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For friend groups

Things to do in New Orleans with friends

What's on in New Orleans this week — the spots locals are packing, buzzy restaurants, and weekend plans worth texting the group chat about.

Updated: Thu, Jun 18, 2026

🎷 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.

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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.

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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.

🍽️ 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.

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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.

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✨ 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.

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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.

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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.

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🆕 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.

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🚗 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.

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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.

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Frequently asked

What are the best things to do in New Orleans with friends?

Group-friendly highlights in New Orleans right now include Once, Christien Bold Ensemble at Snug Harbor, and Cha Wa at Chickie Wah Wah. WonderKit updates this guide daily so plans stay current.

Where do locals go out in New Orleans?

The "Eat & Drink" section above lists buzzy restaurants and bars in New Orleans — the spots locals are actually packing this week.

Where's the best nightlife in New Orleans?

Check the sections above for current events, buzzy bars, and weekend plans in New Orleans worth texting the group chat about.

Plan a friends 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.

More New Orleans picks