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Summer Festival Season in the Big Easy

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!

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Summer Dreams in the Crescent City

Planning a trip to the Crescent City this summer? Get ready for an exhilarating experience filled with vibrant festivals, lively events, and a myriad of things to do. Festival goers and foodies alike will revel in a unique culture of events and flavors. History buffs and explorers will find no shortage of sights and stories.

 

With a focus on events and festivals for the adventurer, there’s no better summer vacation than one spent in New Orleans!

 

Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo

Dive into the spirit of summer at Bayou Boogaloo from May 17 to May 19. This vibrant fest along the banks of Bayou St. John includes live music, food, drinks, and art and other goods from local artists and entrepreneurs. Locals and tourists alike canoe, paddle, and float on the bayou all weekend. This family-friendly event captures the essence of laid-back Louisiana living, and while you’re there, you can explore the historic Mid-City neighborhood! 

 

For more information about Bayou Boogaloo, visit https://thebayouboogaloo.com/. 

 

New Orleans Pride

Spanning the entire month of June, New Orleans Pride is a sight to see, from the parade to the festival. The Pride Parade is often a highlight of many Pride events, featuring vibrant costumes and a diverse representation of the LGBTQ+ community in New Orleans. The festival typically includes live music, food and drinks, community resources and activities, and other entertainment. And between the parade and festival, you’ll find many day and nighttime events, such as film screenings, art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and much more. It’s a time for celebration, unity, and advocacy! 

 

For more information, visit https://neworleanspride.org/. 

 

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, often referred to as NOWFE, takes place June 5 to June 9 this year. 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. 

 

For more information, visit https://www.nowfe.com/. 

 

Essence Festival of Culture

Essence Festival, taking place from July 4 to July 7 is a 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. 

 

For more information, visit https://www.essence.com/festival2024/. 

 

Tales of the Cocktail

Tales of the Cocktail is an annual cocktail and spirits festival held each year in New Orleans. 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.

 

For more information and to stay tuned for the 2024 date announcement, visit https://talesofthecocktail.org/. 

 

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival

Let the lively beats of Cajun and Zydeco music transport you to the heart of the Louisiana bayou at this free celebration of Louisiana’s rich musical heritage. From toe-tapping tunes to delectable Cajun cuisine, it’s a cultural feast for the senses.

 

For more information and for 2024 dates, visit https://www.jazzandheritage.org/. 

 

COOLinary

Each year, New Orleans COOLinary takes place during the entire month of August, featuring the diverse and delicious culinary scene in New Orleans through special prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s finest restaurants. COOLinary was designed to make dining at upscale restaurants in New Orleans more accessible, and these fixed-price menus often represent a significant value compared to the regular à la carte offerings. Yet COOLinary is not just about dining out; it’s a celebration of New Orleans’ culinary heritage and the talented chefs who contribute to the city’s vibrant food culture.

 

To see this year’s participating restaurants once released, check back at https://www.neworleans.com/coolinary/. In the meantime, you can browse through the participating restaurants and their menus from 2023.

 

Book Your Summer Stay

With airy courtyards and balconies to accompany our luxurious suites, you’ll be in an oasis in the heart of New Orleans – steps away from all the city offers during the summer.

 

The Lanaux Mansion offers suites for individuals, couples, families, and groups, so you and yours can book a summer vacation to remember. Visit our website today to book!

And as always, feel free to reach out at lanauxevents@gmail.com or (504) 948-6119 if you have any questions about your upcoming trip!

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Start Your Summer in the Big Easy

The month of May might technically fall in the springtime, but you’ll feel the call of summer from our balconies as a warm breeze floats by, and suddenly – you’re ready for summer festivities!

Lucky for you, New Orleans was built to help you unwind and enjoy her culture, and May is only the beginning of the fun… Because once May is underway, it’s officially festival season! 

Whether you envision sitting back and listening to local jazz or enjoying the local cuisine that the city is known for, you’ll find a myriad of reasons to start your summer in the Big Easy.

 

Bayou Boogaloo

Kicking off May 19th and running through the weekend, Bayou Boogaloo brings a weekend-long experience for all ages and interests along Bayou St. John. With local musicians and food from local vendors, there is plenty to experience throughout the weekend at Bayou Boogaloo. 

This is a family-friendly experience with a child-friendly stage as well as an arts and crafts tent with adult-led activities for children of all ages, making it a perfect outing for a family trip.

Each year, locals and tourists alike take advantage of the waterfront festivities, bringing their own  kayaks, rafts, canoes, and creative floatation devices to enjoy the sights and sounds while floating down the bayou. Nothing embodies “the Big Easy” quite like relaxing on the water while accompanied by the rhythms of live music. 

 

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

With delectable cuisine and carefully crafted beverages, the first weekend of June brings the annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience to life.

Beginning June 7th, local chefs, winemakers, and performers curate menus, events, and shows to showcase the best of what New Orleans has to offer. 

With a variety of events throughout the city, every palate and passion will be delighted. The experience boasts wine tastings, drink-making classes, pool parties, specialty brunches, pizza- and pasta-making lessons, and educational classes focusing on cuisine-related topics. 

Even more impressive? These classes and events take place at some of the most historic and well-known venues in the city, such as Generations Hall and the Orpheum Theater, allowing you to indulge in not just the flavors of the city but in the history and architecture as well. 

 

New Orleans Pride Weekend

While Pride is celebrated through the entire month of June, the weekend of June 10th is especially jubilant as the beloved PrideFest at Phoenix Bar* and the Pride Parade* each take place this weekend, just steps away from the Lanaux Mansion. 

This particular weekend will also include the games, dancing, parties, and a crawfish boil hosted at various establishments throughout the city. 

In addition to all of the fun, Pride events also aim to give back to the community through blood drives and building houses through Habitat for Humanity. New Orleans is a city that embodies celebrating who you are and the people who make the city what it is, and Pride only amplifies that feeling by honoring a special community within the city.

 

French Market Creole Tomato Festival

The celebrations and fun continue the weekend of June 10th at the Creole Tomato Festival, dedicated to the delicious taste of locally-grown tomatoes. 

Take a short stroll down Esplanade Avenue from the doors of the Lanaux Mansion to the foot of the French Market to enjoy live music and mouth-watering dishes featuring the creole tomato. 

You’ll walk away with memories sweeter than the creole tomatoes you feast on!

 

Restaurant Week New Orleans

Cap off the month of June with a local favorite: Restaurant Week! 

During the week of June 19th, restaurants throughout the city will feature special menus and discounts so that you can taste all the flavors of the city. 

Many of New Orleans’ most notable restaurants take part, including Muriel’s Jackson Square*, Tujague’s, and Felix’s Oyster Bar. For the most up-to-date list of this year’s participating restaurants and their special menus, visit the Restaurant Week website.

 

After the Festivals

Of course, following your exciting days of festing, you’ll need a place to rest your dancing feet.  And at the Lanaux Mansion, you’ll be in the height of comfort – with easy accessibility to all New Orleans has to offer.

For one to two guests, we recommend the Wieland Suite, our largest one-bedroom suite fit with everything you will need after a busy day. With vaulted ceilings, a large kitchenette, and access to our main courtyard, you will feel relaxed with every modern comfort you could want including wifi, a smart TV, and air conditioning. 

 

Need more information about all of our deluxe rooms and suites? Looking to host additional guests during festival season?

Visit https://www.thelanauxmansion.com/ or call us at (504) 948-6119 today. 

We will be happy to help bring you one step closer to a magnificent stay in the Big Easy!

 

 

*Walking distance to the Lanaux Mansion

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Fall in Love with New Orleans This Autumn

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit New Orleans. The cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery won’t disappoint, and you’ll be in the Crescent City during one of the most festive times of the year. Peruse our list below to add to your itinerary…or inspire you to plan your next visit!

 

Festivals Galore

 

Louisiana is known for its festivals, and autumn sparks a myriad of fests across the city. The Deutsches Haus will host Oktoberfest from September 24 to 25 and October 1 to 2, offering a large selection of German food, drinks, and music. 

 

From October 8 to 9, Gentilly Fest will offer all things “Gentilly”, a celebration of the historic neighborhood and culture. Both festivals are free to enter and will include great food, music, and games for a family-friendly atmosphere.

 

At the top of the month, enjoy every type of fried chicken the Big Easy has to offer on the lakefront from October 1 to 2 at Fried Chicken Fest. This fest guarantees great food and drinks, live music, and beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain. 

 

As we enter mid-October, the fun continues at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival from the 14th to the 16th. 

 

Both Fried Chicken Fest and the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival will ensure visitors enjoy much of what “The Big Easy” is known for. 

 

Even more of New Orleans culture will be in full swing at Treme Fall Fest on October 22. This festival presents all who attend with a fantastic opportunity to take part in a well-known tradition: the second line, which kicks off the festival as it winds through the Treme. 

 

Enjoying the Weather

 

Cooler temperatures make everyone wish to be outdoors more, and New Orleans boasts a variety of outdoor activities. Audubon Park provides visitors with a perfect picnic spot, a scenic walk along the Mississippi River, or a golfer’s paradise. 

 

Take in the beautiful sights and sounds of the city while enjoying the sunshine on a bike ride through historic neighborhoods across New Orleans. With 100 miles of bike paths, visitors can see all the city can offer at their own pace. Looking for a bike rental? Check out Blue Bikes for easy rentals at your fingertips. 

 

Looking for a water activity? Kayaking and paddle boarding on Bayou St. John are a local favorite for sunny days with a nice breeze. Kayaks and boards can be rented at one of the shops near the Bayou, and guided tours are also available. If sailing is more to your speed, Lake Pontchartrain connects to the bayou as well.

 

Those looking for a more relaxed option for enjoying the cooler temperatures should visit one of the city’s many outdoor beer gardens and breweries. A few we love to recommend are Urban South Brewery, Bayou Beer Garden, Bayou Wine Garden, Second Line Brewing, and Wrong Iron On The Greenway. 

 

Courtyard Dining 

 

What better way to enjoy a relaxing New Orleans evening than with fine cuisine at one of the city’s top-of-the-line restaurants? For a classic New Orleans dining experience, visit Bayona, The Elysian Bar*, Sylvain*, or Brennan’s. 

 

If you’re looking for a new twist on classic cuisine, visit Blue Oak BBQ, Cane and Table*, or Jewel of the South. These outdoor experiences fit any occasion from a casual meal to a celebratory upscale dinner. 

 

Fall weather also brings the beginning of oyster season, and we are famous for the variety of ways oysters can be eaten! From raw to chargrilled, dine on oysters at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Acme Oyster House, or The Blue Crab. Each of these local favorites boasts something unique, from oyster variety to seafood specials and live music.

 

This is only the beginning of the many wonderful things to do in New Orleans during this season. Don’t miss out on a beautiful time to visit! Give us a call when you’re ready to book, or visit https://secure.thinkreservations.com/thelanauxmansion/reservations. We can’t wait to host you! 

 

*Walking distance to the Lanaux Mansion

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Step into September in New Orleans

The end of summer…the beginning of fall…September in New Orleans brings a change in the weather and even more to do and see.

 

We’ve pulled together everything we love about September in the Big Easy for you below!

 

Football

 

The New Orleans Saints are known for bringing the city alive. They’ve even been voted as one of the best teams to see play at home. They return to the Caesar’s Superdome for their first home game of the 2022 season on Sunday, September 18th against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

 

With the storied history between these two teams as well as the excitement that football brings to Louisiana, this game will be a can’t miss experience for all fans. Experience the “Who Dat Nation” up-close in the Superdome or nearby at Champions Square. If you’re looking to enjoy other parts of the city during the game, visit Bayou Beer Garden or Mid-City Yacht Club, where you can enjoy local food and drinks.

 

Festivities

 

While New Orleans is known for the French Quarter, its Spanish history is just as evident in the architecture throughout the city. Starting September 15th, New Orleans will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to honor its Spanish roots. Celebrate by booking a walking tour to see the beauty of the Spanish architecture, or visit a local Spanish restaurant. You won’t be disappointed at Costera, Barú Bistro & Tapas, Barcelona Tapas, or Lola’s. 

 

Looking for a festival during your visit? Attend the Beignet Festival in New Orleans’ City Park on Saturday, September 24th. Find beignets of all types and other sweet treats to try, while listening to live music, enjoying savory foods, and browsing through their artist market. 

 

Beignet Festival is a family-friendly atmosphere that gives its proceeds to programs benefiting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. For more information about the fest, visit https://beignetfest.com/. 

 

Music and More

 

No matter what your interests are, you’ll enjoy a visit to The Saenger Theater. Music lovers will delight in Earth, Wind, and Fire’s performance on September 20th as well as Diana Krall’s on September 23rd. Comedians are no stranger to the Saenger, and September will bring big names such as Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chris Rock.

 

New Oleans is also well known for its Burlesque shows. September brings the Burlesque Festival, beginning the 22nd and running through the 25th. House of Blues New Orleans will host this three-night festival featuring singing, dancing, and comedy acts. Time your visit well, and see the Queen of Burlesque crowned! The Burlesque Festival has been a favorite for locals since 2009, and this year’s acts will entertain adults from around the world. 

 

While this is only a short list, there are many other activities going on throughout New Orleans in September. Vue Orleans, The National World War II Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Mardi Gras World, and more are available year-round to offer one-of-a-kind experiences for people of all ages. 

 

Ready to book your trip and take part in these fantastic New Orleans experiences? We’d love to have you at the Lanaux Mansion! Visit https://secure.thinkreservations.com/thelanauxmansion/reservations to book your stay today.

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Swing Into Spring in New Orleans

 

Spring has arrived in New Orleans, and you can feel it in the air. Mardi Gras has come and gone, but the festivities are far from over. 

We’re just getting started. 

Everywhere you turn, you can feel the buzz. Everyone you talk to is bursting with energy. The weather is delightful, and the soul of the city is on full display. 

New Orleans is a city of resilience, and this spring feels to many like the end of an exceptionally long winter.

And the city is celebrating even more than usual as a result. 

Need a few reasons to plan your next visit? We’ve got so many. Pack a bag, or maybe two…because once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.

 

Festivals and Events

Springtime in New Orleans is all about the outdoors. This year, we’re seeing the return of many festivals and events that have not taken place since the early months of 2020.

YLC’s Wednesday at the Square – This free, weekly music fest brings local music to the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District, with live music, food, and local art. This concert series runs through May. For the music lineup and more information, visit: https://ylcnola.org/ylc-wednesday-at-the-square/. 

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival – Louisiana strawberries are unlike any others! This year, the free 50th Annual Strawberry Festival will host food, music, and more from April 8 to 10. For more information, including music lineups, visit http://lastrawberryfestival.com/.  

Crescent City Classic – Looking for some exercise? One of the oldest 10K races in the United States will take place on April 16. Join over 20,000 athletes in a race across the city on a beautiful spring morning. For more information or to register, visit https://ccc10k.com/. 

New Orleans Poetry Festival – The 7th annual Poetry Festival takes place this year from April 16 to 24, featuring poetry readings both live and virtual, the Small Press Fair, and a myriad of events featuring all things poetry. For more information, visit https://nolapoetry.com/. 

French Quarter Festival – The French Quarter’s biggest free festival returns this year from April 21 to 24 along the riverfront featuring hundreds of musicians, food vendors, and artists. For the music schedule and more information, visit https://frenchquarterfest.org/. 

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – Two weekends of jazz and good times are right around the corner. This year’s Jazz Fest takes place from April 29 to May 1 and from May 5 to 8. Headliners include The Who, Stevie Nicks, Lionel Richie, Ludacris, and many, many more. You’ll also find a plethora of New Orleans best food and art at the fest. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.nojazzfest.com/.

 

As you can see, there’s never a shortage of festive fun in the Big Easy…and the season is just getting started.

 

Limited Time Only

History and Art – This spring, the Queen Nefertari Exhibit makes its final stop on tour at the New Orleans Museum of Art. For tickets or more information, visit: https://noma.org/exhibitions/queen-nefertaris-egypt/. 

Crawfish Season – That’s right; they’re here! The best time to enjoy a crawfish boil is spring. It’s also the easiest time to find them. If you’re looking for crawfish in the French Quarter, try the Original French Market Restaurant or Deanie’s Seafood for crawfish by the pound. If you’re looking for a boil, the Three Legged Dog usually hosts crawfish boils three times a week!

 

New Orleans is a city that’s always buzzing, and she truly comes alive in the springtime. There is much more to come in April, including French Quarter Fest and the famous Jazz Festival. Come see for yourself why New Orleans is a destination you’ll never forget, and stay tuned for next month’s blog with more information!

 

Stay with us! Step outside the Lanaux Mansion and cross the street to explore the fascinating walkways of the French Quarter, or simply turn the corner for the lively music scene on Frenchmen Street. You’re less than a block from either. To book your stay, visit: https://secure.thinkreservations.com/thelanauxmansion/reservations.

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