Top Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Bar Crawls in New Orleans
Photo courtesy of Beach Bum Berry’s Latitude 29 on Facebook
The holiday season is here, and in New Orleans, where city lights twinkle and the cocktail culture thrives, bar-hopping takes on a whole new festive spirit. We’ve pulled together a quick guide to six standout holiday-pop-up bars around town — the playful, the elegant, the over-the-top — plus a few tips and crawl opportunities to make your yuletide outings extra memorable.
Top Holiday Pop-Up Bars in New Orleans
Barrel Proof – Miracle on Magazine
If you want full holiday immersion through decor and craft cocktails, this is the place. Barrel Proof, tucked in the Garden District at 1201 Magazine Street, is a serious whiskey bar (over 350 whiskeys on offer) that, for the season, transforms into Miracle on Magazine.
Why it stands out:
- The “Miracle” pop-up has become somewhat of a cult classic in the U.S., known for over-the-top holiday decor and signature cocktails served in fun keepsake glasses.
- At Barrel Proof, it leverages the serious cocktail/whiskey foundation of the bar but layers in seasonal fun (think gingerbread-spiced old-fashioneds, marshmallow-topped hot-chocolate-inspired drinks).
- Location in the Garden District offers a slightly more relaxed vibe (compared to the French Quarter bustle), though expect it to get lively.
Tip: Arrive earlier in the evening (4 p.m. opening) to avoid the weekend rush, and consider grabbing one of the souvenir mugs/glasses for a fun keepsake.
Beach Bum Berry’s Latitude 29 – Sippin’ Santa
For a holiday bar with a twist — aloha style — Sippin’ Santa brings the tropical holiday cheer. Located in the French Quarter at 321 N. Peters Street, Latitude 29 (under tiki-cocktail legend Jeff “Beachbum” Berry) transforms into this festive pop-up.
Why it stands out:
- The concept flips the snowy holiday imagery: Santa on a surfboard, palm garlands instead of fir boughs.
- Expect colorful and creative tiki-inspired cocktails (think rum, tropical fruit, fun mugs), which make it more than just another holiday bar — more of an experience.
- Because it’s in the Quarter, it pairs nicely with a night out among other bars or late-night eats.
Tip: Consider arriving earlier in the week (Monday–Thursday) for a slightly more relaxed vibe. Also, keep an eye out for the souvenir mug — perfect for a fun photo.
The Eliza Jane – Jingle & Jester
At 315 Magazine Street, The Eliza Jane hotel offers a stylish holiday bar pop-up dubbed Jingle & Jester.
Why it stands out:
- The focus here leans into ambiance: warm lights, colorful decorations, and a dedicated “boozy hot cocoa” bar where you can choose toppings and liqueurs.
- The setting feels a bit more upscale and relaxed — good for an early evening stop or a more refined holiday outing.
- A nice choice if you want holiday cheer without full party-bar intensity.
Tip: It’s a great pre-dinner stop or a spot to unwind after exploring other New Orleans nightlife. Check for mobile bar schedule or special events (Thursday–Saturday evenings).
Virgin Hotels New Orleans – Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar
Here’s holiday fun with a pop-culture twist — the “Queen of Christmas,” Mariah Carey, lends her name to a themed holiday bar: Black Irish Holiday Bar at Virgin Hotels.
Why it stands out:
- Themed around Mariah’s holiday persona and her Irish cream liqueur brand, Black Irish, this pop-up is immersive: think photo ops (oversized wreaths, letters to Mariah), glittery cocktails, and a glam holiday vibe.
- It’s ticketed (90-minute slots) and includes a welcome cocktail — so it’s less spontaneous than some bars, but more of an “experience.”
- Good for fans of Mariah, or anyone who feels like experiencing a holiday spectacle.
Tip: Reserve ahead. Since it’s ticketed and popular, spaces may fill up. Also, consider going earlier in their slot windows with fewer crowds.
Omni Royal Orleans – Blitzen’s
Located in the heart of the French Quarter at 621 St. Louis Street, Omni Royal Orleans launched Blitzen’s — a holiday pop-up in its Promenade Room.
Why it stands out:
- The decor leans into kitschy Christmas iconography (leg-lamps, tinsel, neon) paired with well-crafted cocktails by notable mixologists.
- Conveniently placed in the hotel, this may offer an easier “drop-in” bar stop compared to extra-ticketed events.
Tip: If you’re doing a bar crawl through the Quarter, this makes for a solid mid-point stop. Check closing times and cover charges when you plan your night.
Image courtesy of The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldolrd Astoria Hotel, home of The Sazerac Bar, on Facebook
The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel – The Sazerac Bar
While not a pop-up in the strict sense, the iconic Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt is worth including. Known for its timeless elegance, it rolls out seasonal cocktails (like the “Christmas Cookie”) and a dressed-up atmosphere during the holidays.
Why it stands out:
- If you prefer a refined, classic environment rather than full pop, then this is your spot.
- It offers cocktails that respect craft and heritage, in one of New Orleans’ legendary hotel bars.
- A great choice for an earlier festive drink before heading elsewhere or for a quieter holiday evening.
- The stunning hotel’s lobby, decorated for the holidays, is a beloved seasonal tradition and a sight to behold.
Tip: Dressing smart-casual is a good bet. Book ahead if you expect to sit at the bar or want a table. Ask for the seasonal cocktail list.
Holiday Bar Crawl Events
If you’re in the mood for movement and merriment, here are two big bar-crawl events to bookmark.
SantaCon Bar Crawl
Hosted by Pub Crawl, starting at Coyote Ugly Saloon (225 N. Peters St.).
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, starting at 1 p.m.
Features 4+ venues, waived cover fees, drink specials, an after-party, a live DJ, and more.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Same day, same start time (1 p.m.) at Coyote Ugly. This one is themed around pulling out your ugliest holiday sweater and enjoying a crawl across top bars.
Pro Tips for a Crawl
- Start early, so you’re ahead of most.
- Wear the theme (think Santa suits, elf hats, and ugly sweaters).
- Bring a water bottle and pace yourself — holiday cocktails can be strong.
- Use safe transport or rideshare/backup plan — it’s easy to overshoot.
Additional Tips
- Reservations/Tickets: For ticketed pop-ups (especially Black Irish), reserve early. Even for non-ticketed pop-ups and events, bars may get busy.
- Dress Code: Some bars are more relaxed, some more upscale. If you’re going to The Roosevelt or a hotel lobby bar, smart-casual is safe. For the more offbeat pop-ups, you can have some fun with it.
- Photo Ops: Many of these bars put effort into decor and social-media-friendly setups, so bring your phone and maybe plan for a holiday-themed photo-op.
- Overdrinking Caution: Holiday cocktails often lean sweet and strong. Pace yourself, drink water in between, and know your limits.
- Late-Night Transport: If you’re bar-hopping late, consider rideshare or safe transit rather than driving.
- Budgeting: These holiday bars may have higher prices than your neighborhood standard — plan accordingly.
Coming to New Orleans for the holidays?
Check out our guide to where to stay in the French Quarter, and be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels. Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.
For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
Happy Holidays!
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Things to Do in New Orleans: Year at a Glance
Here’s a medley of annual events to look forward to throughout the year when you’re in New Orleans. Find a hotel and start making plans!
Photo by David Fary
January – March
Twelfth Night
Carnival season officially begins each year on January 6, known as Twelfth Night, or the Epiphany, and kicks off with three parades. Phunny Phorty Phellows board the St. Charles streetcar line Uptown at 7 p.m. and ride it to Canal Street and back, with toasts and revelry along the way.
In the French Quarter, the Krewe of Joan of Arc walking parade rolls at 7 p.m. from JAX Brewery and celebrates St. Joan’s birthday with medieval pageantry. Société Des Champs Elysée, Twelfth Night’s newest parade, traditionally rides the N. Rampart/St. Claude streetcar from Marigny to the CBD.
Mardi Gras
Though Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) always falls on, well, a Tuesday, the actual date of Mardi Gras Day changes every year. That’s because the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday is tied to the Catholic calendar, which itself incorporated elements of earlier, pre-Christian systems. Long story short: Fat Tuesday occurs exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday, which always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Confused? Look up future Mardi Gras dates here. You’ll see Mardi Gras always falls in February and March, specifically between February 3 through March 9. So if you visit during that window, you might arrive in time to catch one of the great spectacles of American folk culture.
We could write a whole trove of separate articles on how to do Mardi Gras – heck, we already did! Check here to get started.
Tet Fest
New Orleans is home to one of the largest Vietnamese diaspora communities in the country. In Vietnamese culture, the Lunar New Year – Tết Nguyên Đán – is the largest festival of the year. The date of Tet celebrations is based on the lunar calendar, which differs from the contemporary Western calendar.
In New Orleans, the Mary Queen of Vietnam church in New Orleans East hosts an enormous public Tet celebration that includes games, lots of firecrackers, traditional dance, and a ridiculous amount of excellent Vietnamese street food.
Valentine’s Day
Of course, Valentine’s Day isn’t unique to New Orleans, but the restaurants and general vibe of the city make for a uniquely romantic atmosphere. There are plenty of cozy spots to dine with a sweetie in New Orleans and in the French Quarter in particular.
Wednesday at the Square
Nothing bumps us over the midweek doldrums of hump day quite like a free music concert, which is exactly what’s on tap with Wednesday at the Square. Beginning on a second Wednesday in March, hundreds of revelers will pack into Lafayette Square to enjoy a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans.
The 10-concert music series runs through May, so if you miss one, there’s always the next week. Each concert usually features two performers, who start playing at 5 p.m. and wrap up at 8 p.m.
Wednesday at the Square is pet-friendly, as long as your furry friend is on a leash, but no outside food or beverages are allowed. All food and drink are sold via ticketed concessions, which keep Wednesday at the Square free. Concert-goers can also buy cool local art and handmade crafts from on-site vendors.
St. Patrick’s Day
It often comes as a surprise to first-time visitors to New Orleans that this city has a deep Irish heritage. This history is tied to the city’s status as a Catholic port of call, which was one of the main entry points for immigrants coming to the USA.
Because of this heritage, St. Patrick’s Day is an important holiday in New Orleans, both on the holiday itself and the weekends closest to that day. Several parades roll, including the Downtown Irish Club procession from the Ninth Ward to the Quarter.
The king of ‘em all is the Irish Channel Parade, where tipsy Irishmen clad in kilts trade paper carnations for kisses in between floats full of riders tossing beads and passing cabbages to the screaming crowds. For details and this year’s dates, check New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day Parades.
Super Sunday
On select days throughout the year, the city’s Mardi Gras Indian tribes parade through the city, chanting, shouting and challenging each other to determine who is “the prettiest.” While Mardi Gras Indians have their set routes and parade areas, no one event packs the tribes into one public space like Super Sunday.
On Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day (March 19), tribes gather at A.L. Davis Park, at the corner of Washington and LaSalle streets, and hit the streets of Central City around 1 p.m.
We can’t stress this enough: Be respectful if you go. Take pictures at a distance, and don’t get in the way of marching Indians or their friends, family and attached bands.
For visitors not familiar with this tradition: Mardi Gras Indians are African American New Orleanians who dress up (or in local lingo, “mask”) as stylized Native Americans. They take to the streets in fantastic costumes made of hand-stitched beads, feathers and sequins that cost thousands of dollars, weigh hundreds of pounds and require months of painstaking labor; no element of costume creation is automated.
There’s more background on this fascinating subject at the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the historic Tremé neighborhood.
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
The Tennessee Williams Literary Festival (March 26-30, 2025) celebrates the city’s love affair with the written word, as well as writers’ love affair with New Orleans. Notable authors will be in attendance, hosting seminars, workshops and lectures. Though only paid registrants can attend those events, anyone can participate in the annual “Stella” and “Stanley” shouting contest, and scream their lungs out recreating the iconic scene from A Streetcar Named Desire to appreciative crowds on Jackson Square.
April – May
These months sit in the sweet spot of New Orleans weather. It’s sunny and you can wear shorts on most days, but it’s (usually) not super hot yet. Come evening, when the thermometer starts to dip into the 70s, the air feels something like perfect.
Crescent City Classic
This annual 10K run is one of the largest athletic events in New Orleans. Held on the Saturday before Easter Sunday each year, this year’s race falls on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Partly because it is open to all, the Classic attracts a wide swathe of runners, from casual beginners to world-class pros. (Everyone must register to run).
The race is also notable for its route, which winds through some of the best cityscapes New Orleans has to offer. Runners take off from in front of the Superdome, continue through the French Quarter and the Tremé, then up Esplanade Avenue – one of the most beautiful streets in the nation – all the way to City Park.
French Quarter Fest
French Quarter Festival is the largest free musical event on the New Orleans calendar, and according to organizers, the largest free music festival in the USA. As its name suggests, the entire festival takes place on stages throughout the French Quarter, where the streets run through one of the world’s great treasures of architectural preservation. This year’s FQF is scheduled for April 10-13, 2025, which tends to come with gorgeous weather. For more details, check out our guide to how to get the most out of French Quarter Festival.
Easter Parades
New Orleans is one of the most Catholic cities in the country, and it celebrates Easter in a big way, although that celebration isn’t always as traditional as one might guess. Long story short: When the 40-day Lent period of fasting ends, New Orleans says, “OK, that was enough self-denial,” and throws three big parades, which roll this year on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Jazz Fest
The biggest music festival in the best music city in the USA, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is one of the marquee events on the annual calendar. Every year, on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, the city hosts hundreds of bands and thousands of tourists, who stream into the Fairgrounds from around the world.
Dozens of food vendors serve up the best of local cuisine, while artisans create and sell Louisiana crafts. On the days between the two festival weekends, some of the world’s great musicians will be partying (and often, playing) at gigs all around the city.
Jazz Fest is a giant event, but once you find your favorite stage and the preferred food vendor, and sit down with a cold drink and the breeze blowing across the Fairgrounds, it can also be very intimate – a means of annually connecting to New Orleans at a deep level. Be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen and rain gear, because that warm spring sunshine can get mighty hot, and it’s a rare Jazz Fest that isn’t muddied by at least one shower.
This year’s festival opens on Thursday, April 24, and runs through Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Bayou Boogaloo
The Bayou Boogaloo (May 16-18, 2025) has become as much a fixture on the festival calendar as its Mid-City neighbor, Jazz Fest, and the city’s street-party season opener, French Quarter Fest. What started as a gathering of a few hundred festival diehards has grown into a massive event that attracts tens of thousands of guests.
Bayou Boogaloo is no longer free, but its bucolic setting as a floating party, with its flotillas of inflatables, paddle boats and kayaks, gives the three-day festival its own unique character, while its stellar lineup of local and visiting musical artists rivals those offered by its much-bigger older siblings. So does its ever-growing menu of fest-worthy food and drink.
June – August
Summer in New Orleans can be pretty tough to endure, but we’ve got a slate of festivals that will either cool you off, or at least keep your mind off the heat.
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
The annual New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (June 11-15, 2025) provides local and visiting epicureans and hobbyists an extended weekend of libations and culinary indulgence in a style that is uniquely New Orleans. NOWFE is designed to encourage participation in the full gamut of food and wine-centered experiences. The event offerings include package rates, activities, and dinners with something at nearly every price point with attire ranging from costumed to cocktail depending on the event and venue.
Restaurant Week New Orleans
New Orleans loves to eat – and sometimes, its citizens live to eat. There were, at last count, over 17 James Beard award-winning restaurants in New Orleans, and many tourists and locals like to sample these spots during Restaurant Week New Orleans. Participating restaurants include James Beard luminaries like Bayona and Commander’s Palace, which offer set-course menus at a discount (often, a deep discount). The 2025 dates are June 11-15.
Independence Day
New Orleans celebrates July 4 like anywhere else in America, and also, with a flavor all her own. Of course, there will be fireworks and loud music, but the pretty lights pop off over the Mississippi River. There are plenty of great spots to watch the display, but a good French Quarter balcony is one of the most desired viewing spots in the city. You can also grab excellent vantage points along the Mississippi shoreline in the French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater, or across the river in Algiers Point.
There’s a lot to love about ESSENCE Festival, the largest annual African American music and culture event in the world. It brings a star-studded lineup of musical artists to a city already well-known for its gatherings of world-class musicians.
Beyond the marquee concerts that are held each night, ESSENCE Fest’s free daytime experiences include motivational seminars, beauty and style presentations, celebrity interviews, cooking demonstrations with top chefs, and lots more. Traditionally held over the long 4th of July holiday weekend, ESSENCE Festival is scheduled for July 3-6, 2025.
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans
Plenty of people know that the Running of the Bulls is a major event in the Spanish tourism calendar, but not as many folks realize New Orleans hosts its own bull run. Except here, the “bulls” are roller derby girls who whack the participants – dressed all in white with red scarves and handkerchiefs – with wiffle bats. Good times!
The actual “bull run,” which now features thousands of participants, starts at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025. But the folks at NOLA Bulls have a full slate of events lined up throughout the weekend of July 11-13, 2025. Runners must register and buy tickets to participate in the Bull Run, with all proceeds from the event going to charity.
Tales of the Cocktail
Some of the world’s most famous cocktails were invented in this city: the Sazerac, Brandy Milk Punch, and Ramos Gin Fizz, to name a few. Having a drink in New Orleans isn’t just fun – it’s also a celebration of our unique history.
Still, New Orleans can’t just let a cultural touchstone lay without holding a festival: Tales of the Cocktail, a celebration of mixed drinks in all of their vast diversity. With tasting rooms and seminars held throughout the Quarter, Tales draws thousands of bar owners, distillers, mixologists, authors, and tastemakers who are interested in networking, sharing knowledge and showing off their skills. This year’s event runs from July 20-25, 2025.
Coolinary
Coolinary is simple: Dozens of participating restaurants offer prix fixe menus at a discount during the dog days of summer throughout the month of August. Sometimes, a significant discount. Interested? Just check out the Coolinary website and see what restaurants are participating (and for which meals; some spots, for example, only offer a Coolinary menu during lunch). You don’t have to do anything else but show up and get fed.
Satchmo SummerFest
An initiative from the folks at French Quarter Festivals, Satchmo SummerFest is a celebration of the city’s most famous musical son – Louis Armstrong, nicknamed “Satchmo” – and New Orleans music in general. As New Orleans festivals go, this one is pretty beloved; it’s family-friendly, kicks off within the French Quarter, and the lineup is truly local.
More than almost any other festival in this city of festivals, this one feels like a real New Orleans street party, and should definitely not be missed if you’re in town. Held the first weekend of every August, this year’s Satchmo SummerFest runs on August 2-3, 2025.
Fidelity Bank White Linen Night
Back in the days before air conditioning, New Orleanians kept cool and looked fresh in the face of August swelter by wearing light-colored linen clothing. In order to boost gallery attendance and showcase local summer fashion, White Linen Night was created. Held the first Saturday of every August, it’s since become a gala see-and-be-scene party.
This year, art galleries and restaurants in the Warehouse District will throw their doors open for a night of wine, art perusing, dining, and more wine on August 2, 2025. There’s also a free block party between the 300 and 700 blocks of the gallery-heavy Julia Street, with food and cocktail vendors and several stages of live music.
Red Dress Run
Probably the last thing any sane human being wants to do in the midst of a New Orleans August is run. Then again, the folks involved with the New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3) have always been a little crazy; they’re a “drinking club with a running problem.”
Held the second Saturday of August, the Red Dress Run is your chance to see a bunch of locals of all genders don red frocks and go careening through the city on a madcap 2-3 mile course, kept secret until the day of the event. Registration for this year’s event, on August 9, 2025, opens in April, with all proceeds going to local charities.
Dirty Linen Night
The more rebellious sibling to White Linen Night, Dirty Linen is an evening of open galleries, but in this case, the galleries are located in the French Quarter along Royal Street. The vibe is a little looser and more counterculture, especially when Red Dress stragglers hit Dirty Linen to enjoy the wine gallery owners pour freely. Peruse art, grab a bite from food trucks, hit the bars for a cocktail, and enjoy an unbridled celebration of the creativity of the city. Held on the second Saturday of August, this year’s event falls on August 9, 2025.
September – December
Fall and winter bring cooling temperatures and a slate of events closely associated with the New Orleans cultural community.
Southern Decadence
Held over Labor Day weekend, New Orleans’ largest LGBTIQA+ event is a citywide party that celebrates the huge impact the local gay and lesbian community has on the city at large. The party kicks off within the Quarter on Friday, August 29, 2025, and picks up steam throughout the weekend, spreading across New Orleans as more and more guests swoop into town for several days of… well, as the title says, decadence (including block parties and a parade).
Tremé Fall Festival
This is one of our favorite neighborhood parties in a city that knows how to throw a neighborhood party. Held in October (Saturday, October 25, 2025), the event takes over the streets of the oldest African American neighborhood in the country.
Centered around the historic St. Augustine Church, the oldest African-American Catholic church in the United States, the festival celebrates a culture that’s produced some of the city’s most talented musicians, many of whom are among the event’s performers.
The family-friendly festival is free, but suggested donations help raise money for church repairs and historic neighborhood landmarks, like the Tomb of the Unknown Slave.
Halloween
Halloween in New Orleans is sort of like Halloween in your home city but multiplied by a few hundred degrees of awesome. We’re a city that likes to costume and make mischief, and if you’re going to miss Mardi Gras, you can get a taste of the chaos and costuming of that holiday – just head to the French Quarter and the Marigny on the Saturday night before Halloween.
Conveniently, this is also the evening of the Krewe of Boo parade (Saturday, October 25, 2026), which rolls from Marigny into the Decatur end of the Quarter and features a fine lineup of spooky floats and excellent throws.
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
There is a po-boy for every budget and palate in New Orleans at this annual fest, typically held in the fall between the 8100 and 8800 blocks of Oak Street in the Carrollton neighborhood. About 35 vendors will present more food that you could shake your fork at, while competing in several Best Of categories, with over 50 varieties of the delicious sandwich alone. Plus beer, specialty cocktails, and desserts. (The date for 2025 TBA.)
Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation puts on plenty of events in New Orleans, but the Creole Gumbo Festival, combined in recent years with the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, is the perennial favorite. It’s not just a celebration of the city’s great contribution to the genre of stew; it’s a party that commemorates great music and culture – and the place (the Tremé) – that produced the dish. Held at Louis Armstrong Park, this free weekend festival features a stellar lineup of some of the city’s finest musicians. Really, you have no excuse not to attend. (The dates for 2025 TBA.)
LUNA Fête
During the second weekend of November (November 13-16, 2025), the LUNA Fête light show illuminates part of the downtown New Orleans from Gallier Hall to the Piazza d’Italia, located a quick walk away from the Quarter. The annual large-scale light and sound installations are breathtaking, and the fest is free and family-friendly.
Bayou Classic
You might wonder what holiday it really is on Thanksgiving weekend, when the Tigers of Grambling State meet the Jaguars of Southern University for the annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans. Each year, football crashes into the holidays for a four-day feast of events, starting with a massive Thanksgiving parade from the Superdome to the French Market, featuring some of the country’s absolute best marching bands.
Christmas in New Orleans
There’s a whole slew of events that accompany Christmastime in the Crescent City, from bonfires on the Algiers levees to City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks to Reveillon menus at some of the city’s classic Creole restaurants. But surely one of the most pleasurable events to be had during a New Orleans December is simply strolling through the French Quarter, marveling at the inevitably awesome light displays that are hung from wrought iron fences and elegant European-style balconies.
NOLA ChristmasFest
The annual NOLA ChristmasFest is the only indoor Christmas festival in the area. It takes place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, on December 20-29, 2025, this year.
Convention Center Boulevard is draped and dripping in holiday decorations with thousands of lights synced to holiday music, and the Convention Center itself is packed with attractions like giant slides, inflatables and rides. The focal point of the festival is New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink, which measures a whopping 52 x 140 feet.
Celebration in the Oaks
This beloved New Orleans tradition has been around for over 30 years. It’s a dazzling display of holiday lights scattered throughout the 25 acres of the City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Stroll through the magical grounds swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, take a train ride or a holiday picture by the iconic Mr. Bingle, listen to the caroling, do some holiday shopping, or ride the historic carousel.
The event typically opens on Thanksgiving weekend and runs through January 1.
New Year’s Eve
From Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve near the historic JAX Brewery, featuring a live fleur-de-lis drop at midnight to the countdown on Jackson Square (New Orleans’ version of the Times Square NYE party), it’s no surprise that New Orleans celebrates New Year’s Eve in a big way. Top it off with the fireworks over the Mississippi River and quite a few balcony bashes on Bourbon Street, and you’ve got yourself a night of revelry, New Orleans style.
If you’re planning to visit New Orleans anytime throughout the year, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.
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How to Do Halloween in New Orleans
Halloween Decorations, French Quarter, by Jake Cunningham
In New Orleans, Halloween is much more than just a night for kids to go trick-or-treating, chaperoned by their parents. Just like with many other holidays, New Orleans ramps it up in its unique, signature style — complete with costume parties, balls, street celebrations, and, of course, a parade. If you find yourself in New Orleans for Halloween, you’re in for some ghoulish, outlandish treats. Here are our picks.
VoodooFest
For two decades, Voodoo Authentica has hosted this celebration, which is not to be confused with the similarly titled and now defunct music festival in City Park. VoodooFest, held from 1 to 7 p.m. on October 31, at 612 Dumaine St. in the French Quarter, packs an incredible amount of information, entertainment, and voodoo-inspired gift shopping into one very full event.
Priests will be on hand to speak and teach on Voodoo, Louisiana’s version of the faith, and the music and spirituality associated with the Lwa — the spirits of the Voodoo pantheon. A small market set up outside the shop will sell practitioner-made potion oils, gris-gris bags, voodoo dolls, plus African and Haitian art (perfect presents for the upcoming holidays, maybe?). VoodooFest ends with a closing ancestral healing ritual.
Death and Mourning in New Orleans
Throughout October, the historic Hermann-Grima House, located in the French Quarter (820 St. Louis St.), changes up its historical tours to explore the mourning spaces of the 19th century. The house is swathed in somber colors to reflect the period of mourning for Marie Anne Filiosa Grima, mother of Felix Grima, who died on the property on October 15, 1850.
During a guided tour, you’ll explore the property while learning about the religious and cultural significance of death for the Creole families living here in the 19th century. You can book a tour online.
Krewe of Boo
One of the city’s most impressive parades outside of carnival season is this child-friendly Halloween procession, which is happening this year on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The parade itself kicks off at 6:30 p.m., starting at Elysian Fields Ave. in the Marigny, and rolling through the Quarter to the Warehouse District. Expect plenty of floats, dance troupes and throws, all themed after monsters, spooks, and general ghostly goodness.
Additionally, that morning, Krewe hosts its annual New Orleans Zombie Run, so don’t be surprised if a Saturday morning in New Orleans all of a sudden feels like a scene from 28 Years Later. This two-mile race starts at 9 a.m. and ends at noon, both at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant (701 Tchoupitoulas St.). Participants are encouraged to come dressed as zombies and monsters. Registration for the race begins at 7:30 a.m. You can pre-register online ($25; $35 cash or $40 credit the day of the race).
The fun ends at Generations Hall (310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.) in the Warehouse District with the Monster Mash party. This ticketed costume party starts at 8 p.m. (until); ages 18 and up to enter. The Monster Mash typically features live music, a costume contest, drink specials, and a big dance party. You can buy tickets online or at the door.
Frenchmen Street Party
If you want to be in the heart of the action and don’t mind the crowds, head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny on the day of Halloween. The celebration has become one massive street party in the past few years, popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s a great way to see some spectacular and clever costumes in one spot — and to show off your own, of course. Things really get going after 10 p.m., and there are plenty of bars to duck in and out of to recharge and replenish.
Haunted History Tours
There are many themed and historic tours to choose from, especially this time of year, and you can take your pick, anywhere from the vampire and voodoo tours in the French Quarter to touring the world-famous cemeteries on Canal Street. From the Garden District to Tremé, and around pretty much every corner in the French Quarter, the city has a story to tell.
“Haunted House” Decorations
There’s no shortage of over-the-top decorated houses in New Orleans around Halloween, but some really stand out. The best way to find them is to check the local listings for the ones set up in and around private homes as the dates get closer, but even a short walk around the French Quarter will unveil some awe-inspiring facades, all decked out in their Halloween best.
If you find yourself Uptown, the home of the local resident Louellen Berger’s at St. Charles Ave. and State St. is a sight to behold every year, with a 50-plus krewe of skeletons arranged on the front lawn to amuse with biting political satire and a play on the only-in-New-Orleans themes, with all the puns intended.
A spooky-fabulous display featuring holograms and projections outside the house on the corner of Magazine and Second Streets also goes above and beyond — with a narrated plot, dancing ghosts, creepy apparitions, and dazzling lights.
More Halloween in the French Quarter
Are you visiting with your kids this Halloween? There are plenty of family-friendly annual activities to enjoy in New Orleans this time of year. Be sure to read our feature on Halloween for Kids in New Orleans, to get an idea of what’s happening during the few weeks leading up to Halloween.
As you can see, New Orleans does Halloween with abandon, not to mention all the fall festivals going on between September and November. If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans this fall, book a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels, to stay close to all the action!
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How to Do Thanksgiving in New Orleans
Let’s be honest: Summer carried on and on in New Orleans almost all the way through October. But with Thanksgiving upon us, the weather has truly cooled off (for us locals anyway), which means you can enjoy some great New Orleans attractions and annual events — no sweat.
Photo courtesy of Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots on Facebook
Get to the Races
In New Orleans, opening day at the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots is as big as turkey when it comes to anticipating the Thanksgiving holiday period. Sometimes it seems like everyone and their mother turns out to the track on Thanksgiving weekend, sporting cocktails, big grins, and some frankly awesome hats.
The racetrack opens mid-November, but the big day is on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 28, 2024), and not just for the races alone. That’s when the racetrack’s Clubhouse offers a fancy traditional holiday dinner with all the trimmings, while everyone else can enjoy a still pretty sumptuous holiday buffet (make reservations in advance as both tend to fill up).
For those who might attend actual Thanksgiving Day horse racing: The first of the day’s 10 races begins at 11 a.m., and top sprinters will later compete in a $75,000 Thanksgiving Handicap race. But again, the real point is: hats.
Bayou Classic
Every Thanksgiving weekend, the Tigers of Grambling State meet the Jaguars of Southern University for the annual Bayou Classic. The city celebrates a two-day feast of events, including a fan fest and a massive parade on Saturday, featuring some of the country’s absolute best marching bands.
Friday offers the Bayou Classic Greek Show and the legendary Battle of the Bands, which can get as competitively heated as the football game proper. After all that, one of America’s hottest college football rivalries detonates at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Tujague’s Restaurant on Facebook
Thanksgiving Dining in the French Quarter
Don’t forget that world-class restaurants in the French Quarter host elaborate, multi-course Thanksgiving feasts that draw on the region’s rich culinary heritage. In addition to their regular menu, a number of restaurants will offer a full-course prix fixe menu that will feature the usual deliciousness of New Orleans decadence.
Shop Small Businesses
Don’t forget the Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday, and in the French Quarter, you’ve got a wide range of boutiques and galleries to indulge in.
Book Now
To enjoy the best of Thanksgiving in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. Book a room at the French Market Inn, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, Place d’Armes Hotel, or Alder Hotel to have the best of this historical city at your fingertips.
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Things to Do This November in the French Quarter and Nearby
November in New Orleans is jam-packed with festivals and celebrations. It’s also a magical time to be here, with a stretch of perfect weather leading up to the winter holidays and Mardi Gras. Here are some of our favorite suggestions on what to see, eat, and do if you’re in New Orleans in November.
Bayou Bacchanal
Saturday-Sunday, November 1-2, 2025
Bayou Bacchanal is a celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. Presented by Friends of Culture, Bayou Bacchanal will include Caribbean cuisine, dance, music, and celebration, all held on Louis Armstrong Park’s Congo Square.
Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
Saturday-Sunday, November 8-9, 2025
The annual Tremé Creole Gumbo festival serves up the perfect trifecta of gumbo, brass bands and cooler temps, returning to celebrate over a decade of existence at Louis Armstrong Park. A few years ago, this festival was merged with another popular local event, the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, adding more music, and featuring two art markets and two food courts.
Beignet Festival
Saturday, November 15, 2025
This annual extravaganza returned in 2022 and is held at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. The free, daylong party gives you an opportunity to sample dozens of renditions of the beloved beignet, from traditional sweet treats swimming in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood and cheese.
There are usually vegan and gluten-free beignets to accommodate every diet, and awards are given in four “Best of” categories. Don’t forget to vote for your pick!
Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Per a long-standing New Orleans tradition, it’s customary to turn out at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting cocktails and some seriously fabulous hats. The first race starts at 11 a.m., and the racetrack also serves a sumptuous holiday buffet, plus a fancy dinner with all the holiday trimmings at the Clubhouse.
Bayou Classic
Thursday-Saturday, November 27-29, 2025
Each November, the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries. Over the years, the event has become much more than a football game, drawing more than 200,000 visitors to New Orleans.
The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade, a Battle of the Bands, and, of course, the big game at the Superdome starting at 1 p.m. (you can get tickets online or at the gate).
The Battle of the Bands between the Grambling “Marching Tigers” and the Southern “Human Jukebox” on Friday, November 28, 2025, is an unforgettable extravaganza. The same two marching bands will lead the Annual Bayou Classic Parade on Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m., from the Marigny to the CBD. The parade will have the elements of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, floats, military units, and more. In other words, expect a great show.
Celebration in the Oaks
Friday, November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
This beloved New Orleans tradition has been celebrated for over three decades, selling out quickly for the past few years. Celebration in the Oaks is a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of New Orleans City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Stroll through the magical grounds swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, take a train ride or a holiday picture by the iconic Mr. Bingle, listen to the caroling, do some holiday shopping, or ride the historic carousel.
Coming to New Orleans in the fall? Be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels!
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Fall in the French Quarter and Beyond
New Orleans is always enchanting, but when the first cool front finally arrives, banishing the subtropical heat and ushering in six months of moderate weather, the Crescent City really feels too good to be true. Fall also heralds the start of high tourist season, which runs from October through May and coincides with a bevy of fun activities.
In short, fall is a time when New Orleans awakens from its heat-induced hibernation — and emerges ready to play. Here are a few reasons why fall is the best time to visit New Orleans.
The weather is perfect: sunny and cool
In October, the average high drops to a pleasant 80 degrees, meaning the temperatures linger in the 70s most days. With lows hovering in the 60s, it’s just cool enough to slip on a hoodie at night — which is great, because nothing says fall like cozy layers.
Fall months are also the driest months in New Orleans, averaging about 3.5 inches of rain. So you won’t need to cover up your costume in a plastic poncho when you hit the Quarter for Halloween. And speaking of…
Halloween in New Orleans is a not-to-be-missed spectacle
Trick-or-treating is a nationwide tradition, but in the home of Mardi Gras, costuming isn’t just for kids (although of course there are annual kid-friendly Halloween activities) — it’s a citywide pastime. New Orleanians seize on any opportunity to dress up, and they go all-out for Halloween. You’ll see costumes on the days leading up to All Hallows’ Eve, and on October 31, creatively costumed revelers hit Frenchmen Street en masse for a brass-band and go-cup-fueled block party that rages all night.
There’s a fest for every foodie and music lover
Do you love fried chicken? Po-boys? Gumbo? Beignets? Whatever your nosh of choice, there’s a fest for that in October. Because nothing’s better than catching some local music and chowing down on delicious food in a park on a sunny afternoon.
You can catch a Carnival-caliber parade
Going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is definitely a bucket-list item, but what most people don’t know is that you can catch a Carnival-caliber parade in October, when the crowds aren’t quite as intense. The renowned Kern family, who build floats for some of the city’s most prominent Mardi Gras krewes, is also behind the spooky Krewe of BOO!
Starting in the Marigny and winding its way through the French Quarter before ending in the Arts District, this Halloween parade features 3D fiberglass and papier-mache floats. Best of all, many of the throws are edible: candy corn, pralinettes, coffee packs, and Chee-Wees make the Krewe of Boo a real treat. It rolls at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, from Elysian Fields and Chartres St.
Fall event highlights
While we didn’t include every single one in this list, here’s a fall roster that we recommend you consider attending (between September and November):
NOLAXNOLA – September 25-October 5, 2025
NOLA Coffee Festival – October 3-4, 2025
Art for Art’s Sake – October 4, 2025
National Fried Chicken Festival – October 4-5, 2025
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival – October 10-12, 2025
Oktoberfest – October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 2025
NOLA FUNK FEST – October 17-19, 2025
35th New Orleans Film Festival – October 23-27, 2025
Krewe of BOO! – October 25, 2025
Treme Fall Fest – October 25, 2025
Halloween – October 31, 2025
Bayou Bacchanal – November 1-2, 2025
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival – November 8-9, 2025
Beignet Fest – November 15, 2025
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival – November 16, 2025
Thanksgiving – November 27, 2025
Celebration in the Oaks – November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Bayou Classic – November 29, 2024
If you’re planning to visit New Orleans in the fall, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.
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It’s All Art for Art’s Sake
Photo by @gabby.bien on Instagram, courtesy of Magazine Street on Facebook
Early October in New Orleans brings about one of Uptown’s most well-attended art events — Art for Art’s Sake (AfAS), which takes place this year on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The landmark event is more than three decades old. Since 1980, Art for Art’s Sake has grown into a citywide phenomenon — a night when many of the city’s galleries open their doors and put on major shows.
On the night of AfAS, hundreds of guests will sip wine and cocktails as they saunter between big openings at Julia St. galleries like Arthur Roger, George Schmidt, and Ferrara Showman Gallery. A few blocks away, businesses on Magazine Street will stay open to provide shopping and dining for the masses.
Presented by the Magazine Street Merchants Association, Art for Art’s Sake is an annual showcase of art, food and music on Magazine Street. Over 100 shops, stores, restaurants, and galleries along Magazine Street will be participating again.
In fact, it’s the street’s biggest event of the year, drawing out throngs of shoppers and fun seekers. Expect extended hours, special deals, live music, and other treats along the stretch of Magazine Street. As in previous years, you can also enjoy complimentary wine samples provided by one of the sponsors, Breaux Mart.
Art for Art’s Sake is free and open to the public. So, grab a group of friends and come down to Magazine Street for a night of gallery hopping and shopping at one of New Orleans’ largest shopping and entertainment districts.
Not sure where to shop and dine along Magazine Street? Check out the full list of restaurants and shops on the Magazine Street Merchants Association website.
A few more tips we can think of…
Dozens of restaurants along the Warehouse Arts District and Magazine Street will be open for the evening, and ready to welcome you, but reservations are recommended, especially for the popular spots on the bustling Magazine Street. There’s no dress code for the event, so casual will work, but you will definitely see chic outfits on at least some of the attendees. And wear comfortable shoes: Magazine Street alone stretches for six miles, and you might be doing some serious walking to check out the gallery art openings on Julia Street, too.
Are you looking for a place to stay when you’re in New Orleans? There’s no place better than a French Quarter hotel. Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to see our top picks.
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Blues, With a Side of Barbeque at Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Photo courtesy of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation on Facebook
Presented by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival always sports an eclectic lineup, consistently booking a mix of young talent alongside seasoned blues veterans. And that’s before you even consider the wide variety of BBQ vendors that surround Lafayette Square Park (602 St. Charles Avenue) throughout the weekend.
The central location of the event makes it an easy walk from the Central Business District (CBD) or French Quarter, and while we’re certain you’ll fill up on barbecue at the festival, you’ll also be within easy strolling distance of some of New Orleans’s best restaurants and bars.
This year, the over-decade-old free festival takes place on Friday-Sunday, October 10-12, 2025. This popular event began after Hurricane Katrina and was designed to create jobs and draw tourism back into the city. Over the past decade, the three-day blowout has garnered a reputation as one of the best free festivals not just in New Orleans, but in the country.
Just like in the past years, there will be two stages of music and a huge arts market. Headliners this year include Tab Benoit, Leo Nocentelli of the Meters, and New Orleans blues favorite Little Freddie King. You’ll also be able to discover a slew of lesser-known artists that add to the intimacy of the event.
As always, the event will include copious amounts of barbecue, with some of the best barbecue vendors in the region. Past vendors have included McClure’s, Blue Oak BBQ, The Joint, and many, many others. The spread will honor several regional styles, with an emphasis on Louisiana — made easier than ever with the recent proliferation of BBQ restaurants on the New Orleans dining scene. Beyond BBQ, there will be, of course, options for vegetarians, plus vegan and gluten-free fare.
WWOZ will broadcast most of the festival live both on the airwaves and through a stream on their website. But that’s no excuse for missing this event!
Please note that due to the past years’ crowding around the stages, the festival organizers instituted a “no chairs” perimeter of 75 feet from both stages. You’re still welcome to bring chairs and set up camp away from the stages, of course. Also, please note that no pets or coolers are allowed.
To get to the fest, you can hop on the St. Charles Ave. streetcar line or take the #11 Magazine St. bus. Another option is to bike over (there’s even free valet bicycle parking). Finding street parking in the area might be tough, but there are many paid parking lots in the area, the closest one being the lot in the Poydras Center (650 Poydras St.).
Looking for a place to stay while you’re visiting New Orleans this fall? There’s no place better than a historic French Quarter hotel! Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to see our top recommendations!
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Suit Up for the Red Dress Run in New Orleans
All photos are courtesy of David Fary
You’d be tempted to call thousands of sprinting women and men kitted out like a Chris de Burgh single (“Lady in Red”) a drag race, but no. It’s a dress run. On the second Saturday of August — this year, that’s August 9, 2025 — the New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3) are at it once again, hosting the annual New Orleans Red Dress Run.
The Event Details
Still going strong after more than two decades, the run draws in thousands of men and women aged 21 and older, who take to the French Quarter to showcase the color red in all of its glory (and let’s be honest, sometimes lack thereof).
This year, the run once again assembles in Crescent Park around 9 a.m., with beer flowing. Late registration goes on until the start of the run (10 a.m.), which tends to finish in a crimson scrum of sweat and live music. Admission for this event is $89 after June 1. Pre-registration is available online with a $4 processing fee. Day-of registration is cash only.
The two-mile run route is a closely guarded secret, but expect runners to jog/stumble/sprint through the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods, eventually making it into the French Quarter and back to the Crescent Park. Once the run is over at 11:30 a.m., the all-you-can-eat lunch is served. The whole affair is over by 4 p.m.
Tips for the Red Dress Run
Here are some pro tips we’ve collected over the years from repeat participants. New Orleans heat in August is no joke, so we hope you heed the advice to stay safe, hydrated, and have fun.
No one wants to be dragged down with a handbag, so consider investing in a fanny pack or a Ziploc bag “wallet” for phone cards and cash. Another option is to wear a dress that is tight up top so you can hold your phone, cash, card, and ID securely in the breast area (yes, this goes for guys too).
Just assume that it will be seriously hot, and a breathable pair of underwear is a good investment. We also recommend headbands and sweatbands that are good to wipe off moisture that’s your own and from others who are tipsy and bumping into you.
Remember, this is a long party with food, beer, and music. Avoid rough sequins under the arms, because arm abrasion will rain on your parade really fast. If you are unsure, dance around the house with some bold arm movements to see if you’ve got the right stuff on top.
Some more run etiquette: Tie your shoes. The last thing you want is someone stepping on your laces and you, or them, falling. If you are going slowly, no worries, although a koozie might be a good idea as your drink will get hot, quickly.
About the Red Dress Run
The entire affair owes its existence to the remarkable efforts of the local chapter of Hash House Harriers, a club dedicated to running and drinking (many Hashers would flip those priorities). The club — a “Drinking Club with a Running Problem” — is international, and you can find a Hash/Run event in almost every country in the world. Proceeds from the event benefit different charities.
The calendar of runs is on the NOH3 website, and membership is open to anyone over 21. All you need to do is show up.
Just remember, it takes more than putting on a red dress and tying off a few in the Quarter to be a part of this historic event. Don’t be a red dress rip-off — register to enjoy unlimited beer, food, and music.
As mentioned above, the run route is secret, so follow the event on Facebook. For spectators looking to watch the action, the race “track” has always traversed Bourbon and Royal Street in the past, with a handful of beer stops along the route.
Need to find a hotel? To stay close to all the action, book a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels today!
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What to Do in New Orleans This August
August in New Orleans brings the promise of a series of festivals, parties and holidays — official and unofficial — that seem to pack every weekend. Truth be told, the month’s calendar gets so busy, we have to wonder why spring gets to carry the label of “festival season.”
As the days reach their maximum length and the nights get sultry and sweaty, remember that the best means of keeping yourself close to the action in the French Quarter is booking a hotel that’s within walking distance of all the action. Speaking of — here are some of our favorite summer events popping off during August.
COOLinary
Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 31, 2025
The premise of COOLinary is simple: Dozens of area restaurants offer prix fixe menus to customers at a discount. Sometimes, a significant discount — as low as $28 or less for two-course lunches and $58 or less for three-course dinners and brunches. This is a New Orleans event that’s as popular with the locals as tourists, and many city residents take advantage of Coolinary to engage in a bit of gastronomic splurging.
Interested? Check out the COOLinary website and see what restaurants are participating (and for which meals; some spots, for example, only offer a COOLinary menu during lunch). You don’t have to do anything else but show up and get fed; usually, the Coolinary menu is included as a special insert or addition to the regular menu.
Museum Month
Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 31, 2025
If you’re in town this August, be sure to take advantage of the Museum Month deal. During the month of August, museum members have the opportunity to visit all participating institutions, FREE OF CHARGE, using their current membership throughout the month of August.
You must be a member of a local museum to take advantage of this deal. This is a great opportunity to explore on a budget. In the past, participating museums in (and near) the French Quarter include the Beauregard-Keyes House, Audubon Insectarium, Contemporary Arts Center, The National WWII Museum, Old Ursuline Convent Museum, New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and Ogden Museum of Southern Art. This year, the list of participating museums has a total of 28.
Fidelity Bank White Linen Night
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Back in the days before air conditioning, New Orleanians kept cool and looked fresh in the face of August swelter by wearing light-colored linen clothing. Back in the days before White Linen Night, local art galleries felt the pinch of the August tourism slowdown.
In order to combat said slowdown, and to showcase local summer fashion, White Linen Night was created. Art galleries and restaurants on the 300-600 blocks of Julia Street in the Warehouse District throw their doors open for a night of wine, art perusing, dining, and more wine — plus modeling of, naturally, the latest in white linen fashion.
Satchmo SummerFest
Saturday-Sunday, August 2-3, 2025
An initiative from the folks at French Quarter Festivals, Satchmo Summer Fest is a celebration of the city’s most famous musical son (Louis Armstrong, nicknamed “Satchmo”) and New Orleans music in general. As New Orleans festivals go, this one is pretty beloved — it’s family-friendly, kicks off within the French Quarter with a popular parade, the lineup is truly local, and it’s free. More than almost any other festival we mention, this one feels like a New Orleans street party (again, for families), and it definitely should not be missed if you’re in town.
Red Dress Run
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Probably the last thing any sane human being wants to do in the midst of a New Orleans August is run, but then again, the folks involved with the New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3) have always been a little crazy. The Red Dress Run is your chance to see a bunch of locals of all genders don red frocks and go careening through the city on a madcap 2-3 mile course.
Said route is kept secret until the day of the run, but racers always pass through the Quarter. Come out, wear crimson, have a beer (many of the runners will be joining in with you), and enjoy the show.
Dirty Linen Night
Saturday, August 9, 2025
The more rebellious sibling to White Linen Night, Dirty Linen is a similar gallery evening, but in this case, the galleries are located in the Quarter along 300-1100 blocks of Royal Street, and the vibe is a little more counterculture. Peruse food trucks, galleries, and bars, help yourself to the wine the gallery owners brought along with them, and enjoy an unbridled celebration of the creativity of the city.
Southern Decadence
Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025
New Orleans’ largest LGBTQ+ event is a citywide party that celebrates the huge impact the local gay and lesbian community has on the city at large. Almost a week’s worth of partying will kick off within the Quarter, spreading across New Orleans as more and more guests swoop into town for several days of… well, as the title says, decadence.
Coming to New Orleans in August?
Check out our guide to where to stay in the French Quarter, and be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels. Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.
For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
Happy August!
