Summertime in New Orleans is all about staying cool, and seeing live music is a great way to do just that. Enjoy indoor 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 

This June 30-July 2, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans. Celebrating 50 years of hip hop, the evening concert lineup includes Missy Elliott, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Jermaine Dupri, Wizkid, Monica, Coco Jones, and countless others, as well as surprise artists and comedians, all at the Caesars Superdome. Oh, and don’t forget to show some love to or Black-owned businesses while you’re in town. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Essence Fest here. Single day tickets start at $80 plus fees.

Justen Williams

Tipitina’s Free Fridays 

Tipitina’s Free Fridays summer concert series is back and better than ever. On Fridays from May 26 to September 1, enjoy free concerts from a rotating list of local performers, including Tony Hall & Friends, Papa Mali’s Brand New Bag, The Soul Project FUAS, and Soul Brass Band, plus more, this July. 

Don Toliver 

Rapper Don Toliver stops in New Orleans at The Fillmore on his “Thee Love Sick Tour 2023.” The show is July 6 and tickets start at $49.50, plus fees. 

Charlie Gras 

On Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m., Toulouse Theatre hosts a celebration of Mr. Charlie Gabriel's 91st birthday. Master clarinetist, saxophonist, vocalist, and bandleader Charlie Gabriel will perform along with the Preservation Hall All-Stars. Tickets are $20, plus fees. 

Rebecca Todd, New Orleans Tourism
Thursdays at Twilight

Thursdays at Twilight

Thursdays at Twilight is a great way to enjoy City Park in the middle of the week. The concerts take place in the New Orleans Botanical Garden and will feature Banu Gibson, Lena Prima, Harvey Jesus and Fire, and James Rivers Movement for the month of July. Admission is $15, plus fees. 

Troy Sawyer and the Elementz

The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music presents: Troy Sawyer and the Elementz on Tuesday, July 11. General admission tickets are $15 and discounted tickets are available.

Paramore, Alicia Keys, and Shania Twain 

Several nationally touring artists stop at the Smoothie King Center this July. Catch Paramore on July 6, Alicia Keys on July 23, and Shania Twain on July 24. Ticket prices for each show vary and can be found here

For even more music, visit the WWOZ LiveWire Music Calendar