Spring festivals in New Orleans are legendary but for adventurous souls willing to brave the heat, there’s summer fun to be had at great prices! Whether you’re looking food, music or fun we’ve got something to make you smile, along with our famous hospitality.
Some summer highlights:
Essence Festival When : July 5-8 Where : Mercedes-Benz Superdome What : Essence magazine hosts this annual event, featuring top tier musicians, comedians and empowerment seminars. Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin and D’Angelo are among the dozens of acts scheduled to preform. Cost : Tickets start at $50 a night, multi-night packages available. Website : http://www.essence.com/festivals/2012/essence-music-festival/
San Fermin en Nueva Orleans (Running of the Bulls) When : July 12-15 Where : French Quarter What : This satirical take on Spain’s famous event features roller derby girls in bull costumes chasing down runners fleeing down French Quarter streets. Other events over the weekend (wine tastings, dance parties) may have a small admission fee. Pamplona-style dress is required for the run (white pants and shirt with a red sash) to ensure everyone knows you’re part of the fun. Cost : FREE! (donations accepted) Website : http://www.nolabulls.com/index.asp?id=0
Tales of the Cocktail When : July 25-29 Where : Hotel Monteleone, French Quarter What : Celebrating and perfecting the art of the cocktail. Whether you’re in the hospitality industry or simply a fan of great food and drink, this is the place to go to try new products, new combinations and even enter the cocktail competitions. There’s something for everyone, including excursions out into the bayous, bike tours and local music- over 200 events in all! Cost : tickets from $40, package prices from $141 Website : http://www.talesofthecocktail.com/
Satchmo Summer Fest When : August 3-5 Where : Old U.S. Mint, French Quarter What : Celebrating Louis Armstrong’s birthday, this child-friendly festival features the best jazz, guest speakers, admission to the museum, and crafts for the kids. Cost : Basic admission is FREE, some events/lectures require tickets. Website : http://www.fqfi.org/satchmosummerfest/
White Linen Night When : August 4 Where : Julia Street, Central Business District What : Come visit the Arts District in your best cool white linen, enjoying cocktails and music as you peruse dozens of art galleries displaying art from the funky to the exquisite. Visit the after party at the Contemporary Arts Center to dance the night away! Cost : FREE! (CAC party $10) Website : http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/festivals/artfestivals/whitelinen.html
Southern Decadence When :August 29- September 3 (Labor Day weekend) Where : French Quarter What : With over 120,000 visitors, this street party is the south’s largest GLBT event and an adults only affair. World famous DJs host huge nightly dance parties and two parades through the French Quarter provide great bead-catching and costume-viewing opportunities. Cost : Most events are FREE! Passes available starting at $60 for nighttime party events. Website : http://www.southerndecadence.net/
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Most events are free, hotels have their lowest rates of the year, and many restaurants offer discounts to entice you to visit, so what are you waiting for? Even when it’s hot, the city knows how to “laissez les bon temps roulez-” let the good times roll!
