We’re heading into the thick of August, and New Orleans is still poppin’. If you missed White Linen Night, Satchmo SummerFest, or Red Dress Run — don’t trip. It’s back-to-school season (and for some, back to work), but summer’s not over yet. From COOLinary and Katrina 20, to Teddy Swims, Jeezy, and Southern Decadence — plus parties and more — here’s your guide to the best things to do in New Orleans this August 2025 before September pulls up.
Here are 7 dope things to do in New Orleans before August ends:
ALL MONTH
COOLinary
It’s no secret that COOLinary is my favorite food event of the year. All month long, over 140 restaurants across New Orleans are serving up prix-fixe (set-price) menus for the low. I’m talking two-course lunches for $28 or less, and brunches or dinners for $58 and under.
Why it’s dope: It’s basically restaurant week, but for the whole month. COOLinary is perfect for the foodie ballin’ on a budget who still wants that fine-dining experience without the fine-dining price. Okay!
Peep the full list of participating restaurants.
Museum Month
If you’re looking to add some culture to your month, this one’s for you. With an active annual museum membership, you and a guest can access over 30 participating museums across New Orleans — think JAMNOLA, StudioBE, Vue Orleans, The New Orleans African American Museum, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and Sazerac House, just to name a few.
Why it’s dope: It’s giving culture overload without breaking the bank. A perfect excuse to dive into the city’s history and art scene — whether it’s a date night, a krewe outing, or a solo dolo night out.
Not a member? Join any of the participating museums as an annual member, and you’ll immediately get free admission to all Museum Month locations during August. Heads up: Sazerac House, Vue Orleans, The Great American Alligator Museum, and JAMNOLA aren’t membership-based but still participate — just check with each attraction for entry details before you go.
Katrina 20
This month marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina changed New Orleans forever. The New Orleans Katrina Commemoration, Inc. and Hip Hop Caucus have been honoring the anniversary all summer with a roster of art exhibits, community summits, and even a black tie gala. This month’s remaining lineup includes the Eternal Seeds Summer Session Mural Unveiling (Aug. 10), a press conference at City Hall (Aug. 25), and the 20th Anniversary Secondline, Rally & National Moment of Silence (Aug. 29), hosted by Wild Wayne with sounds by DJ Captain Charles & DJ Rabbit. Special guest appearances include Dr. Umar, Mia X, Partners-N-Crime, and many more.
Why it’s dope: Without getting too deep — to my New Orleans people, iykyk. This year’s collaboration between artists, activists, and the community honors those we lost while celebrating the resilience that rebuilt the city. We’ll never get the old New Orleans back, but we can come together to reminisce and reflect over live music, healing conversations, and other memorable events that remind us why our city — and our people — are truly one of a kind.
Peep the full schedule. RSVP to march.
AUGUST 10: Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour
Teddy Swims is bringing his soulful mix of R&B, pop, and gospel-inspired vocals to Champions Square for one night only. With hits like “Lose Control” and “Are You Even Real” featuring Giveon — plus 🔥 cuts off his sophomore album I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2) [IYKYK] — prepare to go from goosebumps to full-body chills in one verse.
Why it’s dope: Teddy’s powerhouse vocals live, with a live band, outside under the stars? Sounds like a dope summer night vibe in New Orleans.
Tickets are still available.
August 16: Jeezy
Your favorite rapper/favorite trapper is bringing the snow to the Saenger Theatre, suited up and dressed to the nines. We already know Jeezy’s catalog runs deep, but Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 alone is a masterpiece. From his first single, “And Then What” featuring Mannie Fresh, to his fourth, “My Hood,” which samples T.I.’s “Rubberband Man,” TM101 is a true classic. And now, Jeezy’s on tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of the debut album that changed the trap and the rap game.
Why it’s dope: This isn’t your typical concert — it’s a full symphony orchestra. Let me run it down to you: music supervision and direction by Adam Blackstone; orchestra conducted and arranged by Derrick Hodge; The Color of Noize Orchestra; with special guest DJ Drama. And the crowd? They match Jeezy’s energy head-to-toe, coming just as dressed to the nines as he does.
There aren’t many tickets left — try your luck here.
August 29: Club 1BD
Source: club1bd.comReal spill: I didn’t even know what Club 1BD was until I started writing this post — then it hit me. Monthsss ago, while cleaning up, I listened (and danced to) a video of GRAMMY-nominated singer Durand Bernarr DJing in an apartment-style house party vibe. And he was rolliiing. That was Club 1BD!
Club 1BD is a curated party, founded in New York, that features a rotating lineup of DJs who bring the kind of energy that keeps you on the dance floor all night. This month, they’re bringing the party to House of Blues with DJs David and Arty Furtado on the 1s and 2s.
Why it’s dope: That Durand Bernarr video was LIT, and DJing isn’t even what he DO do! So I can only imagine the time of vibe an actual DJ is going to give. R&B, Hip-Hop, AfroBeats – allat!
Cop your tickets neow. *Must wear yellow or orange to the event.
August 29 – September 1: Southern Decadence
Although it tips into September, Southern Decadence kicks off August 29, right at the start of Labor Day weekend. Every year, the biggest LGBTQ+ celebration in the city takes over the streets of the French Quarter with parades, block parties, drag shows, live music, and so much more.
Why it’s dope: Think Mardi Gras, but wilder. Even if you’re a “cousin of the family” (not part of the LGBTQ+ community), you can still appreciate the music, art, and high energy. It’s inclusive. It’s unapologetically extra AF. It’s New Orleans.
Check out the full list of events.
That’s a wrap on what’s still ahead this August in New Orleans. Hit up one of these concerts, restaurants, or parties and let me know what’s poppin’ in the comments + share this guide with a friend so they don’t miss out.
For even more New Orleans events and things to do + more, follow @ashleenicolespills on Instagram
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