New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend

KICK OFF your summer in New Orleans this Memorial Day Weekend.

The last Monday of May is a day to observe, mourn, and commemorate our brave military personnel who died while serving their country. Many flock to New Orleans with their families in tow during the long Memorial Day weekend to pay respect and celebrate the men and women that died for their country. Check out our recommendations for paying respect and celebrating our brave heroes.

Military Museums to Visit During Your New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Trip

Pay respect to the fallen soldiers by visiting military museums to learn more about the wars that they fought in.

The National World War II Museum

Your first stop should be the National WWII Museum located in downtown New Orleans. A simple 20-minute walk from the French Quarter, you can expect to spend about four hours touring the museum’s six-acre campus. Located in New Orleans due to the significance behind the LCVP Higgins Boat, the landing craft that brought US soldiers back to shore in every major-land assault. The National WWII Museum documents the WWII American experience with an immersive tour of WWII, featuring exhibits, multimedia experiences, and thousands of personal accounts. Recharge during your tour at the American Sector Restaurant & Bar; try out their shrimp & grits or the gulf shrimp remoulade. Or grab a quick bite in a retro diner setting at the Jeri Nima Soda Shop.

Ansel M. Stroud Jr. Military History & Weapons Museum

Also known as the Jackson Barracks Military Museum, located at the Jackson Barracks Historic Site. At this underrated museum, you can find stories of Louisiana citizen-soldiers from the colonial era up to contemporary operations. Learn stories of Louisiana militia this Memorial Day weekend or understand how our soldiers held it together for us during peacetime operations like natural and manmade disasters. Visit the Jackson Barracks and learn about the sacrifices that Louisiana guardsmen and their families made for us.

Where To Eat During Your New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Trip

Experience New Orleans with these unique dining choices.

Have A BBQ Or Picnic at The Fly

Head on to the far end of Audubon Park to find yourself at The Fly. Located behind the Audubon Zoo, you’ll find The Riverview, fondly referred to by locals as “The Fly.” At The Fly, you can relax, BBQ, or have a picnic with a frisbee in hand. For the sporty ones, there are many athletic fields for you to play soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and whatever else your heart desires. The Fly also boasts five baseball diamonds where you can engage in America’s favorite pastime.

Visit & Eat at The Southern Food & Beverage Museum

For a unique dining experience, head to The Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Founded in 2004, the SoFAB started studying and appreciating the intersection of food, beverage, and culture of New Orleans and the Deep South. Originally a popup, SoFAB expanded twice to accommodate their growth from humble beginnings; the first exhibit consisted of borrowed artifacts. After the success of the first exhibit, people began supporting the museum by donating family artifacts. There is truly something for everyone at this culinary museum. Check out their cocktail museum and browse their culinary library with over 11,000 books. Eat at the museum by taking a cooking class where you’ll experience a hands-on exploration of Creole cuisine, followed by lunch.

Immerse Yourself in These Experiences During Your New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Trip

It isn’t a New Orleans trip without getting to experience the best things that the city has to offer.

Take An Airboat or Pontoon Tour with Airboat Adventures

Take a short trip out of New Orleans and enjoy nature with us at Airboat Adventures. From airboats to pontoons, Airboat Adventures offers the best swamp tours in the state. You can even arrange for us to pick you up from your hotel.

Greek Fest

Celebrate Greek culture in New Orleans on Memorial Day Weekend at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Listen and dance to Greek music as well as eat Greek food at this indoor-outdoor celebration of Greek culture. Check out a classic Greek taverna built just for Greek Fest where you can sample some Greek wines, try Greek iced coffee, and buy ouzo by the shot or bottle. There are activities for everyone at this festival. Kids can enjoy an Athenian playground with face painting and crafts. There are cooking demos that adults can enjoy as well. Want to dance? Hit up the stage to watch some Hellenic dancers in their colorful native costumes; there’s a dance floor where everyone is welcome to and encouraged to try out some Greek dancing. There are more activities in your arsenal; you can take a cathedral tour or make your dream of running a marathon at their annual 5K.

The Music Box Village

Arts non-profit New Orleans’s main project, the whimsical Music Box Village is the brainchild and collaborative project of the New Orleans arts community. At Music Box Village, you can find installations, performances, and the chance to explore. This Memorial Day weekend, you can find live music, open hours with docents, and a drag brunch.

Sonesta Sunday

Kick off your summer with a splash at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Cool off and relax by their pool with a daiquiri in hand while you enjoy some live music. The dress code is “pool chic” attire and there is a full bar featuring daiquiri machines. Purchase tickets here and go live your best life. Food is available for purchase, Tickets come with a complimentary daiquiri and valet parking.