2022 has been the first year New Orleans has seemed as close to normality as it can get. Earlier this year, the city was able to bring back two huge events — Jazz Fest and Essence Fest. This Labor Day weekend, two more festivals are heading back to the Big Easy.
Southern Decadence, the city’s largest LBGT extravaganza, is back and filling up the streets of the French Quarter. And across the water, the Westbank Heritage Festival is returning to the Alario Center. There is a grip of parties happening this weekend. And concerts! You’ll find all of the above and more below.
Here’s what’s going on this Labor Day Wknd. Enjoy!
ALL WKND
Southern Decadence [9/1 – 9/5] After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the New Orleans gay and lesbian community is returning to the French Quarter to host the largest LGBT celebration in NOLA, including the well-anticipated walking parade. This year’s theme is “Jazz. Burlesque. Decadent. New Orleans.” The official “colors” are gold and red.
Westbank Heritage Festival [9/4 + 9/5] – The festival is returning to the Alario Center to celebrate the city’s vibrant Westbank with free admission (unless you want the full VIP experience), live music, food, and games for the entire family. This year’s musical lineup includes Choppa, Musiq Soulchild, Brass-A-Holics, Tucka, and more. 12 – 8p.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 2
Devin the Dude – Before his tour comes to an end, catch the Dude on The Porch at The Howlin Wolf with special guests, Big Cheeko and Willy J. Peso. Doors @ 8p.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 3
Trap Music and Wine Festival *CANCELED* – When you combine trap music and wine, things are bound to get classy and ratchet at the same damn time. The Trap Wine Fest is coming to Armstrong Park and will be bringing the vibes with 30 different wines to sip, DJs spinning the best in Trap, trendy local chefs, live bands, games, activities, shopping contests, and more. 3 – 8p.
$uicideboy$ – The New Orleans-area duo is bringing their Grey Day Tour to the UNO Lakefront Arena with special guests Ski Mask The Slump God, $NOT, Maxo Kream, and DJ Scheme. 7:30p.
Cruel Summer: A Taylor Swift Inspired Dance Party – Listen… Ifw Taylor Swift, so I can appreciate this dance party. The party will feature trivia, lip-syncing, a costume contest, photo walls, and more at Tipitina’s. 18+ | 8p.
International Jet Lounge: The Green Light District – Hop on the jet as it takes you on a world flight to the House of Blues to pary with LookAtWarren and Jet Life athletes, Baby Jesus, Headshot Peters, and Deontay Harty. DJ Keith Scott, DJ Trey Pound, and DJ Kidd-Nice will be providing the sounds. 9p.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 4
Brunch N Play – Every Sunday is brunch day at CIAO Tapas Bar & Lounge. This weekend’s edition calls for a game of “Shoot Your Shot.” The game goes like this: order a Strawberry Mimosa if you’re taken, a Classic Mimosa if your situation’s complicated, and a Green Apple Mimosa if you’re single AF. Basically, whatever your relationship status is, shoot it! 12 – 8p.
LSU vs FSU Watch Party Day Party – If you love drinks, hotties, and football, Treehouse is your spot to watch LSU take on FSU. Food and hookah will be available. Plus, FREE admission until 8p! Doors open @ 4p.
LDW Grand Finale: Official LSU vs FSU After Party – Gee Willie, Larry Morrow, and HereWeGo Ent. are joining forces to bring you the after game vibes at Da Empire with sounds by DJ Keith Scott. 10p.
MONDAY, SEPT. 5
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Brunch, Booze & Beatz Labor Day Party – Idk about you, but brunch, booze, and beatz sound like a fire combination to me! DJ Keith Scott, DJ Snip, and DJ Hollaback will be providing the vibes at Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar from 1 – 8p.