May 2026 Newsletter

Hello!

The last melodic notes of the past two weekends’ Jazz Fest are hanging in the air as we write this, the big two festivals (this one plus Mardi Gras) now over for another year. First of all, you can get ahead of the rush for next year by booking your Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest accommodations well in advance – start looking now and you should have your pick of our properties! You don’t have to wait twelve months to come and see us though – May and June and such wonderful months to be here. Perfect spring weather provides the backdrop for Bayou Boogaloo and Greek Fest, both by the water in Mid City and great local festivals. June is food forward, with both Restaurant Week and the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience gearing up to welcome foodies from across the country. We also have touring broadway shows, Shakespeare festivals, Juneteenth commemorative events and much more. Trust your New Orleans vacation to our amazing bed and breakfast innkeepers – we’re here to welcome you all year round. Hoping to see you very soon!

The Bed and Breakfast Inns of New Orleans

www.bbnola.com

Event highlights: Coming Up!

MAY

5th

Cinco de Mayo

Celebrations happen all across the city with margaritas and food at local Mexican spots.

12th

The Book of Mormon @ The Saenger Theatre

A sharp, boundary-pushing musical comedy! Winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, it has earned international acclaim and played to sold-out audiences on Broadway, in London, and across North America.

15th-17th

Mid City Bayou Boogaloo

Friends of Bayou St. John produce this yearly festival that celebrates Louisiana culture, through music, art, performance, markets, food vendors and more!

16th

Keith Lee’s Familee Day

Making its New Orleans debut, this new festival brings together food, music, and family-friendly fun. Created to uplift overlooked restaurants and small businesses, the festival features a curated food village hand-selected by Keith Lee, alongside carnival rides, and merchandise.

22nd

New Orleans Shakespeare Festival

This popular theatrical festival, held at theaters in Tulane University, begins with one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays: King Lear.

22nd

Greek Fest New Orleans

The sounds of Greek music fill the air, as does the wonderful aroma of Greek food during this indoor and outdoor fete. There is dancing and feasting, and of course ouzo – sold by the bottle or the shot at the quaint taverna set up at the festival. There are also Greek wines to sample along with iced Greek coffee. There are kids activities and fabulous, colorful arts and crafts for sale.

JUNE

6th

French Market Creole Tomato Festival

This beloved summer tradition in New Orleans that celebrates the region’s famous Creole tomatoes with food, music, and family activities. This signature festival marks the beginning of summer with fresh local produce, live entertainment, and a variety of tomato-based dishes.

10th

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

Now in its third decade of supporting local causes, NOWFE’s five-day celebration includes a full schedule of events for novices, connoisseurs, and those who simply love food!

12th

New Orleans Pride

Every June, events that unify and celebrate LGBTQ people and allies can be found all throughout New Orleans, all month long. Parades, parties, fundraisers, community events and everything in between exemplify the welcoming and inclusive culture our city is known for.

16th-22nd

Restaurant Week

Hosted by the Louisiana Restaurant Association Greater New Orleans Chapter in partnership with New Orleans & Company, this highly anticipated culinary event invites locals and visitors alike to indulge in carefully crafted prix fixe menus that showcase the best of the city’s vibrant food scene.

19th

Juneteenth

Each year in mid-June, communities across the U.S. commemorate Juneteenth. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, “On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom.” Events citywide commemorate and celebrate this day.