Weekend Picks is your source for the best weekend activities in New Orleans. From live music to festivals, there’s plenty to do.

This weekend in New Orleans, celebrate the start of Pride Month, plus NOLA River Fest, the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, and more. See our picks for the weekend below.

Pride Month 

Celebrate Pride Month in New Orleans all June long with special events and festivities. This weekend, LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest returns with a packed lineup of queer-identifying comedians. Buy individual tickets to the shows held at Comedy House NOLA, Virgin Hotels, Urban South, and more. Check out our Pride Guide here for more on celebrating Pride Month in New Orleans.

Tipitina’s Free Fridays  

Throughout the summer, enjoy free concerts with different local bands taking the stage each weekend. Tipitina’s Free Fridays continues this Friday, May 31 with Flow Tribe + Marina Orchestra. No tickets are required; all shows are 21+.

Balloon Glow & Laser Show 

On May 31 and June 1, head to NOLA Motorsports Park for Balloon Glow & Laser Show. Attendees can witness and ride incredible hot air balloons during this family-friendly event, which features a kid’s zone, train rides, bounce houses, and more – plus live music & craft vendors. Ticket prices start at $10 for children, $20 for adults, plus fees.

NOLA River Fest 

Celebrating the Mighty Mississippi on Saturday, June 1, NOLA River Fest is a free festival at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Live music, local food, and presentations and panels are all highlights of the fest. Performers include Bobby Rush, The N'awlins Dawkins Baby Dolls, Tremé Brass Band, and more.

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival 

The festival kicks off with Sheryl Cormier & the Cajun Sounds and Jourdan Thibodeaux on Friday, May 31, indoors at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, and are available here. 

On Saturday, June 1, the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival will be held outside in the parking lot of the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. Waylon Thibodeaux, Rosie Ledet, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., and Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie will perform. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the first band starts at 3 p.m. Savory and cold treats will be available for purchase. Admission is free.