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Things to do in New Orleans

Find current events, restaurants, family activities, and quick getaway ideas in New Orleans. WonderKit curates these picks daily so the page stays useful for both local search and trip planning.

Last updated: Thu, Jun 18, 2026

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A perfect 3 days in New Orleans

A sample plan built from this week's New Orleans picks — the same day-by-day itinerary WonderKit drafts for your group in about a minute.

Day 1

MorningJPA Theatre Kids! Presents Frozen Jr.

A charming, family-friendly musical production perfect for a weekend afternoon escape from the summer heat.

$
AfternoonSeasonal Creole Tomato Dishes

It's peak Creole tomato season. Look for restaurants like Pêche Seafood Grill or Brennan's highlighting these sweet, local gems in their daily features.

$$$
EveningGood Enough For Good Times at Tipitina's

A quintessential New Orleans dance party featuring a mix of funk, soul, and R&B classics. The perfect way to kick off the weekend at a legendary uptown venue.

$

Day 2

MorningOnce

Live at Le Petit Theatre.

$$
AfternoonIce-Cold Daiquiris at Manchu Food Store

When the thermometer hits 90°F, nothing beats a frozen daiquiri and a side of their famous spicy fried chicken. It’s a local institution for a reason.

$
EveningCitywide Juneteenth Observances

Various events across the city honor Juneteenth this week, including community gatherings and educational programs celebrating freedom and local history.

$

Day 3

MorningChristien Bold Ensemble at Snug Harbor

Retreat from the humidity into New Orleans' premier jazz listening room. A perfect way to spend a Thursday night listening to local talent in a classic, seated venue.

$$
AfternoonCha Wa at Chickie Wah Wah

Catch the Grammy-nominated Mardi Gras Indian funk band for a high-energy performance. This Mid-City spot is known for great sound and a dedicated local crowd.

$$
EveningBay St. Louis, Mississippi

Just an hour away, this charming coastal town offers a slower pace, beautiful beach walks, and fantastic seafood restaurants overlooking the Gulf.

$$

🎷 Happening Today

Events and things to do tonight

Once

Thu, Jun 18, 2026 · 7:30 PM · Le Petit Theatre · $$ · Best for Everyone

Live at Le Petit Theatre.

Learn more

theatre

Christien Bold Ensemble at Snug Harbor

Thu, Jun 18, 2026 · 7:30 PM · Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro · $$ · Best for Everyone

Retreat from the humidity into New Orleans' premier jazz listening room. A perfect way to spend a Thursday night listening to local talent in a classic, seated venue.

Learn more

jazzmusicfrenchmen-street

Plan a trip to New Orleans

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three New Orleans trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

✨ This Weekend in New Orleans

Music, theater, and local vibes

Cha Wa at Chickie Wah Wah

Sat, Jun 20, 2026 · 9:00 PM · Chickie Wah Wah · $$ · Best for Everyone

Catch the Grammy-nominated Mardi Gras Indian funk band for a high-energy performance. This Mid-City spot is known for great sound and a dedicated local crowd.

Learn more

musicfunkmid-city

Good Enough For Good Times at Tipitina's

Fri, Jun 19, 2026 · 9:00 PM · Tipitina's · $ · Best for Everyone

A quintessential New Orleans dance party featuring a mix of funk, soul, and R&B classics. The perfect way to kick off the weekend at a legendary uptown venue.

Learn more

musicdanceuptown

JPA Theatre Kids! Presents Frozen Jr.

Sat, Jun 20, 2026 · 2:00 PM · Jefferson Perf Arts Center · $ · Best for Families

A charming, family-friendly musical production perfect for a weekend afternoon escape from the summer heat.

Learn more

familytheaterkids

🍽️ Eat & Drink

Summer flavors and local favorites

Seasonal Creole Tomato Dishes

Warehouse District, New Orleans · $$$ · Best for Foodies

It's peak Creole tomato season. Look for restaurants like Pêche Seafood Grill or Brennan's highlighting these sweet, local gems in their daily features.

Learn more

seasonallocalfine-dining

Ice-Cold Daiquiris at Manchu Food Store

Seventh Ward, New Orleans · $ · Best for Everyone

When the thermometer hits 90°F, nothing beats a frozen daiquiri and a side of their famous spicy fried chicken. It’s a local institution for a reason.

Learn more

casuallocal-favoritesummer

🆕 New & Notable

What's happening this month

Citywide Juneteenth Observances

Fri, Jun 19, 2026 · 12:00 PM · Congo Square at Louis Armstrong Park · $ · Best for Everyone

Various events across the city honor Juneteenth this week, including community gatherings and educational programs celebrating freedom and local history.

Learn more

culturecommunityhistory

🚗 Quick Escape

Weekend trips under 3 hours

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Bay St. Louis, MS (1 hr drive) · $$ · Best for Couples/Families

Just an hour away, this charming coastal town offers a slower pace, beautiful beach walks, and fantastic seafood restaurants overlooking the Gulf.

Learn more

beachrelaxingcoastal

St. Francisville, Louisiana

St. Francisville, LA (2 hr drive) · $$ · Best for Nature lovers

Head north for rolling hills, historic plantation tours, and lush gardens. The canopy of live oaks provides a bit of respite from the coastal heat.

Learn more

historynaturescenic

Frequently asked

What are the best things to do in New Orleans?

Current local highlights in New Orleans include Once, Christien Bold Ensemble at Snug Harbor, and Cha Wa at Chickie Wah Wah. WonderKit refreshes this guide daily so the picks reflect real local happenings.

What's happening in New Orleans this week?

The sections above show this week's events, weekend plans, and new-and-notable openings in New Orleans, updated daily.

Where do locals eat in New Orleans?

The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants and food spots locals are recommending in New Orleans right now.

Plan a trip to New Orleans

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three New Orleans trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

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