Fun Events Coming to New Orleans in July, August and September 2026
Last updated July 13, 2026
New Orleans may be quieter during the hottest part of the summer, but the city certainly does not stop having fun. Over the next two months, locals and visitors can choose from major sporting events, food festivals, art walks, live music, Saints football, colorful street parties and several uniquely New Orleans celebrations.
The following guide covers the biggest confirmed events happening between July 13 and September 13, 2026. Dates, performers and ticket availability can change, so checking the event’s official listing before heading out is always recommended.
Magazine Street Restaurant Week
Through July 19
The first event on the calendar is already underway. Magazine Street Restaurant Week features special menus and discounts at restaurants, bars, coffee shops and dessert spots along one of New Orleans’ most popular shopping and dining corridors.
Participating businesses are offering deals such as fixed-price lunches and dinners, making this a good opportunity to try somewhere new without committing to the normal dinner price. Visitors can also pick up a Restaurant Week passport and become eligible for prizes.
Tipitina’s Free Friday Concerts
Beginning July 17 and continuing throughout the summer
Tipitina’s Free Friday Concert Series is one of the best bargains in the city. The Uptown music venue will host Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes with Electric Ramble on July 17, followed by Soul Brass Band and The Next Level Band on July 24.
Additional free shows include Stanton Moore, Joe Ashlar, Danny Abel and Brad Walker with Jelly Joseph on August 28, followed by Erica Falls and Kota Dosa on September 4. The shows are free and open to guests 21 and older on a first-come, first-served basis.
Taste of Africa Fest
July 18
Taste of Africa Fest returns to Culture Park NOLA on July 18. The festival celebrates African and Caribbean culture through food, music, art, fashion and live entertainment.
The event is scheduled to run from noon until 8 p.m., providing a full afternoon of cultural performances, vendors and international food.
Tales of the Cocktail
July 19–24
Tales of the Cocktail brings bartenders, distillers, beverage professionals and cocktail enthusiasts from around the world to New Orleans. The week includes educational programs, tastings, networking events, parties and the annual Spirited Awards.
The main conference returns to The Ritz-Carlton on Canal Street. Some events are designed specifically for hospitality professionals, while others offer access through individual tickets or special passes. Anyone interested in cocktails, spirits or the restaurant business should review the program carefully because the most popular events can fill up quickly.
X Games New Orleans
July 24–26
One of the biggest new additions to the New Orleans summer calendar is the X Games Championship at Caesars Superdome. More than 100 elite athletes are expected to compete in skateboarding, BMX and Moto X events over three days.
The weekend will also include live music and festival-style entertainment. Concert programming at the Smoothie King Center includes performers such as Metro Boomin, J.I.D., Subtronics and BUNT. This should be one of the best events of the summer for families, teenagers and anyone interested in action sports.
Lord Huron at the Saenger Theatre
July 25
Lord Huron will perform at the historic Saenger Theatre with special guests The Army, The Navy. The show was listed as sold out through the venue when this article was prepared, although verified resale tickets or late releases may become available.
Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup Americas Selection
July 25–26
Some of the top chefs and pastry professionals in North and South America will gather at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the Americas selection of the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup.
Often described as a culinary Olympics, these competitions determine which chefs advance to the international finals in France. It is a rare opportunity to see world-class culinary competition in New Orleans, although visitors should confirm which portions are open to general ticket holders.
New Orleans Saints Training Camp
July 30–August 26
Football season begins early with nine Saints practices open to fans. The first public practice is scheduled for July 30 at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie.
Additional practices are scheduled for July 31 and August 2, 3, 5, 8, 9 and 13. The August 13 session will be a joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A final public practice is planned for August 26 at Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium.
Admission is free, but tickets are required and availability is limited.
Bryan Adams with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
July 31
Bryan Adams brings his Roll With the Punches Tour to the Smoothie King Center on July 31. Rock veterans Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are also appearing, making this one of the largest classic-rock concerts coming to New Orleans this summer.
August Events in New Orleans
COOLinary New Orleans
August 1–31
COOLinary is one of the best reasons to dine out in New Orleans during August. Participating restaurants create special fixed-price menus, including two-course lunches priced at $28 or less and three-course dinners or brunches priced at $58 or less.
The event includes casual neighborhood restaurants, contemporary dining rooms and some of the city’s most acclaimed establishments. Reservations are recommended, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
New Orleans Museum Month
August 1–31
August is also Museum Month. Anyone with an active membership at a participating museum can receive free admission for themselves and a guest at other participating museums throughout the month.
More than 20 institutions are expected to participate, making this an economical way to explore New Orleans history, art, music and culture while staying indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Satchmo SummerFest
August 1–2
Satchmo SummerFest celebrates the life, music and legacy of Louis Armstrong at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The festival combines traditional jazz, brass bands, educational programs and New Orleans food.
The 2026 lineup includes Preservation Brass, Joe Lastie’s Jazz to Brass, the Treme Brass Band, the Original Pinettes Brass Band and a Kermit Ruffins tribute to Louis Armstrong. Performances are scheduled from late morning into the evening on both days.
White Linen Night
August 1
White Linen Night transforms the Arts and Warehouse District into a large evening art walk. Galleries and businesses along Julia Street open their doors while visitors explore exhibits, listen to music and enjoy food and drinks.
The 2026 event is scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. Wearing white linen is encouraged, but it is not required. Since Satchmo SummerFest takes place during the day, ambitious festivalgoers could attend both events.
Ella Mai at the Saenger Theatre
August 7
R&B singer Ella Mai brings her Do You Still Love Me? Tour to the Saenger Theatre on August 7. The performance is one of the most notable R&B concerts scheduled in the city during the next two months.
New Orleans Antiques Forum
August 7–9
The Historic New Orleans Collection will host its annual Antiques Forum at the Williams Research Center in the French Quarter. The 2026 theme, “Material Belief: Objects of Faith, Spirit, and Tradition,” explores religious, spiritual and ceremonial objects from cultures across the Gulf South.
This is a more specialized event, but it should appeal to collectors, historians, interior designers and anyone interested in the material culture of New Orleans.
Red Dress Run
August 8
The Red Dress Run is not a traditional road race. Thousands of participants put on red dresses and gather for a charity run that quickly becomes an enormous street party.
The 2026 event is scheduled for August 8 at Crescent Park. Participants must register, and the primary event is limited to adults 21 and older. Expect costumes, music, drinks and packed streets around the French Quarter and Marigny.
Dirty Linen Night
August 8
After White Linen Night, the French Quarter answers with Dirty Linen Night. Galleries, shops and businesses along Royal Street will participate in an evening celebration of art, music and local culture from 6 to 9 p.m.
Because Dirty Linen Night and the Red Dress Run happen on the same day, August 8 will be one of the busiest and most colorful Saturdays of the summer.
New Orleans SERA Invitational Rodeo
August 8
For something completely different, the Smoothie King Center will host the New Orleans SERA Invitational Rodeo on August 8. The indoor event adds barrel racing, roping and traditional rodeo competition to an already crowded New Orleans weekend.
Masego at the Fillmore
August 10
Singer, musician and producer Masego brings his Fix Your Face Tour to The Fillmore New Orleans on August 10. His combination of R&B, jazz, hip-hop and electronic music should fit comfortably into the city’s diverse summer concert calendar.
Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
August 15
The Saints play their only home preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome on August 15. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
For families or fans who find regular-season tickets too expensive, preseason games can offer a more affordable opportunity to experience the Superdome.
Free Summer Movies at the Orpheum
August 22 and 29
The Orpheum Theater’s free summer movie series continues with They Fight, presented with the New Orleans Film Society, on August 22. A screening of The Wizard of Oz follows on August 29.
These screenings provide an inexpensive, air-conditioned activity inside one of the city’s most beautiful theaters.
Benson Boone at the Smoothie King Center
August 23
Benson Boone brings his Wanted Man Tour to the Smoothie King Center on August 23, with Luna Li appearing as the opening act. This is expected to be one of the biggest pop concerts in New Orleans during August.
Gary Clark Jr. at the Orpheum
August 30
Grammy-winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr. will perform at the Orpheum Theater on August 30. His mix of blues, rock, soul and R&B should be an especially good match for a New Orleans audience.
Labor Day and Early September Events
Circle Jerks at Tipitina’s
September 1
Punk-rock legends Circle Jerks kick off September at Tipitina’s with Negative Approach and Upchuck. The show is open to guests 18 and older.
Southern Decadence
September 3–7
Southern Decadence is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in New Orleans. The Labor Day weekend event fills the French Quarter with parties, costumes, dancing, live entertainment and a Sunday parade.
Often described as a summer version of Mardi Gras, Southern Decadence attracts visitors from across the country. Many events are adult-oriented, so travelers should review age restrictions and venue policies before attending.
NOLA Trap Wine Fest
September 5
NOLA Trap Wine Fest comes to Louis Armstrong Park on September 5. The outdoor event combines wine tasting with trap, hip-hop and R&B DJs, along with food vendors, games and other activities.
The festival is scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. and offers a different alternative to the traditional wine-tasting experience.
R&B Super Jam
September 6
The Smoothie King Center will host a major celebration of Louisiana hip-hop and R&B during Labor Day weekend. The scheduled lineup includes Birdman, Master P, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Silkk the Shocker, B.G., Mia X, Mac, Fiend, Mercedes, Choppa, Mr. Serv-On and Lil Boosie.
For fans of Cash Money, No Limit and the history of Southern hip-hop, this could be one of the most memorable concerts of the year.
A Big Weekend at Tipitina’s
September 10–12
Tipitina’s closes out this two-month calendar with three different shows. Mountain Grass Unit performs on September 10, Rebirth Brass Band takes the stage on September 11 and Big in the 90s performs on September 12.
The three-night run offers bluegrass, New Orleans brass-band music and a nostalgic 1990s party, all in one of the city’s most famous music venues.
Planning for Summer Events in New Orleans
July and August in New Orleans are hot and humid, and brief summer storms are common. For outdoor festivals, bring water, wear lightweight clothing and have a plan for getting indoors if severe weather approaches.
The biggest weekends will likely be July 24–26 for the X Games, August 1–2 for Satchmo SummerFest and White Linen Night, August 8 for the Red Dress Run and Dirty Linen Night, and September 3–7 for Southern Decadence and Labor Day weekend.
Whether you are looking for food, football, art, live music or a street party where everyone wears the same color, New Orleans has something worth leaving the air conditioning for this summer.
Other Fun Articles from Fun Things New Orleans
