10 Things to Do this August in New Orleans

Take advantage of dining deals in New Orleans with COOLinary. Indulge in two-course lunch, or three-course dinner and brunch deals from August 1-31. Over 120 restaurants are participating! See here for more info, including participating restaurants and menus. Don’t miss your chance to try some of the best food in New Orleans for a steal.

Purchase one museum membership and get access to all participating museums for the entire month of August. The 30 participating museums include The National WWII Museum, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, The Backstreet Cultural Museum, Louisiana Children's Museum, and many more! During Museum Month some even offer discounted membership. Stay cool while museum hopping this August.

Celebrating the life and legacy of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, Satchmo Summerfest is a food and music fest that takes over the French Quarter. Held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, expect performances in tribute to Louis Armstrong, as well as authentic New Orleans cuisine. Satchmo Summerfest is August 1-2 and admission is free.

Summer in New Orleans is the season of long hours and deep discounts. Watch the sunset and sailboats on the Lakefront, check out the city’s free outdoor movie series, or enjoy live music at Tipitina’s Free Fridays throughout the summer. See here for 35 free things to do this summer in NOLA. 

Fidelity Bank White Linen Night returns on Saturday, Aug. 1. Art galleries on the 300-600 blocks of Julia Street and the 500 Block of Saint Joseph will open their doors to patrons in the largest free art stroll in the city. With more than 20 participating galleries, live music and art installations, special giveaways, delicious bites, cocktails, and much more, White Linen Night is an opportune time to experience the best of the Arts/Warehouse District. The Julia Street block party kicks off at 5 p.m. The following Saturday, Aug. 8, Dirty Linen Night is hosted on nearby Royal Street in the French Quarter. 

Sip+Dip at Cool Zoo Waterpark is your chance to cool off and turn up this summer! Float in the Lazy River at Audubon Zoo while your favorite New Orleans DJs spin the soundtrack to the perfect night. Specialty cocktails and small bites will keep the vibe going. This is an exclusive, adult-only event for the 21+ crowd held on Friday nights through August 28. General admission tickets are $55, plus taxes and fees. VIP options are available.

On the morning of Saturday, Aug. 8, runners dressed in red will take to the streets of the Marigny and French Quarter for an annual charity race. Red Dress Run, presented by the Hash House Harriers, is a fundraiser for local non-profits. It may be a race, but lots of people go just for fun since the event ends with food and live music.

La Fiesta del Verano Featuring Magic Juan is more than a concert — it is a cultural experience that brings together the vibrant Latino community of Louisiana with visitors and music lovers from across the Gulf South. Held on August 21 at The Fillmore New Orleans, this event will showcase the rich diversity, history, and influence of Latin music through the iconic sounds of Magic Juan, one of the most recognized voices in Latin urban and tropical music. Tickets are $61+.

Louisiana Vintage Festival is an annual celebration of all things vintage. Head down to the House of Blues for shopping from a variety of vendors. Tickets are $20.85 and the event is August 22-23.

There’s nothing quite like a cold sno-ball on a hot day. Enjoy this classic New Orleans treat of shaved ice with sweet syrup at Imperial Woodpecker, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, and these sno-ball shops around town. Having trouble deciding what flavor to get? Check out our “What Sno-Ball Are You?” quiz here.   

Relax and unwind at a hotel pool in New Orleans. We’ve got hotel pools by type of traveler here. So whether you’re coming with the whole family or riding solo, a cool escape is not far away.