Discover 10 Must‑Do Activities in New Orleans This June
This June in New Orleans is JAM-PACKED! The refreshing summer sips are flowing, the kitchens are sizzling, businesses are back in action, and yes, FESTIVALS ARE RETURNING.
If you find yourself in New Orleans this June, you’re in luck—there’s so much to do. We’ve got you covered with everything from Flag Day to Father’s Day, and so on. This June is filled with Pride celebrations, an homage to Caribbean heritage, unbeatable restaurant deals, food & wine and a truly good time.
Check out our Top 10 Things to do this June below.
1
Celebrated as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the U.S., June is a special month in New Orleans for celebrating Pride. While we’re missing our annual Pride Parade that’s known for sweeping the streets of the Crescent City, there are plenty of other events to celebrate the occasion.
See Ambush Magazine's Official New Orleans Pride Guide here, which includes everything from parties to family-friendly events. From June 4-6, enjoy Pridefest at Faubourg Brewing Co., featuring LGBTQ+ vendors, musicians, food trucks and a new beer release. Longue Vue House & Gardens is celebrating Pride with free admission to the gardens, plus Drag Queen Storytime and other family-friendly activities on June 13. And we can't forget the Krewe of Pride House Floats - follow this map and stop by the houses decorated for Pride all month long. These are just a few highlights from a month packed full of Pride events.
For more on LGBTQ+ New Orleans, check out our page here, which includes itineraries and a list of LGBTQ+ owned businesses.
2
Take the 20-minute drive out to Belle Chase for this year’s Hogs for the Cause, held June 4-5, 2021. This barbecue cookout festival features lots of tasty food options from dozens of vendors, including ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and cochon de lait po-boys, plus live music. Proceeds from the festival benefit families of children with pediatric brain cancer. Tickets start at $69.
3
Experience all the wine and food you can handle in one week at NOWFE, June 8-13, 2021. Over the week, participate in wine dinners, labs, tastings and other one-of-a-kind experiences unique to the festival. Go from sampling sweet indulgent dessert wines or participating in an oyster workshop to checking out the French Quarter’s most impressive wine cellars.
4
What better way to celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month than with a festival? Curry with a Flavor is that fest! For its inaugural year, Curry with a Flavor will feature a number of show-stopping performances such as the Pan Vibrations Steel, Trinette, Creig Camacho, and more! Tickets give you access to all performances, local food vendors, and more. They can be purchased HERE. Curry with a Flavor will be held June 5.
5
Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the U.S., is on Saturday, June 19. There are many ways to recognize the day, including exploring historic sites and supporting Black-owned businesses in New Orleans. Visit a museum, such as the New Orleans African American Museum, or a community center like Ashé Cultural Arts Center for the latest on Juneteenth celebrations. As more are announced, they will be posted here.
6
This June is the perfect time to museum hop for a number of exciting reasons. After several months, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is reopening its doors for safe exploration and adventure on May 29. Its new location in City Park makes it easy to spend the entire afternoon exploring the museum and surrounding areas.
The newest addition to NOLAs Museum map is the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience. Their 9,000 square foot facility in downtown New Orleans features over 4,000 artifacts that piece the story of the Jewish experience throughout the South together.
Last but not least, thanks to the philanthropic work of The Helis Foundation, Art for All program returns! Louisiana residents can take advantage of weekly and monthly FREE admission to a selection of local art galleries, museums, and gardens throughout the city.
7
Indulge in lunch, brunch and dinner specials during Restaurant Week New Orleans from June 21-27. This tradition of two-course lunches for $25 or less and three-course dinners or brunches for $45 or less has been a staple for over a decade come June. Enjoy seafood, French cuisine, fine dining and more during Restaurant Week.
8
In New Orleans, you can find live music around the clock. If you’re looking to catch a specific set on any given day, check out our blog on live music, seven nights a week. From soulful jazz at the Howlin’ Wolf to funky jams at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, there’s something for everyone.
9
Celebrate Dad’s special day with a picnic in the park, a kayak on the bayou, a day full of hat shopping or an evening reservation at his favorite restaurant. There are plenty of free things to do this summer, and while gifts are nice, all Dad probably wants is some quality time with his loved ones. For more ideas on how to celebrate Father’s Day, see here.
10
You’re not alone if theater is one of the things you’ve missed most since the start of the pandemic. This June, Tulane Summer Lyric Theater is back with three new productions this June and July: Songs for a New World (June 4 & 5 and 11 & 12 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Grand Night for Singing (June 24-27) and Jesus Christ Superstar (July 15-August 1). See here for more information.
