15 Things to Do in New Orleans this May

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, Bayou Boogaloo, 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. 

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in NOLA 

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. 

Head to the fairgrounds for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival   

Jazz Fest returns from April 24-27 and May 1-4 with an all-star lineup of performers. Headliners for Weekend 1 include Dave Matthews Band, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Kacey Musgraves, and John Fogerty. Weekend 2 will feature Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz, Laufey, 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. Check out our Ultimate Jazz Fest Guide here and start planning your trip. 

Eat tacos and drink margaritas on Cinco de Mayo  

This year Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday, 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. 

Celebrate the women in your life on Mother’s Day 

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 11. 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. Better yet, let mom have the day to herself to relax at the spa. Check out our guide to Mother's Day in New Orleans here. 

Jam out at Wednesday at the Square 

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 7 featuring Jourdan Thibodeaux et las Rôdailleurs + Bon Bon Vivant.

Soak up the sun at Bayou Boogaloo 

Returning to Bayou St. John May 16-18, Bayou Boogaloo is the unofficial kickoff to the summer in New Orleans. Hang out on the bayou, listen to live music, shop the art market, and try delicious New Orleans cuisine at this festival. Weekend passes are on sale now for $34.50; day tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Spend Memorial Day Weekend in NOLA 

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.  

Say opa! at New Orleans Greek Festival 

New Orleans Greek Festival returns on Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25. 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.

Enjoy a trip to the theater  

May is a month full of theater, dance, and orchestra concerts. A few shows we’re looking forward to include “Doubt, a parable,” “The Wiz,” and “Giselle” (ballet).  Check out our spring theater guide here for more information on the performing arts. 

Sample a sno-ball 

We’re just getting started with sno-ball season in New Orleans. This icy treat is perfect for the springtime and summer weather. Pick your flavor - be it nectar cream, tiger’s blood, or rainbow - and enjoy the outdoors as the days get longer.  

Enjoy the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest 

From May 29 – June 1, kick off Pride Month at the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest. The lineup, which is yet to be announced, will feature queer-identifying comedians from around the world. Stay tuned for details. 

Eat lots of crawfish 

Enjoy crawfish season this May in New Orleans by stopping in at one of these restaurants or visiting a brewery hosting a boil. Or get them raw for a crawfish boil of your own. Then, head outdoors to City Park, Woldenberg Park, Pontchartrain Park, or The Fly  for a feast in the glorious spring weather.

Enjoy a NOLA Gold Rugby Game 

The NOLA Gold are in full swing this May with two home games. On May 9, they take on the Miami Sharks and on May 24, they play the Utah Warriors. Head to the Gold Mine on Airline for these home games.

Visit a New Orleans attraction 

Make sure to visit a New Orleans attraction or museum this month. Learn about New Orleans’ food history and culture at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, visit the flamingos and monkeys at the Audubon Zoo, check out Black art at Studio BE, and visit an off-the-beaten-path attraction. Check out our attractions guide to find your perfect outing.

Check out a museum exhibit 

May is a great time to visit a local museum to see what’s on view. “Making It Home: From Vietnam to New Orleans” commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon at The Historic New Orleans Collection through October 5. “Battle of the Bands,” which features artwork from Keith Duncan depicting HBCU marching bands, is on view through August 10 at the Ogden. Browse our art calendar here for more ideas.