New Orleans Summer Happenings

A lot of people get bummed about staying in New Orleans over the summer because of its at-times unbearable heat, but don’t feel defeated. You are strong, you are determined and you are in one of the greatest cities in the world. There are endless possibilities for a person who stays in this town for an extended period of time, and now that school is out and you have a few free minutes, it’s about time you experience them. Here are a few ideas of places to keep you entertained…
Head to the zoo at a early hour and get ready for a busy day. The Audubon Nature Institute offers a Zoo/Aquarium/Insectarium pass that allows you to visit all three at a reduced price and even see an IMAX movie if you’re in the mood. Definitely start with the zoo first, because the animals will be out and the weather will be nice. You can then head to the air-conditioned locations later in the day.
We’ve all been to the French Quarter, but have we all really done it the way it should be done (i.e. during the day)? The nightlife is, of course, a main attraction, but there is so much that can be missed without daylight. Endless art galleries, top-notch shopping, museums, unique cuisine and the famous Jackson Square provide more than a day’s worth of fun. A person could spend weeks down there and still find something new every day. Go there, discover new places and introduce your friends when they come back.
New Orleans is still a city staging a comeback, and helping out once and awhile is more fun than you might think. There is an infinite number of places that need young people to help out, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. Volunteering will introduce you to new people and take you to new places, and every sort of opportunity is available. Build houses, walk dogs, tutor kids, do anything. Just take a little time out to do something.
Last but not least, try to learn something. Whether it’s taking a summer course at Tulane or a cooking class somewhere else, broaden your horizons. There are so many unique people in this city and so many unusual things that you can learn from them. You just might find something that you like.

Of course, there are festivals and summer celebrations taking place across the country, but if you’re in New Orleans for even a short portion of the summer, there are tons of events you won’t want to miss:

Greek Festival: May 22nd-24th

This three-day event has nothing to do with college Greek life but rather hearkens back to historical Greece, inviting participants to enjoy ‘Greece on the Bayou’ this Memorial Day weekend. For a $5 entrance fee, Greece-goers can enjoy authentic Greek food, live music and a wide variety of Greece-influenced activities. You can experience the hustle and bustle of Greek shopping at the Agora Returns, which is a recreated marketplace. There are also many games and activities to appeal to children (who have free entrance), and you can even take a canoe ride down the bayou off of Robert E. Lee Boulevard. The majority of the fest takes place Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday, so if you’re looking for something wholesome to enjoy with your family, Greek Festival is the perfect opportunity to enjoy early summer.

Pridefest: June 28th-29th

Pridefest is a yearly gay pride festival that welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, as well as those who love them. Taking place in Washington Square Park, revelers can enjoy the usual New Orleans promise of live music, excellent food and unusual entertainment. On Saturday afternoon, a parade will be held with everyone encouraged to dress in drag. If that’s not your style, just stop by to check out the countless booths featuring local arts and crafts. The fest runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and is free.

Tales of the Cocktail: July 8th-12th

This year marks New Orleans’ seventh annual celebration of the spirits and exotic cuisine that bring travelers back to the city again and again. Tales of the Cocktail hosts a wide variety of acclaimed mixologists, bartenders and chefs who will hold more than 100 events, all for which tickets can be bought online. The headquarters of “Tales” will be Hotel Monteleone but activities and speakers will take place across the city in various notable restaurants and bars. Just a few events to whet your appetite include: The Great Whisk(e)y Debate, Chef and the Fat Man Cooking Show, and the Grande Soiree d’Absinthe. This year, the festivities’ official drink is the Creole Julep, so mix this classic drink up in preparation for many more mouth-watering concoctions to come.

Essence Fest: July 3rd-5th

Over the 4th of July weekend, New Orleans will welcome back Essence Fest to the Superdome for its 15th year. This exciting nightly concert series features headliners from a variety of backgrounds, including Beyoncé, Lionel Richie, Salt N Pepa, Robin Thicke, Al Green and John Legend. During the day, the general public can attend free “Empowering Seminars” at the Convention Center, where speakers include Bill Cosby, Roland Martin and Dr. Juanita Bynum. This star-studded event is not cheap, but it will certainly be worth it. One-day passes range from $50-200 and 3-day weekend passes run from $153-544, all for what are sure to be unforgettable performances.

Satchmo Summerfest: July 30th-August 2nd

Named after New Orleans’ own Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, this festival is on its ninth year of bringing people together in celebration of his birth. This year will be the 107th anniversary of remarkable musician’s birthday, and you don’t want to be anywhere else. From a “Red Beans and Ricely Yours” luncheon to a four-stage free music festival, there is plenty to do and see. All within the Old U.S. Mint, the musical varieties with designated stages include traditional jazz, contemporary jazz and brass bands, and activities for children and guest speakers.