10 Things to Do in New Orleans This Week · August 20–23, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Booker & Beyond Professor Tim Series ft. Ross Hoppe

An intimate evening in the Professor Tim Series spotlighting Ross Hoppe at the legendary Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 · Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak Street, New Orleans

Kellen Erskine at Sports Drink

Stand-up comedian Kellen Erskine performs a ticketed show at Sports Drink on Thursday night.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 9:00 PM · Sports Drink, New Orleans

Jungle Punch with Phantom 45 at The Crypt

Late-night underground rave featuring Jungle Punch with Phantom 45 at The Crypt on St. Bernard Ave, running until 4 AM.

Friday, August 21, 2026 10:00 PM · The Crypt, 1301 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans

Gary Clark Jr.

Blues-rock guitar phenomenon Gary Clark Jr. performs a headline show at the historic Orpheum Theater.

Sunday, August 30, 2026 7:00 PM · Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans

Date Night

Johnny Vidacovich Trio ft. Ashlin Parker & Joe Ashlar

NOLA drumming legend Johnny Vidacovich leads a jazz trio featuring Ashlin Parker and Joe Ashlar at the Maple Leaf Bar.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 · Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak Street, New Orleans

Free Events

Comedy Gumbeaux

Weekly open mic comedy night at the Howlin' Wolf Den — $5 entry for laughs in an intimate setting.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 7:30 PM · Howlin' Wolf Den, New Orleans

Free Summer Movie Series: They Fight (Presented by the New Orleans Film Society)

The Orpheum's free summer movie series continues with a screening of They Fight, presented by the New Orleans Film Society.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 7:00 PM · Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans

Family-Friendly

Z'otz Cafe Board Game Night

NOLA Boardgaming brings its Friday night open gaming session to Z'otz Cafe for casual play and community fun.

Friday, August 21, 2026 7:00 PM · Z'otz Cafe, New Orleans

Free Summer Movie Series: The Wizard of OZ with Bingo

The Orpheum's beloved free summer series screens The Wizard of Oz paired with a Bingo game for an afternoon of family fun.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 2:30 PM · Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans

Outdoors & Active

Saturday Morning Meditation in Couturie Forest

A peaceful community meditation gathering in the serene Couturie Forest at City Park every Saturday morning.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 9:00 AM · Couturie Forest, City Park, New Orleans