New Orleans Events in May 2024: A Guide to the Best Things to Do

New Orleans is a city that knows how to throw a party, and May is no exception. With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and lively music scene, there’s something for everyone in New Orleans during the month of May.

From the legendary New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to the quirky Louisiana Lagniappe Festival, there’s a festival for every taste in New Orleans in May. And if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of other events and activities to keep you entertained, from art exhibits to live music performances.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, be sure to check out these can’t-miss events in New Orleans in May 2024.

New Orleans Events May 2024

Get ready for a month of music, culture, and excitement in the Big Easy!

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
French Quarter Festival
Louisiana Lagniappe Festival
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
New Orleans Greek Festival
New Orleans Asian Pacific American Festival
New Orleans Film Festival
New Orleans Book Festival
New Orleans Fringe Festival
New Orleans Craft Beer Week

With so much to see and do, May is the perfect time to visit New Orleans!

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is one of the most iconic music festivals in the world. It’s a celebration of the city’s rich musical heritage, and it features a diverse lineup of artists from all over the globe. The festival is held over two weekends in late April and early May, and it takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.

The festival was first held in 1970, and it has grown exponentially since then. In 2019, the festival attracted over 475,000 people. The festival features a wide variety of music genres, including jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, and Cajun music. There are also food and craft vendors, as well as a children’s area.

Some of the biggest names in music have performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival over the years, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, and Stevie Wonder. The festival is also a great place to discover new music. There are always a number of up-and-coming artists performing at the festival, and you’re sure to find some new favorites.

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans in May, be sure to check out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It’s an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival:

Buy your tickets in advance. The festival sells out every year, so it’s important to get your tickets early.
Arrive early. The festival grounds open at 11am each day, but it’s a good idea to arrive early to get a good spot.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking at the festival, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Bring sunscreen and a hat. The festival is held outdoors, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay hydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot New Orleans weather.
Be prepared for crowds. The festival attracts a lot of people, so be prepared for crowds.

French Quarter Festival

The French Quarter Festival is a free music festival that takes place over four days in early May. It’s a celebration of the city’s French and Creole heritage, and it features a diverse lineup of musicians, artists, and vendors.

The festival was first held in 1984, and it has grown exponentially since then. In 2019, the festival attracted over 800,000 people. The festival takes place in the French Quarter, and it features 23 stages with live music, as well as food and craft vendors, and a children’s area.

The French Quarter Festival is a great place to experience the city’s unique culture and heritage. You can listen to live music, eat delicious food, and browse the many art and craft vendors. There’s something for everyone at the French Quarter Festival.

Here are some of the highlights of the French Quarter Festival:

The music: The festival features a diverse lineup of musicians, from local favorites to internationally renowned artists. There’s something for everyone, from jazz and blues to rock and pop.
The food: The festival features a wide variety of food vendors, serving everything from traditional New Orleans dishes to international cuisine. You’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
The art and crafts: The festival features a number of art and craft vendors, selling everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and clothing. You’re sure to find something unique to take home as a souvenir.
The children’s area: The festival features a children’s area with a variety of activities, including face painting, games, and rides. It’s a great place for kids to have fun and burn off some energy.

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans in May, be sure to check out the French Quarter Festival. It’s a free, family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss.

Louisiana Lagniappe Festival

The Louisiana Lagniappe Festival is a three-day festival that takes place over Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans. It’s a celebration of Louisiana’s unique culture and heritage, and it features a diverse lineup of music, food, and activities.

The festival was first held in 1984, and it has grown exponentially since then. In 2019, the festival attracted over 100,000 people. The festival takes place at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course, and it features four stages with live music, as well as food and craft vendors, and a children’s area.

The Louisiana Lagniappe Festival is a great place to experience the state’s unique culture and heritage. You can listen to live music, eat delicious food, and browse the many art and craft vendors. There’s something for everyone at the Louisiana Lagniappe Festival.

Here are some of the highlights of the Louisiana Lagniappe Festival:

The music: The festival features a diverse lineup of musicians, from local favorites to nationally renowned artists. There’s something for everyone, from zydeco and Cajun music to jazz and blues.
The food: The festival features a wide variety of food vendors, serving everything from traditional Louisiana dishes to international cuisine. You’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
The art and crafts: The festival features a number of art and craft vendors, selling everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and clothing. You’re sure to find something unique to take home as a souvenir.
The children’s area: The festival features a children’s area with a variety of activities, including face painting, games, and rides. It’s a great place for kids to have fun and burn off some energy.

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans in May, be sure to check out the Louisiana Lagniappe Festival. It’s a free, family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss.

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is a four-day festival that celebrates the city’s unique culinary scene. It features a variety of events, including wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and celebrity chef appearances.

Wine tastings: The festival features a variety of wine tastings, where you can sample wines from all over the world. You can also learn about different wine regions and grape varieties.
Cooking demonstrations: The festival features a number of cooking demonstrations, where you can watch celebrity chefs and local chefs prepare their favorite dishes. You can also learn about different cooking techniques and recipes.
Celebrity chef appearances: The festival features a number of celebrity chef appearances. You can meet your favorite chefs, get their autographs, and even take a cooking class with them.
Food and beverage vendors: The festival features a number of food and beverage vendors, where you can sample a variety of delicious dishes and drinks. You’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.

If you’re a foodie or a wine lover, then you won’t want to miss the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. It’s a great opportunity to learn about different wines and foods, and to meet some of your favorite chefs.

New Orleans Greek Festival

The New Orleans Greek Festival is a three-day festival that takes place over Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans. It’s a celebration of Greek culture and heritage, and it features a variety of food, music, and dancing.

The festival was first held in 1969, and it has grown exponentially since then. In 2019, the festival attracted over 300,000 people. The festival takes place at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New Orleans, and it features live music, Greek dancing, a marketplace, and a children’s area.

The New Orleans Greek Festival is a great place to experience Greek culture and heritage. You can listen to live music, eat delicious food, and browse the many vendors selling Greek products. There’s something for everyone at the New Orleans Greek Festival.

Here are some of the highlights of the New Orleans Greek Festival:

The food: The festival features a wide variety of Greek food vendors, serving everything from traditional Greek dishes to American-style Greek food. You’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
The music: The festival features live music throughout the weekend, including traditional Greek music, contemporary Greek music, and Greek dancing.
The marketplace: The festival features a marketplace where you can buy Greek products, including jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.
The children’s area: The festival features a children’s area with a variety of activities, including face painting, games, and rides. It’s a great place for kids to have fun and burn off some energy.

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans in May, be sure to check out the New Orleans Greek Festival. It’s a free, family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss.

New Orleans Asian Pacific American Festival

The New Orleans Asian Pacific American Festival is a three-day festival that celebrates the diverse cultures of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in New Orleans. It features a variety of food, music, and dance performances.

Food: The festival features a wide variety of Asian and Pacific Islander food vendors, serving everything from traditional dishes to fusion cuisine. You’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Music: The festival features live music performances by Asian and Pacific Islander musicians, including traditional music, contemporary music, and dance performances.
Dance: The festival features traditional and contemporary dance performances by Asian and Pacific Islander dance groups. You’ll see a variety of dance styles, including lion dances, hula dancing, and Bollywood dancing.
Cultural exhibits: The festival features a variety of cultural exhibits, where you can learn about the history and culture of different Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

The New Orleans Asian Pacific American Festival is a great opportunity to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultures of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in New Orleans. It’s a free, family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss.

New Orleans Film Festival

The New Orleans Film Festival is a nine-day festival that takes place in October in New Orleans. It’s one of the largest film festivals in the United States, and it showcases a diverse range of films from all over the world.

The festival was first held in 1991, and it has grown exponentially since then. In 2019, the festival screened over 250 films from 60 countries. The festival takes place at various venues throughout New Orleans, including the Prytania Theatre, the Zeitgeist Theatre, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

The New Orleans Film Festival is a great place to see new and independent films. You’ll see a variety of genres, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, and foreign films. There’s something for everyone at the New Orleans Film Festival.

Here are some of the highlights of the New Orleans Film Festival:

The films: The festival showcases a diverse range of films from all over the world. You’ll see a variety of genres, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, and foreign films.
The filmmakers: The festival attracts filmmakers from all over the world. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and talk to the filmmakers about their work.
The parties: The festival features a number of parties and events, where you can meet other film fans and celebrate the festival.
The city: New Orleans is a great city to visit, and the film festival is a great excuse to explore the city.

If you’re a film lover, then you won’t want to miss the New Orleans Film Festival. It’s a great opportunity to see new and independent films, meet filmmakers, and celebrate the art of film.

New Orleans Book Festival

The New Orleans Book Festival is a three-day festival that takes place in October in New Orleans. It’s one of the largest book festivals in the United States, and it features a wide variety of authors, books, and literary events.

The festival was first held in 1999, and it has grown exponentially since then. In 2019, the festival attracted over 100,000 people. The festival takes place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and it features author readings, book signings, panel discussions, and children’s activities.

The New Orleans Book Festival is a great place to meet your favorite authors, discover new books, and celebrate the joy of reading. You’ll find a wide variety of books at the festival, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books.

Here are some of the highlights of the New Orleans Book Festival:

The authors: The festival features a wide variety of authors, from local authors to nationally renowned authors. You’ll have the opportunity to meet your favorite authors, get their autographs, and hear them read from their work.
The books: You’ll find a wide variety of books at the festival, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books. You’re sure to find something to add to your reading list.
The events: The festival features a number of events, including author readings, book signings, panel discussions, and children’s activities. There’s something for everyone at the New Orleans Book Festival.
The city: New Orleans is a great city to visit, and the book festival is a great excuse to explore the city.

If you’re a book lover, then you won’t want to miss the New Orleans Book Festival. It’s a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors, discover new books, and celebrate the joy of reading.

New Orleans Fringe Festival

The New Orleans Fringe Festival is a two-week festival that takes place in November in New Orleans. It’s a celebration of the performing arts, and it features a variety of theater, dance, music, and visual art performances.

The festival was first held in 1985, and it has grown exponentially since then. In 2019, the festival featured over 100 performances at over 20 venues throughout New Orleans. The festival is open to all artists, and there is no審査 process. This means that anyone can participate in the festival, regardless of their experience or level of skill.

The New Orleans Fringe Festival is a great place to see new and innovative work from local and international artists. You’ll see a variety of performances, from traditional theater to experimental dance to multimedia performances. There’s something for everyone at the New Orleans Fringe Festival.

Here are some of the highlights of the New Orleans Fringe Festival:

The variety of performances: The festival features a wide variety of performances, from traditional theater to experimental dance to multimedia performances. You’re sure to find something that interests you.
The open access: The festival is open to all artists, regardless of their experience or level of skill. This means that you’ll see a variety of work, from polished professional productions to raw and experimental pieces.
The affordability: The festival is very affordable, with tickets costing $10 or less. This makes it a great option for people who are on a budget.
The city: New Orleans is a great city to visit, and the fringe festival is a great excuse to explore the city.

If you’re a fan of the performing arts, then you won’t want to miss the New Orleans Fringe Festival. It’s a great opportunity to see new and innovative work from local and international artists.

New Orleans Craft Beer Week

New Orleans Craft Beer Week is a 10-day festival that takes place in May in New Orleans. It’s a celebration of the city’s vibrant craft beer scene, and it features a variety of events, including beer tastings, brewery tours, and special beer dinners.

The festival was first held in 2008, and it has grown exponentially since then. In 2019, the festival attracted over 50,000 people. The festival takes place at various venues throughout New Orleans, including breweries, bars, and restaurants.

New Orleans Craft Beer Week is a great opportunity to sample some of the city’s best craft beers. You’ll find a wide variety of beers to choose from, including IPAs, stouts, porters, and lagers. There’s something for everyone at New Orleans Craft Beer Week.

Here are some of the highlights of New Orleans Craft Beer Week:

The beer tastings: The festival features a variety of beer tastings, where you can sample a variety of craft beers from local breweries.
The brewery tours: The festival features a number of brewery tours, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample some of the beers that are made on site.
The special beer dinners: The festival features a number of special beer dinners, where you can enjoy a delicious meal paired with a variety of craft beers.
The city: New Orleans is a great city to visit, and the craft beer week is a great excuse to explore the city.

If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you won’t want to miss New Orleans Craft Beer Week. It’s a great opportunity to sample some of the city’s best craft beers and celebrate the city’s vibrant craft beer scene.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about New Orleans Events in May 2024:

Question 1: What are the dates of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2024?
Answer 1: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will take place over two weekends in late April and early May 2024. The exact dates are April 26-28 and May 2-5, 2024.

Question 2: Where is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival held?
Answer 2: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.

Question 3: What is the New Orleans French Quarter Festival?
Answer 3: The New Orleans French Quarter Festival is a free music festival that takes place over four days in early May. It’s a celebration of the city’s French and Creole heritage, and it features a diverse lineup of musicians, artists, and vendors.

Question 4: What are the dates of the New Orleans French Quarter Festival in 2024?
Answer 4: The New Orleans French Quarter Festival will take place from May 2-5, 2024.

Question 5: Where is the New Orleans French Quarter Festival held?
Answer 5: The New Orleans French Quarter Festival is held in the French Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood.

Question 6: What are some other popular events happening in New Orleans in May 2024?
Answer 6: Other popular events happening in New Orleans in May 2024 include the Louisiana Lagniappe Festival, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, the New Orleans Greek Festival, the New Orleans Asian Pacific American Festival, the New Orleans Film Festival, the New Orleans Book Festival, the New Orleans Fringe Festival, and New Orleans Craft Beer Week.

Question 7: How can I get tickets to these events?
Answer 7: Tickets for most of these events can be purchased online or at the gate. Some events, such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase tickets in advance.

I hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Now that you know more about the events happening in New Orleans in May 2024, here are a few tips to help you plan your trip:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip to New Orleans in May 2024:

Tip 1: Book your accommodation early.
New Orleans is a popular tourist destination, and hotels can fill up quickly during peak season. To get the best rates and selection, book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Tip 2: Purchase your tickets in advance.
Tickets for popular events, such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, purchase your tickets online or at the gate as early as possible.

Tip 3: Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking in New Orleans, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The city is also known for its cobblestone streets, so it’s important to wear shoes that provide good support.

Tip 4: Stay hydrated.
The weather in New Orleans can be hot and humid, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.

I hope these tips help you have a wonderful time in New Orleans in May 2024!

New Orleans is a vibrant city with a rich culture and history. There’s something for everyone in New Orleans, from music and food to history and culture. I encourage you to come and experience the Big Easy for yourself.

Conclusion

From the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to the quirky Louisiana Lagniappe Festival, there’s a festival for every taste in New Orleans in May. And if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of other events and activities to keep you entertained, from art exhibits to live music performances.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, be sure to check out these can’t-miss events in New Orleans in May 2024:

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
French Quarter Festival
Louisiana Lagniappe Festival
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
New Orleans Greek Festival
New Orleans Asian Pacific American Festival
New Orleans Film Festival
New Orleans Book Festival
New Orleans Fringe Festival
New Orleans Craft Beer Week

With so much to see and do, May is the perfect time to visit New Orleans! I hope this article has given you a taste of what’s in store for you in the Big Easy in 2024.

So come on down to New Orleans in May 2024 and experience all that this amazing city has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!