July in New Orleans: Blige, Bulls, Bastille Day and More

We're going to let you in on a little secret: It's a little warm in New Orleans in July. To keep visitors coming, we offer cool summer specials and we also turn the heat up on the fun. Here's what up besides the temperature.

Go 4th on the River, July 4

Celebrate the red, white and blue at Go Fourth on the River. At 9 p.m. gather at the Mississippi riverfront for fireworks from Dueling Barges. Find out why the American Pyrotechnic Association ranked New Orleans' main fireworks show the 5th "must see" fireworks display in the U.S. Learn more.

 

ESSENCE Festival® Presented by Coca-Cola®, July 5-8

This three-day party with a purpose combines musical performances by big-name stars with inspirational speakers who lead conversations about race, gender, culture, and art. This year’s lineup includes Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Fantasia and many others. Learn more. 

 

Running of the Bulls , July 13-15

Every year, New Orleans  hosts its own version of Spain’s Encierro de Pamploma. Instead of running from real bulls, however, thousands gather early in the morning in Downtown New Orleans to run from the New Orleans Rollergirls who chase runners on their rollerblades with plastic bats. There’s also an official kickoff party and a recovery brunch, burlesque show and an Ernest Hemingway lookalike contest at Barcadia. Learn more. 

 

Bastille Day Fête,  July 14

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 was the spark that ignited the French Revolution. Bastille Day is celebrated here in New Orleans at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The fun includes live music and dancing by the Bon Bon Vivant, guided gallery tours, food trucks, cooking demonstrations and kids activities. Learn more.

 

Tales of the Cocktail, July 17-22

New Orleans invented the cocktail and we reinvent it here every summer at Tales of the Cocktail, a spirited event with tastings, seminars, compeititons, and special events to honor the city's tricentennial. Landry's Seafood House in the French Quarter has partnered with Tales of Cocktail to host a Spirited Dinner on Thursday, July 19. Each course comes with a cocktail named after a famous New Orleans ghost. Learn more.

Go To: New Orleans Weather in July