Major Events & Festivals in New Orleans, United States

New Orleans, United States, New Orleans, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

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.