Memorial Day Weekend 

Start your summer by celebrating Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans

Memorial Day, the last Monday of May in the United States, honors the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In New Orleans, many observe Memorial Day by visiting museums or picnicking with family and friends. Here, we’ve gathered some ways to commemorate the day and celebrate the official beginning of summer. Find it all here.

Visit a Museum

Named the #8 Museum in the World and #3 in the US in TripAdvisor's 2018 Travelers' Choice Awards, The National WWII Museum is an incredible place to pay tribute on Memorial Day. The exhibits are interactive, educational, and truly fun for the whole family. With so much to see, you can easily spend a whole day here. 

Expressions of America, a recent addition to the museum is, is an immersive, outdoor sound and light show that combines cutting-edge technology and special effects with the real words and stories of everyday people who made a tremendous impact during a time of monumental conflict. Held as a nighttime experience, you can expect an unforgettable evening of music, stunning imagery, vintage cocktails, festive food options, and entertainment as projections 90 feet tall transport you back in time.  

Museums and Attractions with Military Discounts

Many museums and attractions offer discounts for service members including the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, JAMNOLA, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, The Cabildo and Presbytère, Vue Orleans, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Along with the previous discounts, the National WWII Museum also offers World War II veterans free admission.

For history buffs looking to learn more about the Battle of New Orleans, consider a trip to the Malus Beauregard House at the Chalmette Battlefield, which is located just a short drive from Downtown New Orleans, or paddlewheeler trip from Downtown New Orleans.

Festivals & Events

This three-day weekend kicks off the summer with festivals, exhibits, and events that are fun for the whole family. Greek Fest will celebrate its 49th year with all the music, fun, and baklava you can handle.

During Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy a visit to a brewery, cool off with a sno-ball, or check out one of the many shows on our live music calendar. Find out more about how we're celebrating our favorite spring festivals here.  

Picnic Spots

If your ideal Memorial Day weekend includes relaxing with a local beer and a picnic, NOLA’s parks and green spaces are for you. Spend a day at The Fly along the Mississippi River playing frisbee, or check out the beautiful New Orleans City Park and find a spot to grill under the Oaks. You can also pick up po-boys or crawfish and have a relaxing picnic along Mid-City’s Bayou St. John. If you're looking for other places to drink outside, see our round-up here and check out our top picnic spots here.

Best Places to Get BBQ

Celebrate the start of summer with some good ol’ fashioned barbecue from some of New Orleans’ best spots. Try The Joint in the Bywater, Central City BBQ in Central City, Devil Moon BBQ in downtown, or Blue Oak BBQ in Mid-City to get your BBQ fix.