WHAT TO DO IN AUGUST IN NEW ORLEANS - NEW ORLEANS EVENTS AND FESTIVALS, AUGUST 2025
Kermit Ruffins headlines the second day of Satchmo Summer Fest
AUGUST IN NEW ORLEANS: event calendar, AUGUST 2025
The city might be a walk-around sauna right now, but that doesn't stop August in New Orleans from being an event-filled celebration. Amazing food deals, art gallery hopping, and thousands of drunk people in dresses running around the CBD can be all found during the hottest month of the year. You're going to want a cold drink for all of it. Here's our highlights:
1st
COOLinary New Orleans
If you've been eyeing up a blow-out meal at one of the city's top restaurants, but you're afraid of what the bill might do to your credit card balance, August is the month to throw caution to the wind. Many of New Orleans' best restaurants take part in COOLinary for the entire month of August. Treat yourself to multi-course, prix-fixe meals with prices as low as $28 or less for two-course lunches, and $58 or less for three-course dinners and brunches. More info
2nd
White Linen Night
Patrons and the art-curious don their finest white linen attire to look semi-meaningfully at new work in the CBD's art galleries, though the non-zero amounts of booze are also a draw, it has to be said. Bone up on your thoughts about the use of negative space in works of abstract expressionism, grab a free Pimms cup, and join the crowds along Julia Street. Art, live music performances, and food complement the paintings, sculptures and installations. More info
2nd-3rd
Satchmo SummerFest
Quite literally New Orleans' hottest music festival. What began as a tribute to Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, to celebrate his 100th birthday is now a firm local favorite. Free music stages with traditional New Orleans blues and jazz, food vendors and crowds of people all looking to get into the shade populate the French Quarter for this lively August weekend. Headliners this year include Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Sporty’s Brass Band and Kermit Ruffins’ Tribute to Louis Armstrong. More info
8th
Red Dress Run
It's a fundraising fun run that raises money for good causes. Everyone runs in a red dress, and most participants drink their way through it. Some people love it, some people not so much. Either way, if you're downtown on the day, you can't miss it. More info
8th
Dirty Linen Night
Dress up in your most casual bohemian attire, or simply don't change clothes for a week after White Linen Night. This cheeky response to the more upscale event last week takes place along Royal Street, where the typically smaller and more cutting edge galleries open their doors for the evening. They also have live musicians and free booze (more likely the champagne of beers than the beer of champagnes). The chaotic crossover with the straggling participants of the Red Dress Run (at this point at very advanced stages of refreshment) is always a sight to behold. More info
16th
Snoball Fest: The Barbegazi Snoball Fight
This signature summer event brings together creativity, community, and cool treats to support One Krewe, a new nonprofit founded by members of Krewe of Krampus. Six of your favorite New Orleans krewes compete to create the most delicious and unique snoball flavor. You get to taste, vote, and crown the winner! More info
23rd
Preseason Game: Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints
Football fans rejoice - your sporting season is (almost) here.
1st
COOLinary New Orleans
If you've been eyeing up a blow-out meal at one of the city's top restaurants, but you're afraid of what the bill might do to your credit card balance, August is the month to throw caution to the wind. Many of New Orleans' best restaurants take part in COOLinary for the entire month of August. Treat yourself to multi-course, prix-fixe meals with prices as low as $28 or less for two-course lunches, and $58 or less for three-course dinners and brunches. More info
2nd
White Linen Night
Patrons and the art-curious don their finest white linen attire to look semi-meaningfully at new work in the CBD's art galleries, though the non-zero amounts of booze are also a draw, it has to be said. Bone up on your thoughts about the use of negative space in works of abstract expressionism, grab a free Pimms cup, and join the crowds along Julia Street. Art, live music performances, and food complement the paintings, sculptures and installations. More info
2nd-3rd
Satchmo SummerFest
Quite literally New Orleans' hottest music festival. What began as a tribute to Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, to celebrate his 100th birthday is now a firm local favorite. Free music stages with traditional New Orleans blues and jazz, food vendors and crowds of people all looking to get into the shade populate the French Quarter for this lively August weekend. Headliners this year include Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Sporty’s Brass Band and Kermit Ruffins’ Tribute to Louis Armstrong. More info
8th
Red Dress Run
It's a fundraising fun run that raises money for good causes. Everyone runs in a red dress, and most participants drink their way through it. Some people love it, some people not so much. Either way, if you're downtown on the day, you can't miss it. More info
8th
Dirty Linen Night
Dress up in your most casual bohemian attire, or simply don't change clothes for a week after White Linen Night. This cheeky response to the more upscale event last week takes place along Royal Street, where the typically smaller and more cutting edge galleries open their doors for the evening. They also have live musicians and free booze (more likely the champagne of beers than the beer of champagnes). The chaotic crossover with the straggling participants of the Red Dress Run (at this point at very advanced stages of refreshment) is always a sight to behold. More info
16th
Snoball Fest: The Barbegazi Snoball Fight
This signature summer event brings together creativity, community, and cool treats to support One Krewe, a new nonprofit founded by members of Krewe of Krampus. Six of your favorite New Orleans krewes compete to create the most delicious and unique snoball flavor. You get to taste, vote, and crown the winner! More info
23rd
Preseason Game: Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints
Football fans rejoice - your sporting season is (almost) here.