
Major Events & Festivals in New Orleans, United States
1. Mardi Gras
A vibrant carnival celebrating before Lent with parades, floats, and colorful masks.
- Parade Participation: Join the festivities by decorating a float or walking in a parade.
- Mask Making Workshops: Learn traditional mask-making techniques from local artisans.
- Food and Drink Sampling: Try authentic King Cake, a traditional Mardi Gras dessert.
2. Jazz Fest
A music festival showcasing local and international jazz artists in multiple venues.
- Artist Lineup: Discover new talent or see your favorite musicians perform.
- Food Vendors: Indulge in classic New Orleans cuisine from various food trucks and stalls.
- Workshops and Clinics: Learn about the history and techniques of jazz music at interactive workshops.
3. Essence Festival
A music festival celebrating African-American culture with performances by R&B, hip hop, and gospel artists.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of African-American culture.
- Empowerment Seminars: Attend thought-provoking discussions on topics such as entrepreneurship, education, and social justice.
- Fashion Shows: Experience the latest trends in fashion and style at designer showcases.
4. Treme Creole Gumbo Festival
A celebration of New Orleans' culinary heritage featuring gumbo competitions and live music.
- Gumbo Competition: Sample and vote for the best gumbo recipes from local chefs.
- Music Performances: Enjoy traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, and brass bands.
- Cultural Activities: Learn about the history and significance of gumbo in Creole culture.
5. White Linen Night
An annual event where attendees wear all-white linen outfits to stroll through art galleries and enjoy food and music.
- Art Gallery Exploration: Discover local and international artwork in the historic neighborhood of the Garden District.
- Food Tasting: Savor dishes from some of New Orleans' best restaurants while strolling through the streets.
- People Watching: Take in the sights of stylishly dressed attendees and soak up the festive atmosphere.
6. Bayou Boogaloo Music & Arts Festival
A free music festival in the Bayou Saint John neighborhood featuring local and national musicians.
- Live Music: Enjoy performances from a variety of genres, including jazz, funk, blues, and zydeco.
- Boat Tours: Take a scenic boat tour around Bayou Saint John and experience the local wildlife.
- Art Installations: Explore creative art installations created by local artists.
7. Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
A music festival featuring a diverse lineup of artists, as well as interactive art installations and food vendors.
- Artistic Expressions: Experience innovative artistic expressions from local and international artists.
- Food Sampling: Indulge in a variety of dishes, including Creole cuisine, at the numerous food vendors.
- Interactive Activities: Engage in hands-on activities like virtual reality experiences and art workshops.
8. Garden District Garden Walk
A tour of the beautiful gardens in the historic Garden District neighborhood.
- Historic Architecture: Admire the stunning architecture and history of the iconic homes.
- Garden Design Inspiration: Gain inspiration for your own garden or outdoor space from these beautifully designed gardens.
- Local Guides: Learn about the history and unique features of each garden from knowledgeable local guides.
9. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
A culinary event featuring wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and food pairings.
- Wine Tastings: Sample a variety of wines from around the world at the Grand Tasting.
- Celebrity Chefs: Learn tips and techniques from renowned chefs during cooking demonstrations.
- Food Pairings: Discover the perfect pairings of wine and food during guided tastings.
10. Creole Tomato Festival
A celebration of the Creole tomato with cooking competitions, live music, and local vendors.
- Cooking Competitions: Watch (or participate in) cooking competitions featuring dishes made with Creole tomatoes.
- Live Music: Enjoy live performances of traditional New Orleans music throughout the festival.
- Local Vendors: Shop for locally made goods, including Creole tomato-based products.
11. Satchmo SummerFest
A tribute to Louis Armstrong with live music performances, educational workshops, and exhibits.
- Live Music Performances: Experience the spirit of Satchmo through live jazz performances.
- Educational Workshops: Learn about Louis Armstrong's life and impact on jazz music during educational workshops.
- Exhibits: Discover artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia related to Louis Armstrong at the exhibits.
12. French Quarter Festival
A free music festival showcasing local talent in multiple venues throughout the French Quarter.
- Live Music Performances: Enjoy live music performances from a variety of genres, including jazz, blues, and brass bands.
- Food Vendors: Sample delicious Creole cuisine from local food vendors.
- Cultural Activities: Participate in hands-on activities that celebrate the rich history and culture of New Orleans.
13. New Orleans Film Festival
A film festival showcasing independent films from around the world.
- Independent Films: Discover new and innovative films created by independent filmmakers.
- Filmmaker Q&A Sessions: Gain insights into the creative process during Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
- Workshops and Panels: Learn about the film industry through workshops and panel discussions featuring industry professionals.
14. Christmas in New Orleans
A festive celebration throughout the city with parades, concerts, and holiday markets.
- Holiday Parades: Experience the magic of the holiday season during spectacular parades.
- Concerts and Shows: Attend concerts and shows featuring classic Christmas music and other festive entertainment.
- Holiday Markets: Shop for unique gifts, decorations, and souvenirs at holiday markets throughout the city.
15. New Orleans Pride Parade & Festival
A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, live music, and vendors.
- Pride Parade: Join the festive atmosphere during the colorful and vibrant Pride Parade.
- Live Music Performances: Dance to the beat of live music from various genres and artists.
- Vendors and Activities: Discover a variety of vendors selling merchandise, food, and other items, as well as interactive activities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.