MARCH
1st
Parade: Endymion
One of the biggest parades, passing through Mid City.
2nd
Parade: Bacchus
3rd
Parade: Orpheus
4th
Mardi Gras Day! Including the Krewe of Zulu and Krewe of Rex parades.
15th
Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day is a major celebration in New Orleans, blending Irish traditions with the city’s signature flair for festivities. From the lively Irish Channel Parade to pub crawls, block parties, and even other Irish-inspired parades, the city comes alive with green-clad revelers.
26th
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival
The annual Tennessee Williams Festival takes place each spring in New Orleans, and is named after the world-famous playwright who made New Orleans his home during one of the most creative periods in his life. Each year, the festival assembles top playwrights, authors, actors, and speakers for literary panels and to provide master classes with other published authors. There are theatrical performances of original works, readings, cocktail parties, culinary events, book signings, movie screenings, literary walking tours and more.
29th
Freret Street Festival
In recent years, Freret Street has become one of the most vibrant streets in the city, with tons of restaurants and businesses that have popped up on the strip. Now, with over 200 local vendors, live music stages, and food and drink options, the Freret Street Festival is one of the premier neighborhood festivals in the city, and it’s free!
APRIL
8th – 20th
Hamilton @ The Saenger Theatre
The beloved historical musical comes to New Orleans!
10th-13th
French Quarter Festival
Loved by locals, and more recently sought after by visitors, French Quarter Festival is an annual mid-spring fest celebrating one of New Orleans’ most beloved neighborhoods: the French Quarter. From Jackson Square to Woldenberg Park fest-goers can experience live local music, classic NOLA bites, and the culture that makes New Orleans’ French Quarter so magical.
12th
NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival
The NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival is an exciting springtime event taking place at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This family-friendly celebration will be held in the beautiful Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, featuring a variety of activities for all ages including arts & crafts, games, face painting, food, drinks, sweets, and live music.
19th
Crescent City Classic
The annual Crescent City Classic is not only a great physical challenge but a fun, local tradition as well. Held on the Saturday before Easter, amateur and professional runners alike unite for New Orleans’ signature 10k race. Some dress in Easter-themed costumes while others come decked out in full workout attire, but all have a good time for a good cause.
20th
Easter Parades
See the colorful parades processing through the historic French Quarter!
24th-May 4th
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Easily one of New Orleans’ largest and most popular festivals, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, better known as Jazz Fest, draws massive crowds from all over the world each and every year. Jazz Fest stretches over two weekends, with 14 different stages + tents, signature Jazz Fest foods and vendors, and a legendary lineup of musicians, performers, and artists.
