From art, culture, and food, New Orleans has a vibrant festival scene that will keep you busy all summer long.
Here’s your guide to the best summer festivals in the Crescent City.
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New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is celebrating 50 years in 2019. In honor of the milestone, organizers added another day to the festival this year.
This year’s lineup includes Al Green, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more.
Festivalgoers can enjoy jazz two weekends in a row: April 25 through April 28 and May 2 through May 5.
Oyster Festival
Every year during the summer, people in New Orleans make it their mission to celebrate the restaurants and oyster farmers who have worked hard to make New Orleans the Oyster Capital of America during Oyster Festival.
Proceeds from the two-day, which will be held from June 1 through June, will benefit the local coastal communities.
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NOLA Caribbean Festival
The NOLA Caribbean Festival is a yearly multicultural festival that spotlights Caribbean cuisine, music, and culture in New Orleans. The festival will be held from June 22 through June 23 at Central City BBQ.
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival
The Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival is a celebration of the rich traditions of southwest Louisiana. The combination of rollicking two-step music and spicy seafood are “a potent example of how we in Louisiana love to ‘pass a good time,’” according to organizers.
Join the fun on June 22 through June 24 at Louis Armstrong Park. Admission is free. Learn more here.
Black Restaurant Week
Black Restaurant Week aims to create experiences that will cater to a diverse culture of tastemakers, professionals and area foodies looking for exposure to delicious food and exquisite wines.
Black Restaurant Week New Orleans will celebrate the 2nd annual culinary fest from June 28 to July 7. For ten days, New Orleans will celebrate the flavors of African-American, African, and Caribbean cuisines.
Essence Festival
Known as “the party with a purpose,” Essence Fest is the annual unofficial national conference for black women to celebrate their beauty.
Held in New Orleans, participants have the chance to attend music concerts, conferences, shop across various vendors, and more.
Celebrate black beauty from July 5 through July 7.
Tales of the Cocktail
Now in its 17th year, Tales of The Cocktail in New Orleans is the combination of cocktails, spirits, and a good time for six days from July 16 through July 21.
Satchmo SummerFest
Satchmo SummerFest is dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong.
The event, held at the Museum at the Mint, brings performances on two stages from New Orleans’ most talented musicians, with a focus on traditional and contemporary jazz and brass bands.
A third stage, the Satchmo Legacy Stage, featuring three days of fascinating presentations about Armstrong, is located indoors.
Admission is $5 and will be held from Aug. 2 through Aug. 4.
Southern Decadence
Southern Decadence is an annual festival hosted by the LGBTQ+ community during Labor Day Weekend, culminating in a parade through the French Quarter on the Sunday before Labor Day.
This year’s event will be held from Aug. 29 through Sept. 2.