Memorial Day in New Orleans offers visitors and locals a perfect way to honor fallen military members: the country’s National World War II Museum is located in New Orleans. However, there are plenty of other ways to commemorate the long weekend, whether you choose to attend a cultural festival or sample rare wines from around the world.
With our convenient French Quarter location and easy access to transportation options, Bienville House is close to it all. Plan to visit these Memorial Day events and activities while you enjoy the beautiful architecture and scenery of the Crescent City.
The National WWII Museum offers visitors a first-hand glimpse of the war that changed the world. (Photo by Chris Waits via Flickr)
1. Visit the National World War II Museum
The National World War II Museum traditionally holds events honoring Memorial Day that include guest speakers, memorial ceremonies, and special performances by the Marine Corps Band. The regular museum exhibits give visitors an immersive experience of all aspects of WWII, ranging from the African Front to the D-Day invasion. You’ll be able to explore artifacts, images and stories related to Memorial Day and fallen soldiers.
The Road to Berlin: European Theater Galleries and Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries offer a comprehensive look at the US involvement, from Pearl Harbor until the end of the war. Daily screenings of Beyond All Boundaries, a 4D movie experience narrated by Tom Hanks, offer first-person accounts of the tragedies and triumphs of the war.
2. Get A Little Bit Country
Bayou Country SuperFest makes its way to New Orleans this year for the first time, moving from Baton Rouge to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This three-day festival is a mecca for country music fans, who will have the chance to see stars like Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Hank Williams, Jr. perform live.
New Orleans Greek Fest celebrates Hellenic culture by the banks of Bayou St. John. (Photo by Infrogmation)
3. Greek Out On The Bayou
The 44th annual New Orleans Greek Festival takes place on the banks of Bayou St. John May 26-28, 2017, featuring Greek food, entertainment, and culture. You can purchase delicious homemade Greek pastries, listen to live music or watch cooking demonstrations and performances by Hellenic dancers.
While you’re there, enjoy a tour of Holy Trinity Cathedral, the oldest Greek Orthodox church in the Americas. The festival isn’t within walking distance from Bienville House, so we suggest taking a cab or Ubering to the event. Ask our concierge for comprehensive directions; they also will be happy to schedule a cab for you!
Indulge in culinary delights at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, May 26-29, 2016. (Photo by NOWFE)
4. Wine and Dine at NOWFE
We recently wrote about NOWFE, the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience that’s happening over Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, 2017. NOWFE participants will get to try incredible wine and food from rare vineyards and popular restaurants all over the city. Our sister property, Hotel Monteleone, is even part of the event: their restaurant, Criollo, will be serving dishes at NOWFE.
5. Pay Tribute To Fallen Soldiers At Chalmette Battlefield
Just downriver from our French Quarter neighborhood lies the site of the Battle of New Orleans. Part of the National Park Service, Chalmette Battlefield and Chalmette National Cemetery are open for extended hours on Memorial Day, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The visitor center features interactive exhibits, maps, displays, and short films exploring the Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812.
Spend A Long Weekend In The French Quarter
No matter what your plans are, Bienville House Hotel is the perfect base for your New Orleans vacation. Our convenient French Quarter location makes it easy to attend all of the events happening in New Orleans this summer.