Luna Fête returns to downtown New Orleans
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Luna Fête, New Orleans' tech-forward lighted arts festival, returns this weekend after a break in 2025.
Why it matters: The unique, family-friendly event is an easy way to connect with some pretty cool art.
The big picture: The event, which began in 2014, is the nation's longest-running, large-scale projection mapping festival.
- Using these installations, Lune Fête connects the dots between tech innovation and some of the city's most creative artists.
Zoom in: For its 2026 return, Arts New Orleans, which runs Luna Fête, chose the theme of "The Puppetry Parade" with larger-than-life, handmade puppets, plus its signature projection mapping and light sculptures and installations.
- Some of the puppets will do processions through the festival grounds, says Arts New Orleans marketing director Jordan Koppens, bringing the space alive along with dance groups.
- One sculpture, "Zozobot," by local artist Walker Babington and Sabaton Studios, will make its New Orleans debut after first appearing at Burning Man.
Between the lines: The event was on hold last year when federal and local funding fell through, a press release said at the time. After those difficulties, the fest has a suggested donation of $10 per festival-goer for the first time, Koppens says.
- There's also a ticketed area in the Piazza d'Italia for the first time, which includes the fest's silent disco and additional artworks. Tickets are sold onsite, Koppens says.
If you go: Luna Fête begins Friday and runs through Sunday, with installations across downtown from Gallier Hall to Piazza d'Italia.
- The fest runs from 5pm to 10pm daily, but it's at its most beautiful after sunset when the lighted elements can really steal the show.
- See the event website for the full schedule and details about each artwork.