New Orleans & Company Highlights What’s New in New Orleans Hospitality Industry Fall 2026

New Orleans welcomes fall with a packed calendar of festivals, events, and new developments across the hospitality industry

NEW ORLEANS – From live music and film to food, sports, wellness, and cultural celebrations, New Orleans offers visitors a full slate of experiences through the end of the year. NOLAxNOLA, the New Orleans Film Festival, Fit Fête, Bayou Classic, and the city’s holiday traditions are among the events highlighting the fall and holiday calendar.

Beyond the fall calendar, new developments across hotels, attractions, transportation, dining, and meetings and conventions continue to shape the city’s hospitality industry. New Orleans & Company continues to work alongside hospitality partners to support visitation, strengthen the visitor experience, and showcase the destination to travelers and meeting professionals around the world. The following highlights offer a look at what’s new and what’s ahead across New Orleans’ hospitality industry.

MAJOR EVENTS

NOLAxNOLA – NOLAxNOLA returns September 24–October 4, 2026, for 11 days of live music and 300 performences at more than 50 venues throughout New Orleans. Now celebrating its sixth year, the event showcases local and national artists across a wide range of genres while highlighting the music venues and neighborhoods that make New Orleans’ live music scene unique.
Fall Festival Season – New Orleans’ fall calendar is packed with festivals celebrating the city’s music, food, neighborhoods, and culture. Highlights include the National Fried Chicken Festival, October 2–4; Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival and Gentilly Fest, October 9–11; Oktoberfest, October 9–24; NOLA Funk Fest and Praise Fest, October 16–18; Beignet Fest, November 7; Oak Street Po’Boy Festival, November 8; and LUNA Fête, November 13–15.
WWE Money in the Bank – WWE returns to New Orleans on Saturday, October 10, for Money in the Bank at the Smoothie King Center. The event will feature WWE Superstars competing in the signature Money in the Bank matches, where winners earn a contract for a championship match at a time and place of their choosing within the following year.
New Orleans Film Festival – The New Orleans Film Festival returns October 22–November 1, bringing filmmakers, film lovers, and industry professionals together for the annual celebration of independent cinema presented by the New Orleans Film Society. The festival adds another major cultural event to the city’s packed October calendar.
Halloween in New Orleans – October brings a full month of Halloween celebrations across New Orleans, ranging from haunted attractions and tours to family-friendly events, costume parties, and parades. Highlights include Ghosts in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park, Boo at the Zoo, and Krewe of BOO!, the city’s Halloween parade, on October 24, with additional celebrations continuing through Halloween weekend.
Fit Fête New Orleans – Fit Fête comes to New Orleans City Park November 13–14, bringing together fitness, wellness, competition, and community. The weekend includes the New Orleans Community Games, a multisport competition promoting workplace and community wellness; the return of the New Orleans Marathon and Half-Marathon; and the free WellNXT Wellness Festival, featuring immersive experiences centered on movement, nutrition, wellness, and care.
Bayou Classic – Thanksgiving weekend brings the annual Bayou Classic back to New Orleans, celebrating the longstanding rivalry between Grambling State University and Southern University. Festivities include the Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, the Greek Show and Battle of the Bands on November 27, and the Bayou Classic Fan Festival and 53rd Annual Bayou Classic football game at Caesars Superdome on November 28.
Holiday New Orleans Style – The holiday season brings another lineup of traditions and celebrations to New Orleans beginning after Thanksgiving and continuing through December. Celebration in the Oaks opens November 27 at New Orleans City Park, while the season also includes NOLA ChristmasFest, holiday concerts, Réveillon dinners, holiday home tours, caroling in Jackson Square, and bonfire traditions along the Mississippi River.

NEWSWORTHY DEVELOPMENTS

Omni Convention Center Headquarters Hotel Moves Forward – Today’s State Bond Commission approval of the Omni headquarters hotel development at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is an important step forward for New Orleans and for Louisiana’s economy. A headquarters hotel connected to the Convention Center will strengthen our ability to compete for major meetings, conventions and events that generate tax revenue, support jobs and bring economic activity to businesses throughout our city and state. Meeting planners have consistently told us that a headquarters hotel is an important piece of the infrastructure New Orleans needs to remain a leading destination for meetings, conventions and events. Cities across the country continue to invest aggressively in their convention districts, hotels and visitor infrastructure, and this project will strengthen New Orleans’ ability to compete. The Omni project represents a significant private investment in our future and strengthens one of Louisiana’s most important economic engines. New Orleans & Company strongly supports this project and the opportunity it creates to attract more business, more visitors and more economic opportunity to Louisiana
Hollywood Casino New Orleans – PENN Entertainment announced plans for an approximately $195 million investment to relocate Boomtown Casino New Orleans from its current riverboat to a new landside facility in Jefferson Parish. Pending regulatory approval, the property will be rebranded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans and is expected to open in 2029. The approximately 140,000-square-foot development is planned to include nearly 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and multiple dining options.
Smoothie King Center Renovation Plans – Plans are moving forward for a proposed renovation of the Smoothie King Center that would represent an investment of more than $500 million. The public-private project would modernize the arena with more than 2,100 additional lower-level seats, new premium hospitality spaces, upgraded locker rooms and concourses, and improvements to the surrounding campus, including a new fan plaza and rooftop terrace. The project is tied to a long-term lease extension between the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District and the New Orleans Pelicans, with construction currently expected to take place from summer 2028 through 2030.
Vision 2035 – Implementation of the Greater New Orleans Region Vision Plan 2035 is a comprehensive, 10-year strategy designed to enhance the region as a place to live, learn, work, and visit is under way. Developed by New Orleans & Company in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, Greater New Orleans, Inc., Jefferson Economic Development Commission, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and the Urban League of Louisiana, the plan reflects a collaborative approach to long-term growth that extends far beyond tourism. The plan was developed through collaboration with more than 250 community stakeholders. Vision 2035 is rooted in a simple but important understanding: what strengthens daily life for residents also strengthens the visitor experience. When New Orleans works better for its people, it becomes even more inviting to the world. To learn more, please click here.
City Park – City Park Conservancy (CPC) is embracing the future of New Orleans City Park, unveiling City Park 2050 – a bold, long-term Park plan that will help guide the Park’s growth and development for the next two decades. City Park 2050 establishes an innovative and thoughtful roadmap for City Park’s future – one that will prioritize the greater good, address community needs, preserve historical and cultural context, strengthen environmental resiliency, and foster a welcoming sense of place for generations of Park users and visitors.
- The plan lays out a clear path for restoration and improvements throughout the entire park, including native landscape and infrastructure upgrades, new trails and pathways, lagoon- and water-system enhancements, and creating new and improving existing both recreational and community gathering spaces. Additionally, the plan calls for building inclusive features that focus on enhanced accessibility, sustainability, equity, and cross-generational connection.

MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS

For much of the year, meetings and conventions form a foundational layer of New Orleans’ travel economy, generating more than $2 billion in direct spending annually. Convention attendees typically stay longer, spend more, and engage small businesses throughout the community to produce their events.
These meetings and conventions bring professionals from a wide range of industries to New Orleans, creating opportunities for new ideas, technology, research, and commerce to move forward while generating economic activity throughout the city. New Orleans continues to welcome these gatherings as a city Built to Host.
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders 2029 – PCMA recently announced that New Orleans will host Convening Leaders 2029, marking the event’s first return to the city since 2009. Convening Leaders is the flagship event of the world’s largest business events association and provides an opportunity to showcase New Orleans to meeting professionals responsible for booking conventions, conferences, and events around the world. New Orleans will become a five-time host city for the event, having previously welcomed Convening Leaders in 1968, 1976, 1990, and 2009.
IPW 2027 – New Orleans will take center stage in the global travel industry when it hosts U.S. Travel’s IPW, May 3–7, 2027. Approximately 5,000 attendees, including 950 international travel buyers and 550 international journalists representing more than 60 countries, are expected to attend, providing an opportunity to showcase New Orleans to those who influence and sell travel to the United States around the world.
Fall 2026 Convention Calendar – From September through the end of the year, our city will welcome at least 225,000 attendees from more than 60 countries for 14 major events at the convention center, not to mention the numerous additional meetings taking place across our hotel community and beyond. Our fall calendar includes leading organizations representing healthcare, science, business, the environment, workforce and employee benefits, maritime industries and more. Among them are Psych Congress, YMCA of the USA, the Water Environment Federation, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, Diving Equipment and Marketing Association, International WorkBoat Show, National Association of Realtors, American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Hematology.

HOTEL NEWS

New Orleans continues to make significant investments in its meetings and hospitality infrastructure, with more than $1 billion invested in hotel renovations across the city. These investments demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a world-class hospitality product for meetings and conventions of every size.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts – The Fairmont New Orleans is set to open in 2026 in the former Bank of New Orleans building, bringing 250 guest rooms and suites to the city. The hotel will feature a rooftop bar and pool, spa, dining and bar concepts, and meeting and event space, all within walking distance of the French Quarter and Caesars Superdome.

Hilton New Orleans Riverside – The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is completing a comprehensive renovation of its 1,622 guest rooms along with major resiliency improvements. The project includes upgrades to guestrooms, guestroom bathrooms, parlor rooms, corridors, elevator lobbies, and vending areas, along with new fixtures, furniture, equipment, and updates to existing ADA guest rooms.

New Orleans Marriott – The New Orleans Marriott has completed a property-wide renovation encompassing all 1,333 guest rooms and suites, along with a fully reimagined M Club. Guest room enhancements include the conversion of Double/Double rooms to Queen/Queen accommodations, new walk-in showers in most guest rooms, updated bathrooms and furnishings, and added flexibility for families and groups. The renovation also introduced five new Queen/Queen Crescent City Suites and refreshed the hotel’s specialty suites, including the Presidential, Mayor’s, Governor’s, and General Manager’s suites. The hotel continues to offer more than 86,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

The Omni Royal Orleans is undergoing a property-wide reimagination set to debut in early 2027. The renovation includes newly redesigned guest rooms, refreshed ballroom and meeting spaces, and new and reimagined food and beverage concepts, including The Royal Bar, Three Maries Jazz Club, Fifi Parée coffee shop, and La Riviera rooftop and pool bar. The historic Rib Room will also return with a refreshed look.

CULINARY NEWS AND NEW RESTAURANTS

No. 1 Food Destination in the U.S. – New Orleans was ranked the No. 1 Food Destination in the U.S. for 2026 in a Yelp and Lyft analysis examining how diners search for, engage with, and travel to restaurants across the country.
James Beard Awards – New Orleans continued its strong showing at the 2026 James Beard Awards. Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, while Ana Castro of Acamaya was also recognized as a finalist in the category. Link Restaurant Group was named a finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, and E.J. Lagasse of Emeril’s was recognized as a finalist for Emerging Chef. The honors further reinforce New Orleans’ reputation as one of the nation’s premier culinary destinations. To watch Serigne’s acceptance speech courtesy of FOX 8, please click here.
North America’s 50 Best Bars – New Orleans bars continue to earn national recognition, with Jewel of the South ranked No. 6 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list and named Best Bar in the South USA for the fourth consecutive year. Cure was also recognized at No. 21, earning the list’s Highest Climber Award.
North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 – New Orleans was once again recognized on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2026. Dakar NOLA was ranked No. 4 and earned the title of Best Restaurant in the South USA, while Emeril’s was ranked No. 20. Acamaya also made the list at No. 30, giving New Orleans three restaurants among North America’s 50 Best.
New Orleans was well represented at the MICHELIN Guide to the American South Ceremony in November. Emeril’s was awarded Two MICHELIN stars while Saint German and Zasu were awarded One MICHELIN Star each. Chef EJ Lagasse was awarded the Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award.
- 11 New Orleans restaurants were named to the Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes eateries for offering great food at a great value.
- 18 New Orleans restaurants were also named to the MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants list.
- To view full lists of Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants, click here.

CRUISES

2027 Ocean Cruising – New Orleans will offer a full schedule of ocean cruises in 2027, with Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International sailing from the city throughout the year. Carnival Liberty will provide year-round service, while Carnival Dream returns in May 2027 with four- and five-night itineraries. Additional sailings aboard Carnival Valor, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, and Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas will offer itineraries ranging from three to 17 nights.
2027 River Cruising – New Orleans will continue to serve as a hub for Mississippi River cruising in 2027, with American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises offering a variety of itineraries throughout the year. American Cruise Lines will operate the American Splendor, American Heritage, American Serenade, American Symphony, and American Melody, with itineraries ranging from six to 22 nights. Viking Mississippi will also sail from New Orleans with seven, ten, fourteen, and twenty one-night itineraries.

RAILROAD

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service continues to exceed expectations, connecting New Orleans, Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, and Mobile by rail for the first time in the 20 years since Hurricane Katrina. The service celebrated its first anniversary in August 2026 after reaching 150,000 passenger trips in its first year, far surpassing its original annual projection of 75,000 riders. The service has brought thousands of visitors to New Orleans, including a nearly 20% increase in visitation from Mobile, along with strong visitation from Mississippi Gulf Coast communities. Customer satisfaction ratings have also remained above 95%. The strong ridership demonstrates growing regional demand for rail travel and provides visitors with a convenient, car-free way to reach New Orleans.

MUSEUMS

Louisiana State Museum – The Louisiana State Museum has opened Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, a major new exhibition at The Cabildo highlighting Louisiana’s pivotal role in the American Revolution through the leadership of Spanish Governor Bernardo de Gálvez. Featuring artifacts, documents, and original research, the exhibition explores how New Orleans and the Gulf South helped shape the outcome of the war. The exhibition opened March 8, 2026, and will be on view through May 15, 2027.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) – NOMA will present Second Nature: Japanese Rinpa Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection, opening October 2, 2026. Several exhibitions will also remain on view into 2027, including Sèvres Magnifique: French Porcelain from the Collection of Thomas B. Lemann through January 3, Hanaq Pachap: Art of the Indigenous Guilds of Viceregal Peru through March 31, and Jim Hodges’ Craig’s Closet through March 31. Additional exhibitions currently on view include George Dureau: Selected Photographs, Robert Gordy: Outside the Mainstream, and Carlo Saraceni’s Our Lady of Loreto and Peruvian Viceregal Statue Paintings.
The National WWII Museum – The National WWII Museum continues to offer new ways for visitors to experience the history of World War II. The WWII Motor Pool in the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration and preservation of historic vehicles and artifacts, while PT-305 Below Deck private tours provide an up-close look at the Museum’s iconic patrol torpedo boat. The Museum also debuted Come Back Fighting: USS New Orleans at War, a special exhibition exploring the history and resilience of the decorated heavy cruiser USS New Orleans and her crew.
American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition – The Historic New Orleans Collection debuted American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition, an immersive, technology-driven experience running through January 17, 2027. Using interactive 3-D reconstructions and a HistoPad tablet, visitors can explore key moments of the American Revolution—from the Boston Tea Party to the signing of the Declaration of Independence—while also highlighting the pivotal role of New Orleans and the Gulf South in shaping the nation’s history.

AIRLINES AND AIRPORT

MSY Awards – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport continued to earn national and international recognition in 2026. MSY ranked No. 2 among the Best U.S. Airports for Domestic Flight Deals in Going’s 2026 ranking, as featured by USA TODAY. The airport was also recognized as Best Airport at Departures in North America in the 5–15 million passenger category through Airports Council International World’s Airport Service Quality Awards for the fifth consecutive year, earning induction into the 2026 ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence as one of only eight airports worldwide.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 20-year Master Plan – New Orleans & Company was pleased to join New Orleans Mayor Moreno, Aviation Director Dolliole, several regional parish presidents, and GNO Inc. on March 20th to announce a 20-year master plan for MSY. The plan outlines the investments needed to ensure MSY can meet future demand while maintaining the high-quality experience travelers expect. It includes the construction of a second terminal facility, as many as 15 additional gates, an additional parking garage, and an improved roadway system. Expanding our airport strengthens New Orleans’ role as a global city, a hub for visitation and talent, and ultimately helps us to become a better place to live, work, learn, and visit. For details, please click here.
British Airways – British Airways will increase from three to four flights per week to London Heathrow Airport. The additional flights are a testament to the relationship and partnership built by our community, and especially with our marketing partnership between New Orleans & Company and British Airways since 2017. The expanded service will provide greater flexibility for local residents, business travelers, and visitors traveling between New Orleans, London, and British Airways’ global network.
Expanded Air Service – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport continues to expand its nonstop connectivity with new routes launching in late 2026 and early 2027. Breeze Airways will begin twice-weekly nonstop service to Louisville in October 2026 and add twice-weekly service to Phoenix in February 2027. Frontier Airlines will also launch nonstop service to Tampa three times weekly beginning in November 2026. MSY currently offers nonstop service to more than 50 destinations through over 15 airlines.