New Orleans is preparing for a dynamic 2027, combining major events, internationally recognized cuisine, music, culture and continued investment in its tourism infrastructure. Known for its distinctive musical heritage and traditions, the Louisiana city will add new experiences to its established attractions while expanding accommodation and transportation options for visitors throughout the year.

According to New Orleans & Company, the city’s official destination sales and marketing organization, these are the top 10 reasons to visit New Orleans in 2027.

1. A destination earning international recognition

New Orleans enters 2027 with recognition from UNESCO, the MICHELIN Guide and World’s 50 Best, reinforcing its reputation for cuisine and culture. In 2026, Yelp and Lyft named it the No. 1 food destination in the United States. Travel + Leisure ranked it fourth among U.S. cities, while Tripadvisor placed it fifth among U.S. destinations.

2. An internationally acclaimed culinary scene

Food will remain one of the city’s leading attractions. In the inaugural MICHELIN Guide to the American South, Emeril’s received two stars, while Saint Germain and Zasu earned one star each. Eleven additional restaurants received Bib Gourmand recognition. Local restaurants also earned honors from North America’s 50 Best Restaurants and the James Beard Awards.

3. A year-round calendar of festivals

March and April will bring events including French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Hogs for the Cause and the New Orleans Opera Festival. Tales of the Cocktail returns July 25–30, bringing international attention to the city’s cocktail culture. Fall events will include the New Orleans Film Festival, NOLA Funk Fest and the National Fried Chicken Festival.

4. Mardi Gras and a milestone Carnival anniversary

Mardi Gras arrives early in 2027, with Fat Tuesday falling on February 9. The Rex Organization will celebrate the 155th anniversary of its first parade in 1872, adding a historic milestone to one of the city’s most distinctive annual traditions.

5. Two landmark anniversaries in music and culture

The historic Saenger Theatre will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027, while celebrated music venue Tipitina’s will mark 50 years since opening. Both venues remain important parts of New Orleans’ cultural identity and offer visitors opportunities to experience its music and performing arts.

6. New Year’s Eve celebrations and major sporting events

New Orleans will welcome the New Year with celebrations, live music, dining experiences, fireworks over the Mississippi River and family-friendly activities. On January 15, the Caesars Superdome will host a College Football Playoff semifinal as part of the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

7. New hotels and renewed hospitality landmarks

The city’s hotel sector continues to evolve, with more than $1 billion invested in renovations, according to New Orleans & Company. Expected developments around the end of 2026 include The Warbler and the 250-room Fairmont New Orleans, featuring a rooftop bar and pool, spa, dining venues and meeting facilities. Renovations at other established hotels will further refresh the city’s accommodation options.

8. Riverfront spaces, art and outdoor experiences

The six-acre Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park offers green spaces, gathering areas and a themed playground. Near the Audubon Aquarium, an interactive water feature and evening light shows provide additional attractions. At City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art will present exhibitions spanning different artistic and cultural traditions.

9. More ways to arrive by air, rail and cruise

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is expanding its connections, with new routes planned by Breeze Airways and Frontier Airlines, as well as an increase in British Airways service from London Heathrow. The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, connecting New Orleans with Gulf Coast communities through Mobile, recorded more than 150,000 passenger trips in its first year. The city will also continue to welcome ocean and Mississippi River cruises.

10. A new era for meetings and conventions

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is undertaking a $763 million capital improvement plan expected to continue through 2030. The project includes meeting room renovations, upgraded public spaces and energy-efficiency and sustainability improvements. These investments aim to strengthen New Orleans’ position in the meetings, conventions and business events market.

With its combination of festivals, award-winning cuisine, musical heritage, new visitor experiences and improving connectivity, New Orleans is positioning itself as a compelling destination for vacations, short breaks and business travel in 2027.