Planning a summer vacation, but still narrowing down your options? While many like to visit New Orleans during the winter months, when other areas of the country are colder, don’t miss out on the magic that comes during summertime in New Orleans. No city has a more unique and exciting array of summer events to offer than New Orleans.
On top of all these wonderful events, you’ll experience the incredible history and culture of a city that is unparalleled. Need more incentive to visit us this summer? Take advantage of our special summer vacation rates. Book your summer getaway now!
When things heat up, the fun doesn’t stop. See below for a month by month look at some of the best events and festivals that take place in the Big Easy this summer. You don’t want to miss out!
New Orleans Greek Fest celebrates Hellenic culture by the banks of Bayou St. John. (Photo by Infrogmation)
MAY 2017
May in New Orleans offers two fun festivals that are favorites among locals: Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival (May 19-21) and New Orleans Greek Fest (May 26-28). Both events take place along the banks of scenic Bayou St. John and offer live music and entertainment, food and other activities.
The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (May 25-28) features over 1,000 wines from around the world, with dozens of area restaurants hosting special events.
Bayou Country Superfest (May 26-28), now in its 8th year, features 3 days worth of world-famous country music artists, including Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, and Hank Williams Jr. The event, which had previously been held in Baton Rouge at LSU’s Tiger Stadium, makes its way to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the first time this year.
JUNE 2017
There are 3 different free festivals in store for visitors in June, sharing a taste of the best in Southern cuisine and Louisiana music. The New Orleans Oyster Festival (June 3-4), French Market Creole Tomato Festival (June 10-11), and Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival (June 24-25) offer an opportunity to experience the best of New Orleans hospitality at a fraction of the price of other annual events.
Our French Quarter neighborhood hosts one of the fastest growing LGBTQ+ pride celebrations in the country. New Orleans Pride (June 9-11) features a parade, a free family day, and many more activities. This family-friendly celebration is inclusive for all, including allies.
Festigals (June 22-24) is a festive event created for women by women that includes a Women’s Leadership Conference and a Stiletto Stroll second-line parade through the French Quarter.
JULY 2017
ESSENCE Festival (June 29-July 2) returns to the Superdome on Independence Day weekend featuring headliners like Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Chance the Rapper, Solange, and John Legend. Whether you plan to attend or not, you’ll be able to take in a fireworks show on the riverfront on the 4th of July.
New Orleanians host a version of the famous Running of the Bulls with a unique spin: instead of bulls, the Big Easy Rollergirls chase participants through the streets of downtown New Orleans for San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (July 7-9). Later in the month, bartenders and cocktail industry professionals converge on our sister property, Hotel Monteleone, for Tales of the Cocktail (July 18-23), which features nearly a week’s worth of cocktail-themed seminars and special events.
Each August, the streets of downtown New Orleans fill with runners in red dresses. (Photo by Kimberly, Wikimedia Commons)
AUGUST 2017
Local art lovers take to the streets for Whitney White Linen Night and Dirty Linen Night which feature gallery openings and special events. Satchmo SummerFest (August 3-6) celebrates New Orleans’ favorite son, Louis Armstrong, with a weekend of music, food, and fun, while the Red Dress Run (August 12) offers participants an opportunity to party in style for a good cause. Meanwhile, COOLinary offers savings at area restaurants all month long, with specially priced prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus.
Book Your Summer Vacation in New Orleans!
Bienville House is a great home-base for enjoying all of the summer events in New Orleans. Our French Quarter location is the perfect place to start your summer fun in the Big Easy!