[Kool C, Unsplash]

Experience Downtown New Orleans with the Summer Starts Downtown Guide

06:00 June 09, 2026
By: Margeaux Pierson

Downtown Development District's Guide to Summer

The Downtown Development District (DDD) recently released its "Summer Starts Downtown" initiative, featuring a guide including over 50 New Orleans businesses offering exclusive deals, promotions, and curated experiences in the Central Business District (CBD) and Warehouse District.

The campaign aims to boost foot traffic and support local businesses during slower summer months. Take a look at the guide for an extensive list of recommended restaurants, venues, and more to check out this summer.

Summer Starts Downtown

A one-stop resource for making the most of downtown this season, the guide covers everything from breakfast to an evening on the town. On the dining front, you'll find restaurant recommendations for every meal of the day, featuring the best spots in Downtown, along with discounts and special offers. The guide also highlights unique New Orleans experiences and shopping opportunities throughout Downtown, including discount codes to help save while exploring.

Offering discounted downtown parking, the guide also makes it easier to enjoy the city without the stress of finding a spot. Some must-see spots include the Drink Lab, which offers hands-on cocktail mixology master classes in the heart of Downtown. After a stop at the Drink Lab, check out the dining section for a late lunch at Willa Jean or dinner at Flamingo A-Go-Go.

[Drink Lab, website]

The Downtown Development District

The DDD was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 as the nation's first assessment-based business improvement district. Since then, it has been continuously voted to extend its lifespan beyond the original 10-year mandate, a testament to its lasting impact on the city.

The organization's mission is to drive the development of Downtown New Orleans and serve as the catalyst for a prosperous and innovative heart of the Crescent City. Its work spans public safety, placemaking projects, and business development, overseeing a range of amenities throughout the district. The Summer Starts Downtown campaign reflects that mission in action by providing small and independent businesses with access to coordinated marketing resources they may not be able to generate on their own.

[Downtown NOLA, Instagram]

Additional Details

The Summer Starts Downtown campaign runs from June 1 to August 31. Visit the DDD's website or Instagram to browse the full guide, including an interactive map of participating locations and direct links to all available discounts and deals.

Whether you're a local or are discovering Downtown for the first time, there's never been a better time to explore everything downtown New Orleans has to offer this summer.

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