TM-2026-JUNE

TOURISM MATTERS NEW ORLEANS TO WELCOME THE WORLD FOR IPW 2027

JUNE 2026

LETTER 3 CEO Walter J. Leger III

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TO N.O. 4 GETTING Member Profile: Our Three Champions

Welcome the World for IPW 2027

BEYOND THE BEADS 8 Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup Returns as X Games Makes it New Orleans Debut

MEMBERSHIP NEWS 10 Beyond the Fence BE A TOURIST 12 Leisure Events Calendar COMPANY’S COMING 14 Convention Calendar MUSIC TO OUR EARS 16 What Others are Saying about New Orleans

HOW TO

Reach Us Tourism Matters is published by Gambit for New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry. Our vision is to make New Orleans the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world. The mission of New Orleans & Company is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to the city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people.

PHOTO BY X GAMES

STORY 6 COVER IPW 2027: New Orleans to

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

TO N.O. 5 GETTING Employee Spotlight - Kim Priez

PHOTO BY NOL A.COM

& Legacy Honoree

Executive Team Walter J. Leger III, President and CEO Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President Stephanie Turner, SVP, Convention Sales & Strategies Kim Priez, SVP, Tourism Kelly Schulz, SVP, Communications and PR Jeremy Cooker, SVP of Marketing Sam Joffray, Event Development and Production Executive Tammie Boteler, VP of Finance

504-566-5011 | 2020 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

Brian Walker, VP of Information Technology

www.neworleans.com

Rachel Avery, CMP, Director, Convention Services and Special Events

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @Visit New Orleans | @Neworleansandco

Tara Stackpole, Director of Executive Operations

Laura Russett, Director of Administration

MARY BETH ROMIG, WILL CHANEY, TOURISM MATTERS EDITORS COVER PHOTO COURTESY NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

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PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

TABLE of CONTENTS

A MESSAGE from the CEO W

elcome to summer and happy 250th birthday to America!

New Orleans kicked off the summer in spectacular fashion … 125,0000 people flocked to the riverfront for Sail 250 New Orleans, May 27-June 1, the first stop in a national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. It was an honor to host US military vessels, as well as ships from the UK, Netherlands, Colombia, Chile, Buenos Aires, Peru, and Uruguay. The mighty Mississippi became a beautiful backdrop for international friendship, maritime heritage, cultural exchange, and community celebration.

That same week New Orleans & Company hosted North America’s 50 Best restaurant awards, bringing some of the most influential chefs, restaurateurs, food journalists, and, hospitality leaders from the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean to New Orleans. The 50 Best Restaurants in North America were revealed, including New Orleans’ own Dakar NOLA (number four and Best Restaurant in the Southern USA); Emeril’s (number 20); Acamaya (number 30); and Emeril Lagasse received the Icon Award.

This event is part of our strategy to showcase our cultural assets globally, and it delivered on that vision.

And speaking of welcoming the world to New Orleans, this issue of Tourism Matters highlights a rare opportunity we have on May 2-6, 2027 to host IPW, the leading international inbound travel trade show for the United States.

Organized by the U.S. Travel Association, IPW is the Super Bowl of travel and tourism, convening thousands of the most influential global travel buyers, tour operators, and, journalists — professionals who collectively shape how millions of international travelers choose where to visit. The business conducted during this event drives billions of dollars in future travel to the United States, with impacts that ripple for years. Hosting IPW 2027 po-

sitions New Orleans and the entire state to capture a meaningful share of that business.

In the shorter term, our team is working diligently to drive business to our community this summer through a marketing campaign designed to inspire visitation from our regional drive market and three of our largest direct-flight markets: Atlanta, Houston and Dallas.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

Dear Friends of New Orleans & Company,

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The summer is slower, but it is not slow. There are a number of large meetings and conferences in town, including 16,000 people for the 2026 Pokémon North America International Championships earlier this month. New Orleans is booming with major cultural events including the Essence Festival of Culture, the first-ever X Games Championship event, Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup, COOLinary restaurant promotion, Satchmo Summer Fest, and Museum Month.

For those of us who are lucky enough to live and work here, the message is simple: Now is the time to rediscover the magic of New Orleans. Visit a museum for the first time, attend a festival or explore a new neighborhood this summer. It’s the perfect time to show up and support the people and places that make New Orleans thrive. Plan your staycation today at neworleans.com.

Sincerely,

Walter J. Leger III President & CEO New Orleans & Company

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GETTING to N.O.

Member Spotlight

Champions of New Orleans Tourism and Travel

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he “Champions of New Orleans Travel and Tourism” are more than outstanding professionals of excellence. They are storytellers and ambassadors of a spirit that exists nowhere else in the world. Through their dedication, passion and deep love for this city, they help ensure that New Orleans remains vibrant and welcoming.

It was our privilege at this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week luncheon, held the first week of May, to recognize three remarkable individuals whose work strengthens not only our industry, but the very fabric of New Orleans.

Andrew Haertzen is the

Assistant Curator of Africa at Audubon Zoo. He is a dedicated conservation and guest experience leader who Andrew Haertzen blends animal care, education, and guest engagement to create meaningful visitor interactions, making him a champion of the travel and tourism industry.

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School of of Cooking, the city’s only Blackowned cooking school in more than 90 years.

Through handson classes that blend food, stoChef Dee Lavigne rytelling, and culture, she connects visitors from around the world to the heart of New Orleans cuisine. Known for her warmth, personal touch, and global impact, she truly embodies the spirit of New Orleans hospitality.

“One of the best things I love about my job is meeting people from all over the world and showing them how to create wonderful flavors in their food,” says Chef Dee.

Sergio Lopez is a veteran of New

“The fact that we are able to facilitate the existing encounters with our guests and making sure we create cool reasons for people to come to the zoo and see all the excellent things we have to offer is something Andrew should take a lot of pride in and credit for,” said zoo colleague Morgan Philley.

Orleans hospitality whose career spans over 50 years and reflects the evolution of the city’s tourism industry. A beloved maître d’, earning multiple “Maître D’ of the Year” honors from New OrleSergio Lopez ans Magazine.

Sergio continues to uphold and embody classic New Orleans charm at Annunciation Restaurant, making him a Champion of the Industry.

Chef Dee Lavigne is a New Orleans native, Culinary Institute of America–trained chef, and founder of the Deelightful Roux

Sergio has been in hospitality so long, it’s in his blood,” says Kristin Sparks, owner of Annunciation Restaurant. “He

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goes above and beyond to make people feel special.”

It was also our pleasure to present Arthur Hardy with our Legacy Award.

Last year’s Legacy Award recipients, the Chase family represented by Edgar ‘Dook’ Chase IV, presented Arthur the award. In Dook’s remarks, he stated, “For decades Arthur Hardy has been one of this city’s most dedicated ambassadors, historians, and champions.”

In creating the annual Mardi Gras Guide, the annual publicaArthur Hardy tion detailing everything to know about Carnival, he didn’t just document Carnival, he helped shape how generations of locals and visitors experience it. Long before digital calendars and social media, people relied on his guide as the definitive source for parade schedules, traditions, and stories of Mardi Gras itself.

Arthur understood the story of New Orleans could not live only on the page, it had to be seen, heard, and experienced. That led him to partnerships at WWL TV and Radio, WDSU, and most recently as WVUE FOX 8’s Carnival Authority, where he became a familiar and trusted voice bringing the magic of Carnival into living rooms across the country.

His television work and his Mardi Gras Guide helped position New Orleans as a must-visit destination.

Kim Priez SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TOURISM Why did you join New Orleans & Company?

When I joined the organization, it was known as the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. I began as an intern and assistant when our offices were located on Royal Street, in the building that now serves as a police station. Every day, I watched visitors experience the joy and excitement of exploring the French Quarter. Seeing firsthand the impact tourism had on people fascinated me and inspired me to pursue a career that allowed me to connect with others.

I have always been drawn to sales and service-oriented industries. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work for the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel promoting the hotel to global markets. While I enjoyed representing the property, the opportunity to promote tourism for the entire city ultimately drew me back to my roots at what is now New Orleans & Company.

Today, it is incredibly rewarding to work with travel professionals from around the world and showcase all the reasons New Orleans is the ideal destination for their groups, programs, and clients.

How do you explain your team’s work to someone outside of the travel industry?

Our Tourism Sales team works with U.S. and international travel buyers, tour operators, and group planners to position New Orleans as their destination of choice. These professionals organize a wide range of travel experiences, including family reunions, weddings, cruise programs, escorted tours, and customized vacation packages.

Employee Spotlight Many of our clients bring anywhere from 10 to more than 50,000 visitors to New Orleans each year. We understand that they have countless destination options across the United States, so our role is to demonstrate what makes New Orleans truly unique.

We promote the city’s authentic culture, world-renowned cuisine, rich history, vibrant music scene, and, most importantly, the warmth and hospitality of our people.

Why is hosting IPW a big deal?

How can the community help?

IPW, which stands for International Pow Wow, is the premier international inbound travel trade show in the United States. Each year, it brings together more than 1,000 leading travel companies and over 500 international journalists.

Many of these buyers already send tens of thousands of international visitors to New Orleans annually, making their influence on global travel significant.

Often referred to as the “Super Bowl of global travel,” IPW provides an unparalleled opportunity for a host city to showcase itself to the world. By experiencing New Orleans firsthand, these influential travel professionals gain a deeper understanding of what makes our city special.

While New Orleans is an extraordinary destination, it is our people who truly set us apart. Visitors will experience a warm welcome from the moment they arrive until the day they depart. We encourage our community to join us in creating that “Big Warm Welcome” by learning more and getting involved at www.neworleans.com/IPW2027.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

GETTING to N.O.

You have been with New Orleans & Company for 35 years. What makes you stay?

Promoting and selling the city I love as a premier destination has been an incredibly fulfilling career.

New Orleans & Company is an exceptional place to work and I am surrounded by a passionate and dedicated team. Tourism is a demanding profession, but when you love what you do and believe in its impact, 35 years can pass very quickly.

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New Orleans to Welcome the World for IPW 2027

BY VIVIAN DISALVO

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After a competitive bid process, the U.S. Travel Association selected New Orleans and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to host IPW on May 2-6, 2027, 11 years since we last hosted this prestigious event.

IPW is the Super Bowl of travel and tourism, convening the most influential global travel buyers, tour operators, and media — professionals who collectively shape how millions of international travelers choose where to visit. The business conducted during this event drives billions of dollars in future travel to the United States, with impacts that ripple for years. Hosting IPW 2027 positions New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana to capture a meaningful share of that business.

Next May we will welcome more than 5,000 professionals from 60 countries to forge connections and cultivate business. The conversations that start at IPW turn into bookings, fueling our international visitation pipeline for years to come. Past IPWs have generated more than $5.5 billion in future travel to the USA with over 90,000 pre-scheduled business appointments.

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Lt . G ove r n o r B illy Nu n g e s s e r jo in s New Orleans & Company Staff to welcome IPW 2027 to New Orleans

International visitors who come to the USA we typically stay longer, spend more, and seek out authentic, multiday experiences. Tax revenue paid by visitors earns our city and state millions of dollars for vital services, including education, infrastructure, and public safety. These revenues come from hotel taxes as well as direct visitor spending in restaurants, venues, retail, and other businesses, demonstrating the economic

benefit of major events to our community. When businesses and their employees thrive, they re-invest in our community and strengthen our economy.

Previewing New Orleans The New Orleans & Company team, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and our statewide partners attended IPW in Ft Lauderdale to conduct business as we typically do, as well as to promote New Orleans as next year’s host city. Over

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

rom May 17-21, 2026, international travel buyers, suppliers and journalists gathered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for IPW, the premier international inbound travel marketplace for the United States produced by the U.S. Travel Association, but they also got a preview of IPW’s next host city: New Orleans!

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Walt said to a packed room of journalists, “New Orleans is not a city that can be easily explained. It must be experienced. There are great cities around the world known for power, amazing cities known for their beauty, and incredible cities known for culture. New Orleans is a rarity because we are celebrated for all three at once. Born at the mouth of the Mississippi River, this city helped shape the commerce, music, cuisine, and spirit

Ro bin Bar ne s and Pat C as ey pe r fo rm at the IP W 2026 Pre s s co nfe re nce in Fo r t L au derdale, Florida.

of America itself. Known as a logistics hub and a center of export/import from around the world…we also excel at sharing one of our most precious assets — joy.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

The excitement for New Orleans was palpable!

Statewide Impact IPW is not just a New Orleans event — it is a statewide economic development opportunity - where buyers and journalists will directly experience the depth and diversity of Louisiana.

New Or le a n s & Co m p a ny To u r i s m Te a m re p re s e nt i n g New Or l e a n s at IPW 2 02 6 in Fo r t L au d erd al e, Fl o r i d a.

“Louisiana continues to see strong momentum in both domestic and international visitation, and events like IPW give us an unmatched opportunity to showcase our state to the world,” said Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “From our food and music to our outdoor adventures and rich culture,

PHOTO BY MADDIE JOHNSON

four days, Kim Priez and our sales team conducted 182 individual meetings with customers and our PR team conversed with over 50 journalists. Our President and CEO Walt Leger III led a press conference featuring remarks from Lt. Governor Nungesser, a musical performance

by Robin Barnes and Pat Casey, and a video from Mayor Moreno to welcome attendees to New Orleans.

Louisiana offers experiences visitors cannot find anywhere else. Every visitor who comes to Louisiana supports local jobs, restaurants, hotels, attractions and small businesses in communities across our state. Tourism continues to be one of Louisiana’s greatest economic success stories.”

When done right, IPW will drive bookings, strengthen our economy, generate global media exposure, and position Louisiana as a must-visit destination within the broader U.S. travel market. At a time of such division, travel unites people through shared cultural experiences. As Mark Twain said, “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”

We can’t wait to welcome the world and reap the benefit for years to come.

For more information and to volunteer for this monumental event, please visit www.neworleans.com/IPW2027.

NEWORLE ANS .COM | JUNE 2026

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BEYOND the BEADS Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup Returns as X Games Makes Its New Orleans Debut

BY WILLIAM CHANEY

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This summer, that work will be on full display as two major events bring international attention, new visitors and exciting energy to the city. In July, New Orleans will welcome back an old friend as the Americas selections of Bocuse d’Or and the Pastry World Cup return to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center July 2526. That same weekend, the city will introduce itself to a new friend when X Games makes its New Orleans debut at the Caesars Superdome July 24-26.

Together, the events show the range of what makes New Orleans one of the country’s most unique host cities. From world-class chefs and pastry artists to action sports athletes, music fans and first-time visitors, New Orleans continues to prove it can welcome events of every kind with the culture, hospitality and energy that only this city can provide.

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PHOTO BY BOCUSE D’OR

ew Orleans & Company continues to bring world-class events to New Orleans as part of its ongoing strategy to elevate the city’s tourism industry, showcase its cultural assets, and attract new audiences from around the world.

The Americas selections of Bocuse d’Or and the Pastry World Cup will take place July 25-26, 2026, following the event’s successful New Orleans debut in 2024. New Orleans is the only U.S. city to host the prestigious international culinary competition, bringing some of the finest chefs and pastry artists from throughout North and South America back to the city.

The Pastry World Cup Americas will take place Saturday, July 25, featuring

seven teams from across the Americas competing for a coveted place in the 2027 Grand Final in Lyon, France on July 26, the Bocuse d’Or Americas selection will feature eight teams from eight countries, with the top five qualifying for the 2027 Bocuse d’Or Grand Final.

This year’s competition will be held alongside the Louisiana Restaurant Association Showcase, the largest restaurant and hospitality industry

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The return of the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup also builds on a period of growing global culinary and cultural recognition for New Orleans.

In May, New Orleans & Company partnered with 50 Best to bring North America’s 50 Best Restaurants to the city, welcoming the region’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and industry leaders for a series of culinary events and an awards ceremony. The moment added to the momentum surrounding New Orleans’ food scene, along with Michelin’s arrival in the South and the city’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, which recognizes the role culture plays in New Orleans’ identity, economy, and international reputation.

While Bocuse d’Or brings the culinary world back to New Orleans, X Games will bring a different kind of spotlight to the city.

From July 24-26, the MoonPay X Games League Championship will take over the Caesars Superdome for three days of Skateboard, BMX and Moto X competition, live music, and fan experiences. The event marks the first championship event of the new X Games League Summer Season and will bring more than 100 of the world’s top action sports athletes to New Orleans.

Athletes, event organizers, and local leaders gather to celebrate the anno u nce m e nt of th e 2026 X G am e s Le ague Championship.

The championship weekend follows X Games League stops in Sacramento and Chiba, Japan, with New Orleans serving as the final stop of the season. With 18 competitions, music and entertainment, sponsor activations, and festival-style programming, X Games adds another major event to a summer calendar already filled with reasons to visit.

The weekend will also feature major live music performances, including Metro Boomin and J.I.D. on Friday, July 24, and Subtronics with BUNT on Saturday, July 25. The combination of competition, music and fan experiences makes X Games a strong match for New Orleans, a city built on the connection between culture, entertainment, and unforgettable live events.

For visitors, the weekend offers two very different reasons to come to New Orleans. For the hospitality industry, it

PHOTO BY X GAMES

tradeshow in the Gulf South. The event brings thousands of restaurant and hospitality professionals to New Orleans each year, making it a natural fit for a city known around the world for its food, restaurants, and culinary talent.

is another opportunity to welcome new audiences, fill hotel rooms, support restaurants, and showcase the city’s ability to host events that reach far beyond the region.

Whether guests are watching worldclass chefs compete at the Convention Center or seeing action sports stars fly through the Superdome, they will be experiencing a city that knows how to turn major events into memorable moments. Get your tickets today!

This summer, New Orleans is welcoming back an old friend and making room for a new one. Together, these events reflect New Orleans & Company’s continued work to attract world-class meetings, competitions and cultural moments that bring new energy to the city. When the world is ready to gather, New Orleans is Built to Host.

NEWORLE ANS .COM | JUNE 2026

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS Beyond the Fence: The French Quarter is Open for Business

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If you’ve been in the French Quarter lately, you’ve likely noticed the construction fencing stretching along the 900 to 1100 blocks of Decatur Street, along with recent work wrapping up at the intersection of Royal and St. Peter Streets. The temporary barriers and detours are easy to misread as a signal to stay away. But here’s the truth: the French Quarter is alive, open, and as full of character as ever.

This will replace aging underground pipes and water lines beneath some of the French Quarter’s most iconic streets. It’s the kind of foundational work needed to modernize the systems that keep one of America’s most visited neighborhoods running strong. The project is expected to wrap up by the fall of 2026, and progress is already visible as crews shift from excavation to pavement and sidewalk restoration near Royal and St. Peter.

In the meantime, the businesses that line these blocks are struggling to keep their doors open. Construction fencing obscures storefronts, redirects foot traffic, and makes it easy to unknowingly walk past a neighborhood gem. That’s why we’re asking locals and visitors alike to

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Jo a n of A rc st at u e d efe n d i n g D ec atu r Street

be intentional: seek out these businesses, walk down these streets, and discover what’s waiting just beyond the fencing.

These businesses are part of the French Quarter’s irreplaceable soul, and they need your support now more than ever.

What You’ll Find When You Explore Start with the food because in New Orleans, it always starts with the food.

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Central Grocery and Deli, the legendary home of the original muffuletta and remains a must-visit institution that has anchored Decatur.

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And can’t forget about Lebanon Grill, which offers a fun ambience with their Mediterranean menu.

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For those looking to unwind over a cocktail, Molly’s at the Market is a neighborhood cornerstone

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

major infrastructure upgrade is underway along Decatur Street and the neighborhood’s beloved shops, restaurants, and galleries are still waiting to welcome you.

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and Cane and Table brings a sophisticated, tropical-inspired craft cocktail experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. Santos Bar rounds out the nightlife options, offering live music and an electric atmosphere that keeps the spirit of the Quarter going well into the evening.

navigating unfamiliar detours and especially for the business owners who have shown remarkable resilience throughout a year-long project. But it is also a testament to the city’s commitment to investing in its future, ensuring that the infrastructure beneath one of its most treasured neighborhoods is built to last.

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Little Toy Shop is a whimsical destination for families and the young at heart, stocked with an eclectic assortment of toys, novelties, and souvenirs that capture the magic of New Orleans. For something more mystical, Cottage Magick offers a curated collection of herbs, crystals, candles, and spiritual goods that reflect the city’s supernatural nature. And if you’re looking for a gift that will truly last, Pepper Palace has built a loyal following with its extensive lineup of hot sauces, spice blends, and specialty seasonings that make for perfect takehome gifts.

Art lovers should make a point to stop into Joseph Walton Photography, where stunning fine art photography captures the landscapes, culture, and soul of Louisiana in a way that invites you to see the city through an entirely new lens. Whether

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

Beyond the plate and the glass, the area is rich with unique shopping finds that you simply won’t encounter in a mall or online.

you’re searching for a statement piece for your home or a meaningful memento of your visit, the work here speaks to the spirit of New Orleans in a deeply personal way.

Support Our Local Businesses

The construction along Decatur Street is undeniably an inconvenience for visitors

New Orleans & Company encourages, locals and visitors, to visit the French Quarter with fresh eyes this season. Make a reservation, browse a gallery, pick up a gift and have a cocktail. The restaurants, galleries, bars, and boutiques along Decatur and Royal Streets have kept their doors open through every phase of this project, and they deserve to see the community show up for them.

There are so many more restaurants, bars, shops and galleries to explore throughout the neighborhood.

Around every corner, visitors can find another local business that adds to the character of the French Quarter. The best way to support them is to keep walking, keep looking and step inside when something catches your eye.

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BE A TOURIST

Leisure Events Calendar

JULY » Happy 3rd of July JULY 3 New Orleans City Park neworleanscitypark.org

» Go 4th on the River JULY 4 Riverfront go4thontheriver.com

» Bastille Day Fête JULY 10 French Quarter

» San Fermin in Nueva Orleans: Running of the Bulls 20th Anniversary JULY 10-12 Gallier Hall nolabulls.com

» Tales of the Cocktail JULY 19-24

PHOTO BY TALES OF THE COCKTAIL

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel talesofthecocktail.org

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» X Games New Orleans 2026 JULY 24-26 Caesars Superdome xgames.com

» Americas Selections of Pastry World Cup and Bocuse d’Or + LRA Showcase

» Essence Festival of Culture JULY 3-5 Caesars Superdome and New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center essence.com/festival

AUGUST

JULY 25-28

» Fidelity Bank White Linen Night

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

AUGUST 1

cmpatisserie.com bocusedor.com

300-600 Julia Street artsdistrictneworleans.com

PHOTO BY ZACH SMITH

af-neworleans.org

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» Red Dress Run AUGUST 8

» New Orleans Museum Month

Starts at Armstrong Park noh3.com/RDRHome

AUGUST 1-31 Various Museums neworleans.com/museum-month

» COOLinary AUGUST 1-31 Various New Orleans Resturants neworleans.com/coolinary

» Dirty Linen Night PHOTO BY PAUL BROUSSARD

AUGUST 8 200-1000 Royal Street dirtylinen.org

SEPTEMBER » Southern Decadence SEPTEMBER 4-7 French Quarter southerndecadence.net

» NOLA River Festival » Satchmo Summer Fest AUGUST 1-2 French Quarter frenchquarterfest.org

SEPTEMBER 12 New Orleans Jazz Museum nolariverfest.org

» NOLAxNOLA SEPTEMBER 24-30 neworleans.com/nolaxnola

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COMPANY’S COMING

Conventions Calendar The National Association of College & University Food Services

JULY American School Counselor Association

NACUFS 2026 National Conference

ASCA 2026 Amplify Success

JULY 15-18 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Professionals come together to discover the products and partnerships shaping the future of collegiate dining. nacufs.org

JULY 11-14 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Thousands of school counseling professionals convene for the premier school counseling professional development. scaconferences.org

National Association of Counties

2026 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition JULY 17-20 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center A gathering of elected and appointed officials from the nation’s counties, parishes, and burrows, gathering for committee and caucus meetings, educational workshops, general sessions and more. wnaco.org

International Association for Food Protection

IAFP 2026 Annual Meeting

P HOTO BY J UST IN W I LLI AMS

JULY 26-29

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New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Thousands of attendees from six different continents gather to share insights on topics in food safety. foodprotection.org

AUGUST Urban League of Louisiana

The Big Health Event AUGUST 15 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

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This event promotes health and wellness for adults and children, including health screenings for diabetes, height and weight, lung capacity, and more. urbanleaguela.org

Louisiana Home Show AUGUST 29-30 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center This event joins a wide selection of home improvement professionals to inspire, PHOTO BY KATHY ANDER SON

motivate, and excite attendees about home improvement. lahomeshows-em.com

SEPTEMBER

Psych Congress SEPTEMBER 15-19 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center This is the largest psychopharmacology conference in the nation, offering forums for the latest techniques, treatments, and practices in psychopharmacology.

YMCA of the USA

YMCA General Assembly SEPTEMBER 17-20 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center It brings together YMCA leaders, staff, and advocates from across the country for networking, leadership development, and educational

programming focused on strengthening communities nationwide. ymca.org

Water Environment Federation (WEF)

WEFTEC 2026 SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 1 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center WEFTEC is one of the world’s largest annual water quality exhibitions and conferences, bringing together water professionals, researchers, and industry leaders for education, innovation, and networking opportunities.

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MUSIC to our EARS As our ship casts off and begins to make its way up the mighty Mississippi towards Memphis, we realize we have only just scratched the surface when it comes to exploring your beautiful city. What little we saw, we loved immensely and we leave knowing that we very much want to come back.

The food, the music and the ambiance were all exactly as we like. What truly surprised us was the wonderful welcoming we received everywhere we went and from everyone we spoke to. Truly fantastic!

Thank you so very much for organizing everything so well for us. We really appreciated all the hard work and the terrific generosity you have shown us. Hopefully we leave with a clean wake behind us, and that when you see how we use the assets you have given us, we will get a return invitation.

FROM UK JOURNALISTS MICHAEL & FRANCES HOWORTH

TOURISM MATTERS NEW ORLEANS TO WELCOME THE WORLD FOR IPW 2027 JUNE 2026

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Tourism Matters New Orleans & Company 2020 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130

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