Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 2:56 PM by Lauren Saizan
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.
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 10, 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.
Highlights from Pride Month in New Orleans include Family Equality Day at Longue Vue House & Gardens, LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Festival, Pride at the Broadside, and the 50th Anniversary Up Stairs Lounge Fire Commemoration. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Pride here and start planning.
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 7-11.
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 is free to attend, from June 10-11.
NOLA Zydeco Fest returns for a day full of dance, music, and food on June 10. This free festival is fun for the whole family and is held at A.L. Davis Park.
Celebrate Dad’s special day with a picnic in the park, a kayak on the bayou, a day full of hat shopping, 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.
Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the U.S., is on Monday, 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. 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.
From June 19-25, enjoy the best of the best at over 30 New Orleans restaurants; they’re putting their top dishes forward for Restaurant Week. Stay tuned for announcements on participating restaurants and menus. Find more information here.
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.
This June 29-July 3, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans with an all-star lineup of performers including Missy Elliott, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Jermaine Dupri, Wizkid, Monica, Coco Jones, and Kizz Daniel. Throughout the festival enjoy free events at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center such as panel discussions, shopping, beauty & style, and entrepreneurship. Oh, and don’t forget to show some love to our Black-owned businesses while you’re in town. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Essence Fest here.
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.
Lauren Saizan is a New Orleans native raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. In addition to being the editorial and online content manager for New Orleans & Company, she is also a member of Mélange Dance Company. Lauren has performed professionally in many venues across the city, including the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and Marigny Opera House. When not writing or dancing, she can be spotted sipping the Blue Eyes tea at French Truck, attending a concert downtown, or visiting a local library.
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