What to do on Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
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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Cheap Things to do in New Orleans

New Orleans is best known for its lively music scene, unique festivals and Creole cuisine. However, travelling on a budget can come with its restrictions. Still, with Go City, you’ll be able to find lots of fun and creative things to do on vacation at a fair price. To make your money go further, have a look at some of our affordable things to do in the city. Check out the parks If nature is your thing, New Orleans is home to some of the United States’s most unique public parks. At 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the biggest urban parks in America. With the world’s largest collection of mature live oak trees, the area serves as a great budget-friendly spot for recreation, picnics or just enjoying a long, leisurely walk. The park is open all year round, seven days a week, and is admission-free – just remember to pack your comfortable walking shoes! But it doesn’t stop there – the city offers a wide array of outdoor spaces which shouldn’t break the bank, including Jackson Square. Seated in the French Quarter of the city, this national historic landmark facing the Mississippi River is surrounded by a number of notable buildings, including the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and the Pontalba Buildings. The park itself is built up with iron-wrought fences and equestrian statues, showing its long history. For those who take an interest in the arts, we also recommend looking into the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. A cross between a garden and an outdoor art exhibit, the space showcases contemporary and modern pieces alongside one another. Artists featured in the garden include Katharina Fritsch, Frank Gehry and Jeppe Hein. Walking along the footpaths, it’s hard not to notice the 200-year old live oak trees and gleaming lagoons — overall, the experience is unusual and serene. See museums Low-budget educational experiences can be difficult to find - however, the city has a lot of affordable museums to offer. Located at the site of the very first apothecary shop, the Pharmacy Museum documents and showcases the history of medicine throughout the 19th century. Exhibiting an extensive collection of old surgical tools, medical instruments and apothecary jars containing their original ingredients, the museum proves to be a fascinating learning experience for all. For those who want to learn more about the topic, the museum also provides educational programs on the history of pharmacy and health care. If you’re looking to learn more about the city, the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum might be just for you. Founded in 2011, the museum seeks to remember and celebrate the Lower Ninth Ward, a neighborhood which was largely affected by Hurricane Katrina. The museum presents oral history interviews with Lower Ninth Ward residents, exhibits of fundamental events from the history of the neighborhood, and cultural events to entertain and educate. A moving experience, the museum tells the remarkable tale of the community’s strength and survival. As far as kid-friendly activities go, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is a great option. This state-of-the-art campus focuses on providing immersive, educational activities for children eight and younger. With 13 interactive exhibits and integrated outdoor spaces, this museum makes for a fun day out-and all at a lower price point! The institution also offers special programs and activities which are designed for children with special needs. Although the space is designed primarily for kids, we think that there’s fun to be had for all the family. Learn about the culture New Orleans has an endless list of activities to offer, but a visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the French Quarter. This historic neighborhood is the cultural hub of the city, fusing colonial French architecture with Caribbean and Southern influences. With its vibrant atmosphere and unique architecture, there's so much that captures the eye. If you’d like to experience more of the city’s rich bohemian culture, you can find live music, street performers, artists and fortune tellers in the quarter. Whilst the show is entirely free, it’s encouraged to tip the musicians and performers. Besides being a great historical city, New Orleans is known for its distinctive local cuisine. If you’d like a taste of the South sans the hefty price tag, we recommend Parkway Bakery and Tavern. Bold and full of character, this restaurant is known for serving some of the best po’boys around – and has even been visited by Barack Obama himself! For those who are looking for something a little more sweet, Café du Monde might just be for you. Operating out of a beautiful Antebellum building in the French Quarter, this purveyor is best known for their iconic sugar-coated beignets and high-quality coffee. A total New Orleans classic, it’s hard to be disappointed with this one. For anybody who’s especially interested in Cajun and Creole food, we suggest heading down to the French Market. Sat along the Mississippi River banks, this famous market has an astonishing 230 years of experience in trading. This buzzing fair offers a broad category of products ranging from fresh produce and seafood to Cajun dishes and bakes. There’s a fun, lively atmosphere at the market, with drinks flowing and great local cuisine being served. Among the stands, you should also be able to pick up Cajun and Creole cooking ingredients to add a bit of spice into your repertoire. New Orleans is a beautiful, unique destination presenting ample opportunities for affordable travel. A top location with an entrancing atmosphere, the city is available to those who know where to look. Thankfully, it’s quite simple to find affordable activities catering to different age groups and areas of interest. With Go City, you can find fun and interesting things to do on your trip which you’ll remember for years to come. If you'd like to save money on your next trip, Go City works to help you see more whilst cutting down on the cost. If you’d like to know more, connect with @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook.
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