These fun annual events in New Orleans are a perfect excuse to book a trip to the Big Easy.
In New Orleans , it ’s always a party . That is no surprise throw the lively atmosphere , man - renownedrestaurantsandbars , and uniquemusic tantrum . Even in August , the swampiest of months , the metropolis does n’t feel much of a lull .
From Carnival to Christmas , there are so many fete and celebrations happen throughout the year that any clock time is a great metre to visit . It ’s even hard for locals like me to keep caterpillar tread of everything last on . The best annual events in New Orleans offer up a chance to research the metropolis ’s food , euphony , fine art , and culture , all while surrounded by a colorful commixture of locals and out - of - townsman . Mardi GrasandJazz Festmay be the most well - know , but New Orleans is always celebrating something , whether it ’s the history of the cocktail , the legacy of Louis Armstrong , the bustling nontextual matter conniption , or hundred - old holiday tradition .
January
Allstate Sugar Bowl
January 1 , 2025Multiple locationsWhether the Sugar Bowl stands as a vital game for college football game ’s national championship or merely a battle for bragging rights , it ’s always a good time . The game is play at the Superdome on January 1 each year , forgo by a weekend of festivities . The city hosts a Sugar Bowl parade , Fan Fest , and other events in the French Quarter supporting the teams playing in the bowl . But , amazingly enough , the send-off to the Sugar Bowl begins in August , with the annualSugar Bowl Country Kickoffheadlined by top country artists . Ready to go?Book here .
Carnival
January 6 – March 4 , 2025Multiple locationsMardi Gras is n’t just one Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , it ’s a whole season of parades , ball , party , and plenty of king cake . Carnival season begins on January 6 ( know also as Twelfth Night ) and lasts until Mardi Gras — Fat Tuesday — which changes every yr base on the date of Easter . The two workweek leading up to Mardi Gras feature parade almost every night . Elaborately decorated floats with costumed riders roll through the streets — most of the parades cast on St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street , so plan your fitting accordingly — joined by marching bands , dancing troupes , flambeaux , and other fanciful name . As a local , my good advice is this : think of it ’s a marathon , not a sprint . Ready to go ? Many event are free .
March
St. Patrick’s Day
2025 dates TBDMultiple locationsSt . Patrick ’s Day celebrations in New Orleans range from a block political party on the actual holiday to a parade in the Irish Channel on the close Saturday . And this is no ordinary parade : float riders dole out cabbage , potatoes , carrots , onion , and bars of Irish Spring rather of bead and other trinkets . Parades are also apply in the Gallic Quarter and Metairie . give way how the metropolis has unattackable Italian heritage as well and St. Joseph ’s Day is close to St. Patrick ’s solar day , there are parades reward Irish - Italian heritage too . quick to go ? This event is free .
Super Sunday
2025 date TBDMultiple locationsEvery year on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph ’s Day , Uptown Mardi Gras Indian tribes follow together in Central City to prance their stuff one more time after Mardi Gras . Beginning and ending at A.L. Davis Park , the tribes will saunter through the surrounding neighborhood and engage in friendly contender with dance , chanting , and other rituals . It ’s a hazard to look up to the terrific amount of work and skill that are put into the hand - sewn suits . Ready to go ? This event is devoid .
Hogs for the Cause
Late March , 2025 date TBDThis annual BBQ extravaganza held on the Lakefront is a fete and competition that push the boundaries of traditional BBQ . Sample meaty magic from more than 85 teams — like Piggy Stardust , Aporkalypse Now and Mr. Pigglesworth — as they compete in categories like Ribs , Pork Shoulder and Whole Hog . You ’ll find everything from bourbon - glass ribs and pulled porc tacos to inventive sides like bacon praline egg rolls and bacon boudin sushi . The aroma of smoked meats is enhanced by live medicine from local and national bands . Aside from the incredible intellectual nourishment and fun , Hogs for the Cause raises millions for paediatric brain cancer care . Ready to go?Donate hereand see the loose event .
April
French Quarter Festival
April 10–13 , 2025French QuarterSmaller festivals like this often get overlooked in favour of Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest for tourists . But locals like me sleep together French Quarter Fest is the place to be . More than 20 leg throughout the Gallic Quarter host performances that span genre from traditional and contemporaneous malarky to R&B , New Orleans Casimir Funk , brass instrument bands , tribe , gospel singing , Latin , Zydeco , classic , and cabaret . The skilful part ? It ’s free ! Catch local legend like Soul Rebels , Tank and the Bangas , Partners - N - Crime , Ivan Neville , Irma Thomas , and so many more . But that ’s not all . The fest have dancing lessons , demos , crafts , and more . Plus , the culinary offerings are stellar , with classic restaurants serving up longtime favorites alongside upstart pop - ups . Ready to go ? This case is free .
Easter
April 20 , 2025Multiple locationsEaster in New Orleans intend bonnets , bunnies , brunches , and parades . Show off your vacation finery at a pair of parades : theFrench Quarter Easter Paraderolls in the afternoon , while theGay Easter Parade , which features buck - drawn carriage with player weary their showiest Sunday best , departs in the evening . After the parade , Good Friends Barhosts an always - rattling Easter bonnet competition that ’s a local favorite . Ready to go ? Many events are detached .
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
April 24 – May 4 , 2025Mid - CityJazz Fest is the pinnacle of NOLA ’s one-year festival time of year , drawing around half a million attendees to celebrate the music , food , and polish of New Orleans . The Fest work server to fully grown name acts alongside some of the best stria in the city on more than a dozen stages disperse throughout the Fair Grounds in Mid - City . You ’ll get a line everything from jazz and zydeco to hip - hops , funk , brass , gospel , and more . Multiple food area feature vendors selling some of the good dishes in New Orleans and Louisiana — several of which are exclusive to the event . Folklife and inheritance are on presentation as well as audience , cooking demos , ethnic exhibits , and more . Trombone Shorty , a New Orleans native and regular fest performing artist , sayshis best musical composition of Jazz Fest advice is this : “ Make certain that you ’re rested because it just does n’t stop . We get close to 24 60 minutes of medicine a day during that time in New Orleans with just a small windowpane to sleep . So rest up and be certain you hold in out everything the festival has to offer . ”Ready to go?Book here .
July
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans
July 12–14 , 2024French QuarterThis is go of the Bulls , NOLA - panache . The famed Spanish event is reinterpreted here with fellow member of the Big Easy Rollergirls , wielding plastic bats , standing in for the bulls . Participants invest in white-hot with red scarves run ( as fast as one can on a swelter summertime solar day ) through the French Quarter to avoid getting peck . The run depart at the chap of break of the day , then it turns into an all - day celebration with unrecorded medicine , food and drinkable . The next twenty-four hour period bring a welcome katzenjammer - curing burlesque brunch calledEl Pobre de Mí . in effect of all , a portion of the proceeds from this vivacious fete go to charity . quick to go?Book here .
Tales of the Cocktail
July 21–26 , 2024Multiple locationsThis hebdomad - retentive celebration of cocktails and mixology is also a fortune to develop and fend for the manufacture . Headquartered at the Ritz - Carlton with satellite events pick out place throughout the metropolis , it ’s pitch toward cocktail professionals and enthusiasts and there ’s something for everyone . Workshops , seminars , competitions , networking opportunities , and , of course , party throng the upshot docket . This yr ’s theme is “ Inspire , ” a call to action that challenges the global drinks industry to embrace future thinking . There is no shortfall of cocktails , spirits , and other booze to try at Tales , but I suggest you mix in a water or two . It is July in New Orleans after all . quick to go?Book here .
Essence Festivalof Culture
2025 date TBDMultiple locationsEssence Fest takes over the Superdome , Convention Center , and various locus around the metropolis each July with medicine , shop , panel discussions , marketplaces , and more . This year , the Fest welcomes Janet Jackson and will also be keep 30 years of the Cash Money Millionaires , feature hometown favorites Juvenile , Birdman , and their crew . The full lineup has yet to be revealed but it always includes some of the biggest names in entertainment . quick to go?Book here .
August
White Linen Night
August 3 , 2024Arts DistrictDon your finest livid linen and nous to the Arts District for the biggest gallery Nox of the yr . Julia , Camp , St. Joseph , and Magazine Streets will be buzzing as galleries spread their doors to show off newfangled exhibits . Out in the streets , perambulation past springy fine art installations and medicine performances , sip on fabulous cocktails , and pick up a sting to exhaust at local food vendor station . talk some vino on your kit ? No worry — you’re all set forDirty Linen Nightthe following weekend along Royal Street in the Gallic Quarter . quick to go ? This event is free .
Satchmo Summerfest
August 3–4 , 2024French QuarterFor true New Orleans locals , it ’s never too hot for a music fete . And Satchmo Summerfest prove that year after class . The fete at the New Orleans Jazz Museum respect the life and legacy of one of the urban center ’s most beloved sons , Louis “ Satchmo ” Armstrong . The celebration includes mickle of live music , intellectual nourishment , drinks , and a serial of “ Satchmo Seminars ” lead by historian and Armstrong biographer so you could learn more about this music icon . Ready to go ? This event is detached .
Southern Decadence
August 29 – September 2 , 2024French QuarterThis bawdry , celebratory issue feels like a mix of New Orleans Pride and Gay Mardi Gras . uncalled-for to say , it attracts revelers from around the world each Labor Day weekend to party down the streets of the metropolis in their best rainbow attire . The extravaganza feature party , concert , club events , and a parade through the Gallic Quarter . Ready to go ? This consequence is free .
October
Art for Arts Sake
October 5 , 2024Garden DistrictArt for Art ’s Sake plain off the fall nontextual matter time of year on the first Saturday of October as more than 100 galleries and shops along Magazine Street stay opened after hours . delight wine , snacks , bouncy euphony , special gallery openings , trunk show , and more as you stroll along the idyllic six - naut mi reach of businesses , restaurant , legal community , and vicinity charm . Ready to go ? This event is gratuitous .
Halloween
October 31 , 2024Multiple locationsNew Orleans is steeped in supernatural traditional knowledge throughout the year , but things quetch into gamey gear for Halloween . It ’s the perfect time to take aghost tour , check outreal haunted houses , or saunter through hauntinglybeautiful burial ground . Frightening stalk house experiences likeThe MortuaryandNew Orleans Nightmarepop up each class , and events likeGhosts in the OaksandBrews & Boos , both at City Park , impart a little fun to the skittish season . The highlight of Halloween is theKrewe of Booparade through the Gallic Quarter and downtown — it ’s like Mardi Gras with a touch of the macabre . Ready to go ? Many event are free .
November
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival
November 9–10 , 2024TremeCelebrate music , civilization and food in the historic Armstrong Park in Treme . This festival is all about the Abelmoschus esculentus , so it ’s your probability to sample as many different versions as you may , all in one spot . Whether it ’s traditional seafood or wimp and andouille lady’s-finger or a modernistic take with a twist , these gumbos range from Greco-Roman and solace to totally surprising . There are even vegan versions that have wow the staunchest of carnivores . Aside from the gumbo , the fest boast local vendors selling crafts and of course a lineup of some of the best brass bands in the city . Ready to go ? This event is free .
LUNA Fête
November 14–17 , 2024Multiple locationsFor this annual festival of light , art , and technology , the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park is transform into a rails for illuminated artwork and fashion . Hourly projections on the building will honor the power of costume , while lightness - based art spread along 7.5 Akko of the common will celebrate the creative thinking of costumes and cultivation . Each night will also sport local intellectual nourishment vendors , drinking , an arts market , and other glowing features . quick to go ? This event is free .
Thanksgiving Classic at the Fair Grounds
November 28 , 2024Mid - CityWhile the track open up mid - November , Thanksgiving is a big day at the Fair Grounds , kicking off the season in earnest . wear your most fab hat or fascinator and head out for a day filled with great deal juleps , racing , and a whole lot of fun . The clubhouse host a vacation dinner with all the trimming , or you may dig into the big holiday counter . Be sure to make a reserve , as both fill up cursorily . quick to go?Book here .
Bayou Classic
November 30 , 2024Caesars SuperdomeThe annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University is a high spot of the Thanksgiving weekend . The historic rivalry between the Tigers and the Jaguars has morph into one of the biggest annual sporting events in the realm . Much more than just the game at the Superdome on Saturday , the weekend includes the epic Battle of the Bands on Friday featuring the two universities ’ marching bands as well as a slate of events and parties around the city celebrating the matchup . Ready to go?Book here .
December
Celebration in the Oaks
2024 date TBDMultiple locationsCity Park ’s one-year festivity of the holidays is an fascinating spectacle of light , as the resplendent oak tree trees are decked with more than a million igniter , and light sculptures are scattered throughout the park . Tour the parkland by bike , on foot , or in a car . The Botanical Garden features even more holiday cheer , with plenty of Instagrammable exposure ops . quick to go?Book here .
Révellion Dinners
Throughout DecemberMultiple locationsRestaurants around townsfolk participate in the Creole custom of Révellion dinner , extend especial menus for the holidays . While the original tradition was a dining upshot following midnight mass on Christmas , you wo n’t have to wait that former nowadays . Traditional restaurants likeCommander ’s Palace , Tujaque ’s , andArnaud’sparticipate , raise their already exceeding menus for the season . quick to go ? Book with the restaurant .
New Year’s Eve
December 31 , 2024Multiple locationsNew Orleans knows how to throw a political party , and New Year ’s Eve is no exclusion . The main effect is the Fleur de Lis Drop atop the sometime Jax Brewery building in the Gallic Quarter . The countdown is coordinated with a pyrotechnic show on the Mississippi River . The city also plays master of ceremonies to numerous parties and events around town , from the annualBig Night New Orleansbash to Galactic ’s fabled New Year ’s Eve show atTipitina’sand revelry of all sort in between . quick to go ? Many outcome are free .
Southern Decadence|Photo by Paul Broussard
Mardi Gras night parades|Photo courtesy of New Orleans and Company
Irish Channel parade|Photo by eloresnorwood/Shutterstock
Photo courtesy of Hogs For The Cause
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival|Photo courtesy Justen Williams & NewOrleans.com
Southern Decadence|Photo by Paul Broussard
St. Louis No. 1 Cemetery|Photo by Paul Broussard
Photo courtesy of New Orleans Fair Grounds
Photo courtesy of Vue New Orleans
