Big Events in the Big Easy

No matter when you plan your visit to New Orleans, expect to see the streets filled with a party. The boisterous city celebrates its favorite things—holidays, jazz music, pride, art, and food— with passion and entertainment unlike any other city in the world. Experience the infamous Mardi Gras celebration in the spring, a seafood festival in the fall, and music-filled events year-round. A new festival starts in New Orleans every three days, with a total of 130 unique events including a music festival on a bayou, a charity run that swarms the city in red, and more. Here is a guide to some of the most notable parties in NOLA.

JAN New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl December 31–January 1 Ring in the new year in the historic Jackson Square, where locals and travelers party at the city's biggest NYE bash. Listen to live music from local legends; watch the fleur-de-lis drop and the “Baby New Year” descend from the perch of Jax Brewery; and finish the night with a fireworks show that lights up the Mississippi River. The next day, follow the parade of football fanatics on their way to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to watch the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Host to the SEC Champion and worthy opponent, cheer on the teams as they play in the second oldest bowl game in the country. APR New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Last weekend in April & the first weekend in May. One cannot think of New Orleans without recalling the magical sounds of jazz music, the symbolic sound of the city. Held at the Fairgrounds Race Track, Jazz Fest showcases the best artists in jazz, blue, gospel, R&B, soul, and more on 12 stages. Celebrating music and heritage, the fest is also filled with shop and craft booths, as well as an amazing array of food vendors. Try the most unique flavors of the area, including Cajun shrimp & duck Pasta, boiled crawfish, alligator pie, and every kind of po-boy imaginable. JUL Tales of the Cocktail Third week in July Legend has it the first “cocktail” was mixed in New Orleans in the 19th century: Since then, famous drinks such as the Hurricane originate from the area. Tales of the Cocktail is a city-wide event, with the headquarters being Hotel Monteleone, that showcases the city's most notable mixoligists and bartenders offering delicious, one-of-a-kind drinks. The festival also features tours of the city's historic bars, “spirited dinners” at New Orleans’ restaurants, live music, and more. SEP Southern Decadence Six days around Labor Day weekend A prideful, week-long extravaganza brings 100,000 visitors to New Orleans each year, each dressed in elaborate costumes and ready to celebrate. The event kicks off with block parties, a "Gay Walking Tour, Café Karaoke, and festive parades. Each of the bars in the French Quarter hosts contests, music, and drag shows celebrating the LGBT Community. Louisiana Seafood Festival Labor Day Weekend With New Orleans iconic food dishes being po-boys, gumbo, and jambalaya, it’s no surprise that the city is home to the Louisiana Seafood Festival. When you visit, devour delicacies made from shrimp, crawfish, crab, oysters, and more from the area's famous restaurants. Watch live chef demonstrations, see live music performances, and eat until you're stuffed. NOV Teme Creole Gumbo Festival Second weekend in November TOne of the most prominent culinary delights in NOLA, Gumbo is a delectable soup that varies by chef, but generally features chicken andouille sausage, shrimp, and other types of seafood. The traditional dish is served with rice and has a kick of spice! The festival celebrates this delicious meal with the areas most decorated chefs in the Armstrong Park”s Congo Square. Locally made crafts, family-friendly activities, live music, and other Big Easy food staples can be found at this free event.