New Orleans May 2025

New Orleans May 2025 Events

New Orleans May 2025 Events

New Orleans in May: Sun, Fun, and Festivals

Average temperature low and high: 69°-86°
In May, sunny days and warm temperatures make it perfect for exploring New Orleans' many famous attractions. Experience the city's distinctive culture, architecture, and history with a stroll through the French Quarter, or head to Magazine Street for shopping, dining, and local flavor. And don't forget to soak up the city's famed party atmosphere and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a night out on Bourbon Street, a festive pub crawl, or a visit to the Jazz and Heritage Festival.

May Event Calendar

Jazz And Heritage Festival

Jazz And Heritage Festival

The Jazz and Heritage Festival is a New Orleans event you can’t miss! A popular annual celebration, the festival is all about music, live performances, and food. There are also parades, cultural showcases, and craft demonstrations with an emphasis on Louisiana culture. 2024 performers include Foo Fighters, The Killers, Chris Stapleton, and many more. Ticket information is available online.

 

NOLA Crawfish Festival

NOLA Crawfish Festival

Crawfish lovers, rejoice! From April 29 to May 1st, the NOLA Crawfish Festival in New Orleans springs to life with awesome tunes, colorful arts and crafts, and plenty of savory, boiled crawfish for everyone. There will also be a crawfish cook-off and a crawfish eating contest. General admission and VIP passes are available. VIP passes include unlimited hot-boiled crawfish, soft drinks, and tasty dishes like jambalaya and BBQ. So if you love crawfish and the good vibes that flow throughout New Orleans, then save the date for this NOLA Crawfish Festival.

Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do

Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do

Put on your best and attend the Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do black-tie gala. With live music, a raffle, a silent auction, and the best food and drinks that can be found in the Big Easy, it's sure to be a spectacular night - and all proceeds benefit the Audubon Zoo and its many conservation programs. Tickets can be purchased online.

Shen Yun Performing Arts

Shen Yun Performing Arts

Experience the world's premier classical Chinese dance and music company when Shen Yun Performing Arts visits the Jefferson Performing Arts Center this May. Described as "5,000 Years of Civilization Reborn," the shows celebrate Chinese culture with classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance, and story-based dance set against a backdrop of colorful costumes and music. Tickets are available now. 

Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival

Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival

Party NOLA-style at Bayou St. John at the three-day Bayou Boogaloo music festival. Dig into po'boys and beignets before enjoying a hurricane cocktail and a paddleboat ride, or get creative with arts and crafts. Celebrating art, food, music, and community, this family-friendly event is a great way to spend a warm May weekend. Tickets are on sale now.

New Orleans Greek Festival

New Orleans Greek Festival

The 49th Annual New Orleans Greek Festival returns for another Memorial Day Weekend of food, fun, and live music along the banks of Bayou St. John. Hosted by the community of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the festival celebrates Greek culture with dancing, cathedral tours, traditional Greek cuisine, a festival walk/run, shopping, and more. Tickets are $10 with free parking and shuttle service. 

LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest

The NOLA Brewing Company is proud to present the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest, a celebration of diversity, comedy, and inclusivity taking place from May 30th to June 2nd. This year's lineup will feature talented comedians such as Emma Willman, Storhm Artiste, Ray Earl and Seth Robichaux. Passes are available for purchase today.

New Orleans Events in May

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in New Orleans

Things to Do in New Orleans in May

Go Antique Shopping

Go Antique Shopping
There’s no better place than New Orleans to find antique jewelry and furniture pieces. Keil’s Antiques Inc., Royal Antiques Ltd., and The French Antique Shop are a few of the antique stores located in or near the French Quarter. While it won’t be easy to bring back to your city, there are always shipping options if you find an item you really like.

Visit the Audubon Zoo

Visit the Audubon Zoo
While the weather is still nice, going to the Audubon Zoo is a perfect activity for families and friends. The Audubon Zoo is not just your ordinary zoo—it’s filled with some of the rarest creatures you’ll ever see. Animal habitats of all kinds have been set up in this 58-acre land, with elephants, a Komodo dragon, and a rare white tiger. You’ll also be able to see peacocks, flamingos, otters, and other surprising exotic animals! Tickets start at $21.95 for children and $29.95 for adults, but if you purchase tickets online, you’ll be able to save $3. The zoo is about 5 miles away from the French Quarter!

Ride New Orleans’ Only Steamboat

Ride New Orleans’ Only Steamboat
Climb aboard and go on New Orleans’ only steamboat ride, Steamboat Natchez. Listen to Jazz music, and even enjoy a nice dinner as you cruise down the Mississippi River. Prices start at $29 for children and $70 for adults. The site is only two miles away from the French Quarter.