New Orleans Festivals & Events
Whether you’re a foodie, wine enthusiast, music lover or art aficionado, you’re bound to get inspired in New Orleans with its many celebrated festivals. Book a stay at our hotel today and be close to all of the action!
January
If you’re a New Orleans native, then you know the King Cake is a staple in any house hold during Mardi Gras season. And because we love this sweet treat so much, we have to celebrate it with a festival! The King Cake Festival brings local bakeries and vendors together to honor this historic confectionery and help raise money to benefit Ochsner Hospital for Children. A sweet treat for a sweet cause.
February
New Orleans loves a good celebration, but Carnival Season is like no other festival the city celebrates. The festivities last for weeks in the city and draw in tourists from all around the work. So, come visit New Orleans and get your Carnival on!
April
This pork inspired event has become one of New Orleans most popular local charities bringing over 80 teams completing fiercely for the rights as top hog! Hogs for the Cause is an annual fundraiser that raises money for families with children fighting pediatric brain cancer. With live music, and great barbecue, you are sure to have a ham of a good time supporting a good cause.
Looking for a festival that incorporates all of what New Orleans is about? Well, look no further! The French Quarter Festival has it all. With over 23 stages, 1,700 local musicians, 60 local restaurants and over 760,000 visitors, it is easy to see that this isn’t just some little festival. It might just make you feel like a local.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Know to the locals as simply, Jazz Fest, this popular festival spans over two weekends in New Orleans. The celebration of not only jazz, but gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk, and much more. Featuring 12 stages of soul-filling music, regional cuisine and hand-made arts and crafts there is bound to be something to get you jazzed up!
May
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Featuring food and drink from hundreds of restaurants and wineries, NOWFE has been the city’s preeminent culinary celebration for more than two decades. Get to know famous chefs and winemakers while sipping, sampling and soaking up New Orleans’ one-of-a-kind culture. All proceeds benefit local culinary initiatives, from food banks to cooking schools.
June
Is there anything more refreshing than an ice-cold oyster on a hot summer day? Slurp away at this action-packed food fest, which features fresh seafood from more than 20 local eateries. Live music, an oyster-shucking competition and an oyster-eating contest are also part of the lineup.
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival
Treat your ears to the sweet sounds of authentic Cajun and zydeco music at this upbeat cultural celebration, highlighting nationally known and up-and-coming artists. A sprawling arts market and dozens of food vendors add even more excitement to the two-day event, which takes place at Louis Armstrong Park in the Tremé neighborhood.
Paying tribute to African-American culture and music, Essence Festival is one of New Orleans’ biggest and boldest public events. From world-class R&B, rap and pop artists to empowering public speakers, the talent showcased at this festival is absolutely astounding. Past performers and speakers include Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Leon Bridges, Tyra Banks and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
July
Be the first to see next year’s Oscar winners at the New Orleans Film Festival, a cinematic tradition for nearly 30 years. Highlighting the works of storytellers from near and far, the festival screens hundreds of films and welcomes more than 20,000 attendees each year.
Inspired by the fiestas of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain, the Running of the Bulls celebrates food, fun, friendly competition – and just a little bit of danger as our “bulls” are the Big Easy Rollergirls. It’s free to participate, but remember to register in advance and abide by the dress code (white shirt, white shorts or pants, and a piece of red cloth around your waist or neck).
Learn about new products and techniques in the spirits industry at Tales of the Cocktail, one of the city’s most refreshing annual events. Sample libations, participate in bartending competitions and chow down on delectable dishes designed to complement your concoction of choice.
Take your New Orleans girls’ getaway to the next level at FestiGals, featuring food, drink, fashion and an array of workshops led by acclaimed speakers. The festival is organized by women, for women, and proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations such as the American Heart Association and Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans.
September
Crab cakes and crawfish and oysters, oh my! Get your fill of freshly caught seafood at this culinary extravaganza, showcasing food from more than 20 restaurants. Live music and cooking demos are also on the menu.
Now, you know New Orleans loves to celebrate everything. So what is one more festival on the line-up? The Fried Chicken Festival is one of the Big Easy’s newest festivals. Local restaurants share their spin on this Southern comfort food for all to enjoy.
October
This three-day music fest features multiple stages, tons of food and drink, and an array of clothing, jewelry and art vendors. Past performers include Chance the Rapper, Outkast, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Twenty One Pilots and Foo Fighters.
November
This family-friendly festival pays tribute to the Mirliton, a pear-shaped fruit that tastes like a very mild cucumber. Get tickets to this one-of-a-kind event and taste the magic for yourself! Dozens of food vendors participate each year, and admission is free.
