Best Food on Bourbon Street
Photo courtesey of Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak on Facebook
The 13-block strip of Bourbon Street is not all neon hustle and gigantic drinks in souvenir cups. It’s actually home to some of the most vibrant restaurants in the city — high and low, round-the-clock, world-famous — and just interesting. Here’s a quick rundown of the best food you could find on this most-visited street in the French Quarter, starting with Upper Bourbon on Canal Street and walking towards Esplanade Avenue.
Red Fish Grill 115 Bourbon Street
Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill has been around for more than 20 years, offering a child-friendly respite in the middle of the Bourbon Street chaos. It’s known for its seafood-heavy menu and good happy hour deals on the drinks and the oysters. Try some of the signature dishes like BBQ oysters and double-chocolate bread pudding.
Bourbon House 144 Bourbon Street
An old-school seafood restaurant run by the Brennan family with a raw oyster bar and Creole fare like blackened Gulf fish and bourbon shrimp and grits. Bourbon House also lives up to its name with a selection of small-batch and single-barrel bourbons.
Galatoire’s 209 Bourbon Street
Galatoire’s should be on everyone’s New Orleans bucket list, and it’s likely to deliver a day-long eating and drinking extravaganza you won’t soon forget. Founded in 1905, the restaurant has become a fine dining institution beloved by the generations of New Orleanians. The decadent classics like crawfish maison, duck crepes, foie gras, and turtle soup have been served there for over a century. Jackets required.
Olde Nola Cookery 205 Bourbon Street
Colorful and friendly, this Bourbon Street spot is no tourist trap as its menu is full of reliably local, traditional Cajun and Creole fare like BBQ shrimp, gator tail bites, po-boys, gumbo, seafood platters, and more. A Taster of New Orleans sampler will get you gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and red beans and rice with smoked sausage. Two big advantages the restaurant got going is that it’s open till 1 a.m. nightly and has a balcony.
Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak 215 Bourbon Street
Galatoire’s added a steakhouse to its family of restaurants in 2013, right next door to the original. Galatoire’s 33 is named after a post marker found inside the historic building during the renovation. It serves traditional steakhouse fare.
Desire Oyster Bar 300 Bourbon Street
The elegant hotel restaurant has a Broadway-style marquis sign, huge windows, a tin ceiling, and black-and-white checkered floors. Besides oysters, the menu emphasizes Gulf seafood and features New Orleans favorites like gumbo, po-boys, biscuits and gravy, shrimp remoulade, and more.
Crescent City Pizza Works 407 Bourbon Street
A late-night pizzeria at Conti Street, with pies that have telling names like the Big Cheesy and Chicken Bacon Krunch. The BBQ pork pizza will chase your hangover away with pulled pork, two types of cheese, and a generous serving of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. The ever-popular Chizzaburger combines Angus beef, onions, mozzarella, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. The place is open till 2 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and till 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant 424 Bourbon Street
A seafood-focused casual eatery with balcony dining and a large oyster bar. Try the sauteed crab claws or bayou frog legs (battered and served with buffalo sauce), or an alligator po-boy. The Taste of New Orleans platter is a local feast of crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice, chicken and Andouille jambalaya, and gumbo with chicken and Andouille (you can pick three out of four, or go for all four).
Le Bayou Restaurant & Oyster Bar 503 Bourbon Street
You might like this place for its high ceilings, marble-topped bar, and balcony seating. Housed in a historic building, Le Bayou serves casual Creole and Cajun staples like oysters, gumbo, Gulf seafood, and all kinds of traditional specialties. Open till 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cornet 700 Bourbon Street
Cornet, on the corner of St. Peter and Bourbon, serves traditional Cajun and Creole dishes like shrimp Creole, fried gator, po-boys, seafood platters, pastas, and staples like crawfish etouffee. Try the Satchmo sampler, a local trifecta of gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans. Balcony seating is available – a big draw if you want to people-watch.
Clover Grill 900 Bourbon Street
A retro-classic, 24-hour diner in a city that sorely lacks them, Clover Grill “loves to fry and it shows” (as the menu states). The food is a reliable greasy-spoon fare, but you’ll be coming in at 4 a.m. as much for the scrambled eggs as the vibrant mix of its French Quarter crowd. The restaurant’s interesting existence is reflected in its no-nonsense menu, which is peppered with requests like: “We don’t eat in your bed, so please don’t sleep at our table” and “Dancing in the aisles only, please keep off the tables.”
Are you planning to spend some time in New Orleans soon? 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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Bourbon Street Bucket List
Bourbon Street tile by Cheryl Gerber
The 13-block of Bourbon Street stretches from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue and is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants. There’s more to the most visited street in the French Quarter than neon signs and brightly colored drinks in gigantic souvenir cups.
Bourbon Street is home to some of the oldest bars and best restaurants in New Orleans. And after the 2019 renovation of the eight blocks of the Upper Bourbon (from Canal St. to Dumaine St.), it is shinier and more walkable than ever. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, here are some suggestions for your bucket list.
Photo courtesy of Bourbon House on Facebook
EATING
Oysters and Other Gulf Seafood
Bourbon Street’s culinary offerings are a mix of high and low, with some local flair thrown in. The two seafood restaurants run by the Brennan family that are located on Bourbon Street would be solid choices for all things Gulf seafood and oysters in particular. Red Fish Grill on the first block off Canal Street offers good happy hour deals and is child-friendly. Signature dishes include BBQ oysters, alligator sausage and seafood gumbo; and double chocolate bread pudding. Bourbon House (on the same block) has an oyster bar and a large selection of small-batch and single-barrel bourbons.
Want more oysters? The stylish Desire Oyster Bar inside The Royal Sonesta (300 Bourbon Street) has an oyster bar and the classic New Orleans menu of po-boys, gumbo, and fresh seafood from the Gulf.
24/7 Breakfast
For the pub grub and fast food, anything on the breakfast menu plus those famous little square burgers on steamed buns at the fast-food chain Krystal (116 Bourbon Street) would serve you well. The retro diner Clover Grill (900 Bourbon Street) has a huge breakfast menu and only-in-the-Quarter ambiance. Both are open 24/7.
French Quarter Balcony Dining
For balcony dining with a view of the French Quarter, head to Cornet (700 Bourbon Street) or Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant (424 Bourbon Street). Both restaurants serve traditional Cajun and Creole fare and have samplers that include gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and other local favorites.
Galatoire’s: Old-World Upscale Creole
If you’re going to try just one restaurant on Bourbon Street, make it Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon Street). This fine-dining institution should be on everyone’s New Orleans bucket list. Since its opening in 1905 generations of New Orleanians have been lining up for the Creole classics like crawfish maison, duck crepes, foie gras, and turtle soup. Galatoire’s old-world, decadent ambiance is something to experience.
Tropical Isle by Cheryl Gerber
DRINKING
Absinthe
The Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon Street) dates to 1806 and has hosted its share of famous patrons, including Oscar Wilde and Franklin Roosevelt. Sidle up to the classic copper bar and have one of the potent signature absinthe cocktails. Enjoy the old-fashioned yet quirky saloon ambiance.
Hurricane and Hand Grenade
Having one of those is pretty much a must if you’re hanging out on Bourbon Street, so do it right by going to the source. Sip your Hurricane in Pat O’Brien’s courtyard (624 Bourbon Street), and make sure your Hand Grenade comes from one of the Tropical Isle locations on Bourbon Street (435, 600, 610, 721, 727 Bourbon Street). The Bourbon & Orleans location has one of the largest balconies with a view of St. Louis Cathedral (you may have seen it on TV because it’s often used for live broadcasts).
One of the Oldest Bars in America
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street) is a must-stop, period. Housed in a Creole cottage on the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip streets, it was built between 1722 and 1732, making it one of the oldest structures used as a bar in the U.S. Legends swirled for centuries that this location was used by the infamous Lafitte Brothers, Jean and Pierre, as a base for their privateer operation in Barataria. The bar has a unique ambiance and is popular with locals and visitors alike. If you’re feeling brave, try the signature drink called Purple Drank, a frozen daiquiri concoction.
The Jazz Playhouse by Cheryl Gerber
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Jazz
If you want straight-up jazz, The Jazz Playhouse at 300 Bourbon Street (inside The Royal Sonesta) is a reliable choice. Musical Legends Park (311 Bourbon Street) also hosts live music shows among its life-size bronze statues of local musical legends like Louis Prima, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Fats Domino, and others. While you’re at it, have some beignets and cafe au lait at the outside seating at Cafe Beignet inside the park.
Maison Bourbon (641 Bourbon Street) is an old-school jazz club “dedicated to the preservation of jazz” (the outdoor sign says). Take in the gleaming bar, the brick walls and beamed ceilings. It also has a courtyard and a big balcony.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub (733 Bourbon Street) is another great spot for live jazz and Dixieland. It’s been around since 1969, as reflected in the memorabilia and the black-and-white photos lining the walls. Seating is limited because the space is intimate, but there’s more seating outside in the back where you won’t be able to see the action but still hear it pretty well. Fritzel’s has both day and night shows. Day shows seem to be less packed.
The Bourbon Pub & Parade Disco by Cheryl Gerber
LGBTQI+
Once you walk past St. Ann Street you’ll start seeing the rainbow flags. The LGBTQI+ section of Bourbon Street has two popular dance clubs across from one another, Oz (800 Bourbon Street) and Bourbon Pub Parade (801 Bourbon Street). Both are open late, with several dance floors, drag shows, DJs, and wraparound balconies for people-watching. The Pub serves as the annual headquarters of Southern Decadence. Just down the block, Lafitte’s (901 Bourbon Street) is open 24/7 and hosts disco parties and karaoke nights. It’s been around since the 50s, which makes it one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars in the country.
Cat’s Meow by Cheryl Gerber
Karaoke and Riding the Bull
Speaking of karaoke, The World Famous Cat’s Meow (701 Bourbon Street) is the karaoke spot to be if you must indulge and don’t mind the rowdy crowd. The party atmosphere is helped by drink specials. Riding the mechanical bull is another one of the favorite pastimes on Bourbon Street, and you can try your luck at Boot Scootin Rodeo (522 Bourbon Street). Need liquid courage? The signature drink, called Boot, is full of spiked sweet tea.
Psychic Readings
See what the stars have in store for you at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo (628 Bourbon Street). Psychic and spiritual readings are available daily starting at noon.
Are you planning to spend some time in New Orleans soon? 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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Bourbon Street, a Block-by-Block Guide
This street is a tourist destination for a reason. It’s a thoroughfare with an utterly fascinating history, and home to some of the oldest bars, family-run restaurants, and gay entertainment districts in the country. In short, while there’s plenty to discover off of Bourbon, there’s a lot to discover on the iconic street as well that may surprise you.
Photo by Cheryl Gerber
A Brief History of Bourbon Street
Let’s start, appropriately enough, with the history of one of the oldest streets in North America. First, despite popular rumors to the contrary, Bourbon was not named for bourbon. That particular iteration of brown liquor had not even been invented when the street was laid out in 1721 by Adrian de Pauger. The street, then located in the colony of New France, was named after the French royal House of Bourbon (which bourbon, the drink, was ultimately named for).
Like much of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street’s historic architecture owes far more to Spain than France as most of the street’s French buildings were destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, when the city was a Spanish colony. For most of its history, Bourbon was a modest residential street, populated by a mix of Creoles (New Orleanians of Franco-Spanish descent) and the successive waves of immigrants who settled the French Quarter.
Bourbon began morphing into an entertainment strip in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the Red Light District of Storyville was established a few blocks away on Basin Street. Bleed-over from the Red Light District begot a shift in the Quarter, which became less residential and more entertainment-oriented.
The earliest “jass” (i.e. jazz) artists weren’t headlining festivals in Montreal or Switzerland — they played for customers who patronized Basin and Bourbon Street’s sweaty brothels and music halls (on a side note, those music venues stopped being quite as sweaty when they started installing round-the-clock air-conditioning about half a century later — some of the first nightlife spots in the world to take that step).
Ironically, the shuttering of Storyville’s brothels in 1917 likely accelerated the French Quarter’s popularity as a place to party. At the time, Mayor Martin Behrman said, “You can make it illegal, but you can’t make it unpopular,” and while the “it” he referred to was prostitution, the legal nightlife that surrounded that practice quickly filled the Red Light vacuum.
In the Quarter, the entertainment focus shifted to live music, gambling, burlesque shows, and drinking establishments, dozens of which opened on Bourbon. By the post-World War II period, Bourbon Street was similar in character, if not appearance, to the Bourbon Street of today, although live music was more heavily emphasized back in the day. The Meters played here, as did Dr. John and Louis Prima, among dozens of other acts that have defined successive generations of American music.
While there are still live music clubs on Bourbon, those venues have tended to spread into other parts of the city. On the other hand, Bourbon remains a nightlife epicenter for the New Orleans LGBTQI+ scene, which established a presence here in the early 20th century, when the area had (more of an) “anything goes” reputation. In the present day, while the LGBTQI+ culture is thankfully accepted across the city, the “Lavender Line” on Bourbon and St. Ann streets still marks one of the country’s most fabled gay nightlife blocks.
The Geography of Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street runs 13 blocks through the heart of the French Quarter, from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue; it becomes Carondelet Street past Canal, and Pauger Street past Esplanade. If you were looking at a map, Bourbon runs along a diagonal; confusingly to visitors, the “southern” part of Bourbon (near Canal Street) is Upper Bourbon, while the “northern” end (near Esplanade) is Lower Bourbon. In New Orleans parlance, Upper and Lower refer to the upriver and downriver flow of the Mississippi. If all of the above is confusing, don’t worry — it’s more trivia than vital geographic knowledge.
Upper Bourbon is the area best known to visitors — the land of neon, roaming bachelor and bachelorette parties, strip clubs, and enormous drinks served in souvenir cups. Lower Bourbon has most of the above, but not in such intense concentration; it includes the LGBTQI+ blocks of Bourbon.
While this is not the exhaustive list of every business and attraction on Bourbon (some even may or may not be here tomorrow), here are some of our favorite hangouts, running from Canal to Esplanade. You’ll notice that this guide mostly covers iconic, well-established and most popular restaurants. For more details on where to eat and drink on Bourbon Street, check out our guides to the “Bourbon Street Bucket List” and “Best Food on Bourbon Street.”
The 100 Block of Bourbon Street
Bourbon House (144 Bourbon Street)
The Bourbon House is one of the city’s grand dame, old-school seafood houses. Run by the Brennan family restaurant empire, they serve excellent raw oysters, decadent Gulf seafood platters, and one of the truly great iterations of barbeque shrimp. Their version is cooked in a buttery sauce that is balanced by a generous helping of rosemary.
Photo courtesy of Galatoire’s on Facebook
The 200 Block of Bourbon Street
Olde Nola Cookery (205 Bourbon Street)
If you’re in the market for something simple and noticeably New Orleans, and you’re wandering around the 200 block of Bourbon, Olde Nola Cookery is a good choice. We always have time for barbeque shrimp, which is not grilled or smoked, but rather cooked in a lemon butter and pepper sauce. Plenty of gumbo and Cajun pasta dishes round out the menu.
Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon Street)
Stepping into Galatoire’s is stepping back in time; the restaurant opened its doors in 1905, and not much seems to have changed since (our understanding is they only started accepting credit cards in the ‘90s). The cuisine is old-school, heavy Creole classics — chicken Clemenceau and crabmeat sardou — but folks come for the scene as much as the food. On Fridays, the oldest of old-school New Orleans families line up around the block (or pay people to wait in line for them) and engage in daylong drinking and dining sessions. It’s a spectacle for sure.
Galatoire’s “33” Bar and Steak (215 Bourbon Street)
For decades, nothing changed at Galatoire’s, one of the grandest of old New Orleans restaurants. Then they started accepting credit cards, and eventually, Galatoire’s “33” opened. The times are a-changing, but “33” has the original Galatoire’s charms and its full menu served in the dining room — and it also happens to have some very fine steaks.
Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon Street)
It’s always a good idea to sidle up to the classic copper bar, and you won’t be the first to do so: The Absinthe House dates to 1806, making it older than most American states, and has hosted Franklin Roosevelt and Oscar Wilde, among other patrons. It can get crowded, but when the bar is (relatively) quiet, we like to order the signature absinthe and dream of boozy days (and famous patrons) past.
Musical Legends Park by Cheryl Gerber
The 300 Block of Bourbon Street
The Jazz Playhouse (300 Bourbon Street)
This is a legitimately lovely music venue in the heart of Bourbon Street (inside the Royal Sonesta). The lineup is straight unadulterated jazz, and the Playhouse hosts some of the most talented and exciting acts in the country.
New Orleans Musical Legends Park (311 Bourbon Street)
Life-size statues of local musical legends line this park, which is a (sort of) quiet respite from the noise and thrum that lines this portion of Bourbon.
The 400 Block of Bourbon Street
Hideout Bar (417 Bourbon Street)
The Hideout Bar has a speakeasy vibe, courtyard seating, live music, and serves the kind of New Orleans/Southern fare you just might be craving after some revelry (think meat pies and boudin balls). Open till 1 a.m. every night.
Tropical Isle by Cheryl Gerber
The 500 Block of Bourbon Street
The sadly now-shuttered iconic club owned by the late, great Chris Owens dominates the block. In August 2022, Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, bought the three-story building and plans to renovate and lease the property.
The 600 Block of Bourbon Street
Tropical Isle (600 Bourbon Street)
Besides the Hurricane, the Isle’s signature Hand Grenade is the most famous drink in the French Quarter. They taste like candy but are very potent. Tropical Isle also has locations at 435, 610, 721, and 727 Bourbon Street.
SLUSH Frozen Cocktails (601 Bourbon Street)
The historic building hosted a popular live music venue called the Old Opera House until it closed. Back in the day, it was a real French-style opera house. The most current tenant is a daiquiri bar that specializes in alcoholic slushies, popsicles and milkshakes, plus serves pizza by the slice. SLUSH is open till 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and till 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. It has another location at 401 Bourbon Street.
Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo (628 Bourbon Street)
This is one of our favorite tourist voodoo shops. The walls are adorned with masks, gris-gris bags, spell candles, and all kinds of other cool magical paraphernalia. Check out the handmade voodoo dolls fashioned from Spanish moss, and have yourself a consultation — these folks are true believers.
Krazy Korner (640 Bourbon Street)
Longtime bar, club and live music venue with jazz, rhythm and blues plus a balcony, Krazy Korner is located on the corner of Bourbon and St. Peter streets. Over the years, it served as a hangout for the recording artists and is still a great place to catch some live New Orleans music.
Maison Bourbon (641 Bourbon Street)
The sign outside the door says, “Dedicated to the preservation of jazz,” and Maison Bourbon does not disappoint in this regard — it’s a good spot for a live show. It also has a lovely courtyard and a big balcony.
Photo courtesy of Cat’s Meow on Facebook
The 700 Block of Bourbon Street
Cat’s Meow (701 Bourbon Street)
You’ve never heard “Sweet Home Alabama” until it’s belted out by a crowd at the Meow. We have to give this spot credit: It was an early adopter of karaoke, back when people sneered at the idea of karaoke in a bar. The Meow’s enormous popularity is proof of the success of a then-risky business idea. It was so successful that the business open another location on the same block, at 735 Bourbon St.
Pat O’Brien’s (718 St. Peter Street/600 block of Bourbon Street)
While the address for Pat O’s is technically on St. Peter Street, you can enter the bar complex in the middle of the 600 block, right next to Willie’s Chicken Shack. Inside, you’ll find one of the most attractive courtyards and bars in the French Quarter, which is a pleasant surprise for a lot of visitors. There are also dueling pianos. Take a seat, enjoy the tropical ambiance, and order a specialty drink — the Hurricane, of course. The drinks may be sweet, but we’re not going to sugarcoat this next bit of advice: beware the Hurricane hangover.
Bourbon Street Honky Tonk (727 Bourbon Street)
One of the five locations of the Tropical Isle chain with potent drinks and, as you might have guessed from the name, live country music.
Bourbon “O” Bar (730 Bourbon Street)
“Bourbon Street” and “quiet bar that serves craft cocktails” aren’t two concepts that seem to jive, but Bourbon “O” manages to pull it off. OK, maybe it’s not always quiet, but the drinks are gorgeous and well-prepared, which is a welcome development at this stage during our Bourbon Street stroll. Look for it inside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub (733 Bourbon Street)
Fritzel’s is a good spot for live jazz and well-prepared iconic New Orleans drinks. They regularly feature plenty of old-school Dixieland. It’s calm and laid back in almost inverse proportion to much of the rest of Bourbon Street — a great stop if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the crowds, or if you just want to listen to some good music. That said, evening shows tend to get more packed, so if you want to avoid it, consider a daytime show.
Ra Shop #14 (739 Bourbon Street)
This smoke shop carries smoking accessories, CBD, e-sigs, vaporizers, and more. The chain has 14 location total, including five in New Orleans — two Uptown and two in the French Quarter.
Bourbon Pub & Parade by Cheryl Gerber
The 800 Block of Bourbon Street
Oz (800 Bourbon Street)
The corner of Bourbon and St. Ann streets is known as the “Lavender Line,” which marks the beginning of the LGBTQI+ section of Bourbon Street (you may also be subtly tipped off by the enormous rainbow flags). Oz is one of the more popular gay dance clubs in the city, so expect drag queens, shirtless dancers, and all the rest.
Bourbon Pub Parade (801 Bourbon Street)
A late-night nightclub with two balconies, dance floors, shirtless folks on the bar, drag queens, and a lot of unsa-unsa. It serves as one of the focal points of the annual Decadence fest. Being around since 1974, the iconic club is celebrating its anniversary in 2024.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop by Cheryl Gerber
The 900 Block of Bourbon Street
Clover Grill (900 Bourbon Street)
The Clover is one of our favorite 24-hour diners in New Orleans (on a side note, there aren’t a ton of 24-hour diners in this city, which is a shame). The food is great, but we really come for the atmosphere, which is a heady mix of drag queens, off-work servers, bartenders, hotel staff, tourists, and musicians all hunkering down for burgers and scrambled eggs at three in the morning. Clover Grill’s motto is “We Love to Fry and it Shows.”
Lafitte’s (901 Bourbon Street)
The self-proclaimed oldest continually operating gay bar in the country is open 24/7, and features karaoke nights, disco parties, and a huge wraparound bar and balcony. Established in 1933, at the end of Prohibition, Lafitte’s is said to have been frequented by Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. Because of its location and plentiful outside seating, Lafitte’s is a hub of activity for both Mardi Gras and Southern Decadence in particular.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street)
One of our favorite Bourbon Street haunts, this Lafitte’s (not to be confused with Lafitte’s, above) operates out of the oldest building that has served as a bar in the country. It looks the part, too; the walls are all moldering stone and wood, although the scene is pretty modern: there’s a piano bar and the signature “purple drank,” a frozen daiquiri that can quickly end your night (or get it started).
For more, check out our guide to the Famous Streets of the French Quarter.
Also, are you planning to spend some time in New Orleans soon? 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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The Rundown of the Running of the Bulls in New Orleans
Photo: Some rights reserved by Infrogmation
Most people are familiar with Spain’s Encierro de Pamplona, but not everyone might realize that New Orleans hosts its own Running of the Bulls. Here, though, the “bulls” are the roller derby skaters, dressed in the traditional colors of Spain’s bull run and wearing horned helmets, who whack the participants with plastic bats during this annual Encierro (bull run).
The 18th annual summer spectacle falls on July 12-14 this year. Here’s the daily rundown.
Friday, July 12, 2024
Friday evening marks the opening of SFNO, called El Txupinazo (pronounced “ el choo-pin-AHT-so”). One of the charities that benefit from this festival, Beth’s Friends Forever, will host this event at the event’s new venue this year, Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave.) in Downtown New Orleans, 6-9 p.m. Expect live music, an open bar, a silent auction, and a live auction for a lifetime VIP package for SFNO.
Saturday, July 13, 2024
The actual Encierro will be held on Saturday. Join thousands of runners, wearing all white and accessorized with red scarves and handkerchiefs, as they gather by 6:30 a.m. by Gallier Hall. Yes, the party starts early, and there will be live music, beer, sangria, and food trucks on-site to get things going.
The Procession of San Fermin and an invocation kick off the morning, followed by the run, which starts at 8 a.m. sharp. The run lasts till about noon, followed by a post-run fiesta at Gallier Hall. After that, you can attend the traditional La Fiesta de Pantalones, location for 2024 TBA, starting at noon, or join the other revelers who stick around to make a day of it bar-crawling downtown, including the Warehouse District.
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Close out with the annual El Pobre de Mí (“Poor Me”), an Ernest Hemingway-themed party at Gallier Hall, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with cocktails, burlesque, and a Papa Hemingway Look-a-like contest. This is a non-ticketed event, and there’s no cover, so you can pay as you go.
What else to know
- All events happening on Friday and Saturday are ticketed — proceeds go to charity (get tickets online).
- SFNO benefits Beth’s Friends Forever (named after Nola Bulls cofounder Beth Hanning), which raises money for financially needy women fighting cancer in the Greater New Orleans area. The second charity SFNO has chosen is Big Easy Animal Rescue.
- Since drinking is part of the festival, prepare to get carded.
- El Txupinazo on Friday is 18+ only.
- While there is no dress code, the event organizers encourage everyone to dress in the style of Spain’s Encierro de Pamplona: white top and bottom, with something red around the waist and the neck. This being New Orleans, many runners do, and get very creative with their gear.
- There are several paid parking lots in the area, but this is a popular event, so it will most likely be crowded, with limited parking options all around.
- No outside food and drinks are allowed inside Gallier Hall on the day of the run, and no ice chests or chairs.
- Review the rules of the run before you take off, like no touching the bulls and placing kids under 10 on the sidewalk.
Coming to New Orleans this Summer?
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!
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Have a Feast During Restaurant Week New Orleans
Photo courtesy of Antoine’s Restaurant on Facebook
Not that we need any encouragement to eat — and eat well, in this city — but the dining deals don’t start and end with COOLinary. New Orleans is heading into Restaurant Week, with 81 restaurants listed as participants this year.
Between Monday, June 17, and Sunday, June 23, 2024, local restaurants will be dishing out prix fixe lunches, brunches and dinners. Some menus offer two-course meals, others are three-course: typically a choice of an appetizer, a choice of an entree, and a choice of dessert. (Prices are per person and do not include beverages, tax or gratuity.)
Just like COOLinary, which runs for the whole month of August, Restaurant Week is a citywide promotion designed to lure diners, both local and those visiting, to increase patronage at restaurants across the city. As a result, there’s no better time to try out a new restaurant or revisit an old favorite. It’s also a chance to cross an iconic white-tablecloth establishment off your bucket list.
Restaurant Week New Orleans is sponsored by the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s Greater New Orleans Chapter and New Orleans & Company. And, just like COOLinary, its popularity is steady. Participating restaurants are spread all over the city, including the Marigny, Tremé, CBD, Uptown, Mid-City, the French Quarter, and Metairie, and run the gamut from iconic fine dining to neighborhood bistros.
This includes the famous Commander’s Palace, Galatoire’s, Muriel’s Jackson Square, Tujague’s, and Restaurant R’evolution. Some more casual participants include Katie’s Restaurant & Bar and Boswell’s Jamaican Grill in Mid-City, and Mother’s Restaurant and Will Jean in CBD.
Mouth-watering concoctions on the menus across the city this June include the French Quarter’s grand dames and longtime COOLinary and Restaurant Week participants Antoine’s and Arnaud’s. Sampling their sophisticated French Creole prix fixe menus would be a gift to a visitor or a local alike.
Antoine’s, being in business for close to 200 years, knows how to do oysters — raw, charbroiled, Bienville, Rockefeller, or Thermidor — serving them alongside such local classics as soft shell crab. Antoine’s Restaurant Week weekend two-course brunch will set you back $40, and the weekday three-course lunch is only $25. Both feature several bottomless drink options like mimosas for an additional price.
There are many highlights to choose from the high-end, iconic local establishments like Galatoire’s ($45 lunch and $59 dinner), Cafe Degas ($25 two-course lunch, or three-course each $35 brunch and $42 dinner), Ralph’s on the Park ($25 two-course lunch and $55 three-course dinner), and Restaurant R’evolution ($75 dinner).
For more casual fare, try the $30 lunch at Pizza Domenica or Willa Jean. Also, Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant‘s three-course meal is only $23.95. You can view all Restaurant Week menus and make reservations on the event’s website.
So, visit your old favorites, discover new ones — and enjoy some of the best, most refined cuisine this city has to offer — at a bargain price! Bon appetit!
Find a great French Quarter hotel and book your stay for Restaurant Week at www.frenchquarter.com/hotels/.
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What to Do in July in New Orleans
Photo by William Recinos on Unsplash
Summer in New Orleans is HOT, but we’ve got a slate of festivals that will cool you off and keep you entertained.
Independence Day
Thursday, July 4, 2024
New Orleans celebrates July 4th like anywhere else in America but with a flavor all her own. There will be fireworks above the Mississippi River and much partying as usual. As part of the annual “Go 4th on the River” celebration the “Dueling Barges” will again put on a spectacular fireworks show set to patriotic music.
There are plenty of great spots to watch the display, but a French Quarter balcony is one of the most desired viewing spots in the city. You can grab excellent vantage points on the Riverfront, and in the Marigny and Bywater too. The Woldenberg Park on the shoreline of the Mississippi River is also an excellent spot to throw a picnic while you wait for the fireworks, as well as another waterfront park, Crescent Park. Coolers and chairs are welcome.
ESSENCE Festival of Culture
Thursday-Sunday, July 4-7, 2024
There’s a lot to love about the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, beyond the fact that it is the largest annual African American culture and music event in the world. It’s one of the finest gatherings of musicians in a city that is well-known for throwing together excellent gatherings of musicians.
Beyond the concerts held each night of the fest at the Superdome, its free daytime experiences at the Convention Center include motivational seminars, beauty and style presentations, celebrity interviews, cooking demonstrations with top chefs, and lots more.
Expect a stellar music lineup of major headliners and the best of the local talent, including a reunion of New Orleans rap powerhouse Cash Money Records’ “Millionaires,” curated by label co-founder Bryan “Birdman” Williams. This year, the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
The traditional Sunday Gospel Celebration at the Convention Center will feature the greatest gospel hits, and ESSENCE After Dark, a series of late-night jam sessions, comedy shows, underground performances, live podcast recordings, and more, is returning once again to the Superdome.
Don’t wait! Get your tickets online. You can also download the festival’s app. And please remember that all events held at the Convention Center during the day are free and open to all (registration is required though for anyone over 18).
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (Running of the Bulls)
Friday-Sunday, July 12-14, 2024
Plenty of people know that Encierro de Pamplona 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, dressed in the traditional colors of Spain’s bull run and wearing horned helmets, who whack the participants — dressed all in white with red scarves and handkerchiefs — with wiffle bats.
This year, the Saturday, July 13, 2024, run takes place at the new venue, Gallier Hall, starting at 6:30 a.m. The annual El Txupinazo party also takes place there, on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a ticketed event and 18+ only.
Check out the schedule on the event’s website for the annual opening and closing parties happening that weekend. You can also get your tickets online.
Tales of the Cocktail
Sunday-Friday, July 21-26, 2024
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, and thus: Tales of the Cocktail, a celebration of mixed drinks in all of their vast diversity. Every year, the party draws in thousands of bar owners, distillers, mixologists, authors, tastemakers, and enthusiasts who are interested in networking, sharing knowledge, showing off their skills, learning, and, well, drinking.
This six-day event is filled with seminars, workshops, tastings, book signings, bartender contests, networking, and much more. The Tales’ 2024 theme is “Inspire,” and the festival’s signature annual blowout, the “best of” Spirited Awards, will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, followed by the always-popular after-party.
During the festival Tales of the Cocktail hosts dozens of events. Please note that tickets for events are sold individually, so you can build your own itinerary. The prix fixe tasting menus and food-pairing dinners are especially popular, and the tours and cocktail-themed parties also tend to sell out quickly, so we highly recommend getting your tickets as early as you can.
Coming to New Orleans in July?
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 July!
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New Orleans Pride Weekend
Launched in 2011, New Orleans Pride is a weekend-long celebration (Friday-Sunday, June 7-9, 2024) of LGBTQI+ communities and their allies in New Orleans and surrounding areas. It is the only official Pride Festival in New Orleans, the largest in Louisiana, and one of the fastest-growing Pride celebrations in the nation.
New Orleans Pride Weekend Event Highlights
Special events include the Pride Gala, the PrideFest block party outside the Phoenix bar on Elysian Fields in the Marigny on Saturday, June 8, starting at 11 a.m., and the annual parade. The NOLA Pride Parade starts at 7 p.m. at the PrideFest and rolls through the French Quarter.
New Orleans Black Pride Weekend coincides with New Orleans Pride Weekend and hosts several events that specifically celebrate queer people of color. In addition to pool and dance parties, the calendar of events also includes a welcome party and “fam”ily reunion picnic. Black Pride Weekend starts the day before New Orleans Pride, on Thursday, June 6, and ends on Sunday, June 9.
The New Orleans Black Pride Community Festival is held on Saturday, June 8, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Armstrong Park. Expect a day full of music, performances, art, food, health resources, vendors, and more.
Two other events of note are the Longue Vue Family Equality Day and Pride at the Broadside. The family-friendly pride celebration at Longue Vue features dance, drag performances, drag queen story time, fan decorating, a children’s parade, a resource fair, and more. Admission is free, but reservations are required. The event is on Sunday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The third annual Pride at the Broadside show features an art market, free on-site HIV testing by Crescent Care, giveaways, and specialty cocktails. Performers at the show include DJ Lady Lavendar, Carolyn Broussard, Sean Hobbes and the Hi Res, and John Boutte. The show starts at 7 p.m., Friday, June 7, and tickets are $20 to $25 (you can buy them on the Broadside website). A percentage of the proceeds will go to Trans Queer Youth NOLA.
New Orleans Pride Weekend Tickets
PrideFest, the parade, and the community festival at Armstrong Park are free to attend. Some other events during the weekend might be ticketed or free but require a reservation. When planning your Pride itinerary, it’s a good idea to double-check entry fees in case you need cash on hand or tickets in advance.
Coming to New Orleans in June?
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!
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The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Returns in June
In its 32nd year in 2024, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) is a smorgasbord of food and wine tastings, tours, masterclasses, and the annual champagne-soaked burlesque brunch. This year, NOWFE is held on Wednesday, June 5, through Sunday, June 9.
What Is NOWEFE?
Each year, hundreds of wineries and restaurants participate, offering menus featuring local flavors and innovative new creations inspired by diverse cuisines. Top chefs from around the city create unique culinary experiences, so much so that the event regularly makes a few national “best of” festival lists.
Who Benefits From NOWFE?
The organization behind this popular event is a nonprofit that donates 100% of its proceeds to beneficiaries ranging from food banks to culinary schools. The 2024 beneficiaries are the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation, Delgado Community College Culinary Arts Program, and FirstLine School’s Edible Schoolyard Program. You can find out more about each on the NOEFE website.
NOWFE Event Highlights
You can see all the events online (and buy tickets while you are it) but here are some musts you should know about if you think of attending NOWFE.
What: NOWFE Kick-Off Celebration
When: Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
Location: Brennan’s Restaurant, Courtyard & Roost Bar
Kick off the week of wine celebrations at Brennan’s with a champagne reception in its lush courtyard and Roost Bar featuring Executive Chef Ryan Hacker’s champagne-inspired menu paired with champagnes by Folio Fine Wines. The ticket price includes a sabering lesson and one complimentary tasting of each champagne.
What: Vinola
When: Thursday, June 6, 2024, 5:30-6 pm VIP, 6-8:30 pm general admission
Location: Orpheum Theater, VIP at Double Dealer
This elevated tasting is your chance to sample a variety of rare and highly valued wines expertly paired with foods crafted by local chefs. Winemakers will present elite wines from around the world, while award-winning chefs will be on hand to serve and talk about their food and what inspires them in its creation. Attending restaurants include Addis, Broussard’s Restaurant, Rib Room, and more. VIP guests will enjoy creations by the chefs from such high-end eateries as Desi Vega’s Steakhouse and Restaurant R’evolution.
What: Tournament of Rosés
When: Friday, June 7, 2024, 6:30-7 pm VIP, 7-10 pm general admission
Location: Generations Hall
Dress to impress and party New Orleans style at the sixth annual Tournament of Rosés. Taste some premier rosés — both still and sparkling — from France, Spain, Italy, the United States, and South America. Participating restaurants include Boswell’s Jamaican Grill, Couvant, Ralph’s On the Park, Rib Room, Ruby Slipper, and more.
What: The Grand Tasting
When: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 2:30-3 pm VIP, 3-6 pm general admission
Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, The Great Hall
This tasting showcases wines from around the world and food served by New Orleans chefs. You’ll get a chance to ask the winemakers and the chefs questions, learn about wine and wine pairings, and eat some seriously delicious local food. The attending restaurant list is long (26!) and an impressive who-is-who of the New Orleans culinary world, with such heavyweights as Boucherie, Domenica, Restaurant August, and The Grill Room representing.
What: Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch
When: Sunday, June 9, 2024, 11 am -1 pm
Location: The Omni Royal Orleans
Truly a one-of-a-kind experience, Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch features plated brunch, bottomless sparkling wine, and a burlesque performance by Trixie Minx Productions. The menu is a crowd-pleaser with a local flavor.
Other events include wine dinners, masterclasses on wine blending, making pizza, crafting cocktails, and roasting coffee, a party at Bacchanal, and much more.
You can get event tickets a la carte or in three packages (Tasting, The Connoisseur, or the VIP).
Coming to NOWFE?
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!
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Your Guide to the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture
Over the years, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture has evolved into one of the largest celebrations in the country, and New Orleans is proud to host it again, when ESSENSE celebrates its 30th year in 2024. If you plan on attending, here’s our guide on how to navigate the festival, where to eat, shop and stay, and generally how to make your visit an unforgettable one.
When and Where Is ESSENCE?
Traditionally, ESSENCE takes place over the Independence Day weekend. This year, the dates fall on July 4-7, 2024. Over the four days, the event will be held mostly at the two New Orleans venues: the Caesars Superdome for the evening performances and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the daytime activities.
Music Lineup Headliners and Highlights
As usual, the festival features a star-studded lineup of some of the country’s biggest names in hip-hop & R&B. The 2024 theme is “loving on us.” Headliners include Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, and Birdman & Friends, who will also honor three decades of Cash Money Millionaires.
The Sunday Gospel Celebration at the Convention Center will feature the greatest gospel hits, and admission is free.
ESSENCE After Dark is a series of late-night jam sessions, comedy shows, underground performances, live podcast recordings, and more.
In addition, a variety of exciting conferences, exhibitions, roundtables, and other experiences are scheduled this year, plus beauty, fashion and food events, a marketplace, a family day, an economic forum, keynote speakers, and more.
Where to Get Your Tickets
You can get your tickets, either a la carte (evening concerts, ESSENCE After Dark) or in the bundled day and VIP packages, online. All the events held at the Convention Center during the day are free and open to all (registration is required). The headliners sell out fast, so don’t wait till the last minute!
What to Pack
Bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella or rain jacket (as summer in New Orleans can bring unpredictable weather and frequent afternoon showers), and a lot of patience.
The Convention Center in particular is massive, so there will be a lot of walking, and lines could be long. Both the Superdome and the Convention Center have AC, of course, but staying Instagram-ready in the hot and humid New Orleans summer could be tricky.
So dress light, but also be prepared for the much chillier temps inside. It might be a good idea to bring a portable mobile device charger with you so you won’t have to look for an available power outlet in a crowded venue.
Where to Eat
Check out ESSENCE Eats while you’re attending the festival for dozens of vendors and special food demos to get recipe inspiration, find a new dish you like, or revisit an old favorite.
The ESSENCE Eats series includes live podcasts and demonstrations for everything from remaking Sunday dinner classics to kid-friendly recipes and date-night dishes. There’s also an ESSENCE Eats food court with vendors from all over the South offering a wide range of classic New Orleans food, world cuisine, vegan and vegetarian fare, desserts, and beyond.
For dining out on the town (and in the French Quarter in particular) see our guides, below.
Where to Shop
Look for the festival marketplace near the ESSENCE Eats food court, with dozens of vendors selling artwork, crafts, music, clothing, jewelry, etc. You can easily get your souvenir shopping done there, too, from the local vendors.
The festival also has its own store inside the Convention Center, with the festival merch, books, magazines, and so on. The festival’s Fashion House series of events includes runway shows and curated truck shows, where you’ll be able to load up on clothing and accessories.
There are also plenty of shopping options in the area. You could spend a whole day browsing the three levels of The Shops at Canal Place. It has a soaring atrium and food options ranging from casual to upscale. Canal Place houses a slew of upscale national chains like Saks Fifth Avenue, Brooks Brothers, and Louis Vuitton, but also local boutiques.
The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, located by the Mississippi River, is a sprawling discount outlet mall with all the popular labels like Gap, Under Armour, and Guess.
Further down, venturing into the French Quarter, check out H&M and Sephora, plus all the lovely, unique boutiques that pepper Chartres St.
For more shopping suggestions please see our guides, below.
Where to Stay
If you plan on attending the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, why not choose a historic hotel for a unique experience? You’ll still stay close to all of the action and excitement but you’ll also be creating memories steeped in history and charm.
Here are our suggestions: All these hotels are historic properties located in the French Quarter (three of those — Hotel St. Marie, French Market Inn and Place D’Armes — have charming saltwater pools in their lush courtyards).
Book your New Orleans stay with the help of our Recommended New Orleans Hotels.
What’s Going on in New Orleans That Week?
There’s Independence Day, of course. New Orleans celebrates July 4th like anywhere else in America, but also with a flavor all her own. There will be fireworks over the Mississippi River and plenty of music and partying. Head to the Riverfront for the display, or see if you can score a French Quarter balcony as a viewing (and party) spot. Many Bourbon Street bars with balconies allow access for a cover fee or if you’re just buying drinks.
What Else You Need to Know
- The ESSENCE Festival requires all guests 18 and over to register for entry into Essence Festival’s Conferences and Expos.
- Since the Convention Center events are for all ages, if you want to buy a drink at the ESSENCE Eats food court prepare to be carded.
- You can re-enter the Convention Center multiple times but not the Superdome.
- No outside food or drink will be allowed at the Convention Center and the Superdome; all bags will be searched.
- Take note of the Superdome’s clear-bag policy: “Any bag, purse, or briefcase that is larger than 12” x 6” x 12” will not be allowed into the Superdome. All bags that enter must be clear with the exception of medical bags which may be subject to inspection and small clutch bags. The maximum size for a clutch bag is 4.5”x 6.5”.”
- Look for the festival sponsor booths (like Coca-Cola) to score some samples and giveaways and to enter contests. Sponsor booths also host celebrity meet-and-greets, so this might be your chance to meet your favorite star when they’re not performing.
New Orleans and French Quarter Guides
Make the most of your stay in New Orleans while you enjoy ESSENCE Fest with our comprehensive guides to the New Orleans dining, sightseeing, shopping, nightlife, and much more:
New Orleans Guides
Eating and Drinking
- Local French Quarter Favorites
- Diet Another Day: New Orleans Must Eats in the French Quarter
- Best Food on Bourbon Street
- Best Kept Secrets for Eating Cheap and Eating Well in the Quarter
- Late Night Dining: Where to Turn in the Quarter When the Midnight Hungries Hit Hard
- Vegetarian Destinations in the French Quarter
- Best Pizza in the French Quarter
- French Quarter Dining Alfresco
Classic New Orleans and Southern Dishes
- Try the Best Jambalaya in the French Quarter
- 10 Best Places to Get Gumbo in the French Quarter
- Where to Score the Best Crawfish in New Orleans
- Best Muffulettas in the French Quarter and Nearby
- New Orleans’ Po-Boy Is A Rich Food Tradition
- New Orleans’ Legendary Fried Chicken Joints
- The Best Barbecue in New Orleans
- Bananas Foster in the French Quarter
- Proof Is in the Bread Pudding
Cocktails
- The Best Happy Hours in the French Quarter
- Classic Cocktails and Modern Thirsts in the French Quarter
Shopping
- French Quarter Shopping: One-of-a-Kind Stores
- Vintage Shopping in the French Quarter
- Hat Shopping in the French Quarter and Nearby
- Shopping for Discovery and Surprise
Exploring
- First-Timer’s Guide to the French Quarter
- Must-See French Quarter Museums
- Must-See Mardi Gras Museums
- Photo Ideas for Your Next French Quarter Vacation
- What to Do on a Rainy Day in the French Quarter
- Fun New Orleans Sightseeing With the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Famous New Orleans Ghosts
- New Orleans’ Haunted History
- Neighborhoods Near the French Quarter
Famous Streets
- Bourbon Street: The Complete Block-by-Block Guide
- Bourbon Street Bucket List
- Decatur Street: Block-by-Block
- Royal Street, a Block-by-Block Guide
- Famous Streets of the French Quarter: North Rampart Street
- Famous Streets of the French Quarter: Chartres Street
Additional Resources
- The Ultimate Guide for Women Traveling Solo in the French Quarter
- What to Do in the French Quarter When You’re Under 21
- Exploring the French Quarter With Kids
Coming to New Orleans This Summer?
In addition to checking out our suggestions listed above, 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!
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June Festivals in New Orleans
The end of spring and the beginning of summer in the French Quarter is packed with celebrations of local food, music, and culture — going well into August. Here are four must-attend festivals happening in June in and near the French Quarter.
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Wednesday-Sunday, June 5-9, 2024
In its 32nd year in 2024, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) is a smorgasbord of food and wine tastings, tours, master classes, and the annual champagne-soaked burlesque brunch. Each year, hundreds of wineries and restaurants participate, offering menus featuring local flavors and innovative new creations inspired by diverse cuisines. Top chefs from around the city create unique culinary experiences, so much so that the event regularly makes a few national “best of” festival lists. The organization behind this popular event is a nonprofit that donates 100% of its proceeds to beneficiaries ranging from food banks to culinary schools. You can see all the events and get tickets online.
New Orleans Pride
Friday-Sunday, June 7-9, 2024
Launched in 2011, New Orleans Pride is a weekend-long celebration taking place in the French Quarter to celebrate and honor LGBTQI+ communities and their allies in New Orleans and surrounding areas. It is the only official Pride Festival in New Orleans, the largest in Louisiana, and one of the fastest-growing Pride celebrations in the nation. Special events include the Pride Gala, the PrideFest block party at the Phoenix bar, and the annual parade. The parade rolls on Saturday, June 8, 2024, starting at 6 p.m. in the Marigny and rolling through the French Quarter.
French Market Creole Tomato Festival
Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9, 2024
Traditionally held on the second weekend of June, the annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival welcomes the arrival of Creole tomatoes that Louisiana loves to incorporate into many local recipes. The French Market location and the food offerings make this a popular festival among locals and visitors alike.
Celebrating its 38th year in 2024, the festival features live music at the market and in Dutch Alley, kids’ activities, and a second line. There are cooking demos in addition to an extensive menu of Creole tomatoes incorporated into gelato, crepes, crawfish pies — you name it. (Here’s the 2024 food vendor list). Of course, you can also get Creole tomatoes from the participating farm stands.
Kick off the Creole Tomato Festival with the Ripe & Ready second line featuring a Jazz Band, The Baby Dolls, and the Amelia Earhawts on Saturday, June 8, at 10:30 a.m. It’s open to all, and you’re encouraged to wear “your favorite tomato attire.” The second line will form at Oscar Dunn Park, 700 Decatur Street across from Jackson Square, and walk to the French Market festival location.
The festival is spread out between the tents and the stages located at the Farmers Market, the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint (this one is indoors), and Dutch Alley. The live music schedule never disappoints.
Father’s Day
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Though technically it’s not a festival, you can make it your own by honoring your dad! Take your dad to brunch, a museum, or just a walk at the Riverfront. Make your reservation soon, and enjoy the good food and fun this city has to offer!
Restaurant Week New Orleans
Monday-Sunday, June 17-23, 2024
During this time, you can enjoy multi-course, special menus and dining deals in numerous participating restaurants, from upscale Creole eateries to neighborhood bistros. Keep up with this year’s list of participating restaurants and their menus, and don’t miss a chance to try a new spot or revisit your favorite.
New Orleans Juneteenth Festival
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Come to Congo Square in Armstrong Park to commemorate this remarkable date with this free festival, held from noon to 7 p.m.
Coming to New Orleans in June?
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 June!
