Around the World in Projection Mapping: Why Was LUNA Fête Canceled in 2025?
Just last year, New Orleans’ beloved light and art festival, LUNA Fête, exceeded expectations by drawing around 40,000 spectators. So, why was it cancelled in 2025? And will the event ever return?
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New Orleans’ beloved light and art festival, LUNA Fête, has long been a highlight for the city. But in 2025, announcements came that it was cancelled, leaving many to wonder: why?
The answer lies in the challenges faced by arts organizations worldwide. Let’s explore the factors behind the cancellation and why supporting the arts is essential to keeping events like LUNA Fête alive and accessible for future generations.
People enjoying an immersive showcase during a previous year of the free festival, image courtesy of LUNA Fête
Why Was It Canceled?
Since 2014, LUNA Fête has been on the New Orleans event calendar, growing extraordinarily each year. In 2024, the event drew around 40,000 spectators. So, why was it cancelled in 2025?
The cancellation was a direct result of the financial realities that many public arts events face. Staging a large-scale festival, especially one that involves complex technology like projection mapping, often requires significant investment. These costs cover everything from artist fees and equipment rentals to event production, staffing, and insurance.
Many arts organizations operate on very thin margins, making them vulnerable to shifts in funding availability. When a key grant is not renewed or a major sponsor withdraws support, the entire event can be put at risk. This financial uncertainty makes long-term planning difficult and can force organizers to make the tough decision to pause or cancel an event to ensure its future viability.
LUNA Fête has historically relied on a combination of sponsorships, public funding, and private donations, but securing these resources has become increasingly competitive. For 2025, the fest would have cost approximately $500,000 and unfortunately, the funds didn’t materialize. Corporate sponsorship was lower than expected. And the final death blow was the loss of an $80,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The combination of rising production costs and a gap in crucial funding created a perfect storm, leading to the unfortunate but necessary decision to cancel the 2025 edition.
The story of LUNA Fête’s cancellation shines a bright light on the necessity of grants and dedicated funding for the arts. Many public art festivals, including LUNA Fête, are free to attend. This is only possible through the support of grants and sponsorships that cover the operational costs. This accessibility breaks down barriers, fosters community engagement, and introduces people from all walks of life to the transformative power of art and tech.
Will The Event Ever Return?
Arts New Orleans president and CEO Joycelyn Reynolds shared that the festival’s future was the subject of extensive discussion among staff and board of directors. They considered several ideas, such as organizing a smaller version of LUNA Fête or introducing a suggested donation for entry, but ultimately, these options were set aside. Instead, the organization made the decision to postpone LUNA Fête for now, hoping to come back stronger in November 2026.
Reynolds emphasized that the 2024 free festival was “the best we’d ever done,” highlighting the team’s dedication to delivering outstanding experiences year after year. She added, “keeping it at that level was important,” underscoring the commitment to quality and accessibility that makes LUNA Fête so special.
A Look at LUNA Fête 2024
See a glimpse of last year’s ambiance, facilitated by AV tech.
FAQ
What are some events to attend in New Orleans if you love tech?
Despite this cancelled event in 2025, there are still plenty of things to do in New Orleans if you love tech. You can check out immersive museums like JAMNOLA, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Studio BE, and the Contemporary Arts Center. There are also several upcoming or recurring tech and creative meetups in the area. And luckily, LUNA Fête is working on making a comeback in 2026 too.
How can you support the next generation of tech enthusiasts?
There are several ways you can contribute to aiding the next generation of tech enthusiasts. During this season of giving, consider supporting the future of our industry through the AVIXA Foundation. Donating to the AVIXA Foundation directly funds scholarships, important AV skills training, and career opportunities for next gen talent. To donate, use this link.
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