Ranked #6 Best Riverwalk in the U.S.!
– USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice
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See What's New
Major improvements to Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park are underway.
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Phase I
The first phase of construction—focused on the plaza in front of Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium—is now complete. This project, funded through the City of New Orleans, brings enhanced lighting, fresh plantings, expanded accessible green space, and refurbished brick pavement to the area.
As part of the renovations, the commemorative bricks donated when the Aquarium opened in 1990 were carefully removed during construction and have now been replaced on the plaza. While all bricks are still on-site, many are no longer in their original locations due to the redesign.
Want to find your brick on the Aquarium's plaza? Click here.
Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park Rules
Purpose:
Audubon Nature Institute is a non-profit organization managing public spaces on behalf of the Audubon Commission, an independent public agency appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans. The following rules and policies are in place to ensure that all visitors can safely enjoy Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park ("The Park"). These rules apply to all spaces from the Mississippi River to the Streetcar Line, bordered by Canal Street and St. Peter Street. All public spaces are subject to New Orleans City Ordinances, enforceable by the New Orleans Police Department.
Audubon Nature Institute has the right to enforce and modify Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park rules in accordance with New Orleans City Ordinance Chapter 8, Section 5-802. Guests who continuously violate park rules and policies may be asked to leave and could face arrest.
General Information:
Phase I
- Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park is open daily:
- Sunday – Thursday: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 6 AM – 12 AM
- In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1
- Park Security: Available 24 hours at (504) 378-2510
- Audubon EMS: Available during Aquarium & Insectarium open hours at (504) 378-2510 for first aid and medical emergencies.
- Parking: Pay-to-Park options are available in surrounding areas, though parking is not managed by Audubon Nature Institute.
- Restrooms: There are no public restrooms in the Park. Restrooms are available inside the Aquarium & Insectarium lobby.
- Lost and Found: Items are stored at Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium. Contact Guest Services at [email protected] or (504) 581-4629.
Rules & Policies:
- Animals: Animals must always be leashed and under the owner's control while in the Park. (City Ordinance Chapter 18, Article I, Section 18-14)
- Amplified Music: Only allowed with an approved permit. Music with profanity is prohibited. Amplification may only be used between 10 AM – 10 PM and must be kept under 80 decibels. (City Ordinance Chapter 66, Article IV, Section 66-302)
- Commercial Activity: Permitted only with written authorization from Audubon Nature Institute. For commercial photography or filming requests, please visit audubonnatureinstitute.org/filming-request-form.
- Informal Sports: Allowed within the Park, as long as they do not disrupt the comfort or safety of other visitors.
- Chalk Art: Chalk may be used on concrete surfaces within the Park, with some exceptions. It may not contain political messages, promotions, or profanity and is prohibited on memorials or sponsored areas, including the Capitol One Stage, Holocaust Memorial, Monument to the Immigrant, Family & Sponsor Bricks, and the Woldenberg Statue.
- Food Trucks: Food trucks are only allowed on public streets and must adhere to proper permitting. Food trucks soliciting from the public must hold both a Food Truck Permit and a Franchise Permit to operate on the public streets adjacent to the Park. Food trucks are not permitted in Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park without an approved permit from Audubon Nature Institute. Private catering is allowed following Audubon Nature Institute's special events permitting requirements. (City Ordinance Chapter 110 Article II Division 5).
Prohibited Items & Activities
View Our Guidelines to Ensure a Safe and Enjoyable Visit
To maintain a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for all guests, the following items and activities are prohibited within the Park:
- Glass bottles or containers: Please use sustainable alternatives.
- Parking or driving on the grass or through the Park: Only vehicles conducting official Audubon Nature Institute business are allowed.
- Water slides, dunking booths, and swimming pools: Not permitted.
- Fishing: Fishing is not allowed in the Park.
- Feeding wildlife: Feeding feral cats, seagulls, or any wildlife is prohibited. Supporting TNR feral colonies is also not allowed. Report abandoned pets or injured wildlife to Park Security.
- Petting zoos and similar activities: Hand-led pony rides and live carousels are not permitted.
- Carnival rides: Rides like carousels, trains, or Ferris wheels are prohibited without an official permit from Audubon Nature Institute.
- Fireworks and sparklers: Not allowed under any circumstances.
- Open flames: This includes candles, sky lanterns, cooking, BBQ grills, and crawfish boils.
- Balloons: Helium-filled balloons, balloon arches, and water balloons are prohibited.
- Floral and decorative items: Real or artificial flowers, confetti, and glitter may not be thrown on the ground or released into the air.
- Soliciting and distributing materials: Fundraising, advertising pamphlets, or any promotional, commercial, or political materials are prohibited (City Code 54-419(C); 146-4).
- Blocking pathways: Do not obstruct public pathways or pedestrian rights-of-way.
- Stakes and wind-catching structures: Stakes of any kind and any structure that could be caught by the wind, including tents and canopies, are not allowed.
Events & Gatherings: Venue Rental
Additional rules and regulations may apply during festivals and events. For more information on venue rental and policies during specific events, please contact our team or visit our Event Rental Page.
