Summer Celebrations in the New Orleans French Quarter

It’s never too early to begin summer planning.

New Orleans has so much to offer as a fun summer destination. There’s always a party happening on the streets.

The Big Easy continues to bring in awards from multiple publications, most recently being ranked as the No. 1 place to go in 2018 by The New York Times.

With so much to do and see as well as eat, it’s easy to see why NOLA’s tourism numbers continue to climb.

Events are taking place all summer long, and the French Quarter is, of course, the place to be. It’s a destination perfect for large-scale parties.

Here are three stellar festivals in the French Quarter worth traveling for this summer.

French Market Creole Tomato Festival

From June 9 through June 10, the French Market District will put on the French Market Creole Tomato Festival.

This event is significant because it signifies the arrival of Creole tomato dishes throughout the city and honors Louisiana’s produce and farmers. It’s a free festival complete with music on multiple stages, a Bloody Mary Market, fun games, unique traditions and even a tomato eating contest.

The tomato is an important part of many popular dishes served at New Orleans’ best restaurants and this festival is a terrific way to sample an authentic taste of NOLA.

Satchmo SummerFest

The Satchmo SummerFest was born in 2001 to celebrate one of New Orleans’ most famous natives, the late Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. It would have been his 100th birthday that day, and the crowd turnout was such a success that the city decided this needed to be an annual summer event. It has since become of the highlight for New Orleans summer.

Held on the first weekend of August every year, the Satchmo SummerFest takes place in the heart of the French Quarter at Jackson Square. Party it up with live music from multiple performers, many who will pay tribute to Armstrong and his music. And of course, you can’t forget about the amazing food the locals provide. There is a small fee for adults, but kids 12 and under are free.

Southern Decadence

From August 30 to September 3, aka Labor Day Weekend, New Orleans will host Southern Decadence.

What began as a going away party back in 1972 has turned into a premier summer event for The Big Easy. This street party celebration of LGBT culture brings in people from around the world ready to eat, drink and dance the weekend away.

There are parades, contests and block parties all weekend long plus food and drink specials at various restaurants and bars. So, grab your costume and party it up in the French Quarter this summer.