Top New Orleans, LA Event Ticket Giveaways With No Purchase Necessary: Safe Entry Guide
Enter the NOLAxNOLA sweepstakes by August 27 for festival tickets and a $2,690 prize package; verify legitimacy on official sponsor websites, never pay to enter.
New Orleans has two sweepstakes currently running that offer event tickets or experience prizes with no purchase required: the NOLAxNOLA 2026 Sweepstakes (ending August 27) and the Experience New Orleans Weekend Getaway Sweepstakes (quarterly drawings). Both are sponsored by tourism organizations and legitimate nonprofit partners, though entries must meet specific eligibility rules and claim deadlines. Before entering any New Orleans sweepstakes, it's worth knowing what separates legitimate contests from scams.
The Federal Trade Commission warns that fraudulent sweepstakes always request upfront fees, payment for prize delivery, financial account details, or government ID numbers—none of which legitimate giveaways demand. This guide walks through the active opportunities, eligibility requirements, and red flags to watch.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on August 17, 2026.
Currently Active Sweepstakes
The NOLAxNOLA festival sweepstakes runs through August 27, 2026 and is sponsored by New Orleans & Company, 3090x3090, LLC, and the Pontchartrain Hotel. Entry requires only an online form with your name, email, and zip code (one entry per email address). The grand prize includes three nights at the Pontchartrain Hotel, two "Golden Tickets" for all NOLAxNOLA festival shows, a backstage music venue tour, dining and drinks for two, official swag, and a $500 travel stipend—totaling approximately $2,690 in value.
This sweepstakes awards a two-night stay at The Hotel Provincial, brunch at Court of Two Sisters, and Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours for two—valued at $500. Quarterly drawings mean multiple chances to win, and households can enter once per day. No purchase is required.
- *NOLAxNOLA 2026 Sweepstakes**
- *Experience New Orleans Weekend Getaway Sweepstakes**
Who Can Enter and What to Know Before You Do
Entrants must be at least 18 years old (some events require 21+) and legal U.S. residents. For NOLAxNOLA, the window closes August 27—meaning you have less than two weeks from today to submit your entry.
For Experience New Orleans, quarterly drawings mean multiple opportunities throughout the year, so you have more flexibility. One key rule that many people miss: limit one entry per email address or household per day, depending on the sweepstakes terms. If you enter twice, your second entry is usually disqualified, and you won't get a refund of your (non-existent) entry fee.
How to Spot and Avoid Sweepstakes Scams
Illegitimate "sweepstakes" share common warning signs. Never enter a drawing that asks for upfront money, payment for prize delivery, your bank account details, or government ID numbers. Scammers also often contact winners first—real sweepstakes sponsors post winner announcements or send official notifications through the email address you used to enter.
To verify a New Orleans event sweepstakes is legitimate, confirm the event or organization actually exists, check the sponsor's official website (not third-party aggregators), confirm in the official rules that no purchase is required, and report suspicious offers to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For NOLAxNOLA, that means visiting neworleans.com/nolaxnola directly and reading the official rules section.
Tax and Prize Obligations in Louisiana
If you win, be prepared to pay taxes on your prize. Louisiana law requires sweepstakes winners to be notified in writing, by phone, or by posted list, and computer systems running giveaways must publicly display the sponsor's identity, all possible prizes with monetary values, and odds of winning. You'll be responsible for any applicable federal and state taxes owed on your winnings—the sponsor is not required to pay or arrange payment.
Free Event Alternatives
If you'd rather skip the luck factor entirely, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center offers free Porchside Performances concert series on Thursdays in August 2026 (August 27 is the final date) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the Heritage Porch, featuring local acts like Big Sam's Funky Nation and Honey Island Swamp Band.
No ticket, registration, or entry form required—just show up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter the same sweepstakes multiple times to increase my odds?
No. Both NOLAxNOLA and Experience New Orleans limit entrants to one entry per email address (NOLAxNOLA) or one per household per day (Experience New Orleans). Additional entries are disqualified and won't improve your chances.
What happens if a sweepstakes asks me to pay shipping or processing fees if I win?
That's a scam. Legitimate sweepstakes never charge winners to deliver or claim prizes. If a "sponsor" contacts you asking for payment, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Do I have to claim my prize immediately if I win?
Check the official rules for your sweepstakes. Both NOLAxNOLA and Experience New Orleans post their terms online, and legitimate sponsors always give winners a reasonable deadline to claim. If you're unsure, contact the sponsor's customer service line directly using a phone number from their official website.