Festivals
Southern Decadence: Bourbon Street Extravaganza
Bourbon Street
August 29 - September 2
southerndecadence.net
Every year, Southern Decadence is the largest LGBT pride celebration to take place in New Orleans. Festivities take place all over the city; however, there is one epicenter of all the partying-Bourbon Street. If you find yourself in the area, make your way over to Napoleon's Itch for the Bourbon Street Extravaganza, a free outdoor concert
on the 31st. Sunday, September 1st features an entertaining outdoorshow at the Golden Lantern from 11:00am - 4:00pm
Freedom Fest
Sunday, September 1
kennerfreedomfest.com
Every year, Kenner hosts its Labor Day tradition-Freedom Fest. The festival honors the workforce with a festival including music, food, and more. This year's lineup includes Jenna Hunts, John Schneider, High Valley, and Clint Back. The festival takes place at Laketown at the end of Williams Boulevard, and admission is free.
New Orleans Tattoo Arts Convention
The Convention Center
September 6-9
villainarts.com
Get tattooed by some of the world's top professionals at the New Orleans Tattoo Arts Convention. There will be 350 tattoo artists on sight, creating their art. You will also have the chance to meet TV celebrities from shows such as Black Ink, Tattoo Nightmares, and more. Tickets are $20 per day, or $40 for three days, and can only be bought at the door. Children under 12 can attend for free.
LA Shrimp and Petroleum Fest
August 30 - September 2
shrimpandpetroleum.org
Every Labor Day weekend, we have a festival to celebrate two very important contributors to Louisiana's economy and the people who work with them: seafood and petroleum. The three-day festival has tons of activities to choose from, including arts and crafts, street parades, art shows, fireworks, music, and lots of children's activities. Musical performers this year will include the Kyle Daigle Band, Royal Shrimp Rumble, The Earmuffs, and many more. Venture out to Morgan City and celebrate for free!
Irish Fest
September 14
irishfestneworleans.org
Come celebrate your Irish heritage at Irish Fest. According to their website, the aim is to "emphasize Irish cultural traditions that enrich the lives of people in the region" and to "raise awareness of the Irish arts, such as music, dance, visual art, and literature." The festival will feature two different stages of performers as well as food and other refreshments. Tickets are $8 in advance, or $10 at the door.
Galas
A Night of Blue
Thursday, September 12
crimestoppersgno.org
Attend Crimestopper's Night of Blue to support a good cause. Crimestoppers created the opportunity for citizens to report crime anonymously, which has helped tremendously with the solving and prevention of crimes. The fundraiser will take place at Generations Hall and will feature a number of performers, including Charmaine Neville, James Andrews, Paul Sanchez, and more. Tickets start at $85, and the event will last from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
5th Annual Oracle Gala
Saturday, September 14
lgbtarchivesla.org.
Celebrate LGBT+ history with us at the 5th annual Oracle Gala. This year will be honoring videographer, Valda Lewis, who has donated videos LGBT+ history, including her public access television show, Just for the Record. There will be screening clips of the LGBT+ Archives Project at the Gala, many of which have not been seen by the public for decades.
Music
Who Dat Nation Rally and Music Festival
September 7-8
whodatnationevents.com
Kick off the football season with a party! Attend the Who Dat Nation Rally for live music, local cuisine, arts and crafts, and more. The rally will have two stages featuring performers such asThe Catahoulas, the Top Cats, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, George Porter, Jr., and more. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for kids. The rally will take place at the Saint's practice facility in Lasalle Park.
