June in New Orleans is the time for outdoor festivals and icy summer treats. As the days get longer, our calendars fill up with things to do. This month in New Orleans, celebrate Pride, savor a sno-ball, drink and dine at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, bite into a juicy tomato at Creole Tomato Fest, sample some of the best food in the city at Restaurant Week, and more! Plan to visit once, twice, or as much as you’d like.

Celebrate Pride in New Orleans  

Recognized as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the U.S., June is a special month in New Orleans for celebrating Pride. The Pride Parade returns to the French Quarter on June 8, and there are plenty of other events throughout the month. Find the official New Orleans Pride Guide here, which includes everything from parties to family-friendly fêtes to celebrations like the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Festival. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Pride here and start planning.

Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
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Attend the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience  

NOWFE, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, is a food and drink lover’s paradise. There’s a grand tasting, a wine dinner series, Tournament of the Rosés, burlesque brunch, and so much more. Catch the action from June 5-9.

Enjoy French Market Creole Tomato Fest  

Yes, New Orleans even has a festival dedicated to the tomato! Creole Tomato Fest is a summertime classic, held at the French Market in the Quarter every year. Enjoy music, art, food, drinks, and plenty of sweet, juicy tomatoes for sale. The festival, held June 8-9, is free to attend.

Belly up to Bocuse d’Or 

The Americas selections of the Pastry World Cup and the Bocuse d’Or will be held for the first time in the United States right here in New Orleans! The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will host the two continental selections of the most prestigious international culinary and pastry competitions from June 11-13, 2024, showcasing the best pastry chefs and cooks from all over the American continent. Bocuse d’Or tickets will be available to the public at a later date—stay tuned here

Take a Trip to the Theater 

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but a cool reprieve is the theater. In June, look forward to “The Importance of Being Earnest” at Le Petit Theatre, “CLUE” with Broadway in New Orleans, and performances from the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival. Read our theater guide here for more details.

Devonte Williford
Kayaking Bayou St. John

Celebrate Father’s Day  

Celebrate Dad’s special day with a picnic in the park, a kayak on the bayou, or an evening reservation at his favorite restaurant. There are plenty of free things to do this summer, and while gifts are nice, all Dad probably wants is some quality time with his loved ones. For more ideas on how to celebrate Father’s Day, see here.   

Commemorate Juneteenth   

Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the U.S., is on Wednesday, June 19. There are many ways to recognize the day, including exploring historic sites and supporting Black-owned businesses in New Orleans. NOLA Juneteenth Fest is a free festival in Congo Square commemorating the holiday. Afro Freedom Afro Feast is a dinner held outdoors at Grow Dat Youth Farm featuring renowned chefs from New Orleans. Visit a museum, such as the New Orleans African American Museum, or a community center like Ashé Cultural Arts Center for the latest on Juneteenth celebrations. As more are announced, they will be posted here. 

Enjoy Restaurant Week New Orleans 

From June 17-23, enjoy the best of the best at dozens of restaurants during New Orleans Restaurant Week. The list of participating restaurants will be announced at a later date here.

Cool off with a sno-ball  

It’s officially sno-ball season, and we’ve got plenty to go around. 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. 

Take a dip in a hotel pool  

New Orleans has hotel pools for every traveler, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly option or a swanky luxury retreat. Check out our blog on hotel pools here, and plan to spend a day cooling off.