There are countless reasons to visit New Orleans, but we stuck with our top 23 this year to be in line with the year. Weekend festivals, Mardi Gras, traditional cuisine, cultural events—the list is endless. In 2023, there are some reasons to visit New Orleans. Plan your travel to New Orleans with DTW flights and take advantage of its many sights and experiences to create a memorable trip.
Miss Universe Pageant
On Saturday, January 14, the Convention Centre will host the inaugural MISS UNIVERSE® pageant, which will feature approximately ninety international women vying for the title. The public is welcome to attend various events.
Tet Fest/ Vietnamese New Year
An annual highlight for the Vietnamese community is the Tet Fest celebrations, which are held at the Vietnam Church in New Orleans. A must-see event for the whole family, the January 21–27, 2023 festival will feature genuine food, music, children’s activities, and family fun.
New Orleans’ Broadway
Broadway in New Orleans is presented at the Saenger Theatre with productions including Moulin Rouge, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and Jesus Christ Superstar! While the 2023–2024 season begins in October, the current season lasts through winter and spring. Take in the splendor of Broadway without having to visit New York.
The Augmented Exhibition of Notre-Dame de Paris, from the Historic New Orleans Collection
Following the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, the Historic New Orleans Collection is showing the continuing restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in the French Quarter. The 360-degree augmented reality immersion offered by History’s HistoPadTM, an augmented reality touch-screen tablet, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the 850-year history. The immersive, interactive reproductions can be viewed through March 1st and are available in more than ten languages.
Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans
New Orleans hosts Jazz Fest, an annual celebration of the city’s music, art, culture, and history. The 1970 festival’s lineup, which features prior headliners like Willie Nelson, Stevie Nicks, and The Who, is revealed in mid-January.
Vue Orleans
An informative and engaging experience awaits guests at Vue Orleans, a new attraction opening in 2023. Offering a 360-degree perspective of New Orleans from 34 storeys, it allows visitors to travel through time to meet change-makers and visionaries.
Southern Decadence and New Orleans Pride
New Orleans celebrates June as a unique month because of its welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ people. June 9–11’s Pride parade is an event not to be missed. Part of Pride Round II, Southern Decadence takes place over Labour Day Weekend, August 31–September 4, and includes a parade, parties, and celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community.
Season of snowballs
Sno balls, a treat of shaved ice covered in syrup, are a summertime favorite. They are a delicacy rather than something like snow cones. Check out our snow-ball season guide and sample a variety of flavors to choose which is your favorite.
Culture’s Essence Festival
Celebrate Black culture around the city with performances by legendary artists like Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, and Mary J. Blige, and talks by notable speakers like Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture.
COOLinary New Orleans
GW Fins and Café Degas, two previous COOLinary event participants, are offering specials on brunch, dinner, and two courses for just around $11 from August 1–31.
Bayou Classic
Thanksgiving weekend football game tradition in New Orleans, known as the Bayou Classic, is hosted by Southern University. The two schools have similar records, which makes the rivalry between Southern University and Grambling State quite close. A Battle of the Bands, parade, and fanfare are among the events that honor HBCU tradition. See the many sights and activities that the city has to offer when you book flights from DTW to New Orleans; it will be a memorable trip.
