Visiting New Orleans In Summer

Events

Summer in The Big Easy is celebration central! We’ve got festivals for literature, food & music, and lavish parades through the charming and historic Vieux Carré. Combine all of that with the inviting sunny weather and you couldn’t pick a better time to visit New Orleans!

Fourth of July in New Orleans

Check out some of the awesome events and festivals scheduled for Fourth of July Weekend. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks at 4th Fest in Crescent Park at the French Market before watching Go Fourth on the River, the annual dueling barges fireworks display along the Mississippi Riverfront. What’s Fourth of July without BBQ? If you’re not hosting one of your own, swing by one of New Orleans’ BBQ joints to complete your Independence Day!

Bastille Day Fête

As the U.S city with the most French influence in the country, it only makes sense that New Orleans honors its French influence with its own celebration. Celebrate Bastille Day with a block party in the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood, where you can enjoy French cuisine, arts and crafts, music, and a costume contest.

ESSENCE Fest

Presented by Coca-Cola, the annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture is one of the city’s most-anticipated events. Celebrating and promoting African American music, health, food, beauty, culture, and more ESSENCE Fest returns to NOLA from July 4-7, 2024. Attendees can expect a truly joyful, star-studded weekend of live music performances, delicious food, career advancement opportunities, and so much more. Check here for the latest festival details.

Running of the Bulls

Once a year, Spain makes its way to New Orleans’ Arts + Warehouse District for the annual Running of the Bulls. Known as Encierro de Pamplona in Spain, runners from near and far come to New Orleans to participate in the race. This annual activity pays homage to the Spanish influence throughout New Orleans. Running of the Bulls and surrounding events are July 12-14, 2024.