In the vibrant city of New Orleans, there is a perpetual party atmosphere that never fails to amaze. With its lively energy, renowned restaurants and bars, and unique music scene, even in the sweltering month of August, the city remains bustling. From Carnival to Christmas, there are countless festivals and celebrations throughout the year, making every time a great opportunity to visit. And for locals like me, it’s nearly impossible to keep track of all the exciting happenings. The best annual events in New Orleans offer a chance to fully immerse oneself in the city’s diverse food, music, art, and culture, surrounded by a colorful blend of both locals and tourists. Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest are perhaps the most well-known, but New Orleans is constantly celebrating, whether it’s the history of the cocktail, the legacy of Louis Armstrong, the vibrant art scene, or centuries-old holiday traditions.
January brings a variety of events. The Allstate Sugar Bowl, held on multiple locations on January 1, is a significant college football game that often serves as a grand stage for bragging rights. The Superdome hosts the game, and the weekend leading up to it is filled with festivities like a Sugar Bowl parade and Fan Fest in the French Quarter to support the teams. Interestingly, the kickoff to the Sugar Bowl actually begins in August with the annual Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff, featuring top country artists. It’s truly a time of excitement.
Mardi Gras, which starts on January 6 and lasts until March 4 and is celebrated in multiple locations, is a season of parades, balls, parties, and king cake. The parades, especially those on St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street, are adorned with elaborate floats and costumed riders, accompanied by marching bands, dance troupes, flambeaux, and other captivating elements. My advice as a local is to approach it like a marathon rather than a sprint. Many of the events are free, allowing for a truly immersive Mardi Gras experience.
In March, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations range from block parties to parades in the Irish Channel and the French Quarter and Metairie. The Irish Channel parade is especially unique as the float riders dispense items like cabbages, potatoes, carrots, onions, and Irish Spring bars instead of beads. There are also parades honoring Irish-Italian heritage. And on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day, the Uptown Mardi Gras Indian tribes come together in Central City for a final display of their skills in a friendly competition during Super Sunday. It’s a sight to behold, and all of these events are free.
Hogs for the Cause, held late March with dates to be determined, is an annual BBQ extravaganza on the Lakefront. This festival and competition pushes the boundaries of traditional BBQ, with more than 85 teams competing in categories like Ribs, Pork Shoulder, and Whole Hog. The aroma of smoked meats is enhanced by live music from local and national bands. In addition to the incredible food and fun, Hogs for the Cause raises significant funds for pediatric brain cancer care. Donate and attend the free event.
The French Quarter Festival in April, from April 10 to 13, is a must-visit for locals. Spanning the French Quarter, it features over 20 stages with performances that range from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, and cabaret. It’s a free event that showcases the talent of local legends like Soul Rebels, Tank and the Bangas, Partners-N-Crime, Ivan Neville, Irma Thomas, and many more. The festival also offers dance lessons, demos, crafts, and culinary delights from classic restaurants and upstart pop-ups.
Easter in New Orleans is a time of bonnets, bunnies, brunches, and parades. The French Quarter Easter Parade takes place in the afternoon, while the Gay Easter Parade, with its horse-drawn carriages and participants in their showiest Sunday best, starts in the evening. After the parades, Good Friends Bar hosts a lively Easter bonnet contest. Many events are free during this festive time.
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April from April 24 to May 4 is the pinnacle of New Orleans’ annual festival season. It attracts around half a million attendees to celebrate the music, food, and culture of the city. The Fest features big name acts along with the best local bands on multiple stages at the Fair Grounds in Mid-City. Listen to a wide range of music genres, from jazz and zydeco to hip-hop, funk, brass, gospel, and more. Enjoy the various food areas serving the best dishes of New Orleans and Louisiana, and explore the folklife and heritage exhibits, as well as interviews and cooking demos. Trombone Shorty, a New Orleans native and a regular at the festival, advises to be well-rested as there is non-stop music. Book here to experience this amazing event.
In July, San Fermin in Nueva Orleans is a Running of the Bulls event with a New Orleans twist. Members of the Big Easy Rollergirls act as the bulls, and participants run through the French Quarter to avoid being hit. The event continues with live music, food, and drinks. It’s a vibrant fiesta that also benefits charity. Tales of the Cocktail in July, held at multiple locations, is a week-long celebration of cocktails and mixology. It offers workshops, seminars, competitions, networking opportunities, and parties, catering to both cocktail professionals and enthusiasts. This year’s theme is “Inspire,” challenging the global drinks industry to embrace future thinking. There is no shortage of cocktails and spirits to try, but remember to stay hydrated in the July heat. Book here to be a part of this exciting event.
Essence Festival of Culture in July, with dates to be determined, takes over the Superdome, Convention Center, and various venues in the city. It features music, workshops, panel discussions, marketplaces, and more. This year, Janet Jackson is set to perform, and it will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Cash Money Millionaires, featuring hometown favorites Juvenile, Birdman, and their crew. The full lineup is yet to be revealed, but it always includes some of the biggest names in entertainment. Book here to attend.
White Linen Night in August on August 3 in the Arts District is a must-attend event. Don your finest white linen and explore the galleries in Julia, Camp, St. Joseph, and Magazine Streets as they open their doors to showcase new exhibits. Stroll through the streets, enjoy live art installations and music performances, sip on fabulous cocktails, and grab a bite at the local food vendor stations. If you accidentally spill wine on your outfit, don’t worry as there’s another event, Dirty Linen Night, along Royal Street in the French Quarter the following weekend. This event is free.
Satchmo Summerfest in August from August 3 to 4 in the French Quarter honors the life and legacy of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The festival includes live music, food, drinks, and “Satchmo Seminars” led by historians and Armstrong biographers, allowing you to learn more about this music icon. It’s a great event for true New Orleans locals. This event is also free.
Southern Decadence in August from August 29 to September 2 in the French Quarter is a bawdy and celebratory event that feels like a combination of New Orleans Pride and Gay Mardi Gras. It attracts revelers from around the world for a weekend of parties, concerts, club events, and a parade through the French Quarter. This event is free.
In October, Art for Arts Sake on October 5 in the Garden District kicks off the fall arts season. Along Magazine Street, over 100 galleries and shops stay open late, offering wine, snacks, live music, special gallery openings, trunk shows, and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the idyllic businesses, restaurants, bars, and neighborhood charm. This event is free.
Halloween in October on October 31 is a time when New Orleans’ supernatural lore comes to life. Take a ghost tour, visit haunted houses, or stroll through hauntingly beautiful cemeteries. Frightening haunted house experiences like The Mortuary and New Orleans Nightmare pop up, and events like Ghosts in the Oaks and Brews & Boos at City Park add some fun to the spooky season. The Krewe of Boo parade through the French Quarter and downtown is the highlight, with a touch of the macabre. Many events are free.
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival in November from November 9 to 10 in Treme is a celebration of music, culture, and food in Armstrong Park. It’s your chance to sample a variety of gumbo flavors, from traditional seafood and chicken and andouille to modern twists. The festival also features local vendors selling crafts and a lineup of brass bands. This event is free.
LUNA Fête in November from November 14 to 17 at multiple locations transforms the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park into a runway for illuminated artwork and fashions. Hourly projections on the building honor the power of costumes, while light-based artworks throughout the 7.5-acre park celebrate the creativity of costumes and culture. Each night includes local food vendors, drinks, an arts market, and other glowing features. This event is free.
Thanksgiving Classic at the Fair Grounds on November 28 in Mid-City is a day filled with mint juleps, racing, and fun. Dress in your most fabulous hat or fascinator and enjoy a holiday dinner in the clubhouse or the big holiday buffet. Make a reservation as they fill up quickly. Book here to attend.
The Bayou Classic on November 30 in the Caesars Superdome is a highlight of the Thanksgiving weekend, featuring the annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University. It’s not just about the game at the Superdome; the weekend includes the epic Battle of the Bands on Friday and a slate of events and parties around the city celebrating the matchup. Book here.
In December, Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is an enchanting holiday celebration with millions of lights adorning the glorious oak trees and light sculptures scattered throughout the park. You can explore the park by bike, on foot, or in a car. The Botanical Garden offers even more holiday cheer with plenty of Instagrammable photo ops. Book here.
Révellion Dinners throughout December at multiple locations allow restaurants to participate in the Creole tradition of Révellion dinners with special holiday menus. Traditional restaurants like Commander’s Palace, Tujaque’s, and Arnaud’s elevate their menus for the season. Book with the restaurant.
New Year’s Eve in December 31 is a time of great celebration in New Orleans. The Fleur de Lis Drop atop the old Jax Brewery building in the French Quarter is the main event, with a fireworks show on the Mississippi River. The city also hosts numerous parties and events, from the Big Night New Orleans bash to Galactic’s legendary New Year’s Eve show at Tipitina’s and many more revelries in between. Many events are free.
