July in New Orleans is a big deal. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture alone shuts the city down every 4th of July weekend, but the party doesn’t stop there. From major concerts to cocktail celebrations, this July, the good times keep on rolling all month long! Here are my picks of July Things To Do in New Orleans.
July 19
Barrington Levy – “On d telehphone, she hurd my voyce.” That’s the first thing that comes to mind when I hear this legend’s name. Like myself, you may remember singing the hook on Shyne’s “Bonnie & Shyne,” but Barrington Levy has been a heavyweight in the reggae and dancehall genre since the 70s. Catch him at the House of Blues at 8 p.m.
July 20-25
Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) 2025 – The annual cocktail conference is returning to the 504 and taking over The Ritz-Carlton. This year’s theme is Evolve, with the conference focusing on “the cocktail industry’s ongoing transformation and development, highlighting evolution as a catalyst for innovation and a necessity for growth,” per the official site.
Whether you’re a bartender, brand rep, or just someone (like me) who loves a good cocktail, TOTC is the place to be! If you want to be a part of the city’s biggest cocktail celebration, click the link for the full schedule, details, and access.
July 23
Keyshia Cole – The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour
Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Keyshia Cole shook up the music scene with her debut album, The Way It Is? TWENTY. It gave us four undeniable hits – “I Changed My Mind,” “(I Just Want It) To Be Over,” “I Should’ve Cheated,” and “Love.” And let’s not forget the deep cuts that never made it to the radio but blasted through speakers in houses, cars, and clubs. “Love” still hits hard to this day!
The critically acclaimed “Princess of Hip-Hop Soul” is bringing those hits to the Smoothie King Center at 7 p.m., with opening acts TINK, Keri Hilson, and Elijah Blake.
Fun fact: Did you know “I Changed My Mind” was written by Keyshia, John Legend, and Kanye West? Kanye also produced the track, and even acted as her hype man not only on the song but also in the video.
July 24
Tales Of The Cocktail Spirited Awards
Apart of the TOTC takeover, the 19th Annual Spirited Awards will honor the best in global cocktail and spirits culture, with titles ranging from Bartender of the Year to World’s Best Bar. This year’s celebration kicks off with A Taste of New Orleans, featuring local bites and world-class cocktails, taking place at The Fillmore at 6 p.m.
July 26
Creed – Summer of 99 Tour – Summer of 99? Take my back! The rock band behind some of my faves, “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open,” is going on tour for the first time since 2012. From hiatus to headlining? I love a good comeback! Creed just kicked off their North American tour and will be making a stop in New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center, with Daughtry opening up. The show starts around 7 p.m., and as of now, a very few tickets are still available … but they might not be for long.
Rakim – The God MC is pulling up to Tipitina’s, and the timing couldn’t be better. Rakim, one half of the legendary duo Eric B. & Rakim, was recently name-dropped by Kendrick Lamar on his featured verse on “Chains & Whips,” a track off Clipse’s newly dropped album Let the God Sort ’Em Out — and Rakim gave the shoutout his stamp of approval. Whether you grew up on “Paid in Full” or just want to witness a true icon live, expect a night full of classic bars, hip-hop nostalgia, and lyrical greatness. Show starts at 10 p.m.
July 29
Weird Al Yankovic – You might be surprised this made it to my list, but hear me out! Growing up, Weird Al was that dude. I mean, we can take it all the way back to ’88 when he dropped his “Fat” parody of Michael Jackson’s “Bad.” And “Amish Paradise?” The way Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” was my jam?! Weird Al did that 😂. Weird Al ran so Andy Milonakis and Tom Green could walk, IMO. And the fact that he’s still doing it big says enough. If you’re into it, he’s hitting The Fillmore at 8 p.m., and whether you’re going for the nostalgia or the comedy, it’s sure to be a fun one. Don’t sleep.
That’s a wrap on what’s big poppin’ in New Orleans in July 2025. Stay tuned for August Things to Do — and if you need weekend plans, I got you. Follow @ashleenicolespills on Instagram to stay in the loop for weekend picks, city gems, and more! ♥