New Orleans in May is a mix of spring and summer, crawfish and sno-balls, and some of the year’s best festivals. Enjoy the second weekend of Jazz Fest, plus Mother’s Day, Keith Lee's Familee Day, and Memorial Day weekend. May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we’ve got a few ideas on how to celebrate. Here are our top picks for things to do in May. 

BOOK YOUR MAY STAY
IN NEW ORLEANS
  1. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
  2. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 
  3. Cinco de Mayo
  4. Wednesday at the Square
  5. Mother's Day
  6. Keith Lee's Familee Day
  7. New Orleans Greek Festival
  8. Memorial Day Weekend
  9. Live Theater
  10. Sail250

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the U.S. Celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans by supporting local Asian-owned businesses. New Orleans is known for its traditional Creole and Cajun dishes, but locals know that the city is also home to many great, authentic Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai restaurants, and that’s just scratching the surface. Browse the restaurants and businesses here and enjoy supporting them all month long. 

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New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 

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Jazz Fest returns from April 23-26 and April 30-May 3 with an all-star lineup of performers. The 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Music Lineup includes Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Kings of Leon, Lainey Wilson, Teddy Swims, Lorde, Jon Batiste, and many more. Enjoy “Jazz Fest food” such as crawfish bread and mango freeze, stop by one of the art vendor tents, or compile your list of post-Jazz Fest shows around the city. Read our guide on What to Do Between Jazz Fest Weekends here. Check out our Ultimate Jazz Fest Guide here and start planning your trip. 

Cinco de Mayo

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 This year Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday, May 5. Plenty of restaurants around town offer delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine. Check out our top spots for outdoor tacos and margaritas here. And keep an eye out for any block parties that may be announced, such as last year’s celebrations at Felipe’s. 

Wednesday at the Square

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We love Wednesday at the Square for many reasons: it’s a fundraiser for the Young Leadership Council, it features local musicians and vendors, it’s free to attend, and it’s another reason to visit New Orleans midweek. Catch the final installment on May 6 featuring Brass-A-Holics + Justin Garner.

Mother's Day

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Outdoor Dining and Cocktails at The Chloe
Randy Krause Schmidt, The Chloe
Brunch at The Chloe

Whether you’re celebrating your mom, grandma, aunt, or friend, honor the special mom (or mother figure) in your life on Mother’s Day, May 10. Take mom out to a Sunday jazz brunch at one of these spots, and enjoy the beautiful spring weather afterwards with a walk in the park. Enjoy a ballet performance of "Cinderella" at the Orpheum Theatre. Ort, let mom have the day to herself to relax at the spa. Check out our guide to Mother's Day in New Orleans here. 

Keith Lee's Familee Day

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The inaugural Keith Lee's Familee Day is coming to New Orleans on May 16, 2026! This event will feature delicious food, music, carnival rides, and a competitive obstacle course in which your family can compete against the Lee family. This festival was created to uplift overlooked restaurants and small businesses. More information is to be announced.

New Orleans Greek Festival

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New Orleans Greek Festival returns on Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24. The sounds of Greek music fill the air, as does the wonderful aroma of Greek food during this indoor and outdoor fête. Music, cathedral tours, and Hellenic dancing are all on the schedule, as well as a 5K to kick off the fest, kids’ activities, and arts and crafts for sale.

Memorial Day Weekend

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Enjoy the city on Memorial Day weekend. There’s plenty to do in tribute to our troops, including visits to the National WWII Museum, where WWII veterans receive free admission and visitors with military ID receive discounted admission. Additionally, Memorial Day weekend is seen as the kickoff to summer, so pack the sunscreen and head out for a sno-ball, or enjoy a delicious meal outdoors in NOLA.  Learn more about Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans here.

Live Theater

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Jewell Noel, Sam McLellan, and Diego Enrico in THE BOOK OF MORMON North American tour
Photo by Julieta Cervantes
"The Book of Mormon"

May is a month full of theater, dance, and orchestra concerts. Enjoy "The Book of Mormon" at the Saenger from May 12-17 and "The Firebird" at the Orpheum on May 7. Check out our spring theater guide here for more information on the performing arts. 

Sail250

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Sail250
Photo credit: Sail250
Sail250

New Orleans will be the first stop as America welcomes the tall ships of the world to the Port of New Orleans for a nationwide celebration of America's 250th anniversary. From May 28 - June 1, celebrate America's sestercentennial with the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world creating a majestic nautical spectacle along the historic Mississippi River. Events include a parade of sail, public ship tours, fireworks, and a seafood cook-off. Find more information about Sail250 here.