Visiting New Orleans In Spring

May Events

May in New Orleans is a vibrant blend of spring’s charm and summer’s energy, where every day offers something to celebrate. The city buzzes with the excitement of festival season—from the final weekend of Jazz Fest to the waterfront revelry of Bayou Boogaloo. Crawfish boils and icy sno-balls mark the flavor of the month, while families gather for Mother’s Day and locals honor Memorial Day with New Orleans flair. May is also a time to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, with plenty of ways to explore and honor the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — a perfect time to celebrate the vibrant cultures and communities that help shape New Orleans. While the city is famed for its Creole and Cajun flavors, locals know the culinary landscape is just as rich with Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and so many other Asian influences. From hidden gems to longtime neighborhood favorites, now’s the time to explore and support the Asian-owned businesses that make this city even more delicious and dynamic. 
Take a Vietnamese Food Tour with Chef Anh Luu

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 

Jazz Fest returns May 1-4 with an all-star lineup of performers! Weekend 2 will feature Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz, Laufey, and many more. Enjoy “Jazz Fest food” such as crawfish bread and mango freeze, stop by one of the art vendor tents, or compile your list of post-Jazz Fest shows around the city. 

Cinco de Mayo

This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on Monday, May 5: the perfect excuse to kick off the week with bold flavors and festive vibes. Plenty of restaurants around town offer delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine, from street-style tacos to handcrafted margaritas. Whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout, it's a great chance to support local spots and celebrate the rich cultural traditions behind the day. Check out some top spots for outdoor tacos and margaritas here.

Mother’s Day

Celebrate the women in your life on Mother’s Day, May 11. Take her out to a Sunday jazz brunch, enjoy the beautiful spring weather with a picnic in the park, or let her have a spa day to herself. Check out this guide to Mother's Day in New Orleans here.

Wednesday at the Square

We’ve got a soft spot for Wednesday at the Square — it’s free, full of local music and vendors, and it supports the Young Leadership Council. Don’t miss the final show of the season on May 7, with Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs and Bon Bon Vivant closing things out.

Bayou Boogaloo

Returning to Bayou St. John May 16-18, Bayou Boogaloo is the unofficial kickoff to Summer in New Orleans. Hang out on the bayou, listen to live music, shop the art market, and try delicious New Orleans cuisine at this festival. Weekend passes are on sale now for $34.50; day tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Memorial Day Weekend

There’s plenty to do in tribute to our troops, including visits to the National WWII Museum, where WWII veterans receive free admission and visitors with military ID receive discounted admission. Additionally, Memorial Day weekend is seen as the kickoff to summer, so pack the sunscreen and head out for a sno-ball, or enjoy a delicious meal outdoors in NOLA.  

New Orleans Greek Festival

The New Orleans Greek Festival is back for Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25. Expect a weekend full of live music, cathedral tours, traditional dancing, and plenty of mouthwatering Greek food — all set along the bayou. There’s a 5K to kick things off, plus kids’ activities, arts and crafts, and more, indoors and out.

LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest

From May 29 – June 1, kick off Pride Month at the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest. The lineup, which is yet to be announced, will feature queer-identifying comedians from around the world.