July in New Orleans

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.

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 is filled with plenty to do and enjoy in the Crescent City.

Ready to Book? Search hotels and find the best available rates below!

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.

Courtesy of XGames.com

X Games Championship

This year, the X Games Championship will make its Crescent City debut at Ceasars Superdome. Gear up for an action-packed weekend full of daring flips and feats. This event welcomes audience members of all ages, so bring the whole family along to watch athletes soar through skateboarding, BMX, and Moto X stunts. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at one of the many amazing restaurants within walking distance of the Dome! Check out our tips on some of the best places to eat and things to do near the event here.

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 on Friday, July 10 (not the official holiday!), 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 10-12, 2026.

Tales of the Cocktail

The world’s largest cocktail conference returns to the Crescent City on July 19-24, 2026! 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 the 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 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 for a chill spot to hang, there’s a brewery out there with a cold one waiting for you.

Happening in July

07/20/2026 - "American Revolution"

07/20/2026 - "Burke’s Delight The Stacey and Michael Burke Collection"

07/20/2026 - "I Am the Face"

07/20/2026 - "Origins of New Orleans Black Carnival Society: The Story of the Illinois Clubs"

07/20/2026 - "The Moss Mystique: Southern Women and Newcomb Pottery"

07/20/2026 - 13th Annual HBCU Art Showcase

07/20/2026 - New Orleans International Piano Competition

07/20/2026 - Ochsner Children's Summer Toy Drive

07/20/2026 - Tales of the Cocktail

07/21/2026 - "New Orleans Musicians in Art"

07/21/2026 - "Sèvres Magnifique: French Porcelain from the Collection of Thomas B. Lemann"

07/21/2026 - Maafa: Anchored by Ancestors

07/21/2026 - Stage Door Idol

07/22/2026 - Family Splash Nights at Cool Zoo Waterpark

07/22/2026 - Mark Normand - New Orleans

07/23/2026 - "The Rose Tattoo"

07/23/2026 - "Vince Fraser: Ancestral Odyssey"

07/23/2026 - UNO Tournament Night

07/24/2026 - Friday Night Fights

07/24/2026 - Red, White & Rose

07/24/2026 - Sip+Dip

07/24/2026 - Tipitina's Free Fridays

07/24/2026 - X Games Championship

07/25/2026 - 2026 Americas Selection of Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup

07/25/2026 - 4th Annual Summertime Marketplace

07/25/2026 - The Skyline Spin: The Barnett

07/27/2026 - Summerween Sunnies Class with Crafty Kat

07/30/2026 - "A Little Night Music"

07/30/2026 - Kindergarten Kickoff

07/30/2026 - Summerween Slasher Movie Trivia Night

07/30/2026 - Way Down: a Burlesque/Drag Tribute to Hadestown

07/31/2026 - Beyond the Veil- New Orleans' Only Haunted Variety Show

08/01/2026 - The Phantom Ballerina in New Orleans - Outdoor Exploration Game

07/04/2027 - Go Fourth on the River

Valuable Travel Info Request a Visitor Guide

Check Rates Book Your Stay

Find Discounts & More Coupons & Deals