New Orleans Summer Festivals
Bring on the Southern Humidity for These Summer Events From June to September
Steamy and dreamy, a New Orleans summer is a time for shorts, sandals and fun. June weekends devote themselves to celebrating the Gulf oyster, Cajun Zydeco music and the Creole tomato, lauded for two days at the French Market. Diversity rules the New Orleans Pride Fest, a historic gay event that includes parties, parades and a family picnic. Famed Essence Fest, the party with a purpose, kicks off over July 4th weekend with headlining music acts by night and thought provoking speakers and workshops by day. Tales of the Cocktail draws industry pros and tipplers from all over the world for five days of spirited refreshments and presentations. August finds Louis Armstrong fans dancing at the Old U.S. Mint for Satchmo Fest. Art lovers stroll Julia Street galleries in the Warehouse Arts District on Whitney White Linen Night. They return the following weekend for Dirty Linen Night on Royal Street. Also in August: Restaurants offer deals all month long during COOLinary New Orleans. The summer ends with Southern Decadence, aka Gay Mardi Gras. The Labor Day weekend festival brings an international LGBT crowd to town along with the traditional Louisiana Seafood Festival.