As we wrap up 2025, and people are looking ahead to travel plans in the new year, New Orleans & Company has released a list of six reasons to visit the city in 2026:
1. Rockin’1000 will makes its debut.
For the first time ever, Rockin’ 1000 — the globally renowned music event that unites 1,000 musicians of all skill levels together for the concert of their lives — is coming to the United States, and New Orleans serves as its North American debut destination. The concert will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Caesars Superdome. The show’s musicians will be picked through an open audition process and will play a curated setlist of timeless rock anthems and fan favorites, fulfilling their lifelong dreams of playing in front of thousands of people.
This landmark event not only underscores New Orleans’ status as a world-class music and cultural capital but reflects New Orleans & Company’s ongoing efforts to position our city at the center of global tourism, creativity and community, while showcasing that New Orleans is truly Built to Host. As spots are limited, interested musicians of all skill levels can join the band at rockin1000.com/join-the-band. Tickets are available at neworleans.com/rockin1000.
2. Mardi Gras falls over a U.S. holiday weekend.
In 2026, the second weekend of Mardi Gras falls over Valentine’s and Presidents’ Day weekend, presenting an expanded opportunity for visitors to travel to New Orleans. The first big weekend of parades is Friday, February 6, through Sunday, February 8. In 2026 we can look forward to seven consecutive days of parades starting Wednesday, February 11 running through Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday, February 17.
With Lundi Gras — the Monday before Mardi Gras Day — falling on a U.S. holiday (Presidents’ Day) this year, it presents a perfect opportunity for visitors to stay in New Orleans through the three-day holiday weekend and Mardi Gras Day.
3. The tall ships will dock here first.
Sail 250 will be coming to New Orleans May 28 — June 1. New Orleans will be the first stop as America welcomes tall ships from around the world to the Port of New Orleans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. There will be a welcome parade, a downtown fireworks show, multiple family activities and the ability to tour several of the tall ships. For more info, visit sail250neworleans.com.
4. Golf!
The Zurich Classic, one of the most popular and unique events on the annual PGA Tour and a major annual event on our spring calendar, will be held at TPC Louisiana on April 20-26. Professional golf had its start in New Orleans in 1938 and tournaments have been held annually since 1958. The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is produced by the Fore!Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events. The organization has raised just over $54 million to date, providing healthcare, education and hope for more than 200,000 children each year.
LIV Golf has announced that LIV Golf Louisiana (the organization’s first event in the state) will take place at the Bayou Oaks Golf Course in City Park June 26-28. Here, 13 teams featuring 54 golfers will compete with no cut line. To buy tickets, visit events.livgolf.com/louisiana.
5. Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup will return.
Last hosted by New Orleans in 2024, the Americas Selection of Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup return in July 2026 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event brings together the best chefs and pastry artists from across North and South America to compete for a coveted place in the Grand Finale in Lyon, France in 2027, where they will join colleagues from Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
It must be noted that no other United States city has hosted either event and that in 2026 the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup will be held in conjunction with the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Showcase, the largest restaurant and hospitality industry tradeshow in the U.S. Gulf Region.
6. We’re just a quick trip from FIFA World Cup cities.
With the World Cup being hosted in North America during the summer of 2026, New Orleans is uniquely positioned as a drive market with plenty of direct flights to several host cities, including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Miami.
Of course, there are many more reasons to visit New Orleans all year long. Please encourage your out-of-town friends and family to plan their trip today at neworleans.com. Happy New Year!
Walt Leger III is president and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for New Orleans tourism industry. He may be reached via email at walt@neworleans.com.
