Top 5 Things to Do in New Orleans During Summer

May 26, 2025

New Orleans summer is sweltering—psychologically as well as literally. The heat is on, the humidity is oppressive, and yet the city does not yield an inch. Rather, it cranked up the noise with parties, evening meals, jazzy music, and that inimitable "laissez les bon temps rouler" mood. NOLA lifer or first-timer, something magical happens in these hot months. Here's a no-holds-barred look at the top 5 things to do in New Orleans during the summer—sweat and all, of course.

1. Catch the Music Festivals (And The Sweat)

We're not going to mince words—summer in New Orleans is hot. Like, "why did I even wear jeans?" hot. But the city doesn't shirk the heat; it seizes it. The summer months are full of bursting with festivals that more than make up for any discomfort. Begin in early July with Essence Festival, a weekend of Black excellence and empowerment featuring the biggest stars of the music industry. It's a part-concert, part-cultural festival, party of the year. And then there's the Satchmo SummerFest in August. It's a more subdued affair that's big on history and jazz and presented by the venerable New Orleans Jazz Museum. If you'd prefer something more local, White Linen Night (late August usually) allows you to don your whitest whites and art-hop down Julia Street with wine, a must-visit on the list of fun-filled things to do in New Orleans.

2. Go on a Swamp Tour (Yes, during Summer)

Next in the list of fun-filled things to do in New Orleans is visiting Swamp. Summer is the best time to see wildlife. The alligators are roaming and present, the leaves are lush jungle blooms, and the airboats? Surprisingly breezy. Dozens of tours within a handful of miles of driving out of the city await. Slow and green or fast speedboat which speeds across the bayou like in an action film, it is all there for you. And one more little secret: the guides are usually the best part. These guys are half comedian, half nature guide, and half Cajun sage. You'll be packing for home with gator pictures and at least one favorite new Southern expression.

3. Chill Out With Frozen Cocktails and Snowballs

New Orleans doesn't play games with heat—and rewards you with serving up some of the freshest frozen drinks you've ever tasted. We begin with: frozen cocktails. Not slushy margaritas from the first bar on the corner (although, ya know, no judgment). Erin Rose's frozen Irish coffee, Bar Marilou's frozen French 75, or daiquiri at one of half a dozen corner stores all over town—it's almost a rite of passage,a must-try on the list of fun-filled things to do in New Orleans. Next: the iconic New Orleans snowball (not to be confused with the snow cone). These finely shaved ice mountains come drenched in syrups ranging from classic (cherry, grape) to wild (nectar cream, wedding cake, or even stuffed with ice cream). Top picks? Hansen’s Sno-Bliz and Plum Street Snowballs are local institutions, but you’ll find neighborhood spots with lines out the door on any given summer day. Hot Tip: Get a "stuffed" snowball (filled with ice cream) and have condensed milk spooned on top. Sounds decadent. It is decadent. But in the very best of ways.

4. Beat the Heat by Museum-Hopping

New Orleans possesses a criminally under-explored museum scene.The National WWII Museum is among the country's most poignant and interactive museums—yeah, the entire country, not the South. It's huge, sob-inducing, and totally worth it. Allow a few hours (and perhaps some Kleenex). If that's too mainstream for you, check out the Museum of Death (yes, that's really its name) or the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, an insight into 19th-century medicine—leeches for bloodletting, included. Culture vultures need to go to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Contemporary Arts Center, specifically gallery openings or special shows - a must-visit on the list of fun-filled things to do in New Orleans.

5. Late Night Music, Frenchmen Street Style

While the rowdy throng spills out into Bourbon Street, the music mojo is found on Frenchmen Street. This Marigny neighborhood block comes alive every night, but summer adds zip to the mix. Duck into The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, or d.b.a., and you’ll likely stumble into a brass band blowing the roof off the place. The energy is raw, spontaneous, and electric. It’s not unusual to see musicians who played Jazz Fest earlier that day jamming deep into the night here. Outside, artists sell paintings under streetlights, and impromptu bands set up on the corners. It’s chaotic in the best possible way - a must-visit on the list of fun-filled things to do in New Orleans. As per recent reports, New Orleans experienced high tourism in 2025, especially around Mardi Gras, and hotel occupancy rates in the French Quarter and downtown districts averaged about 87%.

Final Thoughts

Summer in New Orleans is not for the weak of heart—but sort of the point. The city does not merely endure the heat; it devours it. It parties, parades, sips cold drinks, and dances on steamy nights like they are nothing. Yes, you will sweat through your entire outfit. Yes, the temperature will be soup temperature. But the soul of New Orleans? Just as alive in summer as ever—maybe more. There are lots of things to do in New Orleans during summers. So pack light, bring a napkin along, and dive on in. Crescent City awaits, and she doesn't care if you arrive a little sweaty. PS: When in Dallas, do visit Las Vegas for a memorable experience. Check out our website for more details.