Summer is Here
It is summer, and Where Y'at is here to help you enjoy the warm season with New Orleans' Ultimate Summer Bucket List. Whether you're looking to beat the heat or embrace it, there's something for everyone in and around the city.
Everyday Activities
Haunted History Tours
(504) 861-2727
hauntedhistorytours.com
Known as one of America's most haunted cities, New Orleans has its fair share of ghost and paranormal stories, and there is no better way to learn about them than with a ghost tour. Haunted History Tours offers a large variety of tours to choose from, including the French Quarter Ghosts & Legends Tour.
National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St., (504) 528-1944
nationalww2museum.org
New Orleans' top tourist attraction has brought the history of WWII to life since its founding as the D-Day Museum in 2000. The National WWII Museum recently remastered its iconic 4D film Beyond All Boundaries and added an interactive exhibit where visitors can ask holograms of individuals who lived during WWII questions about life in the '30s and '40s and about the war.
NOMA Free Wednesdays
One Collins C. Diboll Cir., (504) 658-4100
noma.org
The New Orleans Museum of Art offers free admission to Louisiana residents on Wednesdays. In addition to its art exhibits, the museum features a sculpture garden right outside its building. Located in New Orleans' City Park, it is only a short walk to New Orleans' beignet staple Café du Monde.
JAMNOLA
940 Frenchmen St., (504) 233-2206
jamnola.com
Called a "Crescent City-Themed Cultural Experience" on its website, JAMNOLA brings together art, oddities, and photo opportunities that encapsulate the city's weirdness. JAMNOLA features over 30 exhibits featuring over 100 local artists and collaborators.
Sazerac House
101 Magazine St., (504) 910-0100
sazerachouse.com
Tour a museum dedicated to the Sazerac company and New Orleans before tasting the official drink of New Orleans, the Sazerac. In addition, the Sazerac House offers special events and tasting classes to take part in.
Live Events
Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal St., (504) 525-1052
saengertheatreneworleans.com
There is no better place for live music and shows than the historic New Orleans venue the Saenger Theatre. Events this summer include Lord Huron in concert on Saturday, July 25, and the Jersey Boys returning September 22 to 27.
Running of the Bulls
Saturday, July 11
nolabulls.com
You could head to Spain for the real Running of the Bulls or head to the French Quarter for New Orleans' much safer and more enjoyable version. Rollerskaters dressed like bulls and equipped with plastic bats chase runners through the streets.
Essence Fest
July 3-5
essence.com/essencefestival2026
This year's Essence Festival will feature musical superstars Cardi B and Leon Thomas, as well as legends Patti LaBelle and George Clinton. Michelle Obama will also record her podcast, The Light We Carry, live from the main stage for the fest's inaugural Creator and Podcast fest.
Red Dress Run
Saturday, Aug 8
noh3.com/RDR/RDRHome.php
Each August, runners, partiers, and a sea of red dresses take over the French Quarter. One of New Orleans biggest summer events, the Red Dress Run brings thousands of people together for charity, raising over $2 million for local non-profits since 1994.
New Orleans International Piano Competition
July 18-26
masno.org/noipc
If you love live music and are looking for less rowdy summer fun, the Hastings International Piano Competition could be a great fit. Some of the world's most talented pianists descend on New Orleans for a week-long competition at Loyola University's Roussel Hall.
Pools
The Country Club
634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742
thecountryclubneworleans.com
A hidden gem in the Bywater, the Country Club has everything a pool-goer could dream of, from a hot tub, sauna, poolside bar, and a heated pool for the cooler months. Day passes are $20, and the annual pass is available for $499.
Royal Sonesta
300 Bourbon St., (504) 586-0300
sonesta.com/royal-sonesta/la/new-orleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans
The Royal Sonesta's rooftop pool features views of the French Quarter. The hotel also features two great restaurants, Restaurant R'evolution and Desire Oyster Bar, so there is no need to leave.
Garden District Hotel
1525 Prytania St., (504) 383-9500
gdhnola.com
The Garden District Hotel's pool is reminiscent of a timeless resort. The space features palm trees adorning the pool, as well as orange and white striped umbrellas hanging over poolside lounge chairs.
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
717 Orleans St., (855) 771-5214
bourbonorleans.com
One of New Orleans' most beautiful and unique hotels, Bourbon Orleans features a Belle Époque-style pool surrounded by the beauty of historic New Orleans. Be sure to visit the hotel's Bourbon "O" Bar and other amenities.
The Barnett
600 Carondelet St., (504) 900-1180
thebarnett.com
Who doesn't love a rooftop pool and bar? Located on Carondelet Street, you can take a dip at The Barnett's pool to cool off or catch a tan while sipping a summer cocktail.
Eats
Brennan's
417 Royal St., (504) 525-9711
brennansneworleans.com
From brunch to dinner, tasting menus and wine pairings, Brennan's is one of the most respected restaurants in New Orleans. Its claim to fame, the Bananas Foster, gives Brennan's a historical feel.
Pandora's Snowballs
901 N. Carrolton Ave., (985) 966-3738
facebook.com/pandorassnoballs
On N. Carrollton near New Orleans City Park, you can head over to Pandora's after your trip to NOMA and cool off with a sweet treat. Known for their stuffed sno-balls, it is one of the best summer treats in New Orleans,
Willie Mae's NOLA
898 Baronne St., (504) 354-8194
williemaesnola.com
One of America's best fried chicken restaurants, Wille Mae's is a go-to spot for any lover of Southern food. They also have a great selection of handcrafted cocktails and wine, as well as a small selection of mocktails for non-drinkers.
Short Stop Poboys
119 Transcontinental Dr. Metairie, (504) 885-4572
shortstoppoboysno.com
This Metairie staple has been around for a long time and for good reason. Short Stop Poboys offers a large selection of hot and cold po-boys, as well as other tasty Louisiana dishes.
Bearcat Cafe
Multiple Locations
bearcatcafe.com
Bearcat Cafe is a go-to spot for traditional New Orleans brunch such as shrimp & grits and more innovative options such as the Cat Daddy Biscuit featuring chicken, a crawfish cream sauce, and a sunny side egg. They also have great vegan and vegetarian options for health-conscious eaters.
Day Trips
Avery Island
The birthplace of Tabasco Hot Sauce, Avery Island is a quick day trip for hot sauce and history lovers. Featuring a museum and factory tour, the Tabasco Restaurant, and beautifully kept gardens and nature, you can take your time with this trip.
Baton Rouge
Take a trip to Baton Rouge to see one of Louisiana's largest buildings, then tour the old capitol building and see why it's called "Louisiana's Castle." After seeing the capitol buildings, enjoy one of the city's many great restaurants or go shopping at the Mall of Louisiana.
Abita Springs
Take a break from city life and enjoy this quaint Northshore town. Head out on a Sunday morning to catch the farmers market and explore the beautiful Town of Abita Springs' Trailhead & Park, or enjoy a Cajun Dance on Saturday night.
Grand Isle
Take a journey to the Gulf to experience Grand Isle Louisiana's last inhabited barrier island. Enjoy the coastal beauty and the many brightly colored fishing camps, and do not forget your fishing pole.
Biloxi/Gulfport
Beat the heat with a dip in the water or enjoy the activities Mississippi's Gulf beach towns have to offer. Along with the beaches, you can head to the Mississippi Aquarium, the IP Casino, catch a Biloxi Shuckers baseball game, and try one of the region's many seafood restaurants.
