As the days grow longer, the vibrant city of New Orleans awakens with a symphony of colors, sounds, and flavors that can only mean one thing – summer festival season is in full swing! From the infectious rhythms of jazz to the sizzle of Creole cuisine, there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate in the Big Easy during the summer months.
As your experts on all things New Orleans, allow us to take you on a journey through the heart of the festival scene, offering an insider’s guide to the most unique attractions and mouthwatering culinary experiences the city has to offer.
So dust off your dancing shoes, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to dive headfirst into the electrifying energy of summer festival season in New Orleans. Welcome to the Big Easy – where the good times roll year-round, but especially during the summer festival season!
June Jamborees
Each summer, as the sun-ripened tomatoes burst with flavor, New Orleans hosts the Creole Tomato Festival. This beloved event pays homage to the vibrant culinary heritage of the city and the iconic Creole tomato, a local treasure known for its sweet, tangy taste and juicy texture. From cooking demonstrations and tomato-centric dishes crafted by renowned chefs to live music, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Closely following the Creole Tomato Festival is New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, often referred to as NOWFE. Participants can expect wine tastings, food experiences, seminars, workshops, culinary competitions, a gala, and local restaurant participation. The event focuses on showcasing the diverse and famous cuisine of New Orleans and a sampling of wines from around the world. Proceeds from some of the events support local culinary and hospitality industry initiatives.
If you’re in the mood for dancing, let the lively beats of Cajun and Zydeco music transport you to the heart of the Louisiana bayou at Cajun-Zydeco Festival. This free celebration of Louisiana’s rich musical heritage is a cultural feast for the senses, from toe-tapping tunes to delectable Cajun cuisine.
July Jubilees
Every Fourth of July, the skies over New Orleans light up with a dazzling display of fireworks, marking the city’s annual Go 4th on the River celebration. Against the backdrop of the Mississippi River, Go 4th on the River offers a spectacular show of pyrotechnics, choreographed to music and lighting up the night with bursts of color and brilliance. Families gather along the riverfront, picnicking and enjoying live music performances as they await the main event.
That same day, ESSENCE Festival of Culture kicks off with a multi-day celebration of African American music, culture, and community, featuring renowned artists, empowerment seminars, and a party atmosphere that electrifies the city. Attendees enjoy fashion, beauty, shopping, lifestyle, celebrity, and entrepreneurship experiences throughout the fest.
And for amateur bartenders and professionals alike, Tales of the Cocktail wraps up July with an annual cocktail and spirits festival. It is one of the most significant gatherings of professionals in the spirits and cocktail industry, attracting bartenders, mixologists, brand ambassadors, and enthusiasts from around the world. Tales of the Cocktail boasts dinners, special events, seminars, tastings, competitions, networking opportunities, awards, and so much more for the cocktail and spirit enthusiast or professional.
August Attractions
Swing into August and sway to the soulful sounds of jazz at Satchmo SummerFest, a celebration of Louis Armstrong and the vibrant musical heritage he represents. Satchmo SummerFest is a weekend-long extravaganza of music, food, and culture, showcasing the best of traditional and contemporary jazz with performances by local and national artists on multiple stages throughout the festival grounds. You’ll also find a variety of activities and attractions, including seminars, panel discussions, and film screenings highlighting Louis Armstrong’s life and legacy.
Art aficionados will enjoy New Orleans’ White Linen Night, an annual event that transforms the city’s Arts District into a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community. This beloved tradition invites locals and visitors alike to don their finest white attire and explore the galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that line the streets of the historic Warehouse District. Attendees can stroll from gallery to gallery, admiring works by local and international artists, while enjoying complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres along the way.
After White Linen Night comes Dirty Linen Night on the second Saturday in August, when art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques in the French Quarter keep their doors open late into the evening, inviting visitors to explore the vibrant art scene of New Orleans. Browse a diverse array of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media pieces, created by both local and international artists while enjoying live music performances and food and drinks.
September Soirees
Kick off September in New Orleans at Southern Decadence Festival, a celebration of diversity, culture, and revelry like no other. From extravagant parades to electrifying performances, indulge in a whirlwind of festivities that capture the essence of Southern charm, decadence, and being yourself above all else – all in the heart of the French Quarter!
As you begin to plan your summer vacation in the Big Easy, consider where you’ll relax and recharge. At Lanaux Mansion, we offer one to six bedroom suites for you and the whole family.
Right now, early bookers get our sizzling summer rates. Book before April 15th to take advantage of these deeply discounted rates at an oasis in the heart of New Orleans. Visit our website today to find a suite perfect for your summer getaway!
