Special Events in New Orleans
Every Season Offers Something for Everyone
Mardi Gras
The King of New Orleans festivals, Mardi Gras is in a category all its own. The carnival season kicks off on January 6th and ends on "Fat Tuesday" at midnight, when police clear the streets and the Lenten season begins. In the meantime, get ready for parades, parties and all the king cake you can eat. Don't miss the parades of the "Super Krewes," or don your own mask and wander the streets of the French Quarter on Mardi Gras Day. Families gather on St. Charles Avenue for a fun-filled day and evening of camaraderie and viewing the exquisite floats. Masked riders reward the spectators with beads, doubloons and trinkets. "Throw me something, Mister!" March 4-8, 2011.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Held the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May each year, New Orleans is transformed into a mecca for music lovers everywhere. The JazzFest brings together the best local and international jazz, world famous musicians and rising stars. Delicious local foods are available from over 100 vendors and artisans from around the world ply their crafts at the the ultimate outdoor concert. Located at the New Orleans Fairgrounds, shuttle service is available from downtown. April 25 - May 1 and May 5 - 8, 2011.
French Quarter Festival
Celebrate the country's most interesting neighborhood in a New Orleans festival of food, music and fun. Each April, the city warms up for the French Quarter Fest with three days of free entertainment, including more than 150 musical performances on fifteen stages throughout the French Quarter. Indulge at the "World's Largest Jazz Brunch" and enjoy the cuisine for which New Orleans is famous. Festival takes place at Woldenberg Park, along the Mississippi River, in Jackson Square and throughout the French Quarter. April 8 - 10, 2011
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
One of the most prestigious festivals of its kind celebrates 19 years of wine and food with a five-day event in New Orleans on Memorial Day Weekend. The event brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a showcase of signature events designed to entertain, educate and inspire. May 27 - 30, 2011
Essence Music Festival
Sounds of soul, R&B and hip-hop fill the air at the Superdome. Catch a show on one of the main stages, empower yourself with a seminar hosted by playwrights, authors, actors and more, then stroll through the marketplace and discover a plethora of African-American art, crafts, jewelry, clothing and the best New Orleans Creole food. July 1 - 4, 2010
Southern Decadence
Get ready for the second most flamboyant New Orleans event, next to Mardi Gras. Thousands of people from around the world fill the streets of the French Quarter in a festival celebrating alternative lifestyles. The best DJs from across the country work the crowds into a frenzy, day and night. Don't miss the annual parade that takes place on Sunday as participants dance through the streets dressed in costumes and masks that you have to see to believe. September 3 - 6, 2010
Christmas New Orleans Style
There's no place like New Orleans for the holidays during Christmas New Orleans Style, a celebration of uniquely New Orleans holiday activities taking place throughout December. Experience the magic of the season in a city steeped in traditions of the past, but with the food, music and good times of today. More than 100 festivities are planned during the month-long New Orleans event, showcasing the cultural diversity that adds spice to the gumbo of New Orleans' heritage. December 1 -31, 2010