July in New Orleans

Food + festivals - New Orleans is the perfect place to visit in July

Whether you’re planning the perfect family-friendly Fourth of July getaway or hoping to stop by an outdoor festival, July in New Orleans is filled with plenty to do and enjoy in the Crescent City.

What to do in July in New Orleans?

Art lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and culture-seekers - July is the perfect month for you to visit New Orleans! The middle of summer is filled with one-of-a-kind events and festivals that can only be found in the Crescent City. No matter how you spend your visit to New Orleans in July, it will surely be memorable.

Fourth of July in New Orleans

Check out some of the awesome events and festivals scheduled for Fourth of July Weekend. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks at 4th Fest in Crescent Park at the French Market before watching Go Fourth on the River, the annual dueling barges fireworks display along the Mississippi Riverfront. What’s Fourth of July without BBQ? If you’re not hosting one of your own, swing by one of New Orleans’ BBQ joints to complete your Independence Day!

ESSENCE Festival of Culture®

Presented by Coca-Cola, the annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture is one of the city’s most-anticipated events. Celebrating and promoting African American music, health, food, beauty, culture, and more ESSENCE Fest returns to NOLA from July 3-6, 2025. Attendees can expect a truly joyful, star-studded weekend of live music performances, delicious food, career advancement opportunities, and so much more. Read our Ultimate Guide to Essence Fest here for the latest.

UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3

Louisiana native and former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier will face current UFC ‘BMF’ champion Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 318, set to take place on Saturday, July 19, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The hometown favorite will challenge Holloway for his ‘BMF’ title in his final fight of his hall of fame UFC career. Follow here for the latest.

Bastille Day Fête

As the U.S city with the most French influence in the country, it only makes sense that New Orleans honors its French influence with its own celebration. Celebrate Bastille Day with a block party in the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood, where you can enjoy French cuisine, arts and crafts, music, and a costume contest.

Running of the Bulls

Once a year, Spain makes its way to New Orleans’ Arts + Warehouse District for the annual Running of the Bulls. Known as Encierro de Pamplona in Spain, runners from near and far come to New Orleans to participate in the race. This annual activity pays homage to the Spanish influence throughout New Orleans. Running of the Bulls and surrounding events are July 11-13, 2025.

Tales of the Cocktail

The world’s largest cocktail conference returns to the Crescent City on July 20-25, 2025! This six-day event is a cocktail lover’s dream – with tastings, workshops, seminars, competitions, and more, all celebrating the global drinks industry. Sip your way through the history of cocktail in the place it was born – New Orleans! Read more on our Ultimate Guide to Tales of the Cocktail here.

What is the weather in July in New Orleans?

Hot and steamy! July is when New Orleans really starts to heat up. If you’re planning on visiting in July, opt for light and airy clothing. Make sure to bring out your best red for the Running of the Bulls! There’s a chance of a few light showers so umbrellas are a good idea just in case.

What foods should I try in July in New Orleans?

It’s never too hot for something sweet. Beignets, pralines, and of course, ice cream (National Ice Cream Day is July 17) are the perfect New Orleans treats to keep your mind off of the heat. Or treat yourself to brunch, and end it with some Bananas Foster, which was invented at Brennan's Restaurant. Cool off and quench your thirst with your squad over brews from one of the city’s microbreweries. Whether you’re a hops connoisseur or are looking to for a chill spot to hang, there’s a brewery out there with a cold one waiting for you.

Happening in July

01/06/2026 - "A Vanishing Bounty: Louisiana’s Coastal Environment and Culture"

01/06/2026 - "New Orleans Musicians in Art"

01/06/2026 - French Quarter Galleries

01/06/2026 - “The Trail They Blazed”

01/08/2026 - "Vince Fraser: Ancestral Odyssey"

07/03/2026 - ESSENCE Festival of Culture® Presented By Coca-Cola® - New Orleans

07/04/2026 - Go Fourth on the River

07/10/2026 - Running of the Bulls

07/19/2026 - Tales of the Cocktail

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