The Nola Collective
THE CITY GUIDE
New Orleans is about more than knowing where to go. It's knowing what to do, who to connect with, what communities exist, and where you fit in.
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The City Guide is The Nola Collective's curated resource for discovering the events, communities, organizations, and opportunities that make it easier to experience more of New Orleans.
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Whether you're looking for something to do, somewhere to belong, or a new way to get connected, start here.
THE NEW ORLEANS SOCIAL CALENDAR
New Orleans moves differently throughout the year.
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From Carnival and festival season to major cultural weekends, summer traditions, football season, and the holidays, these are the moments that shape the city's social calendar.
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Use this year-at-a-glance to know what's coming and plan ahead.
JANUARY - MARCH
January 6th - February 9th / 2027
Carnival season in New Orleans is a festive period of celebration that starts on January 6 (Twelfth Night) and ends at midnight before Ash Wednesday. It features vibrant parades, masked balls, and king cakes culminating in the grand finale of Mardi Gras
March 21st / 2027 / 3rd Sunday in March
Uptown Super Sunday is an annual Mardi Gras Indian gathering where tribes from across the city come together to showcase intricately hand-sewn suits, music, dance, and Black masking traditions. Held around St. Joseph’s Day, the celebration brings thousands to Central City for a procession rooted in generations of New Orleans culture and community.
March 8th - 13th / 2027
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week is an annual week-long celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation, bringing together founders, investors, business leaders, creatives, and community partners for panels, workshops, pitch competitions, networking, and events across the city. The week culminates with the NOEW Summit at Loyola University New Orleans.
April 8th - 11th / 2027
French Quarter Festival spotlights the vibrant culture of New Orleans and the Vieux Carré, drawing in visitors from around the world. There are activities and entertainment at every step throughout the Quarter with 20 stages spread across the festival grounds with live jazz, zydeco, soul, and tribal music performances.
April 22nd - May 2nd / 2027
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, or as the locals call it, Jazz Fest, is the celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana. Featuring an endless amount of music, succulent local and regional delicacies, one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts, second-line parades and so much more – there is something for everyone at Jazz Fest!
Celebrated mid-June
The mission of New Orleans Pridefest is to produce an annual music festival that provides a platform for new and emerging LGBTQ+ entertainers, connects attendees with local community organizations and healthcare resources, and celebrates the culture, creativity, and diversity that make New Orleans' LGBTQ+ community unique.
APRIL - JUNE
JULY - SEPTEMBER
July 1st - July 4th / 2027
An essential cultural pillar, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® remains the ultimate destination for community celebration and artistic excellence. This immersive experience unites legendary voices across R&B, soul, and gospel for an editorial-worthy Evening Concert Series. It is a powerful cultural movement where New Orleans’ vibrant energy and Black joy take center stage.
1st Saturday of August
Each summer, the Arts District is reimagined for a single night, becoming the premier destination for modern artistry in the city. Galleries, museums, and local creators unite for a community-centered showcase that highlights New Orleans' vibrant visual culture and creative spirit.
September 3, 2026 - September 7, 2026
This Labor Day weekend extravaganza is a cornerstone of queer culture in New Orleans. The multi-day event is often regarded as a combination of New Orleans Pride and Gay Mardi Gras, though with a bawdier, adult-focused twist.
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
October 2, 2026 - October 4, 2026
Founded in 2016 in New Orleans, the National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) presented by Raising Cane’s was built on a simple but powerful idea: bringing people together through a shared love of food, music, and culture. This fall, FCF proudly celebrates 10 unforgettable years of turning that idea into one of the most anticipated food festivals in the country.
November 7, 2026
Celebrate one of New Orleans’ most iconic food traditions at Beignet Fest, a beloved annual festival held in New Orleans City Park. This family-friendly event blends live Louisiana music, creative beignet dishes, and cultural experiences, all while supporting local autism programs.
November 27-28, 2026
It started out as a simple football game between two rival, historically Black universities and now, more than four decades later, it has morphed into a citywide celebration.
This year’s annual Bayou Classic is a multi-day event featuring a parade, a battle of the bands, and much more.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Sometimes getting connected to New Orleans isn't about finding another event. It's about finding your people.
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Explore social clubs, dinner groups, fitness communities, creative circles, cultural organizations, and niche communities bringing people together throughout the city.
NOLA MILES CLUB
Nola Miles Club is a wellness-centered community designed for runners and walkers who value well-being, togetherness, and meaningful connection.
We unite people through active movement, serving as a social bridge to the local businesses, curated experiences, and lifestyle resources that foster a healthy New Orleans.
Every pace. Every story. One collective.
Category: Run Club; Walking Club
Good For: Wellness Activities
RICH AUNTIES
The Rich Auntie Dinner Club serves as a curated social circle for women who value the intersection of intentional community and premium cultural moments. Polished and purposeful, we champion the essence of sisterhood, strategic networking, and collective empowerment.
Category: Social Club; Women's Group
Good For: Friendship; Sisterhood Connection
SUNDAY SUPPER
Sunday Supper is a premier pop-up dining experience celebrating the art, culture, and community of New Orleans. Through exceptional cuisine, creative expression, and meaningful connection, each experience captures the vibrant spirit and rich traditions that make the city unforgettable.
Category: Food + Dining / Social
Good For: Foodies; Meeting New People