Summertime in New Orleans is all about staying cool, and seeing live music is a great way to do that. Enjoy concerts and festivals throughout the month of July featuring both local and nationally recognized artists. Check out our top picks for live music this July in New Orleans below.
ESSENCE Festival of Culture
Essence Fest returns for its 32nd year from July 3-5. Performers at Caesars Superdome include Cardi B, Latto, Patti LaBelle, Brandy & Monica, Kehlani, George Clinton, Babyface, and a special appearance from Michelle Obama. Daytime events at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center include Essence Film Festival, BeautyCon, Essence Food & Wine Festival, and the We Love Us Marketplace. These daytime events are free but you must register online in advance. 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. Single day tickets for the nightly concerts start at $82, plus taxes.
Tipitina's Free Fridays
The ultimate summer concert series continues at Tipitina’s this Friday. For 15 weeks, music enthusiasts aged 21 and above can enjoy free live shows at the iconic Uptown music venue. This July, enjoy shows from Brass-a-Holics + Vegas Cola (July 3), Honey Island Swamp Band + Deltaphonic (July 10), Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes + Electric Ramble (July 17), Soul Brass Band + The Next Level Band (July 24), New Orleans Suspects + Brass Tyrannosaurus (July 31). For all shows, doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.
Tori Amos with Bartees Strange
On July 12, head to the Saenger Theatre for a performance from singer-songwriter Tori Amos with Bartees Strange. Tickets start at $60, plus fees.
X Games New Orleans
The X Games is more than just a competition; it includes back-to-back nights of live music in the Smoothie King Center. On Friday, July 24, catch Metro Boomin' and J.I.D. and on Saturday, July 25, see Subtronics with BUNT. Nightly tickets start at $80 each. Packages are available if you’d like to purchase one ticket to see both the concerts and the sports.