 10 p.m. The event is a celebration not only of arts and culture, but the vivacity of New Orleans art, which makes the city so unique. Galleries on these blocks, along with museums such as The Contemporary Arts Center and The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, will present exhibitions, some being unveiled for the first time at the event. Attendees are strongly encouraged to put of their best all-white outfits to optimally enjoy the galleries and food and drink vendors along the street.
For more information and tickets to private events, visit ADNO'S website or Instagram.
Satchmo SummerFest
August 1-2, New Orleans Jazz Museum
frenchquarterfest.org/satchmo
The annual Satchmo SummerFest is the only festival in the world that commemorates Louis Armstrong. Planned to always coincide with Armstrong's birthday, August 4, which had not been discovered until long after his death as Armstrong would always state that his birthday was on Independence Day in interviews. The first festival took place in 2001 to celebrate his 100th birthday; this was the same year New Orleans' airport was renamed to be the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Stop by the Satchmo SummerFest to for lectures, food vendors, and live music to say "Happy Birthday" to the man whose iconic and universal influence has flowed from one generation to the next.
For more information and lineups, visit the Satchmo SummerFest's website or Instagram.
Dirty Linen Night
August 8, Royal Street
dirtylinen.org
The Royal Street Arts District is hosting their 23rd annual Dirty Linen Night this August from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Will call is located at Galerie Rue Royale on 541 Royal St. The event takes place for locals or visitors to enjoy French Quarter art and food with a cocktail in hand. The event originated as a satirical version of White Linen Night and has continued as such, encouraging attendees to revel in the dirty side of New Orleans. The festival is unique in its not-so pristine celebration of the Quarter. Galleries will be open to guests, along with live music down the blocks of Royal Street.
For more information and tickets, visit Dirty Linen Night's website or Instagram.
Red Dress Run
August 8, Armstrong Park
noh3.com/RDR/RDRHome.php
Each year, the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, with the mantra "a drinking club with a running problem," puts on the Red Dress Run on the second Saturday of August. The charity event is a "run" through the city, usually beginning in the French Quarter. The runners start out with a drink in hand and stop by local bars for refills throughout the celebration. Wristbands provide access to Armstrong Park, where the run will start with 9 a.m. kegs, which will be available for the entirety of the event, and all you can eat food vendors starting at 11:30 a.m. Early bird pricing, VIP tickets, and opportunities for donations are all available on their website.
For more information and tickets, visit the New Orleans Hash House Harriers' website or Instagram.
NOLA Yoga Fest
September 3-6, Hotel Peter & Paul
nolayogafest.com
The NOLA Yoga Fest offers a unique appreciation for movement and music, inviting guests to an immersive experience built from a devotion to service and community. The weekend-long event provides a specific appreciation for the transformative power of guided movement, leading attendees through a path that explores growth, healing, and awareness. The event will host meditations, live music performers, and conversational workshops. Yoga Fest is New Orleans' leading festival, which highlights consciousness and welcomes guests to build a lasting community impact sparking transformation and cultural convergence.
For more information and tickets, visit NOLA Yoga Fest's website or Instagram.
Southern Decadence
August 28 to September 2, French Quarter
southerndecadence.com
Every year during Labor Day weekend, New Orleans' queer communities join together to put on the Southern Decadence parade, New Orleans' biggest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The first Southern Decadence parade took place in 1973; a friend group nicknamed "The Decadents" first hosted their costumed party of galavanting through the French Quarter in 1972. What started as a going away party for spunky and spirited friend Machael Evers has transformed into a weekend-long celebration of New Orleans and all of its quirks.
For more information visit Southern Decadence's website or Instagram.
