Posts

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!

/by

Beat the Heat in New Orleans

Summer is coming, and we’re looking forward to all the ways the Crescent City comes alive in the summer months. From vibrant culture to live music to an abundance of sights to see, there are plenty of ways to stay cool and make the most of your summer getaway.

 

Let us be your guide to beating the heat and exploring all that New Orleans has to offer!

 

Museums and More

From exploring fascinating museums like the National WWII Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art to catching a show at the historic Saenger Theatre, there’s no shortage of cultural experiences to enjoy while staying cool indoors.

 

At Vue Orleans, take in a 360-degree view of the city after a deep dive into her history through interactive experiences. You’ll hear real stories from well-known New Orleans figures who changed the city with their dreams, music, and talent.

 

Next, take in the wonders of earth at the Audubon Nature Institute’s Aquarium and Insectarium. An incredible experience for the whole family, you’ll encounter insects and aquatic animals of all types. 

 

If museums are up your alley, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, which boasts nearly 50,000 artworks, or The National World War II Museum, an incredible campus full of history and remembrance.

 

End your day with a show at the Saenger Theatre, a stunning historic performing arts theater with an ever rotating but impressive lineup of shows. Arrive early to enjoy the splendor of this luxury theater, standing since 1927. 

 

Savor a Ride on Our Historic Streetcars

Hop on one of the famed New Orleans streetcars for an air-conditioned tour of the city. Whether you ride the riverfront, up Saint Charles Avenue, or down Canal Street, you’re guaranteed a local’s view. The streetcar is also a fantastic way to get around, transporting visitors to many must-see attractions, such as the Audubon Nature Institute Aquarium and Insectarium, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and more. 

 

Music

Time your trip to coincide with one of the many musicians visiting the Big Easy. With venues all over the city, such as the Fillmore New Orleans, House of Blues New Orleans, Toulouse Theater, Orpheum Theater, Joy Theater, and Mahalia Jackson Theater (to name just a few), you’ll find no shortage of live music.

 

And don’t forget Frenchmen Street, full of the sultry sounds of jazz, history, and culture (just around the corner from the Lanaux Mansion!).

 

No matter what you choose to do during your summer vacation in New Orleans, you’ll find an abundance of activities, tours, and experiences to help you stay cool while exploring the city’s rich culture and vibrant energy. 

 

From fascinating museums to refreshing streetcar rides, there are so many ways to beat the heat and make unforgettable memories in the Crescent City. So embrace the adventure and let the magic of New Orleans unfold this summer!

 

And when you’re ready to rest up for the next day’s adventures, the Lanaux Mansion’s doors are open to you. Our unbeatable location between Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, Jackson Square, and the bustling Mississippi riverfront will have you just a short stroll from all the Crescent City has to offer this summer — including more bars, restaurants, museums, curio shops, and art galleries than you could possibly ever visit in one trip. 

Visit our website today to browse our sizzling summer rates, available now through April 15th!

/by