Best NOLA Events for the Weekend
"We the People" exhibit at LA State Museum in Baton Rouge
louisianastatemuseum.org/exhibit/we-people
"We the People" is an immersive media installation by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Steven G. Smith that will show nearly 200 paired photographs of everyday life. Rather than focusing on major new events, Smith's photographs reveal small but powerful moments in American life. From rural landscapes to city streets, the exhibition will show diverse moments in our society and will also include American flag-themed objects from the Louisiana State Museum's collection. This exhibit, sponsored by the Friends of the Capitol Park Museum, is currently on view at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge.
USA vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina World Cup Watch Party at Lots-a-Luck Tavern
Catch the United States FIFA round of 32 soccer matchup against Bosnia & Herzegovina at Lots-a-Luck Tavern, one of New Orleans' best dive bars. If you are looking for a cozy feel, a friendly atmosphere, and cheap beer, this is the perfect spot to watch the US attempt to advance in the World Cup. Get some friends together, and cheer on the home team.
French Quarter Museum Night at the Historic New Orleans Collection
hnoc.org/events/french-quarter-museum-night
The French Quarter Museum Association will be presenting French Quarter Museum Night on July 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the HNOC and throughout the French Quarter. In this free, after-hours neighborhood crawl, discover museums along the Quarter's cultural corridor and enjoy full access to all exhibitions. The evening will end with music in the HNOC's courtyard, featuring a performance from the Pfister Sisters. Museum Night attendees are also invited to the after party at Le Spectacle at Preservation Hall.
Essence Fest
essence.com/essencefestival2026
New Orleans' festival of Black joy and entertainment, Essence Fest, returns for its 32nd iteration this weekend. Attend the Black Economic Forum or shop from the many small businesses featured around the Morial Convention Center. After spending your day with talks and experiences at the Convention Center, finish off your day with Essence Fest's strong lineup of evening concerts at the Superdome featuring Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, Leon Thomas, and more.
Dinner at Neyow's
Before this year's Essence Festival returns to New Orleans from July 3 to July 5, make sure you grab dinner at Neyow's Creole Café. This is a celebrated local staple known for its famous chargrilled oysters, Southern fried chicken, seafood platters, filé gumbo, and more. Their Mango Margarita towers are also a great way to kick-off the night. With the festival weekend bringing massive crowds, Neyow's is the perfect place to make some new friends and enjoy some good food.
Uncle Sam Jam
visitjeffersonparish.com/events/festivals/uncle-sam-jam
Uncle Sam Jam is a free festival that is celebrated every Independence Day at Lafreniere Park in Metairie for festival-goers looking forward to live music, delicious local food, great company, and fireworks. This event will be held on Friday, July 3 and starts at 3 p.m. The festival will feature live music by Wilson Phillips and more, food and drinks from local vendors, and a fireworks display that starts at 9 p.m.
Port Orleans' Glizzy Jamboree
portorleansbrewingco.com/new-orleans-uptown-port-orleans-brewing-co-events
Celebrate the Fourth of July early with a day of drinks, food, and fun at Port Orleans Brewing Co. on July 3. The brewery opens at 11 a.m. with beer on tap and hot dogs on the grill before the fun kickoffs at 5 p.m. with music from The Daper Dandies. The Glizzy Gobble Hot Dog Eating Competition begins at 6 p.m., and the Weiner Swinging Competition begins at 7:30 p.m. Music continues after the competitions and goes through 9 p.m. Entry is free.
Dat Dog's 4th of July Fest
datdog.com/events/fourth-of-july-fest
Celebrate America's 250th birthday with one of the country's quintessential foods: hot dogs. Dat Dog is hosting a hot dog eating contest from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for 4th of July that will award the winner, or a charity of their choice, with $500 in cash. The restaurant will also announce the winner of its Son of a Saint hot dog design contest; the winning design will be added to the menu in 2027 and help raise money for the Son of a Saint organization, which supports fatherless boys in New Orleans. Contest entry is $25 or free if the entrant is competing for a charity.
St. Bernard Salutes America
dar.org/st-bernard-parish-salutes-america
Celebrate America's 250th in St. Bernard Parish with the St. Bernard Salutes America event on July 4. The Daughters of the American Revolution will dedicate a historical marker to America 250 at Liberty Bell Plaza along with the annual ringing of the Liberty Bell at 4:30 p.m. The ceremony will be followed by live entertainment at the Fredrick J. Sigur Civic Center from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring music from Adam Pearce and the Peyton Falgoust Band. The night ends with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Kevin Gates at the Fillmore
livenation.com/event/G5viZ_1xVLmW-/kevin-gates
End your 4th of July night by watching Kevin Gates perform at the Fillmore at 8 p.m. Gates, one of Louisiana's biggest rappers, is known for hits such as "Satellites," "Walls Talking," and "Two Phones." The show is his first performance in New Orleans since 2023. Tickets start at $61 and premium seats are $147.
