August in New Orleans is packed with festivals, food deals, and football despite the summer heat. COOLinary restaurant month, Satchmo SummerFest, and Saints training camp all land in August, when highs average about 92 degrees. Bayou Swamp Tours runs 90-minute bayou trips about 30 minutes from downtown to cool off on the water.
When Is the Best Time to Plan Your New Orleans Trip?
New Orleans welcomed roughly 18 million visitors in a recent year, according to New Orleans & Company. July highs average about 92 degrees while January highs average about 62 degrees, and the city sees about 62 inches of rain a year, per the National Weather Service. The French Quarter, founded in 1718, covers about 78 square blocks of walkable history. Explore more things to do in New Orleans.
How Can You Add a Swamp Tour to Your Itinerary?
Bayou Swamp Tours runs 1-hour-45-minute trips departing about 30 minutes from downtown, with French Quarter hotel pickup available. Small airboats hold 6 to 10 passengers and large airboats hold 15 to 27, and you may spot some of Louisiana's roughly 2 million wild alligators, per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. Book an airboat tour or read our latest bayou guides.
From mouthwatering meals at COOLinary to the vibrant sea of red at the Red Dress Run, August 2025 is bursting with uniquely NOLA experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s your guide to the can’t-miss events lighting up the Crescent City this month.
COOLinary New Orleans (All of August)
Every August, New Orleans restaurants band together to serve up irresistible prix-fixe menus as part of the citywide COOLinary New Orleans celebration. This culinary showcase runs all month long and features two- and three-course meals at unbeatable prices, making it the perfect way to explore the city’s vibrant food scene without breaking the bank.
Participating restaurants range from fine dining legends like Commander’s Palace to hip neighborhood gems and historic Creole kitchens. Whether you’re craving gumbo, Gulf oysters, or duck confit with a New Orleans twist, there’s a menu waiting to impress.
Can’t-Miss COOLinary Spots:
- GW Fins – Known for creative seafood dishes and fresh-caught flavors.
- Cochon – Cajun comfort food with soul and spice.
- Herbsaint – Where French cuisine meets Southern charm.
Pro tip: Book early, especially for weekends. These reservations go faster than beignets at Café du Monde.
Satchmo SummerFest (August 2–3)
Few names resonate through New Orleans like Louis Armstrong, the legendary jazz trumpeter born and raised here. Every year, Satchmo SummerFest transforms the historic French Quarter into a living tribute to Armstrong’s music and magic.
Hosted at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, this two-day festival features:
- Live jazz performances from local legends and rising stars
- Seminars and lectures exploring Satchmo’s cultural impact
- Authentic New Orleans cuisine
- A family-friendly second line parade and dance contests
The vibe is festive, the horns are blaring, and the joy is contagious. So whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or just learning about Armstrong’s genius, this event is a feel-good fusion of history and harmony.
Red Dress Run (August 9)
Yes, everyone wears a red dress, even the guys.
Part bar crawl, part charity run, part costume party, the Red Dress Run is one of New Orleans’ most delightfully unhinged traditions.
Held every second Saturday in August, this event sees thousands of participants donning red dresses (regardless of gender) and running (or dancing) through the French Quarter in the name of fun and philanthropy.
What started as a quirky fundraiser has become a full-blown phenomenon. It’s not about who runs the fastest, it’s about who wears it best.
What Can You Expect?
- A morning pre-party at Crescent Park with music, food, and drinks
- A run/stroll/laugh through the Quarter surrounded by outrageous outfits
- Post-race festivities at local bars and clubs
Best of all, proceeds go to dozens of local charities. So you’re having fun _and_ doing good. Now that’s a New Orleans win-win.
Tip: This is a 21+ event. If you’re not into running, come for the people-watching, it’s always a blast.
New Orleans Saints Preseason & Training Camp (Starting August 6)
August means the return of Saints football, and the preseason energy is electric. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in town for the weekend, the 2025 Saints Training Camp and Preseason Games offer a thrilling way to tap into the city’s sports pride.
Key Dates:
- Training Camp Open Practices – Starting August 6 (Check official schedule for public days)
- Preseason Games – First home game: August 17 vs. Houston Texans
Fans can attend open practices at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, where you’ll see rookies, including Kelvin Banks Jr, making their case and seasoned stars prepping for another big year.
There will also be some extra fan interactions at training camp, including:
- Player meet-and-greets
- Family zones with food trucks and Saints merch
- Intimate view of the team behind the scenes
And when it’s game day at the Caesars Superdome, the whole city lights up in black and gold. Expect tailgates, brass bands, and chants of “Who Dat?” echoing through the streets.
NOLA Pickle Fest (August 6–10)
Pickleball fever is sweeping the nation, and New Orleans is serving it up Big Easy style with the NOLA Pickle Fest.
From August 6–10, pros, amateurs, and spectators will converge on the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for five days of dinks, drops, and doubles.
This isn’t your average tournament. It’s a hybrid sports festival and cultural celebration, complete with:
- Live music and DJs
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Clinics and demos for newbies
- Costume contests (because NOLA)
- Open play courts for all ages
- “Glow Pickleball” night session
- Kids’ zone and parent-child matches
NOLA Pickle Fest combines competition and community in a uniquely fun way!
Bonus Fun: Book a Guided Swamp Tour
Of course, no New Orleans trip is complete without getting out on the water, and August is the perfect month for a guided swamp tour. After all the festival food and French Quarter fun, you’ll crave something wild, scenic, and unforgettable.
A guided swamp tour takes you deep into Louisiana’s hauntingly beautiful wetlands, where you’ll spot:
- Alligators (big ones!)
- Herons, turtles, and raccoons
- Spanish moss-draped cypress trees
It’s the perfect way to see the untamed side of New Orleans. Bring your camera, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure.
Pro Tip: Book your tour in advance. August tours fill up fast, especially during festival weekends.
Take Advantage of Everything NOLA Has to Offer in August
Whether you’re grooving to jazz at Satchmo Fest, eating your way through COOLinary, or showing off your paddle skills at Pickle Fest, August in New Orleans is anything but boring.
If you’re looking for that extra bit of fun and adventure, add in a swamp tour and you’ve got yourself a month to remember.
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