What to do on Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans

By Dom Bewley
What to do on Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans

Did you know that over 6 in 10 Americans have family members who serve or have served in the armed forces? That's...a lot of Americans. It's no wonder that Memorial Day is one of the most venerated days on the calendar. A day to pay respects to fallen soldiers, Memorial Day gives non-serving people the opportunity to give thanks for what we have and the sacrifices others made to provide us with so much.

So, if you're in New Orleans and wondering what to do on Memorial Day weekend, we've created this guide that gives you the low down on all the goings on in the city.

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When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day lands on the last Monday of May. In 2023, that's Monday, May 29.

What to do on Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans?

Now you know what and when Memorial Day is, let's explore what to do in New Orleans on the weekend.

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Attend the Memorial Day service at the National WW II Museum

On any other day, the National World War II Museum is one of New Orleans' best attractions. History buffs will love exploring the 6-acre site, which features numerous exhibits that honor the courage and sacrifice that brave American soldiers made during one of the worst conflicts humanity has ever seen.

Covering everything from D-Day to the invasion of Tokyo, you'll read personal stories from soldiers on the frontlines, follow the troops as they make their push east and then west toward Berlin, and see authentic weapons, clothing, and equipment used during the Second World War.

On Memorial Day, a ceremony is held there between 11AM and 12PM. It gives participants the opportunity to remember the people who paid the ultimate price for their country. Without them, you may not even exist today. Servicemembers get free entry to the ceremony, and they'll also get admission to the rest of the museum for free.

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Memorial Day Ceremony at Chalmette Cemetery

Chalmette National Cemetary is one of the city's biggest grave sites. The ground it sits on now was where the Battle of New Orleans was fought back in 1815. On top of that, soldiers from wars through the years have been buried there, including those lost in the Vietnam War. So it's only appropriate that a Memorial Day Ceremony is held there every year.

The ceremony takes place on Monday, May 29, at 12.30PM. It includes a color guard, a bagpiper, and veterans, who often say some words to see out the ceremony. Anyone is free to attend and pay their respects.

You can even volunteer to place flags on the headstones and then remove them at the end of the day. However, it's worth noting that, given New Orleans' hot and humid climate, you should make sure you're capable of the often-hours worth of work, including bending over to place the flags and walking among the hundreds of headstones. Still, if you're willing and able, it's a great way to say thanks.

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Other things to do in New Orleans on Memorial Day weekend

The above two are the biggest Memorial Day events in New Orleans, but you'll still find plenty of local services and events happening in the city. Feel free to check social media before you head out, or simply walk the streets and see what's happening.

If you're staying in New Orleans over the whole Memorial Day weekend and want to know what to do on the other days, we've got some suggestions down below.

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Take the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Cruise

If you're keen to discover more of New Orleans' 300-year history, or enjoy riding boats, consider a Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Cruise. The luxury liner looks like it was ripped out of the Wild West era, but don't let your eyes decieve you - the boat boasts luxurious decor and air conditioning, ensuring your trip will be pleasant regardless of New Orleans' sticky temperatures!

Your trip passes through all the city's best bits, like the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Park.

Your guide will point out landmarks as you pass them, all while filling you in on the history of each location. Highlights include the founding of present-day New Orleans by the LeMoyne brothers, the expansion of the city into the French Quarter, and the Louisiana Purchase.

You'll then reach Chalmette Battlefield, which seems like an appropriate stop for Memorial Day weekend. You'll disembark and be taken on an hour-long guided tour led by National Park Rangers. You'll learn more about the Battle of New Orleans and why the city was so important for Louisiana and the US as a whole.

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Dare to undertake an Ultimate Swamp Adventure

If you want to feel closer to nature and have a daring streak in you, why not take a tour of the bayou, courtesy of an Ultimate Swamp Adventure?

Gorgeous scenery and deadly wildlife await! You'll hop aboard a boat and set out into Louisiana's thick wetlands on an adventure you won't soon forget. Your experienced guide and sea captain will expertly navigate the waters, taking you on a tour of the best sites.

Make sure you take a camera, or make some space on your phone, because you'll want to take as many pictures as possible. With any luck, you'll see alligators, snapping turtles, and wild hogs, to name but a few.

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Get some grub

And finally, you may need to refuel at some point on Memorial Day weekend, so if you're wondering what to eat in New Orleans, check out our picks for the places that do BBQ right!

The Joint, Central City BBQ, Devil Moon BBQ, and Blue Oak BBQ all offer quality smoked and grilled meats in different parts of the city, so check out their menus and locations and see which is right for you! Whichever you go to, you're bound to be stuffed and satisfied.

Now there's no need to wonder what to do on Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans! We hope this guide helps you enjoy the weekend in whichever way you choose. However, if you're looking for some different suggestions for the Memorial Day weekend itinerary, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass, you can see all of New Orleans' best bits at one low price.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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New Orleans in May

Planning on travelling to New Orleans this spring? Well, you’ve come to the right place. From food and music festivals to swamp hiking and plantation tours, we’ve got you covered. Immerse yourself in some of the city’s best attractions and discover its interesting history. With Go City, you can experience the endless treasures that the city has to offer. Let’s dive in. Explore the City If you’d like to experience the mighty Mississippi firsthand, we recommend looking into the Algiers Ferry ride. During the day, you’ll be able to see the famous waters up close, and at night, you can admire the skyline sparkle from a distance. The ferry ends at Algiers point, a historic neighborhood retaining all of its 19th-century village charm. Grab something to eat, take a self-guided walking tour, or watch the sunset over the river. The day is yours! Taking a brewery tour is a great way to spend an afternoon. Located in the Mid-City area, NOLA Brewery provides visitors with a chance to see how its iconic beers are made. After the tour, you can choose from 24 taps of high-quality beers, which pair nicely with McClure’s Barbecue located on-site. With its cosy courtyard, there's no better way to relax and enjoy a cold pint in the sun. New Orleans is a city brimming with living history. Explore a fascinating and somber part of America's backstory with a trip to the Oak Alley & Laura Plantations. On the tour, you’ll be able two visit the stunning gardens and elegant homes which date way back to the 17th century. In addition, you’ll learn more about the Creoles who worked at the plantation as well as the architectural style of the buildings. Because of the disturbing background of the plantations, some people choose to opt out of this one, but we think that the site provides a great educational experience. Get Festive Springtime in New Orleans is peak festival season. If you’re visiting in May, you might have missed Mardi Gras, but you can still catch Cinco De Mayo! Held annually in the beautiful springtime weather, this holiday commemorates The Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. The festivities include a full day of parades, authentic Mexican food, live Mariachi music, and face painting. In addition, you’ll be able to find many restaurants and bars across the city holding their own special events. Don’t miss out! If you know anything about New Orleans, you’ll know about the city’s strong musical prowess. To experience the vibrant music scene for yourself, head over to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Despite its name, this two-day extravaganza actually features musicians across a wide variety of genres, including folk, pop, rap and country. Having welcomed many world-renowned performers in the past, including Stevie Nicks, Wu-Tang Clan and Lionel Richie, this one is an absolute must. 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With its wide-open spaces, native landscaping and communal seating areas, this beautiful and serene space is the perfect place the spend a lazy spring afternoon. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can snap some great pictures of the river! Spring is one of the best times to check out some of the popular outdoor attractions New Orleans has to offer. If you love nature as much as we do, you might be interested in exploring the dense swamplands of Louisiana. With its beautiful nature trails and picturesque scenery, the Barataria Preserve is the perfect place for taking a peaceful hike away from the bustling city. For those who are especially interested in learning more about the swamps, guided tours are offered. It’s no accident that New Orleans is known for its delicious fresh seafood. With a wealth of freshwater lakes, endless estuaries, and of course, the Mississippi River, the area is a fisherman’s paradise. 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Whether you’re into the arts, an outdoorsy type, or simply a lover of the city, there’s tons of great things to do. Explore the area to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
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2 Days in New Orleans 

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Combining art with history, this tour provides an interesting and educational experience for those who want to learn more about the background of the city. Another must-see in the city is Audubon Zoo. Dating back from the early 20th century, this place is one of the country’s oldest and top-ranked wildlife parks. Situated in historic Uptown New Orleans, this iconic landmark and living museum is filled with an exotic mix of animals from around the world. In addition, the zoo’s award-winning natural habitats including their Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle allow visitors to explore one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States. Exciting as well as educational, this one is fun for all the family. After you’ve finished up at the Zoo, head over to the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park to get a dose of some culture. A perfect stop for art lovers, this award-winning museum houses an impressive collection of artworks spanning over 5,000 years. With an expansive repository ranging from European paintings and sculptures from the 16th through 20th centuries to American pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, this place has it all. Educational and fun, this place makes for the perfect day trip. Get Cultured It wouldn’t be a New Orleans article without mentioning Mardi Gras. Whilst the festival itself usually takes place in the Springtime, Mardi Gras World provides visitors with a way to experience the traditional Christian celebration all year long. Located on the East Bank of the Mississippi River, this 300,000 square-ft working warehouse houses over 80 per cent of the floats which are constructed for carnival season, as well as an expansive collection of intricate costumes and props. On the tour, visitors can learn more about the holiday and its unique customs, and see how the breathtaking floats are built. New Orleans is well-recognized for all things Jazz. 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Exhibiting a fascinating and misrepresented part of New Orleans culture, the museum seeks to educate its visitors about Mardi Gras Indian lifestyle. As beautiful as it is interesting, the repository is comprised of intricately beaded and feathered suits, rare photographs of Indian gangs, and priceless artefacts. A totally one-of-a-kind experience, the museum provides a valuable learning experience concerning a small, fractured part of the community. Though some choose to opt out, we recommend a plantation tour for those who are interested in learning more about the history of the Antebellum South. Located on the East Bank of the Mississippi River, the San Francisco Plantation House is often regarded to be the most opulent plantation of its kind in North America. Originally constructed in 1849, the building exhibits an extravagant concoction of architectural styles – a style which has often been referred to as ’’Steamboat Gothic‘’. Visitors can take guided tours to see the fine details and antique artefacts up close. On the tour, an expert guide will take your through the unique and somber history of the estate. Situated in South-Eastern Louisiana, New Orleans is charming, energetic and family-friendly. While 2 days might not seem like very long to explore, you can customize your trip to focus on the highlights of the city. Choose from historical landmarks, fun activities, tempting restaurants, and more - the world is your oyster! To maximize your time, we recommend staying in the city center – this way, you’ll spend less time travelling from place to place. To make the most out of your travel experience, check out our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer pass.
Sarah Harris

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