[Image by Gustavo Escanelle]

Best Things to Do in New Orleans This Weekend

06:00 June 12, 2025
By: Avery Wicker

Best Things to Do in NOLA for the June 12 to 15 Weekend

It seems at least once a day, we or someone around us exclaims, "How is it June already?" The year is flying by, so it's time to make some memories in the meantime. Let 2025 be the year that you try something new, and what better city is there to do that in than New Orleans? Peruse this list of exciting weekend activities for some inspiration and then get out there!

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

nowfe.com

[New Orleans Food & Wine Experience, Website]

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience will be kicking its 33rd year off with a bang from now until Sunday, June 15. This year will be featuring over 30 unique labs and experiences on top of their main stage events such as the Grand Tasting and Vinola. Ticket prices and locations vary based on specific events you want to attend.

The Head & the Heart at the Fillmore

thefillmorenola.com

The Head and the Heart's "Aperture Tour" is stopping in New Orleans this Thursday, June 12 at the Fillmore! If you love indie and alternative music, this concert is the perfect post-workday treat to kick off the weekend. Tickets start at $36, and the show is at 7 p.m.

"Chicago: The Musical" at the Saenger

saengernola.com

Kick back on a plush velvet seat in New Orleans' historic Saenger Theatre and become immersed in 1920s show biz and intrigue in the classic musical Chicago! There is an 8 p.m. showing on June 13, a 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. show on June 14, and a 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. show on June 15. Tickets start at $40.95.

Juneteenth at Whitney Plantation

whitneyplantation.org

Celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whitney Plantation's 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival. In addition to self-guided tours, there will be an array of food and craft vendors, as well as a dance workshop from the Baton Rouge-based Rhythm Nation Dance Group. The festival is free but requires registration on the Whitney Plantation's website.

New Orleans Pridefest 2025

nolapridefest.com

[New Orleans Pridefest, Website]

Pridefest is back and cooler than ever—literally. Pridefest is happening at night this year on June 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., so you can have all the fun without the heat! Miss Kerri Colby of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14 and RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars Season 10 fame will be headlining the event. Pridefest is free and will happen in the Marigny outside of Phoenix Bar.

Jefferson Parish Bicentennial Ball

eventbrite.com

Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie will be hosting the 65th Jefferson Parish Bicentennial Ball on Saturday, June 14. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress as Irma Thomas, Sister Sledge, Rachel Fleetwood, and many more hit the stage for this legendary night. Ticket prices begin at $16; Admission opens at 6 p.m. for VIP Patrons and at 7 p.m. for general admission attendees.

Nirvanna at House of Blues

houseofblues.com

The Linkin Park Tribute Band and With Arms Wide Open are paying homage to Nirvana this Saturday, June 14 at the House of Blues. Get your tickets starting at $11.75 for a night of classic rock and grunge. Doors will open at 8 p.m., and the show will begin at 9 p.m. Also keep in mind that the House of Blues is a cashless venue.

Lil Poppa at The Joy

thejoytheater.com

Hip hop fans will flock to the Joy Theater this Sunday, June 15 for Lil Poppa's "Almost Normal Again" Tour. The concert is for all ages, and tickets start at $60.82. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Joy Theater is a cashless venue.

Father's Day at Vacca Steakhouse

vaccasteakhouse.com

[Vacca Steakhouse, Website]

Treat Dad to a charbroiled wagyu steak this Father's Day weekend at Vacca Steakhouse in Metairie. If your dad is a steak lover, Vacca is the place to be, what with their vast selection of tender prime cuts, elegant atmosphere, and signature cocktails. Vacca is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, so be sure to book your reservation today.

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