new orleans tourism calendar

New Orleans Activities

New orleans events calendar.

• All New Orleans Activities
• Helicopter Tours
• Art Classes
• Craft Classes
• Dance Lessons
• Pottery Classes
• Airboat Tours
• Day Cruises
• Dinner Cruises
• Architecture Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• LGBTIQA+ Friendly Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Movie & TV Tours
• Private Day Trips
• Bar, Club & Pub Tours
• Beer & Brewery Tours
• Chocolate Tours
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Cooking Classes
• Dining Experiences
• Street Food Tours
• Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
• Kid Friendly Tours & Activities
• Luxury Tours
• Romantic Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Overnight Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Adrenaline & Extreme
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Horseback Riding
• Nature & Wildlife
• Running Tours
• Private Sightseeing Tours
• Shopping Passes & Offers
• Port Transfers
• Ports of Call Tours
• Adults-only Shows
• Light & Sound Shows
• Theater, Shows & Musicals
• Attraction Tickets
• Museum Tickets & Passes
• Sightseeing Passes
• Audio Guided Tours
• Bus & Minivan Tours
• Escape Games
• Full-day Tours
• Fun and Games
• Half-day Tours
• Hop-on Hop-off Tours
• Night Tours
• Pedicab Tours
• Photography Tours
• Plantation Tours
• Segway Tours
• Self-guided Tours & Rentals
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Sustainable Tours
• Trolley Tours
• Volunteer Tours
• Airport & Ground Transfers
• Airport Services
• Bus Services
• Private Drivers
• Unique Experiences
• Exclusive Tours
• Bike & Mountain Bike Tours
• Walking Tours
• Jet Boats & Speed Boats
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand Up Paddleboarding
• Honeymoon Packages

Attractions

• Things to do in New Orleans
• French Quarter
• Jackson Square
• Garden District
• St. Louis Cathedral
• LaLaurie Mansion
• Bourbon Street
• French Market
• Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
• Louis Armstrong Park
• Best food & culinary tours in New Orleans
• Family-friendly things to do in New Orleans.
• New Orleans’ Most Famous Plantation Tours
• Rainy day activities in New Orleans
• Senior-friendly tours, activities and things to do in New Orleans
• The Best New Orleans Swamp Tour Experiences
• The Top 10 New Orleans Tours and Activities of 2024
• The best tours and activities for culture lovers in New Orleans
• Things to do in New Orleans this summer
• Top Day Trips from New Orleans
• New Orleans Event Calendar
• Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans
• Cinco De Mayo in New Orleans
• Juneteenth in New Orleans
• 4th of July in New Orleans
• Labor Day in New Orleans
• Halloween in New Orleans
• Thanksgiving in New Orleans
• Veteran's Day in New Orleans
• New Year’s Day long weekend in New Orleans
• Christmas Eve in New Orleans
• New Year’s Eve in New Orleans
• Hanukkah in New Orleans
• Christmas activities in New Orleans
• MLK Day in New Orleans
• President's Day in New Orleans
• Valentine's Day in New Orleans
• St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans
• Good Friday in New Orleans
• Easter in New Orleans

Memorial Day Weekend activities in New Orleans (Updated 2024)

674 Tours & Activities

Cinco De Mayo in New Orleans (Updated 2024)

Things to do on juneteenth in new orleans (updated 2024), things to do 4th july weekend in new orleans (updated 2024), things to do over labor day weekend in new orleans (updated 2024), halloween in new orleans (updated 2024), unique things to do over thanksgiving in new orleans (updated 2024), things to do on veteran's day in new orleans (updated 2024), things to do over the new year's day long weekend in new orleans (updated 2024), things to do on christmas eve in new orleans (updated 2024).

4 Tours & Activities

Things to do on New Year's Eve in New Orleans (Updated 2024)

Things to do over hanukkah in new orleans (updated 2024), fun christmas activities in new orleans (updated 2024).

Looking for things to do in New Orleans at Christmas time? Check out reviews and photos of o

Things to do over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day long weekend in New Orleans (Updated 2024)

Things to do on president's day in new orleans (updated 2024), celebrate valentine's day in new orleans (updated 2024), celebrate st paddy's day in new orleans (updated 2024), things to do on good friday in new orleans (updated 2024), easter in new orleans (updated 2024), popular new orleans searches.

• Top Rated New Orleans Activities
• Kid-Friendly New Orleans Activities
• New Orleans Tours & Activities with Instant Confirmation
• New Orleans Activities with Hotel Pickup
• New Orleans Activities with Free Cancellation
• New Orleans Activities with Perfect 5-Star ratings
• New Orleans Activities up to 1 Hour
• New Orleans Activities 1-4 Hours
• New Orleans Activities 4 Hours to 1 Day
• New Orleans Activities with Over 100 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 250 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 500 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 1,000 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 2,500 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 5,000 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities Under $50
• New Orleans Activities $50 - $100
• New Orleans Activities $100 - $250
• New Orleans Activities Over $250
• New Orleans Activities Likely to Sell Out
• New to Our Site

Things To Do in New Orleans

• New Orleans Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
• New Orleans Classes & Workshops
• New Orleans Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
• New Orleans Cultural & Theme Tours
• New Orleans Day Trips & Excursions
• New Orleans Fishing
• New Orleans Food, Wine & Nightlife
• New Orleans Holiday & Seasonal Tours
• New Orleans Kid Friendly
• New Orleans Luxury & Special Occasions
• New Orleans Multi-day & Extended Tours
• New Orleans Outdoor Activities
• New Orleans Private & Custom Tours
• New Orleans Shopping & Fashion
• New Orleans Shore Excursions
• New Orleans Shows, Concerts & Sports
• New Orleans Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
• New Orleans Tours & Sightseeing
• New Orleans Transfers & Ground Transport
• New Orleans Unique Experiences
• New Orleans VIP & Exclusive Tours
• New Orleans Walking & Biking Tours
• New Orleans Water Sports
• New Orleans Weddings & Honeymoons
• View all Things To Do in New Orleans

Popular New Orleans Attractions

• Royal Street
• Old Ursuline Convent
• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
• New Orleans City Park
• Oak Alley Plantation
• Mississippi River
• New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
• Frenchmen Street
• Laura Plantation

New Orleans Calendar

New orleans guides, log in or sign up, welcome to cool new orleans.

Log in to add things to your wishlist and access your bookings from any device.

Let's try that again

By selecting Agree and continue , I agree to Cool Destinations’s Terms of Service , Payments Terms of Service , and Nondiscrimination Policy and acknowledge the Privacy Policy .

Cool Destinations will send you members-only deals, inspiration, marketing emails, and push notifications. You can opt out of receiving these at any time in your account settings or directly from the marketing notification.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Cool New Orleans wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool New Orleans over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation, accessibility statement.

• www.coolneworleans.com
• May 12, 2024

Compliance status

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation.

• Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
• Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

• Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
• Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
• Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
• ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
• Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
• Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

• Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
• Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.
• Animations – epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
• Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
• Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
• Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

Notes, comments, and feedback.

• ATTRACTIONS
• TRIP PLANNER

French Quarter Events on Sunday, May 12, 2024

Josephine estelle at ace hotel, or shovaly plus.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 03:00 pm

Gazebo Café

J riley cain & knockout gumbo, maison, the, sunnyside jazz band.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 03:30 pm

Aaron Levinson & Friends

Some like it hot.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 04:00 pm

Zony Mash Beer Project

School of rock 5th annual spring music festival day 2.

May 12, 2024

School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans is so excited to present the 5th Annual Spring Music Festival! We have a stellar lineup of shows on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. Don't miss out as our students take the stage to put on two full days of incredible concerts.SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024 11:00 - 12:30pm Divas 12:35 - 2:05pm Rock 101 2:10 - 3:40pm Eagles 3:45 - 5:15pm Folk Rock 5:20 - 6:50pm 80s Rock 1SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024 11:00 - 12:30pm Post Punk 12:35 - 2:05pm 80s Rock 2 2:10 - 3:40pm Yer Mom 3:45 - 5:15pm Neo Soul 5:20 - 6:20pm House Band

Tigermen Den

Mothers day cajun brunch & dance ft. the jonno frishberg band.

*11am-2pm* | Live Music by Jonno Frishberg Band (Lafayette), known for their sweet waltzes and angelic singers.Dance lesson for beginners at 12pmBrunch Menu includes Shrimp & Grits, Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice, Fresh Seasonal Salad, Baked Goods, and more!  $15 | Kids and kind dogs get in free | Art Camp 504 Parens get in 2 for 1 (bring a friend or partner)

Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge

Mother's day jazz brunch with the nayo jones quartet, prohibition.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 05:00 pm

Bacchanal (OUTDOORS)

Tangiers combo, national wwii museum - bb's stage door canteen, swing caesar swing, the music of nat king cole.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 05:30 pm

Fritzel's Jazz Club

Marty peters & the party meters.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 06:00 pm

Élan Academy Charter School (OUTDOORS)

Anansi’s web: an african diaspora celebration ft. orlando magick fingers & the dreaming jaguar, krazy korner, the, day walkers, famous door, half past whiskey.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 06:15 pm

Bourbon Bandstand

Kornerstone.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 07:00 pm

Chicken on a Bone

Spotted cat, jelly roll stompers, café negril, mike delacerda wildblues, teena may trio, treme brass band.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 07:30 pm

Preservation Hall

Leroy jones & the preservation jazz masters, mahalia jackson theater for the performing arts.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 08:00 pm

Amber Rachelle & The Sweet Potatoes

21st amendment, brunch without the food, disco decatur, secret bandwagon, miles berry.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 08:30 pm

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 08:45 pm

Bourbon O Bar at The Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 09:00 pm

Bratz Y'all

Sunpie barnes & dean zucchero, the andre lovett band.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 10:00 pm

Chickie Wah Wah

David doucet, preservation legacy band ft. gregg stafford, lee floyd & thunderbolt trio, three muses, shawan rice, nola brewing, the tanglers bluegrass quartet, fais do-do with bruce daigrepont cajun band.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 10:15 pm

St. Pat's Irish Coffeehouse

The celtic music session.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 10:30 pm

The Midnight Brawlers

Polo club at windsor court hotel, david boeddinghaus, bourrée (outdoors), marshall scott craver.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:00 pm

Old Arabi Lighthouse Records & Books

Open mic with host audrey smith, soul rotisserie with dj maxmillion & jevon tate, bj's lounge (outdoors), a backyard evening with helen gillet & jonathan freilich, palmetto bug stompers, jenavieve cooke & the winding boys, mahogany jazz hall, the sunset jazz band, aurora nealand & the reed minders, houston's restaurant, hansen's garden district band.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:15 pm

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 12:00 am

Maison Bourbon Jazz Club

The leroy marshall band, steve pistorius & his porch pals, escalade band, dmac's bar & grill, daniel louis goodwill, retro punks, marigny brasserie, grateful shred & circles around the sun, bullet's sports bar, john pierre & the expressions, snug harbor, peter harris quartet.

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 12:30 am

Jazz Playhouse

Big joe kennedy, the experience band, southport hall, oceans of slumber, palm court jazz cafe, mark braud with sunday night swingsters, .streaming only, stoo odom with dr. sick, russell welch & christopher johnson.

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 01:00 am

May 13, 2024

Streaming URL: www.EscapeFromTheSecretLab.com [1][1] http://www.escapefromthesecretlab.com/

Kenny Brown & The KB Express

Bombay club, t marie & bayou juju, carrollton station, planet of the little green men + dummy dumpster + will roesner, mahogany hall swingsters ft. roderick paulin, the baked potatoes, gennifer flowers kelsto club lounge, allways lounge, sunday swing with sunnyside jazz band, fritzel's all star band with mike fulton, rosie tucker + keaton schiller.

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 02:00 am

Higher Heights

Bj's lounge, nbd & the big deals cajun band, hard rock cafe, john lisi & delta funk, funkalicious, pat casey & the new sound, single malt please, ed wills blues 4 sale.

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 02:30 am

Treme Hideaway

Big 6 brass band.

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 03:00 am

MSPAINT + Year of the Vulture

Street legends brass band.

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 03:30 am

Howlin' Wolf

Hot 8 brass band, things to do in the french quarter.

There are always plenty of exciting things going on when you are in New Orleans traveling. With the many festivals, celebrations, and events that happen year-round, our city is always lively, welcoming, and the perfect place to have a good time. Bring your family on an enchanting cemetery tour through the historic graves found in the old St.Louis Cemetery or get the full view of New Orleans and all of the distinct city neighborhoods with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour with City Sightseeing New Orleans. If you are looking for things to do while on while vacation in the French Quarter, find an event from the list below and have a celebration with old friends or new friends. Discover local jazz band schedules and more. As we often say in New Orleans, laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll!

Your French Quarter Getaway Awaits

• Trip Planner

Best Festivals & Events in New Orleans

• New Orleans Restaurants & Bars
• New Orleans by Neighborhood
• The New Orleans Hit List
• Shane Finkelstein
• Posted on January 3, 2022
• Festivals in New Orleans

New Orleanians know how to throw a party. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists join locals in celebrating everything from po boys to Mardi Gras. Weekends are full of great dining and live music, but also a bevy of festivals, balls and events to tickle your tummy and tantalize your senses. Many of these events have been on hiatus due to Covid-19. When they come back, expect some epic parties and events in 2022. Here’s a look at the best festivals and events in New Orleans for 2022.

JANUARY FESTIVALS & EVENTS

While most of the country is covered up in winter clothes and snowshoes, locals celebrate the beginning of carnival season, always twelve days after Christmas. Two events that stand out on 12th night are the Phunny Phorty Phellows , a krewe of forty crazy Oak Street characters who mask up and hop on the streetcar for a festive ride down St. Charles Avenue. Locals head over to Willow Street to drink a few beers, toast the krewe, sample their first king cake of the season, and catch some beads from the mysterious riders. Downtown tourists and a smattering of locals head over to the French Quarter to watch the Joan of Arc Parade , highlighted by nearly naked women atop majestic horses, marching bands and costumed revelers. Later in the month, the Carnival Balls begin. Some are secret and for krewe members only. Others like the Pussyfooter’s Blush Ball and the popular 610 Stomper’s Sweet 610 Debutante Ball are rocking parties while raising money for local charities. Members sell the tickets to friends and family so if you ain’t one of these, you likely aren’t going to the best parties of the month. If you’re a sports fan, the Caesar’s Superdome is always host to the AllState Sugar Bowl , and that always brings a raucous crowd to the French Quarter at the beginning of the month.

FEBRUARY FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Carnival usually occurs in mid-February, but Fat Tuesday can come as early as February 3rd or as late as March 9th. Three weeks before Fat Tuesday is the first big parade of the season, Chewbacchus (February 5), which began about a decade ago and has grown a following amongst sci-fi fans, freaks, and geeks as they line up in the Bywater to salute the costumed revelers. A broader array of fans make their way to the Marigny and French Quarter the following Saturday for the popular Krewe du Vieux parade (February 12).The satirical costumed krewe delivers plenty of lewd and lascivious antics along with skewering local and national politicians, elites, and dirty businesses. The all-walking parade features eighteen baudy floats, local brass bands, and eighteen hundred marchers handing out homemade trinkets and raunchy throws. If you can get a ticket to the ball that follows the parade, it’s one of the best parties of the year. The following weekend features a more family-friendly slate of parades like the Krewe of Pygmalion, King Arthur and the Femme Fatales. Post-Katrina saw the rise of all-woman marching krewes that stormed on the stage and added a little spice to the customary lineup of floats, high school marching bands, flambeauxs, and throws. Not to be outdone, the 610 Stompers took the dance troupes to the national level with the all-male krewe going on to march (and dance) in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade the past few years. Don’t forget to take those kiddos to the Barkus Parade (February 13), the popular dog parade that features costumed pups and their loveable humans dressed to make you laugh and smile. The party heats up on the Wednesday before Fat Tuesday as the parades grow in size and popularity. Nighttimes feature the Krewe of Nyx (February 23), Muses (February 24), Hermes (February 25), Tucks Saturday day, Endymion (February 26), Thoth Sunday day, Bacchus (February 27th), and Harry Connick Jr.’s Orpheus (February 28th). Most of these parades are accompanied by a huge Carnival Ball, some for members and others open to the public. Two of the most popular are the Endymion Extravaganza (February 26) at the Superdome, which will feature Diana Ross and Maroon Five, and the Orpheuscapade (February 28), which is usually headlined by Harry Connick and other renowned musicians.

While some of these balls are stodgy black tie affairs, those in the know will be at the infamous MOMs Ball (February 26). The super-secret society of mystics, orphans and misfits, throw the most decadent costumed party of the year always on the Saturday before Mardi Gras. Invitations can only be obtained through Krewe members who have been hosting this debauchery for over forty years so get your costume ready and find your way to the party.

MARCH FESTIVALS & EVENTS

This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 1st which means the end of king cakes and daily hangovers, and the beginning of lent and the heart of crawfish season. While most of the weekend tourists have returned to normalcy, the rest of us gather Tuesday morning for one last day of celebration. Downtown folks begin the day with the popular Krewe of St. Ann which meanders through the Bywater and Marigny before heading into the French Quarter around noon. Uptown folks gather with their friends and walk in a number of marching krewes like Julu, Mondo, or Pete Fountain’s Half Fast Walking Krewe. Down in the Treme, the Mardi Gras Indians march to their own beat showing off their newest feathered creations for the adoring fans. Families also gather around St. Charles Avenue to view the kings of Zulu and Rex as they lead their krewes on the final parades of the season. If you’ve been to carnival in New Orleans, but have never stayed for Mardi Gras, you are missing all the fun as the party continues all day long in the French Quarter and on Frenchmen Street in the Marigny. Until the clock strikes 12 and the NOPD mount their horses for the traditional sweep of Bourbon Street and the end of the festivities. Even though it’s Lenten season, there are still plenty of opportunities to party like a local. St. Patrick’s Day festivities normally begin the weekend before the big day with a Saturday parade down Magazine Street in the Irish Channel and the Irish Italian Parade on Metairie Rd. on Sunday afternoon. Both parades feature floats and marching krewes handing out green carnations and throwing everything from bars of Irish Spring soap to heads of green cabbage. The other two highlights of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities are the Jim Monaghan’s Irish Parade which rolls on Friday night down Decatur Street (March 18) and the Parasol’s/Tracy’s Block Party (March 17) that usually takes place on St. Patrick’s Day unless it falls on a Saturday. If weather permits, you can also catch the Mardi Gras Indians that Sunday as they gather in Central City for Super Sunday (March 20).

The big chief of each tribe leads the procession through the neighborhood followed by a block party at A.L. Davis Park. The following weekend is the annual BUKU Music + Art Festival (March 25, 26) at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World on the Mississippi Waterfront. BUKU attracts a younger audience (17+up) and features EDM, hip hop, and indie-rock music. The party continues the following weekend with the fifth annual New Orleans Bourbon Festival (March 23-26) featuring tastings, parties, and seminars from some of the top distilleries in the world. Don’t miss the intimate dinner tastings featuring master distillers like Chuck Noe at New Orleans top restaurants. YLC’s Wednesday’s in the Square should be starting back up in late March, running ten weeks through the beginning of June every Wednesday at Lafayette Square in the CBD.

APRIL FESTIVALS & EVENTS

This year’s late Mardi Gras has pushed Hog’s for the Cause back to the first weekend in April. This huge annual pig celebration takes place on April 1st and 2nd at the Lakefront and features over 80 BBQ teams, live music from great national bands like Shakey Graves and Bruce Hornsby, and award-winning BBQ. Past events have raised over one million dollars for pediatric brain cancer patients. This year’s April calendar also includes the NCAA Final Four , pitting the top four teams to survive the annual tournament. Expect huge concerts and activities at Woldenberg Park, the Convention Center, and in and around the Caesar’s Superdome on April 2nd and 4th. Easter weekend means family time in most cities, but in New Orleans it means the Chris Owens’ Easter Parade , led by now-89-year-old Chris Owens in her traditional dance costumes. On the other end of the French Quarter, the Gay Easter Parade meanders past the Bourbon Street gay pubs and features drag queens in summer suits and fancy hats riding aboard tuk tuks and classic convertibles.

Pushed back to April 21-24 to accommodate Easter, the French Quarter Fest is the annual celebration of New Orleans food and music. Dozens of stages throughout the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River feature top local musicians showcasing jazz, blues, R&B, and funk. The food at French Quarter Fest is just as big of a draw as the music. Local restaurants feature their top dishes at a fraction of the cost of dining in. Highlights include Jacques Imo’s shrimp & alligator cheesecake, Tujague’s seafood stuffed mirliton, and Muriel’s crawfish & goat cheese crepes. French Quarter Fest is free and open to the public.

MAY FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The biggest and best festival in the city is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 29-May 7), always the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. On hiatus the past two years due to Covid, this year’s lineup is sure to impress. Located in the Gentilly neighborhood, hundreds of thousands of people gather at the Fairgrounds for a dozen stages of live music from top local and national acts. Standouts are too numerous to mention, but let’s hope that fans can finally see some of the bands that were scheduled the past two years like the Foo Fighters, Dead & Company, Stevie Nicks, and Elvis Costello along with local acts like Trombone Shorty, the Radiators, and Jon Batiste. The other highlight is the amazing regional food featured throughout the festival. Fans line up for trout baquet, crawfish bread, cochon de lait po boys, and fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade. No one leaves hungry or disappointed. After the fest, reserve your table at one of our top local restaurants or catch some bad ass music at clubs like the Howlin’ Wolf, DBA, the Mapleleaf, or the Civic Theater. The Latin community and taco fans all over celebrate Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) at bars and restaurants around the city. Last year, Tacos del Cartel held a big, outdoor festival at Lafreniere Park in Metairie that is sure to grow into a big event.

The third weekend of May features Bayou Boogaloo on the banks of Bayou St. John. This once-free (now likely a small fee) three-day festival features local acts, food booths and crafts where fans can roll up in a kayak or bicycle on over to enjoy the day. Featuring some of the smaller, less-known local acts during the day and bigger, marquee names at night, Bayou Boogaloo is a great event geared toward the locals and families celebrating graduations. From the producers of Top Taco comes a new event in late May called New Orleans’ Food Fight (May 26) where forty of the top local restaurants are expected to compete in five categories: Top Traditional Dish, Top Creative Dish, Top Vegetarian Dish, Top Classic Cocktail, and Top Creative Cocktail. Expect great music, DJs, whimsical activations, and plenty of amazing dishes and cocktails. Rounding out the May calendar is the New Orleans Greek Fest (May 27-29) at the Holy Trinity Greek Orhodox Cathedral in Gentilly. This family-friendly event features plenty of Greek food, Greek music, hellenic dancing, and of course, baklava. 

JJUNE FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The weather might get hot in the summer in New Orleans, but that’s no reason to stop partying.  The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE) is back from June 8-11 with the Grand Tastings on Friday night and Saturday afternoon taking place at the Sugar Mill in the Warehouse District, and ViNola which features bottles of wine priced $60 and up. The annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival returns to its regular weekend on June 11 & 12 with a celebration of Louisiana’s iconic Creole tomatoes. Besides plenty of fresh tomatoes for sale, there are also cooking demonstrations, food booths, live music and children’s activities. June is Gay Pride Month and New Orleans celebrates in typical New Orleans fashion with a weekend festival and raunchy parade in the French Quarter (June 9-12).

JULY FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The annual Essence Fest & Culture Explosion (June 30-July 4) returns to its Fourth of July weekend with the country’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture. Past performers have ranged from Prince and Mary J. Blige to local favorites Big Freedia and PJ Morton. In addition to the huge shows at the Caesar’s Superdome, Black empowerment seminars take place at several halls in the Morial Convention Center. With two years off from Covid, expect big names and big fun at the year’s Essence Fest. Set to coincide with the world famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, the San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (July 10) is always in early July.

Thousands of New Orleanians don their white and red outfits for the Running of the Bulls New Orleans-style. Participants run through the French Quarter and CBD getting chased by the Big Easy Rollergirls, who are dressed like bulls and wielding sturdy paddles. While no deaths have been reported at the New Orleans Running of the Bulls, you can expect a few runners passed out from heat exhaustion and overindulgence, and a few bruised bottoms. Some time in mid-July, the Bridge House hosts their biggest fundraiser of the year- Mr. Legs . The popular pageant features local celebrities and businessmen dressed in drag, strutting their stuff- and sometimes stripping- for adoring fans. In late July, cocktail enthusiasts and industry insiders gather in the French Quarter for the 20th Annual Tales of the Cocktail (July 25-29). What began as a walking tour has established itself as the premiere spirit event in the country with tastings, parties, and creative pop-up lounges at some of New Orleans hippest and hottest bars and restaurants. Tickets for the main events can be purchased on-line, but some of the past private parties have included everything from a Snoop Dogg performance sponsored by Diageo to Cazadores’ Bartender Boxing. Find an insider to get you on the list.

AUGUST FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The first weekend of August is always Satchmo Summer Fest (August 4-6) at the downtown New Orleans Mint. These guys actually managed to pull off a small festival in 2021 despite the Covid restrictions. The tribute to Louis Armstrong festival presented by the French Quarter Fest organizers will be back again with multiple stages featuring live local jazz and blues, and food vendors serving some of New Orleans’ best festival foods. White Linen Night (August 6) is the biggest day of the year for New Orleans’ art galleries. Thousands of fans dressed in their dandiest white outfits flock to Julia St. for a mass opening of exhibits and parties. Vendors serve food and cocktails on the street while art-enthusiasts meander in and out of the small galleries. The downtown French Quarter galleries throw their own opening the following Saturday. Known as Dirty Linen Night (August 13), those same art-lovers stroll down Royal Street dressed in the already-worn linens from the week before. Coincidentally, the antithesis of those chic artsy events takes place the following day. The Red Dress Run (August 14) is a charity event put on by the Hash House Harriers of New Orleans. Dubbed a drinking group with a running problem, their largest event of the year sees thousands of men and women donning their finest red dresses for a massive bar crawl through the streets of downtown. The party starts early and continues all day until the sweaty participants find themselves dancing inside and outside of the Bourbon Street bars. Later in the month, a uniquely local event always takes place on Oak Street called Midsummer Mardi Gras . Members of KOAK host a costume parade that starts in front of the Maple Leaf and strolls down Carrollton Avenue, ending with a celebration in Marsalis Harmony Park (formerly Palmer Park). Krewe members return to the Maple Leaf for live music and heavy partying into the wee hours of the morning.

SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Labor Day weekend is Southern Decadence (September 1-5) in New Orleans, our version of the Gay Pride Parade. Thousands of LGBTQ fans (mostly men) gather around the gay bars and pubs in the French Quarter for sweaty all-night parties and the popular parade on Sunday, which features drag queens, kitchy costumes, and a bit of nudity so leave the kiddos at home. Hopefully hurricanes won’t prevent them from celebrating again this year. The largest beer festival in Louisiana takes place on the third weekend of September. NOLA on Tap (September 17) features over 400 different beers from New Orleans and around the region plus live music and tasty food. The dog-friendly festival raises money for the LSPCA. If you’re looking for another family-friendly experience, take the kids to the popular Beignet Fest (September 24) at City Park, featuring dozens of beignets, both savory and sweet, plus live music, games, and crafts. Love in the Garden is City Park’s annual fundraiser that takes place in and around the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. The upscale event features live music and tasty dishes from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants. 

OCTOBER FESTIVALS & EVENTS

October is full of festivals, both big and small, in New Orleans. Oktoberfest is one that is celebrated all over the world. Here in NOLA, thousands gather at the Deutsches House in Mid City every weekend in October for German beer, schnitzel, live music and plenty of line dancing. The National Fried Chicken Fest (October 1-2) stormed on this scene six years ago and has grown into one of the city’s largest festivals. The free celebration of all things fried chicken is moving out to the Lakefront in 2022, but fans can still expect some of the best fried chicken in the country along with a great lineup of local and regional bands. Across the river in early October is the 25th Annual Gretna Heritage Festival (October 7-9). The annual event in downtown Gretna features national touring bands, a Mexican heritage stage, arts and crafts, and games and rides for the kids.  Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival (October 14-16) presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is a free weekend of bbq and some of the best living blues performers in the country. The intimate free event takes place at Lafayette Square in the Central Business District. Top Taco Fest (October 20) moved from the spring in New Orleans to the fall in Metairie last year, and plans to keep it there in 2022. The popular taco and cocktail competition is an all-inclusive event featuring some of the best Mexican and local restaurants serving up their best tacos and margaritas plus live Latin music, DJs, and creative pop-up lounges. That Saturday is the Krewe of Boo Parade (October 22) featuring spooky floats, marching krewes, high school bands, and costumed revelers rolling through the Marigny and French Quarter. The last weekend of October sees the return of the Voodoo Music + Art Experience (October 28-30) at City Park. The three-day festival is one of the city’s largest, and features top regional and national bands geared toward teens and twentysomethings. Voodoo leans heavily on EDM, hip-hop, heavy metal, and experimental music, and features fun carnival rides and interesting art installations. 

NOVEMBER FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The first Friday night in November is Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s Boudin Bourbon & Beer (November 4th) at Champions Square. The event features New Orleans’ top chefs creating one-of-a-kind boudin dishes for adoring fans. Expect stiff bourbon cocktails, nationally-renowned bands, and intimate conversations with the chefs. The following night, the foundation hosts Carnivale du Vin (November 5) where local socialites taste fine wine and raise big money (over $3 million in ‘21) for Emeril’s charity. Depending on the Saints schedule, the annual Poboy Fest (November 13) usually takes place on the second Sunday in November. Dozens of the best poboys in town compete for festival awards while fans enjoy tasty bites and great live music on Oak Street from some of the best local brass bands around. Expect Shuck Cancer (November 16) to be back at Crescent Park in 2022. They successfully raised over $450,000 for the American Cancer Society in 2021. The annual fundraiser features raw oysters from dozens of different farms around the region, plus dishes from a dozen top chefs, great cocktails from Republic Beverage, and live local music. Every Thanksgiving, thousands of college football fans converge on the city for the annual Bayou Classic (November 25-26). In addition to the big rivalry game between Grambling State and Southern University on Saturday, fans gather in the Superdome Friday evening for the big Battle of the Bands featuring two of the most elite college marching bands in the country.

DECEMBER FESTIVALS & EVENTS

December might be the lightest month of events in New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Check out the popular Christmas light display at City Park. Celebration in the Oaks features a driving tour of the park and a more intimate light display inside the amusement park. Out in Metairie, you can get a glimpse of some of Al Copeland’s famous light installations with a drive through Lafreniere Park during the month of December. Hundreds of Santas and Santa-wannabees gather in the French Quarter for the annual Running of the Santas (December 10). The fundraiser event starts in the afternoon with a bar crawl and ends with a throw-down party at Generations Hall in the Warehouse District. And the final celebration of the New Orleans calendar takes place on December 31st. New Year’s Eve festivities begin with the AllState Sugar Bowl parade during the afternoon in the French Quarter and Marigny with the game taking place the next day. The biggest party of the night takes place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Big Night New Orleans features the top local bands, nationally known DJs, burlesque performances, open bar and a VIP premium food and drink area.

All dates are subject to change

Related Post

The top 10 cocktails in new orleans right now, 10 best food festivals in new orleans, radiators return, one reply to “best festivals & events in new orleans”.

Hoping we all get to enjoy these events in 2022. Stir crazy has set in.I definitely need to get out and about again. Thanks for creating this site.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Read Latest Issue

The Best of the Big Easy!

New Orleans Concerts

10 before and after tips for having a blast at garth brooks' concert, music for mental health concert, thomas rhett blows biloxi away, re:set new orleans is june 9-11 at city park, new orleans events, best things to do in new orleans this weekend, new orleans night shows during jazz fest's first weekend, the overlook film festival announces its initial 2024 lineup, nola spots to watch the super bowl | 10 local places to visit, new orleans nightlife, best bars in the marigny & bywater | 10 nola bars to check out, best places to drink wine in new orleans | top 10 spots for a sip, best new orleans music clubs | nola music clubs to check out, best irish pubs in new orleans | nola irish pubs to sip on a pint, new orleans restaurants, new orleans' best new restaurants may 2024 | top food news in nola, updated: authentic tacos in greater new orleans for cinco de mayo, 10 can’t miss dishes at this year's jazz fest, best french quarter fest food | 10 dishes to try this year, don't miss out.

Sign up for the Where Y’at Newsletter to get the inside scoop on Dining, Music, Entertainment, the Arts & more!

• X (Twitter)

Find What You're Looking For!

Every month we bring you the best of New Orleans entertainment, music, and film reviews, and the best places to eat and party.

Featuring the Best of the Big Easy.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• New Orleans

25 Best Things to Do in New Orleans, From Streetcar Rides to Bar Crawls

Adventure awaits around every corner in the Big Easy.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

With it storied history, traditions, culture, and energy, New Orleans is wildly exciting U.S. destination to visit. If you're heading to this Southern city, you want to be sure to experience its bold flavors (this one of the best food cities around ), memorable sights, and spirited sounds through various events and itinerary stops.

Mardi Gras is certainly one of the most famous events on the New Orleans calendar, but the Big Easy offers more than the nearly month-long celebration. For Nathalie Jordi, co-owner of Hotel Peter & Paul , the perfect weekend in New Orleans involves the following: “Walking around the Marigny [and] Bywater [neighborhoods], a tour with Know NOLA , vintage shopping on Magazine Street, dancing behind a second-line, sitting under live oak trees at City Park, catching a jazz set at Snug Harbor, and enjoying drinks and music in the garden at Bacchanal.” 

And, like the rest of the South, food is a crucial aspect of New Orleans' identity. Iconic culinary creations range from hearty gumbo to sweet, fluffy snoballs, but there are at least two menu items Jordi says you can’t leave without trying: “a muffuletta from Central Grocery and a French 75 from Chris Hannah at Jewel of the South .” 

While you could spend weeks in the dynamic city and only scratch its surface, Jordi says a three-day weekend can still give first-time visitors a feel for the city. Whether you’re headed to the here for a quick trip or a leisurely extended vacation, you’ll want to check off at least a few of the 25 best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Paddle on Bayou Saint John.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

If you want to give your legs a rest while still sightseeing, make your way to Bayou Paddlesports on one of the city’s most famous waterways, Bayou Saint John. If you’re wary of the hot Louisiana sun, opt for an evening paddle, then find a live music show and a cold drink nearby afterwards.

Cycle in the Garden District.

Brandon Rosenblum/Getty Images

History and architecture are prominent throughout New Orleans, but especially in the highly walkable and photogenic Garden District. Cover more ground by renting a bike , and be sure to pause a few times in order to admire the sights, including the striped awnings of Commander’s Palace , Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (although it’s temporarily closed for repairs), and all of the colorful, grand homes that are here.

Have a po’ boy.

Whether you prefer yours filled with shrimp, fried oysters, or roast beef, a po’ boy is the perfect post-walking tour, pre-cocktail hour meal. All New Orleans residents have a favorite po’ boy spot, but Parkway and Domilise's are two of the best (and most authentic).

Stroll along Magazine Street.

Running parallel to the Mississippi River, Magazine Street has six miles of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, and it plays host to various legs of Mardi Gras parades. If you’re looking for souvenirs, peruse the vintage finds at Funky Monkey or paper products at the Lionheart Prints flagship.

Ride the St. Charles Streetcar.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

The St. Charles Streetcar has been running the same route for more than 150 years, making its way from the French Quarter to the Garden District. It takes about 45 minutes each way, but it’s the best way — and one of the cheapest, with single rides costing $1.25 — to see New Orleans architecture and some of the city’s more famous sites, including Audubon Park, Tulane, and Loyola Universities.

Have beignets at Café du Monde.

ablokhin/Getty Images

Yes, it’s touristy, but getting beignets and a café au lait from Café du Monde is a non-negotiable New Orleans experience. If you want to avoid crowds, skip the French Quarter location and instead visit the Café du Monde at Riverwalk Mall — it has the same menu and not the crazy lines.

Zip line across a swamp.

You’ll get a wholly unique experience and views of the skyline when you sign up for a zip line tour through the Maurepas Swamp. If you look down, you’ll likely spot alligators, snakes, turtles, and other Louisiana wildlife.

Make perfume at Tijon.

Why not commemorate your trip with a completely custom fragrance at Tijon ? They say scent is one of the most powerful senses, so this souvenir will immediately transport you back to the Crescent City whenever you wear it.

Meander through a museum.

There’s a museum for every traveler and interest in New Orleans, from the National WWII Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art to the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience . If you want something a bit more unusual, book a ticket for the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum or the Museum of Death .

Curate your own bar crawl.

The lack of an open container law is one of New Orleans’ most famous features, though you’ll need to be in the French Quarter to take advantage of the freedom (while being responsible, of course). Historic Royal Street is filled with cute stores, restaurants, art galleries, and bars, and grabbing a refreshing beverage as you meander up and down the street is another quintessential New Orleans experience.

Catch a show at the Spotted Cat Music Club.

Cyrus McCrimmon/Getty Images

Music is part of the heart and soul of New Orleans, so sit back and relax as you take in the sounds of the city. If you’ve already been to the Spotted Cat on Frenchman Street and want to try something new, try Tipitina’s , Maple Leaf Bar , Gasa Gasa , or Preservation Hall .

Visit City Park.

City Park is one of the oldest and largest urban parks in the United States, and it's home to the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the largest grove of live oak trees in the world. At more than 1,300 acres, this outdoor attraction has something for every type of traveler, from gondola rides and putt-putt golf to kid-friendly activities.

Enjoy a frozen drink.

The Louisiana humidity can be unbearable, especially if you’re walking around for hours on end in July. A cool drink is the trick to bearing the heat. Try a frozen daiquiri from Bevi Seafood Co . or a frozen Irish coffee from Molly’s at the Market .

Attend a festival.

This includes Mardi Gras, of course, but you can also experience New Orleans culture and entertainment by attending Jazz Fest , French Quarter Fest , or Bayou Boogaloo . With over 130 festivals and celebrations each year, your trip is bound to overlap with at least one of them.

Try a Snoball.

Don’t confuse a snoball (also spelled as snowball or sno-ball) with a snowcone or shaved ice. The ice of a New Orleans snoball is fluffier, and the syrups and other toppings are more evenly distributed throughout the treat. You can find snoballs across the city, but you’ll want to go to Hansen's Sno-Bliz , which opened in 1939, for a true classic.

Go on an airboat tour.

Both a change of scenery and an unforgettable experience are in store when you book a swamp tour on an airboat . Look for local wildlife, including alligators, egrets, snakes, and turtles, while you speed across bayou country.

Visit Mardi Gras World.

Can't make it to New Orleans during Mardi Gras? Not to worry, since you can get a taste of the celebration at Mardi Gras World. This attraction offers tours seven days a week and gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to design and build the incredible floats that roll down the city streets during the parades.

Explore Bourbon Street.

It’s almost always a party on Bourbon Street, the famed road in the heart of the French Quarter. After you get your fill of merriment, stop in at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar for the Voodoo Daiquiri (or the “Purple Drink”), or opt for a fine-dining experience at the famed Galatoire’s Restaurant .

Take a ghost tour.

jferrer/Getty Images

You can find a variety of history tours in the city, but a cemetery tour is a fun way to experience the darker, more ghostly side of New Orleans. You'll likely visit above-ground tombs as you learn about burial customs, procedures, and famous New Orleans hauntings.

Enjoy the New Orleans art scene.

In a city as creative and lively as New Orleans, it should come as no surprise that the art scene is truly one of a kind. Visit JAMNOLA or Studio Be to appreciate work from a variety of local artists via immersive, rotating exhibitions.

Hang out at a great New Orleans hotel.

This city has incredible hotel options . For an elevated version of Southern hospitality, book your accommodations at iconic properties like Hotel Saint Vincent , Pontchartrain Hotel , the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans , or Hotel Peter and Paul . Even if you’re not spending the night, don your best outfit and head to the bar for an aperitif or digestif.

Have a Muffuletta.

bhofack2/Getty Images

The famous sandwich with ham, salami, provolone cheese, and olive dressing was developed at Central Grocery in the French Quarter. You can find the muffuletta at other restaurants, of course, but this is the original.

Visit the Cabildo Building.

Meinzahn/Getty Images

Built under Spanish rule between 1795 and 1799, the Cabildo was the site of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase transfer. It’s served different purposes over the years, but since 1908, it’s been used to promote the education of Louisiana history. Today, there are a variety of exhibitions open to the public.

Eat chargrilled oysters.

You can’t leave New Orleans without trying chargrilled oysters, a menu staple in the Big Easy. Enjoy a dozen of these delicious bites at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar , a New Orleans institution with several locations throughout the city.

Sip on a Sazerac.

MaximFesenko/Getty Images

Considered by many to be the world’s first cocktail, the Sazerac was created in the mid-1800s by Creole apothecary Antoine Peychaud, and it is the official cocktail of New Orleans. Opened in 2019, the Sazerac House is a museum completely dedicated to the famous cocktail — guests learn about its origins and the city’s cocktail culture, and they can try the concoction while there.

Related Articles

New Orleans

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Best Hotels
• Things to See
• Best Restaurants
• Best Nightlife
• Getting Around
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism
• Visitor Information
• Health & Safety
• Orientation
• Calendar of Events
• Neighborhoods in Brief
• Getting There
• Tips for Families
• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
• Tips for Single Travelers
• Tips for Travelers with Disabilities
• Tips for Black Travelers
• Staying Connected
• Organized Tours
• Walking Tours
• Spectator Sports
• Suggested Itineraries

Calendar of Events in New Orleans

For more information on Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Festival Internationale, and other major area events, visit our Festivals section . For general information, contact the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2020 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130 (www.neworleanscvb.com, 800/672-6124 or 504/566-5011). For a list of other Louisiana festivals, visit www.laffnet.org. 

Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic. First held in 1934, this is New Orleans’s oldest yearly sporting occasion. The football game in the Superdome is the main event, but in the days just beforehand, look for a second line parade to kick off the festivities, and a massive Fan Fest in the French Quarter. https://allstatesugarbowl.org; 504/828-2440.

Lundi Gras. This tradition brings a free, outdoor music-and-food celebration to Spanish Plaza (Poydras St. at the river), with the big event at 6pm: the ceremonial, waterfront arrival of the Kings of Rex and Zulu, marking the beginning of Mardi Gras. They’re welcomed by the mayor, fireworks, and much whoop-de-doo. 504/522-1555.  Monday before Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras. The culmination of the 2-month-long carnival season, Mardi Gras is the centuries-old annual blowout. Each year the eyes of the world are on New Orleans, as the entire city stops working and starts partying, and the streets are taken over by awe-inspiring parades. Day before Ash Wednesday.

St. Patrick’s Day Parades. There are several, with dates (like the paraders) usually staggered. Instead of Mardi Gras beads, watchers are pelted with veggies, including the coveted cabbages. In 2019, a funky French Quarter parade kicks off at Molly’s at the Market (1107 Decatur St.). On St. Patrick’s Day, the downtown parade begins at 6pm at Burgundy and Piety in the Bywater and stumbles along a route to Bourbon Street (www.stpatricksdayneworleans.com; 504/525-5169 ).

Buku Music + Art Project. This packed millennial party of hip hop, EDM, acrobats, and visual artists is New Orleans’ answer to Electric Daisy or Movement. Sellout crowds of 35,000 anything-goes attendees fill the six stages overlooking the Mississippi River and floats at Mardi Gras World. Unsurprising, given artists like SZA, Migos, Kid Kudi, Flaming Lips, and Kendrick. Tickets for the 2018 Buku started around $100 per day; VIP packages were way more. www.thebukuproject.com. March 9–10, 2019.

St. Joseph’s Day Parade. Another fascinating, little-known festivity. Italians venerate St. Joseph, patron saint of families and working men, on his saint’s day with a parade (usually the weekend before) and the creation of devotional altars. These moving, elaborate works of art feature food, candles, and statues and can be viewed at various churches and private homes (where you might also get fed), and at the American Italian Museum, 537 St. Peters St. Locations are listed in the Times-Picayune classifieds and on www.nola.com prior to the event. 504/522-7294.

Super Sunday. At these annual Mardi Gras Indians gatherings, tribes garbed in full, feathered regalia preen, parade, and engage in ritualized showdowns with traditional chants. The Uptown event take place on the Sunday nearest St. Joseph’s Day (March 19) at A.L. Davis Park, Washington Avenue, and LaSalle Street, from noon till late afternoon, with music and food booths. The looser Downtown street meeting is usually a few weeks later on Bayou St. John at Orleans Avenue. For details, check with the Backstreet Cultural Museum  (www.backstreetmuseum.org) or www.wwoz.org/inthestreet. Mid-March to mid-April.

Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival. This 5-day series celebrates New Orleans’s rich literary heritage with theatrical performances, readings, discussions, master classes, musical events, walking tours, and the ever-popular Stella Shouting Contest. It’s not exclusive to Williams, and the roster of writers and publishers participating is impressive. Info at www.tennesseewilliams.net or 504/581-1144. Hogs for the Cause. No one who has been to Hogs will say New Orleans isn’t a BBQ town. Proceeds from this plethora of porky goodness supports pediatric brain cancer research. Some 85 cleverly named teams of talented pitmasters + rootsy music beside Lake Pontchartrain = darn good times. Ticket options range from $25 to $50. Go to www.hogsforthecause.org.  April

The Crescent City Classic. This 10k race from Jackson Square to Audubon Park brings an international field of top (and lesser) runners to the city. www.ccc10k.com. 504/861-8686. Saturday before Easter. 

French Quarter Festival. The 4-day French Quarter Festival celebrates local music of the traditional jazz, brass band, Cajun/zydeco, or funk variety. The free event has become wildly popular, attracting more than 700,000 people. Scores of outdoor concerts, food booths, art shows, children’s activities, tours, and seminars are set throughout the Quarter, making it easy to return to your hotel for a rest, though some stages are at far-flung ends of the Quarter. Book travel early; this good time is becoming a victim of its own success. www.fqfi.org. 800/673-5725 or 504/522-5730. 

Festival International de Louisiane. Some people split their festing between Jazz Fest and the popular (read: big) Festival International in Lafayette. The free, 5-day street fair, which focuses on French music and culture, overlaps with the first weekend of Jazz Fest so it dovetails nicely. www.festivalinternational.com. 337/232-8086.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell (Jazz Fest). A 7-day event that draws musicians, cooks, and craftspeople and their fans to celebrate music and life, Jazz Fest rivals Mardi Gras in popularity. www.nojazzfest.com.  504/410-4100.

Bayou Country Superfest. Country kings from classic to current (George Straight to Chris Stapleton to Kasey Musgraves) headline a Saturday concert in the Superdome, which anchors related events on the days before and after. Tickets $79–$395. www.bayoucountrysuperfest.com. 504/4123-4567. Memorial Day weekend.

Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo. Another weekend, another laid-back New Orleans music, art, and food fest. This one’s themeless, with the pretty location along Bayou St. John (and the rubber-ducky derby) being the draw for the largely local crowd. Bring a blanket, a parasol, and cash for snacks and brews, and go now before it gets too huge. www.thebayouboogaloo.com. 504/488-3865.

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. Some 10,000 people attend this 3-day gourmandistic pleasure, at which 150 vintners, 75 restaurants, and myriad chefs feature their wines and wares via tastings, seminars, and vintner dinners. The culmination is a grand tasting held at Mardi Gras World, but the party really hit its stride with the Royal Street Stroll, where revelers indulge their way from one tasting station to the next along the closed street. www.nowfe.com.  504/529-9463.  

Creole Tomato Festival. This sweet, smallish fest set in the French Market celebrates the 'mater with cooking demos, tastings, a Tomato Parade, and music of course. www.frenchmarket.org. 504/522-2621.  

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival. This growing free fest sponsored by Jazz Fest recently relocated to Armstrong Park in the Tremé. Expect plenty of two-stepping, a few waltzes, lessons for both, arts markets, kids’ activities, and yes, food booths with a seafood focus. www.jazzandheritage.org/cajun-zydeco. 504/558-6100.  

Oyster Festival. Aw shucks, it’s a weekend dedicated to slurping delicious Gulf oysters and listening to live music while overlooking the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park. Local restaurants serve up their best bivalve recipes and pro shuckers compete, all to promote the centuries-old local oyster fishing industry. It’s still free and the crowd is still mostly local. For now. www.neworleansoysterfestival.org. 504/888-7608.  

Essence Music Festival. This massive, 3-day event sponsored by Essence magazine consistently presents a stellar lineup of R&B, soul, and hip hop musicians (like Mary J., Kendrick, Usher, Prince [RIP], Chaka Khan, and George Clinton) in evening concerts on a main stage and clublike “Super Lounges.” During the day, this “party with a purpose” offers educational and empowerment seminars featuring A-list (Cosby! Oprah!) speakers and celebs, crafts, and trade fairs. In 2018 ticket prices ranged from $70 for a single day to $3,500 for a VIP weekend package. www.essence.com/festival. 

Go Fourth on the River. The annual Fourth of July celebration begins in the morning along the French Quarter riverfront and culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm. www.go4thontheriver.com. 800/672-6124. July 4.

Tales of the Cocktail. This 6-day mixtravaganza celebrates all things liquor. Based at the Monteleone Hotel but pouring over into other venues, it’s a scholarly gathering of 20,000 hospitality professionals, serious mixologists, and admirers of the cocktail culture. (Read: If you make your own bitters and take 10 minutes to mix a drink, this might be for you. If your drink of choice is a PBR or whiskey neat, pass). The popular events, including “Spirited Dinners” (food and cocktail pairings at local restaurants), fill up fast. Go to www.talesofthecocktail.com. 504/948-0511.

Running of the Bulls. In perfectly imperfect New Orleans logic, Bastille Day, the famed Pamplona event, and the city’s mixed French-Spanish heritage are celebrated with a reenactment of the manic dash, except the bulls are roller-skating Big Easy Rollergirls and other roller derby clubs using plastic bats as horns. Pomp, parties, and hilarity accompany what is now the centerpiece of a 3-day San Fermin in Nueva Orleans fiesta. www.nolabulls.com. 800/672-6124.   

Satchmo Summerfest. Louis Armstrong, hometown boy made very good, is celebrated with his own festival, held around his real birthday (he claimed to be born on July 4, but records prove otherwise). There’s food, music, kids’ activities, and seminars, with the emphasis on jazz entertainment and education to ensure that Satchmo lives on. The token $5 admission is well worth it. www.fqfi.org.  504/522-5730.  

Southern Decadence. This multiday, multinight dance/party/raunchfest attracts more than 100,000 gay men (and some women) from around the world. The frenzied peak is during the bar-studded parade route. Book rooms early or get a weekend ticket package in advance to save line time; and even if you’re not too hot for leather, September in New Orleans is. www.southerndecadence.net. Labor Day weekend.

Festivals Acadiens & Creoles. Much smaller than the nearby Francophone-focused Festival International , this Lafayette event doesn’t conflict with Jazz Fest. It combines the Bayou Food Festival, the Festival de Musique Acadienne, and the Louisiana Native Crafts Festival. Players, bring your instruments—there’s a jam tent. It’s fun, easygoing, tasty, and free, so spend freely to help keep it going. www.festivalsacadiens.com.  800/346-1958 in the U.S., 800/543-5340 in Canada, or 337/232-3737. Call or check website for exact dates.

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival. A recent rash of credible BBQ restaurants might finally be changing the city’s low profile in the pantheon of great BBQ destinations. They’ll be strutting their stuff at this free fest, located in Lafayette Park in the Central Business District. Add two stages for blues tunes, a good lineup, and consider our folding chairs strapped on. This one is set to blow up. www.jazzandheritage.org/blues-fest. 504/558-6100.  

Halloween. Halloween is celebrated especially grandly in this haunted city, rivaling Mardi Gras for costume outrageousness. The French Quarter is Halloween central (especially for the LGBT crowd), where the Krewe of Boo parade rolls a week or so before Halloween (www.kreweofboo.com); another parade leaves Molly’s at the Market (p. ###) on Halloween Night. Other ghoulish action includes Boo-at-the-Zoo (last 2 weekends in Oct) for kids; and the truly scary Mortuary Haunted House in Mid-City (www.themortuary.net). October 31 and surrounding days. 

Ponderosa Stomp. This weekend celebration of early American rock is a mecca for fans and students of all things roots—blues, twang, swamp, thrash, or beyond—who attend scholarly daytime conferences, and nighttime concerts by seminal but largely unheralded performers. www.ponderosastomp.org. 504/810-9116.  Call or check website for exact dates.

Voodoo Music Experience. The monstrous 3-day Voodoo Fest draws 150,000 youngish people to the City Park festival grounds, where over 100 acts fill 6 stages and a huge dance space. The diverse lineup features major stars from Metallica to Macklemore and Skrillex to Snoop Dogg, plus up-and-comers and a solid crop of locals. Eclectic art and exotic performances, Halloween-costumed people-watching, and food and drink round out the available diversions. Tickets range from $125 to $1,000. www.worshipthemusic.com.

Words & Music: A Literary Fest. This highly ambitious literary and music conference offers round-table discussions with eminent authors with varying connections to the city; original drama, poetry readings, master classes, and writing competitions. https://faulknersociety.org. 504/586-1609. Mid-November.

Po-Boy Festival. Okay, you could just go to the participating restaurants any other day of the year—surely the wait will be shorter—but there probably won’t be a blessing of the po’ boy. This 1-day fest along Oak Street is crazy crowded, but there are indeed some dang deelish sandwiches and it’s a fun locals’ scene. www.poboyfest.com. Late November.

LUNA Fête. An immediate hit after its 2014 debut, this free, multi-day, multi-location “Light Up” festival uses lighting, music, and video projected onto architecturally significant buildings around Lafayette Square, creating artistic awesomeness. www.artsneworleans.org/event/luna-fete.  Christmas, New Orleans Style. It’s no surprise that the ever-celebratory New Orleaneans do Christmas really well. The town is decorated to a fare-thee-well and there are nightly concerts in St. Louis Cathedral and candlelit caroling in Jackson Square. Bonfires line the levees along the River Road on Christmas Eve (to guide Papa Noël, in his alligator-drawn sled), and house tours offer glimpses of stunningly turned-out residences. Lowered room rates and discounted “Réveillon” restaurant dinners also make this an economically attractive time to visit. www.neworleansonline.com/christmas. 504/522-5730. Throughout December.

Celebration in the Oaks. Thousands of lights illustrating holiday themes bedeck sections of City Park, and a walking and miniature-train tour lets you take in the charm and grandeur at your leisure. It’s simple, affordable, nostalgic winter wonderment for the whole family. Plus there’s ice skating and amusement-park rides. www.neworleanscitypark.com. 544/482-4888. Late November to early January.

New Year’s Eve. The countdown party takes place in Jackson Square and, in the New Orleans equivalent of Times Square, revelers watch a lighted fleur-de-lis drop from the top of Jackson Brewery. Fantastic fireworks ensue. December 31.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

• Restaurants
• Creole & Cajun Food
• Popular Restaurant Recipes
• Favorite Attractions
• Swamp Tours
• Cemetery Tours
• Ghost Tours
• Plantation Tours
• Carriage Tours
• Jackson Square
• Outdoor Adventures
• Itineraries
• Neighborhoods
• Transportation
• Family Guides
• New Orleans Cemeteries
• Cajuns & Creoles
• Shop in New Orleans!
• Souvenirs & Mardi Gras Beads
• New Orleans Art
• New Orleans Food
• French Quarter Shopping
• Tax Free Shopping
• Moving to New Orleans
• Book Your Stay!
• Adults: 1 2 3 4
• Rooms: 1 2 3 4

New Orleans Events

Looking for Mardi Gras Parades? Click HERE for this years schedule!

• Things To do
• Visitor Information
• History & Culture
• Bring New Orleans Home
• About This Site
• Quick Links
• Ask a Local
• Privacy Policy
• © 1999-2024 Experience New Orleans

Sign up for our mailing list to receive information on the latest New Orleans news, events, and attractions!

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best New Orleans festivals

Celebrate unique music, food, culture and only-in-NOLA experiences at these New Orleans festivals

New Orleans is pretty much number one for having a good time. The city is known for its amazing food , music and culture , and it takes every opportunity to celebrate these things that make the city so unique. There’s a festival dedicated to almost everything, from musical styles (jazz, zydeco and blues) and iconic foods (like crawfish, gumbo  and beignets ) to specific neighborhoods and cultures that define the city. The best festivals in New Orleans feature music, food, dancing, art and a non-stop good time.

While not a traditional festival by definition, Mardi Gras (and the preceding Carnival season) is the best-known celebration in New Orleans. However, there are so many other festivals that, regardless of the time of year, there’s probably a festival happening. Spring and fall, with the great weather they bring, are the most active times for festivals. Here are some of the best festivals in New Orleans that are worth a spot on your bucket list for a chance to experience the city’s food, culture and music all in one spot.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

An email you’ll actually love

Best New Orleans festivals

1.  Mardi Gras

When is it: February 13, 2024 

The Carnival season is a unique celebration of New Orleans culture. The season begins on January 6 (Epiphany) and culminates with Mardi Gras, the last hurrah before Ash Wednesday kicks off the solemn Lenten season. During this time, expect lavish krewe balls, parades, and parties. Costumes are a must on Fat Tuesday, but don't be surprised if you see people wearing them several weeks before, too. The Carnival season is a full-on festival of fun, and it’s appropriate for all ages (depending on how you choose to participate, of course). 

2.  French Quarter Festival

When is it:  April 11-14, 2024

This free festival celebrates Louisiana musicians and boasts more than 20 stages that host all sorts of artists –from traditional jazz to blues and funk–throughout the entire French Quarter. The festival's food offerings, prepared by some of the city’s top chefs, is unmatched (and helps keep the festival free). For four days in April, this festival is a chance to enjoy all kinds of music from stages along the Mississippi River to side-streets in the French Quarter.

3.  New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

• Music festivals

When is it: April 25-28 and May 2-5, 2024 

Jazz Fest, the city's biggest annual festival, celebrates the unique music, art, culture, and heritage of New Orleans. With over a dozen stages stages, the lineup often features hundreds of bands that perform a wide range of music, from zydeco and hip-hop to funk, jazz, gospel, and more. And while the music is the reason to go, there’s also an impressive array of Louisiana arts, crafts, and cultural experiences on offer. Plus, Jazz Fest food is iconic; favorites include the cochon de lait poboy, crawfish beignets, and the mango freeze. Held the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, the Fest is a must for music and food lovers alike.

4.  Bayou Boogaloo

When is it: May 

The annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo takes place on the banks of the Bayou St. John for three days in May. The fest showcases many of NOLA's favorites, from Amanda Shaw and Anders Osborne to Cowboy Mouth and Tab Benoit. With its unique location on the water, fest-goers arrive in kayaks, canoes, rubber rafts, and anything else that floats . A real locals' fest, it also celebrates the neighborhood with art, food, and more.

5.  Greek Festival

When is it:  May

Family-friendly and chock-full of Hellenic delights, the Greek Festival, held each Memorial Day weekend, celebrates the Greek heritage of New Orleans. The admission fee is small, and it also supports Holy Trinity Cathedral, the oldest existing Orthodox community in the Americas. A 5K run (or walk!) kicks off the weekend’s festivities. Enjoy dancing, crafts, cathedral tours, cooking demos, and of course food. From souvlaki to gyros, you’re guarenteed to get your fill of Greek favorites, not to mention Greek wine and shots of ouzo. Finish with a trip to the pastry shop where you’ll find loads of sweet, homemade pastries.

6.  New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

View this post on Instagram A post shared by WRSTBND (@wrstbnd)

When is it: June 5-9, 2024

When New Orleans hosts a food and wine party, the city does not fool around. NOWFE combines the best culinary experiences to be found in the city with wines from all around the world. This is a serious summer extravaganza for food and wine aficionados with seminars, special wine dinners, breakfast events, and grand tasting walk-arounds that roll straight through the weekend. NOWFE is a chance for NOLA novices to get a comprehensive taste of the city and to learn a lot about wine, food, and how the two marry in beautiful ways.

7.  Essence Festival

When is it:  July

Taking place 4th of July weekend in and around the Superdome, this annual gathering is hosted by Essence magazine and filled with live music and comedy performances in addition to wellness, fashion and beauty exhibits catering to African-American women. There are also conferences, including the Global Black Economic Forum and the Power Conference, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that former First Lady Michelle Obama headlined the 2019 fest, marking its 25th anniversary alongside Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Big Freedia, Maze and Frankie Beverly.

8.  Treme Creole Gumbo & Congo Square Rhythms Festival

When is it: March

This festival two-fer in Armstrong Park features two stages with brass bands, African drumming, Mardi Gras Indians, an arts market and much more. And of course there’s amazing festival fare, with a focus on gumbo. Try dozens of options, from traditional seafood gumbo to alligator gumbo and even vegan versions. Best of all, this festival of New Orleans culture is free.

9.  Tales of the Cocktail

Part insider convention, part public party, Tales of the Cocktail is an annual meeting of the minds—bartenders and mixologists from all over the world gather in New Orleans to "educate, advance and support the global hospitality industry." And while the event has been bringing bartenders together since 2002, it also offers cocktail-loving members of the public the chance to join in, too. General public tickets are available for seminars, tasting rooms, cocktail city tours, and 'Spirited Dinners' (events held at restaurants around the city pairing drinks with meals specially created by a guest mixologist and the restaurant's chef).

10.  French Market Creole Tomato Festival

When is it: July 

This free annual festival in the French Market celebrates the arrival of the sweet local fruit, the Creole tomato, a variety specific to the region. It also honors Louisiana’s farmers, produce, and the unique cuisine. Highlights include a tomato eating contest, a bloody Mary market, cooking demos, and of course tasty treats made from the star of the show (think shrimp salad-stuffed tomatoes, tomato crepes, and tomato gelato.) Performances by local musicians entertain as you enjoy your delectable tomato dishes—just try not to throw any at the performers, okay ?

11.  Satchmo Summerfest

When is it:  July/August

In the peak heat and humidity of August, there’s no to get out of the house than to celebrate New Orleans native Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. His influence on the music and culture of the city is undeniable, and August is the perfect time to celebrate hot jazz and the musicians that bring Satchmo’s legacy to life. Based at the New Orleans Jazz Museum in the French Quarter, the three day event (always the first weekend of August to coincide with Armstrong’s birthday on the 4th) also features standout food vendors, informative panel discussions, and an annual jazz mass.

12.  White Linen Night

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Susan Whelan (@nolamaven)

When is it: August

This block party in the Warehouse District is a celebration of the arts and artists in New Orleans. It’s also an excuse to don your best white linen outfit and stroll all the galleries on Julia Street and the surrounding area. White Linen Night features music, food, drinks, and more out in the street while the galleries showcase their latest works of art. An after-party keeps the festive vibes going until late. Don’t worry about spilling on your clean whites—you can wear them as-is for the French Quarter’s follow up event, Dirty Linen Night .

13.  Fried Chicken Festival

When is it: September

This three-day fest on Lakeshore Drive celebrates the tastiest fried chicken not only in New Orleans, but from across the country too. Sample dozens of fried chicken dishes all in one spot, then dance it all off with a schedule of top local bands on multiple stages. The fest also features a car show, games, installations, activations and local arts and crafts vendors.

14.  Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival

When is it: October

October is a perfect time to visit New Orleans: the rain lets up, the sun shines, and the humidity is totally bearable. It's also when the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation likes to give back to the city by staging the annual Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in Lafayette Square. Located right in the heart of the CBD, the square boasts two music stages with famed BBQ pros cooking luscious ribs, brisket and pulled pork in between acts. There's an art market, too, and plenty of drinks to be had. 

15.  Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

When is it: November

Dedicated to the most famous sandwich in the city, Po-boy Fest takes over several blocks of Oak Street with dozens of po’boy vendors, two live music stages and artists selling their wares. Try top versions of po-boy favorites like fried shrimp, roast beef and fried oyster, or branch out with some more innovative offerings like escargot, calamari parmesan and barbecue pork jowl po-boys.

[image] [title]

More on Fall

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

New Orleans   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sean Pavone | Getty Images

29 Top-Rated Things to Do in New Orleans

Though it's known as a party city for its Mardi Gras celebration and bustling nightlife, New Orleans is so much more. With its delicious food scene, which features both classic Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as more unique upscale spots;

• All Things To Do

French Quarter French Quarter free

If you want to experience New Orleans properly, it's best to begin your tour here. Recent visitors said the neighborhood is lively, with lots to do and see and offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The neighborhood, also known as Vieux Carré , is the heart and soul of this city, and it's also a National Historic Landmark. As the site of the original New Orleans colony (established by the French in 1718), the French Quarter has held on to its heritage, complete with street names that are still listed in French. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets to find such attractions as Jackson Square , Faulkner House Books and the  Cabildo . While you're strolling, pay attention to the neighborhood's architecture: balconies are designed with baroque ironwork and hanging plants, while leafy courtyards are filled with bubbling fountains. The scene is definitely charming, but it can also be expensive if you choose to stay at any of the French Quarter's  hotels .

Undoubtedly, the French Quarter's main draw is Bourbon Street – New Orleans' infamous party hub. You'll find this street laden with performers and fortune tellers as well as rowdy bars. Although a trip to New Orleans isn't really complete without strolling down Bourbon Street, keep in mind that boisterous evenings on Bourbon are best appreciated by adult travelers. If you're tempted to hang your hat on Bourbon Street, don't. While it's fun to be at the center of the action, there's really no escaping the late-night noise.

Frenchmen Street Frenchmen Street free

If you want an authentic New Orleans experience more removed from the touristy areas of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter , head to the lively Frenchmen Street. A popular spot for locals, Frenchmen Street stretches for several blocks and features live music, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries. Here, not only will you find fewer crowds (albeit not by much), but you'll also encounter cheaper eats and drinks, and better music – it's kind of like Bourbon Street's hipper, trendier cousin. If you don't consider yourself a night owl, the Palace Market (open Sunday through Wednesday 7 p.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.) is a shopping haven where locals sell homemade art and jewelry.

Recent visitors agreed that a trip to New Orleans isn't complete without stopping by Frenchmen Street. Some even suggest skipping the more crowded and touristy Bourbon Street and instead meandering along Frenchmen Street where you'll find live music, specifically jazz, and great bars. Travelers and locals alike love The Spotted Cat, Three Muses and d.b.a thanks to their extensive beverage selections, fun atmospheres and, of course, talented musicians.

The National WWII Museum The National WWII Museum

You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy The National WWII Museum, according to recent travelers. Opened on June 6, 2000 (the 56th anniversary of D-Day), the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and educational films documenting all aspects of the war, from D-Day to the war in the Pacific to the Holocaust. The brainchild of friends Stephen Ambrose, a bestselling author and consultant on the film "Saving Private Ryan," and Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, former historian and vice chancellor at the University of New Orleans, the museum also features oral recantations of civilians' and soldiers' experiences throughout the early 1940s.

In November 2023, the National WWII Museum opened a new fourth wing called The Liberation Pavilion, which explores the Holocaust, the end of the war and the post-war years. The three-story pavilion highlights the longlasting social and geopolitical movements that formed in the aftermath of the war, including civil rights and women's equality. The space includes a re-creation of the rooms where Anne Frank and her family hid, a multi-sensory theater, and exhibits dedicated to the Monuments Men and Women and the role of faith in wartime.

Popular Tours

Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

(5405 reviews)

from $ 55.00

New Orleans Airboat Ride

(3685 reviews)

from $ 47.20

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

(3702 reviews)

from $ 42.00

Garden District Garden District free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stroll past 2707 Coliseum Street to see where "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" was filmed. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist, Travel

Take a walking tour of the Garden District (located a little less than 3 miles southwest of the  French Quarter ) for a peek at some of the city's most beautiful homes. Like its name suggests, this historic residential neighborhood is laden with trees, ivy, and yes, gardens. Visitors rave about the beautiful houses and architecture. Some even preferred the Garden District over Bourbon Street, citing the peaceful atmosphere and well-preserved properties as a much-needed break from the city's crowded tourist spots.

New Orleans Cemetery Tours New Orleans Cemetery Tours

Some of New Orleans' must-see attractions are its cemeteries. Many of the tombs found in these "cities of the dead" are above ground to protect them from rising water levels, and they're embellished with ornate designs inspired by French and Spanish architecture. Though the city's older cemeteries are admittedly dilapidated, with crumbled tombs and patchy grass, the decaying grounds add to the ghostly atmosphere (which is why many of the city's top ghost tours make stops in them). 

The St. Louis cemeteries are some of the most popular, despite being located in somewhat edgier parts of town (just south of the Tremé neighborhood). St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is the final resting place of some of New Orleans' more unique characters, including Bernard de Marigny – former president of the Louisiana Senate and notorious playboy – and Marie Laveau, the Big Easy's very own "Voodoo queen." Many of the city's top cemetery tours stop in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 shelters the graves of local musicians like Ernie K-Doe and Danny Barker, plus it's the burial site of the notorious pirate, Dominique You. (Note: St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 is currently closed.) Movie buffs will recognize the eerie walls of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (situated south of Central City) from films like "Interview with a Vampire" and "Double Jeopardy." (Note: Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is currently closed for restoration.)

Preservation Hall Preservation Hall

The idea for Preservation Hall grew out of a need to attract patrons to an art gallery known as Associated Artists by bringing in jazz musicians from all walks of life. While the plan worked to attract visitors to the building, they came for the music and not the artwork. The art soon moved out and the music continued. By the 1960s, the venue became a full-fledged jazz establishment. Today, Preservation Hall hosts intimate jazz concerts more than 350 nights of the year.

Located in the French Quarter on Saint Peter Street, Preservation Hall welcomes visitors nightly for 45 minutes of intimate traditional New Orleans live jazz performances. Recent visitors said that attending a concert at Preservation Hall is a must-do experience in New Orleans thanks to the talented musicians. However, travelers also warn that the room where the performances are held can get quite hot in the summertime as there is no air conditioning.

New Orleans Swamp Tours New Orleans Swamp Tours

Stretching from  Houston  to Mobile, Alabama, the Bayou Country played a crucial role in the development of the United States in terms of communication and transportation. In fact, there would be no New Orleans without the bayous, so you owe it to yourself to take a swamp tour .

A mix of saltwater and freshwater, the bayous are home to crawfish, shrimp, deer and alligators, which are often the main attractions for visitors. Travelers generally enjoy their tours, no matter which company they choose, but do warn that going in the winter could mean fewer wildlife sightings (some animals hibernate during the colder temperatures).

Jackson Square Jackson Square free

Jackson Square is a National Historical Landmark in the center of the French Quarter tucked away on Decatur Street between the Jax Brewery shopping mall and the French Market. Spread across more than 2 acres, the square welcomes more than 2 million visitors yearly. The square's name is inspired by the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson that stands at the center.

The square has plenty of fun things for travelers to do, including top attractions like the Cabildo and the St. Louis Cathedral . It also serves as an open-air market space for vendors and artists to share and sell their works. After shopping, enjoy a café au lait and a beignet at the world-famous Café du Monde , which is located less than a 5-minute walk east of the square.

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

(2416 reviews)

from $ 109.00

New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Combo Tour

(9896 reviews)

from $ 29.69

Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour

(4453 reviews)

from $ 37.00

St. Louis Cathedral St. Louis Cathedral free

As the centerpiece of the  French Quarter , St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans' most recognizable landmarks. The oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States, St. Louis Cathedral was originally built in the early 1700s. The structure standing today is actually the third cathedral built on this spot, since the first two were destroyed. Religious services are still held here, as well as numerous cultural events, including free concerts. Even if you're not interested in attending a service, past visitors urge you to take a peek inside, describing it as "beautiful inside and out."

After touring the cathedral and the Old Ursuline Convent (the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley), consider strolling through St. Anthony's Garden to see the impressive statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The garden also has a memorial to 30 French ship crew members who lost their lives to yellow fever in 1857.

Ride the St. Charles Streetcar Ride the St. Charles Streetcar

U.S. News Insider Tip: For upscale dining with a funky NOLA twist, take the St. Charles Streetcar to the Jack Rose restaurant, where the dishes are as unique and festive as the decor. Don't miss the Lil Wayne painting in the "living room." – Lynn Brown

Though the city has several streetcar routes, the one that travels from Canal Street up St. Charles Avenue is the oldest continuously operating street railway in the world, and definitely worth a ride for anyone visiting New Orleans. For only $1.25 each way, you can take a leisurely ride through the Garden District, past some of the most beautiful and impressive architecture in the city. If you ride all the way to the end, you can check out the landscaped grounds of Audubon Park and explore both Loyola and Tulane universities before heading back.

Audubon Nature Institute Audubon Nature Institute

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Audubon Nature Institute is actually composed of three different sites: the zoo, the aquarium and the insectarium. Special discounted tickets are available that allow you to visit two or even all three sites over a span of days. – Lynn Brown

Families should make time to visit the Audubon Nature Institute. This massive facility is home to a zoo, an aquarium, a nature center, several parks and a golf course, among other amenities. At the popular zoo and aquarium, special kid-friendly exhibits feed curious minds while allowing little ones to get up close and personal with their favorite furry (or scaly or slimy) friends. You can also watch daily feedings or sit in on numerous lectures and films about the environment. Don't miss the sharks, turtles, fish and sting rays swimming in the 17-foot-deep, 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit at the aquarium, or the newly expanded Jaguar Jungle exhibit in the zoo, where you can not only see jaguars, but also bats, tree frogs, poison arrow frogs and much more. Note that the Audubon Nature Institute is currently undergoing a $34 million renovation. The insectarium and butterfly garden facility is located on the New Orleans Riverfront next to the aquarium.

Backstreet Cultural Museum Backstreet Cultural Museum

One of the best places to get a feel for the city's unique identity is at the Backstreet Cultural Museum. This off-the-beaten-path attraction was established by local photographer and history buff, Sylvester Francis. Visit his museum to view an eclectic collection of costumes, memorabilia, photographs, films and other artifacts related to African American culture. Fans of HBO's "Treme" may also recognize the museum from its brief cameo in the series.

Tours of the hodgepodge collection are given by curators of the museum, which many recent travelers found to be the highlight of the museum visit thanks to their wealth of knowledge. While the facilities aren't as polished as other museums in the city (the site is family-run, so don't expect a gift shop or cafe), the no-frills presentation is what continues to draw visitors.

The Cabildo The Cabildo

Flanking Jackson Square in the heart of the  French Quarter , the Cabildo was originally constructed in 1799 (when New Orleans was under Spanish rule), as the seat of the Spanish government. Later on, it was here that the Louisiana Purchase took place and after that, this Spanish-style building served as city hall and the state Supreme Court. Today, the Cabildo is home to a three-floor branch of the Louisiana State Museum, which recounts Louisiana history with the help of Native American objects, Colonial-era paintings, and even Napoleon Bonaparte's death mask. Visitors can also see the room where the Louisiana Purchase was finalized. If you're interested in more recent history, you'll find that at the Cabildo, too. An entire floor is devoted to Hurricane Katrina – the 2005 storm that left New Orleans and surrounding regions devastated. Within the exhibit you'll find multimedia displays and artifacts collected during the cleanup of both hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

When you're not admiring the many artifacts displayed here, take a minute to marvel at the building's architecture. Recent travelers said the Cabildo's design is worth seeing, even if you're not interested in the history within. And while you're here, consider stopping by the St. Louis Cathedral , located next door on Chartres Street. The bus routes servicing the area include the No. 5 and 55. The Cabildo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and is free for children 6 and younger. For more information, visit the official  website .

Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

(848 reviews)

from $ 90.00

New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option

(4219 reviews)

from $ 75.00

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

(1001 reviews)

Mardi Gras World Mardi Gras World

Even if you're not in town for the actual festival, don't miss your chance to go behind the scenes of one of America's most renowned (and most raucous) celebrations. Mardi Gras World offers a close-up look at some of the flamboyant floats and costumes used during New Orleans' famous party. One thing to know upfront: This isn't a museum – it's a warehouse workshop where current floats are in the process of being completed and old floats are stored. Take the self-guided tour through the maze of props to learn more about the festival's history.

According to recent visitors, it's fascinating to see artists hard at work creating the floats. Just make sure to bring your camera: Before the tour, visitors are invited to try on authentic Mardi Gras costumes. After the tour, visitors are treated to a piece of king cake. Past travelers said the museum is a nice surprise and report learning all sorts of things they didn't know about how floats are built. They also appreciated the free shuttle to and from the attraction.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Located in the historic and buzzing French Quarter , the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum showcases the unique heritage of medicine and pharmaceuticals. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, exhibits a mid-19th-century apothecary shop. It also has numerous antiques from this instrumental era in healthcare on display. Plus, the museum celebrates Louis J. Dufilho Jr. of Louisiana, who was America's first licensed pharmacist.

Recent travelers called their experiences at this attraction informative and interesting, and they especially recommended the (adult-themed) guided tour. Others praised the friendly staff.

Know NOLA Tours Know NOLA Tours

Owner, historian and storyteller Malik Bartholomew guides visitors through his hometown while highlighting the culture and history that make the city of New Orleans so unique. Several of the tours focus on the city's Black cultural heritage and connection to the larger African diaspora, such as the African Heritage French Quarter Walking Tour, a Tremé tour and a tour of Studio BE. There are also more general tours of the Garden District and French Quarter, as well as a bike tour offering.

Past visitors have found the Know NOLA tours to be extremely impactful and informative as well as fun. They especially noted the excellent storytelling abilities of the guides and the fact that their deep love for the city and its history was so evident.     

New Orleans Museum of Art New Orleans Museum of Art

Since its opening in 1911, the New Orleans Museum of Art (known simply as "NOMA") has assembled nearly 50,000 works of art – an impressive compilation considering the museum opened with only nine pieces. It is the oldest fine arts institution in Crescent City. NOMA's vast collection ranges from early Asian works to European masterpieces from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Many recent visitors said this museum is a must-see for any art lover, and a great indoor attraction during the city's high heat and humidity. Past travelers commented on the small size of the museum, but others noted that its size allows you to see all of the exhibits in just one visit and say not to miss the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden .

New Orleans City Park New Orleans City Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Storyland is an absolute must for families with young kids. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

New Orleans City Park offers a lovely respite from the city and is a great place to spend an afternoon, according to recent visitors. Take a nature stroll through the 10-acre New Orleans Botanical Garden (which boasts 2,000 different varieties of plants) or peruse the art hanging in the New Orleans Museum of Art . And while New Orleans isn't generally classified as a kid-friendly destination, New Orleans City Park has several diversions for your young ones, including Storyland (home to about 20 giant storybook and fairy tale character sculptures), Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, which features more than a dozen rides for all ages, and the Train Garden, which features miniature replicas of the streetcars and trains that traveled the city in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

New Orleans City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

(3946 reviews)

from $ 46.00

Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

(1246 reviews)

from $ 115.00

New Orleans City and Cemetery Tour

(1947 reviews)

from $ 44.00

Magazine Street Magazine Street free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your stroll along Magazine Street at the original Surrey's Café & Juice Bar. The tiny space is home to some of the best shrimp and grits in town, not to mention the fresh-squeezed juice that give it its name. – Lynn Brown

Tucked away from the French Quarter is Magazine Street. The 6-mile stretch of roadway runs from Canal Street to Audubon Park . It's home to several of the city's top attractions, as well as a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Studio Be Studio Be

A massive warehouse facility in the Bywater district of New Orleans, Studio Be is an eye-popping and illuminating display of public art. The creator, Brandan "BMike" Odums, collaborated with more than 40 other artists to create large murals and exhibits that explore activism, resistance and Black American history. Most displays use spray paint and graffiti techniques, and the entire project took six months to complete. The facility spans 35,000 square feet, and encompasses four buildings and up to five stories. It is the largest single-site public art exhibition in the American South, and it attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Multiple recent visitors called the art on display "powerful," and almost everyone agreed that the experience was well worth the $15 for general admission price. Tickets for students, teachers, seniors and first responders are $10. For children 12 and younger, tickets cost $5. The exhibits are open Wednesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the warehouses are located on Royal Street near a number of other galleries and studios. Travelers should note, reservations must be made in order to visit the facility. Check out Studio Be's website if you are interested in learning more about the artist and what's on display.  

Le Musée de f.p.c. Le Musée de f.p.c.

Le Musée de f.p.c. (the Free People of Color Museum) has an enriched history. Located in the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood of New Orleans, the area was once known as "Creole's Millionaire's Row." Pre-Civil War, New Orleans was home to a large population of free people of color. This was in part because both the French and Spaniards allowed enslaved people to purchase their freedom. They would then make their way to New Orleans to settle. Afro-Creole free people of color owned a majority of the properties along Esplanade.

The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the free people of New Orleans. Tours are guided by the Black-led community theater company, No Dream Deferred. Performers take on the roles of actual historically free people of color who lived in New Orleans during Colonial times. During the tour, travelers learn about the impact of free people of color in the city, whether it's through cuisine, architecture or music.

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden free

What can best be described as a garden within a park, the 11-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a beloved outdoor attraction. The sculpture garden is located adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park .

Idyllically situated among the park's Spanish moss-covered live oaks, the sculpture garden doubled in size in 2019. Thanks to the increase in size, visitors will now find more than 90 works of art designed from around the world.

Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Natchez

U.S. News Insider Tip: Book a dinner cruise for sunset views, and bring a light jacket as it gets cool out on the water at night. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Steamboat Natchez launched in 1975 and is a traditional sternwheel steamboat that takes visitors on a tour of the Mississippi River. The tours aim to cultivate an atmosphere that transports guests to another era, with the captain shouting through a hand-held megaphone and old-time music lingering in the air. Steamboat Natchez offers a few tour options, including a dinner jazz cruise, a daytime jazz cruise, a Sunday jazz brunch cruise and select special event cruises. The tours last about two hours and include a concert, a narration of historical facts and an optional meal; a gift shop and bar are also available on board. The boat is equipped with indoor and outdoor seating.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

(1415 reviews)

from $ 77.08

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour

(2043 reviews)

from $ 25.00

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

(966 reviews)

from $ 35.00

Café du Monde Café du Monde

Café du Monde is a must-do experience for any foodie visiting New Orleans. First established in 1862, the cafe is located at the end of the French Market just off Jackson Square . The world-famous eatery serves as the place in the historic French Quarter to enjoy delicious coffee drinks and the original beignet – Louisiana's official doughnut. This sweet dessert, which is a deep-fried dough square covered in powdered sugar, was first introduced to Louisiana in the 17th century by the French Acadians, who filled these fried fritters with fruit. Along with its beignets, Café du Monde is also well known for its café au lait, which is a blend of milk, coffee and chicory (made from roasted, ground and brewed chicory root).

Past travelers suggest ordering from the cafe's walk-up window, since lines can be long inside the restaurant. Others also recommend visiting the cafe's City Park location to skip the lines that usually congregate around the original location near the French Quarter (there are several locations around New Orleans and Louisiana).

JAMNOLA JAMNOLA

JAMNOLA, which stands for "joy, art and music New Orleans," is one of the city's more unique and relatively new attractions. Described by its creator as a "cultural funhouse," the pop-up art installation opened in 2020 in the Faubourg Marigny/Bywater neighborhood and houses 17 exhibits across 5,400 square feet. JAMNOLA is not your typical art gallery. Each Instagrammable room in this experimental space tells a quintessential New Orleans story through the creations of more than 30 local artists. In one room you could be posing next to a life-size crawfish sitting in a lounge chair and in another, you could be trying on Mardi Gras costumes.

Past visitors said the artwork is cool and that there are plenty of opportunities for fun photos. Others said this is a great activity for all ages thanks to the interactive nature of the displays.

Louisiana Children's Museum Louisiana Children's Museum

When people say that New Orleans isn't the best place to bring kids, they're forgetting about the Louisiana Children's Museum. Located in New Orleans City Park , this 56,000-square-foot space is a playtopia in disguise. The museum features hands-on exhibits that cover everything from food to nature. The museum also hosts numerous special events, from near daily story times to holiday-related activities.

Many travelers agree that this is a must-do with younger kids, especially on days when everyone needs a break from the heat and humidity (though the museum does have a "backyard" with various outdoor exhibits). Recent families have called it a great place to play with lots of interesting, interactive exhibits.

Vue Orleans Vue Orleans

Vue Orleans is a family-friendly interactive experience perched at the top of the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. The tech-savvy attraction takes travelers on a journey through New Orleans as they make their way up to the top of the building. Exhibits feature gesture tracking, touchless interactives, large-scale LED walls and augmented viewers, among other high-tech elements.

Explore the "Confluence of Culture" exhibit to learn more about the historical figures who played a significant role in shaping New Orleans. Here, visitors can interact with installations, such as "Do You NOLA," which features 58 fun facts about the city. From there, engage with the "Dress for the Fest," display, where visitors can see visually stunning costumes worn during famous New Orleans festivals.

Longue Vue House and Gardens Longue Vue House and Gardens

Longue Vue House and Gardens is a lush display of Southern elegance and history. The historic estate features a museum and an interactive Discovery Garden, and it also boasts 8 acres of gardens with local plant life. The elaborate four-story house was built in the mid-20th century, and it contains 20 separate rooms, a unique basement and a large collection of English and American antiques. Visitors can take a tour of the entire facility, and enjoy the modern art on display throughout the estate. If you love exploring outdoor gardens and seeing what local plant life is in bloom, you'll appreciate wandering the pathways at this attraction.

Recent visitors used words like "gorgeous," "amazing" and "lovely" to describe the Longue Vue grounds. They also appreciated the history associated with the museum and complimented the knowledgeable tour staff.

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

(2243 reviews)

from $ 70.12

New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

(1480 reviews)

from $ 60.00

Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans

(1428 reviews)

from $ 25.60

Chalmette Battlefield & Jean Lafitte National Park Chalmette Battlefield & Jean Lafitte National Park free

Named after a French pirate who helped Gen. Andrew Jackson defend New Orleans during a battle in the War of 1812, the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve consists of six sites throughout southern Louisiana. New Orleans is home to several of these sites.

The French Quarter Visitor Center highlights the history and tradition of the lower Mississippi River Delta region through exhibits and film. Tuesday through Saturday, the center hosts a ranger history talk where visitors can learn more about the area. The center also doubles as the location for the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. The park is dedicated to sharing the origins and evolution of jazz.

Things to Do in New Orleans FAQs

Explore more of new orleans.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

Search form

• Officers & Directors
• Mission-Vision-Values
• Industry Links
• Louey Awards
• Board Minutes
• President/CEO
• Privacy Policy
• Full Membership
• Associate Members
• Basic Membership
• Hospitality Management Company
• Advertising & PR Benefits
• Office & Administrative Benefits
• Professional Services
• Investor Partners
• New Members
• Councils & Committees
• Investor Member Packages
• Cancellation Policy
• Educational Resources
• Educational Opportunities
• New Member Resources
• Program Overview
• Eligibility & Application
• Group Projects
• CTS Program
• Leadership Forum
• About Louisiana Tourism
• Contact Your Elected Officials
• Legislative Events
• Travel Impact Toolkit
• Legislative Priorities
• National Travel & Tourism Week
• Sign up for Legislative Alerts
• Marketing Plan
• Visitor's Guide
• Culinary Trails
• Attractions
• Outdoor Adventures
• Louisiana Distribution Program
• Industry Events
• Marketing Deadlines

New Orleans Official Visitor Guide

FREE NEW ORLEANS GUIDEBOOK 

• Valuable coupons for dining, tours, music, museums and more
• A detailed city map showing neighborhoods, streetcar lines, and New Orleans attractions
• Itineraries for almost any interest - history, shopping, live music and family fun
• Festival guide and events calendar to plan the perfect time to visit

Time your trip right: the best time to visit New Orleans

Mar 13, 2023 • 6 min read

Honestly, there isn't a bad time to visit New Orleans; festivals fill the calendar year-round © Kris Davidson / Lonely Planet

The best time to visit New Orleans is whenever you're feeling like you need to add some fun and random beautiful chaos to your life, because this city manufactures good times in overdrive. Good times aside, you probably want to arrive at the fun factory when the weather is pleasant. 

When it comes to New Orleans climate, there are basically two seasons: summer and not-summer. Summer lasts from May until October but can rear its muggy head at any time of the year: 80°F (26°C) days in the middle of a 50°F (10°C) week in winter are definitely a thing. Keep in mind that most of summer also overlaps with hurricane season, which has its own climatic footnotes. Meanwhile, "not-summer" (October to April) can include a surprisingly chilly winter, bracketed by a roughly two-month long, gorgeous spring on the one end, and an autumn that lasts maybe three days on the other (we’re exaggerating, but only just).

But "best time to visit" is not just a question of climate. There are other major concerns when visiting New Orleans, namely: what festivals are happening, and how many formal opportunities will exist for overindulgence? Spoiler alert: something will be happening, and yes, you can always have too much of a good thing. Read on to find out how, and more importantly, when.

January to mid-March: It’s Carnival Tiiiiiime

The above is the hook for Al Johnson’s masterpiece Carnival Time , which was recorded in 1960 and, some six decades later, remains the definitive Mardi Gras banger (OK, yes, it shares the title with Professor Longhair’s Go To the Mardi Gras ). If you're from outside Louisiana you might think Mardi Gras is a one-day party, but you'd be mistaken. While Mardi Gras  French for Fat Tuesday – is just the one Tuesday, it caps off the whole  Carnival season, which lasts from Twelfth Night/The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) until the day before Ash Wednesday. That latter date is set by the Catholic liturgical calendar – you can get a list of upcoming Mardi Gras dates here , but the holiday always hits in February or early March.

Carnival begins with the streetcar procession of the Phunny Phorty Phellows , and then continues to grow in fever-dream fantasy, with parades like the science fiction-themed Chewbacchus , and culminates in the five days before Mardi Gras, when everything in the city shuts down, everyone throws on a costume and the greater New Orleans metro area becomes an explosion of glitter, costuming and king cake .

Which is all to say: Carnival season is a ton of fun. If you’re coming from up north, the weather will almost certainly be warmer than what you’re used to, although the high humidity of South Louisiana makes the chill of 50°F (10°C) feel a lot more bitter than you’d expect – on the flip side, 70°F (21°C) or warmer days are certainly not unknown. Rates for everything, of course, are high – and you’ll want to make any sort of bookings, be it for accommodation or dining, well in advance.

Mid-March to May for the best festivals 

Lent begins the day after Mardi Gras , but big communal celebrations are decidedly not on the list of things New Orleans gives up. Spring in the city heralds festival season, marked by two big-name events: the French Quarter Festival (which is free!) and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (ie, Jazzfest), and sprinkled by several smaller parties. The weather approaches chef’s kiss perfection at this time; Louisiana spring is sort of like the golden days of early summer in many other parts of the country. 

Are room rates high? Definitely, and anything that can be booked should be done so well in advance. But in return, you’re getting good weather and great live music around the clock, and the city just feels like it’s in a good mood. In addition, on the last weekend of April, Lafayette in Louisiana, some 140 miles west of New Orleans, hosts Festival International de Louisiane, a rollicking free festival that celebrates Francophone music and heritage.

The summer slog of high heat and humidity settles in around mid-May, but prices don’t drop until after Memorial Day weekend.

June to September means summer heat and hurricanes  

Summer in New Orleans is, to be frank, interminably long and pretty miserable. Temps regularly hit the 90s (32°C), but high humidity means the real feel is often in the triple digits. It can feel hard to breathe, and being outside for longer than 30 minutes means dealing with copious amounts of sweat. The main relief comes from thunderstorms: the humidity swells and swells until it gets swept away by a dramatic storm. On top of everything, hurricane season starts, and while it technically lasts from June through November, peak hurricane time in South Louisiana is August and September.

Why visit at this time? Well, it’s as cheap as New Orleans gets. Waitstaff and hospitality workers tend to seem a little friendlier, a nod of respect to those who come here during the swelter. And there are parties, like the chichi White Linen Night, and the more down-to-earth Dirty Linen Night (both art gallery extravaganzas).

There's also the New Orleans Running of the Bulls (featuring roller derby skaters), the  Essence Music Festival , Satchmo Summerfest , and Southern Decadence (the city's most energetic LGBTQIA+ festival) takes place over Labor Day weekend. You’re a lot more likely to rub shoulders with a local during a show and there is a sweaty romance in the air on those long, sticky summer nights. Then, in September, New Orleans usually experiences a "false fall" (we just call it "Fallse") when temps drop to 70°F (21°C) before the heat comes raging back for a few more weeks.

October to December for the best of fall, with Halloween and Christmas 

There is no wishful thinking like the Louisiana family that hangs an autumnal wreath come late September, when the real feel still regularly tops 100 degrees (38°C). Still, by October the hellish heat gets broken up with cooler days, "cooler" here meaning 80-ish degrees (26°C). It’s not unusual for the air-con to be switched on on Halloween day, although sometimes Spooky Season in the Crescent City is decently temperate.

Either way, Halloween is fun in New Orleans, a time when costuming and silliness and defiant celebration manifests itself after the looong summer. Rates go up Halloween weekend but drop again in November, itself a generally quiet month and an excellent time for exploring the city free of the trifecta of heat, hurricane threats and high season rates. Indeed, if you’re into just having a (relatively) quiet New Orleans experience of strolling and admiring historical buildings, November is tough to beat.

Christmas is big in New Orleans, and while the weather will often top 70 degrees (21°C), there are days that drop into the 50s (10°C) and 40s (4°C), which feels cold in that humid air. December in New Orleans is all about hitting up holiday parties and celebrations, and while rates climb back up in anticipation of Carnival season, this is more or less a shoulder window with the added bonus of sincere, warm family cheer.

This article was first published Feb 12, 2021 and updated Mar 13, 2023.

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

May 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Sleeper services are making a welcome comeback. We answer FAQs to help you prepare for your first overnight train journey.

Apr 23, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 4, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 25, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 23, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 8, 2024 • 8 min read

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

St. Louis Cathedral presides over bustling Jackson Square.

• FREE THINGS TO DO

Free Things to Do in New Orleans

Perhaps best known for its annual (and often rowdy) Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans offers a unique blend of American, Spanish, and French culture that make the city enticing to visit year-round. But exploring the city's diverse architecture, music, and culinary scenes doesn't have to burn a hole in your pocket. There are plenty of events, attractions, and museums that are free any time of the year.

The Arts District —formerly an industrial area established in the 19th century—has been called the "SoHo of the South," ever since the Contemporary Arts Center ($5 admission) opened there in 1976. Today, over 25 art galleries line the historic district, most located on Julia Street. Visit the neighborhood on the first Saturday of each month, when Julia Street is host to an evening gallery hop and many of the galleries are open for free.

Located on the fourth floor of the J. Edgar and Louise S. Monroe Library, the Collins C. Diboll Art Gallery at Loyola University hosts a range of student, local, national, and international exhibits throughout the year. On a nice day, meander through the outdoor sculpture garden, which opened in 2008. Both the art gallery and garden are free to the public.

Learn all about Crescent City's roots at the Historic New Orleans Collection . Open since 1966, the museum is comprised of several galleries in the French Quarter. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Williams Gallery for free. Check online for free lectures about the exhibits.

While the National World War II Museum is not free to visitors, every summer Sunday it hosts free swing dancing lessons. Check the museum's events calendar for more on Sunday Swing and other events.

The Jazz and Heritage Foundation and French Quarter Festivals, Inc. host many free festivals throughout the year. Check out Satchmo SummerFest, which celebrates the life of New Orleans-born trumpeter Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest, the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, the French Quarter Festival, the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival, and many others.

On Wednesdays from April to June, stop by Lafayette Square for free concerts from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair and listen to one of the many bands that performs during the 12-week festival, from The Boogie Men to Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers.

Snap your picture with statues of jazz legends Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, and Fats Domino in Musical Legends Park on Bourbon Street. The park frequently invites musicians to play, and all concerts are free to the public.

Snug Harbor Jazz Club on Frenchmen Street frequently offers free shows on weekends. Acts include the Sweet Home New Orleans Trio at 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and other free gigs on Friday and Saturday at midnight. Check the monthly calendar before you go.

Local radio station WWOZ (90.7 FM) is a great resource for all things jazz. Check out their Livewire Music Event Calendar for a list of music events (many often free) happening in the city.

Attractions

Tucked away in the Arts/Warehouse District, the American Italian Renaissance Foundation's Museum and Research Library details the history of Italian Americans in the Southeast. Check out the Giovanni Schiavo Collection, one of the world's most significant collections of Italian-American history, and marvel at the gown worn by opera singer Marguerite Piazza at the Italian Mardi Gras ball. Next door, the Piazza d'Italia (which got 15 minutes of fame in The Big Easy ), serves as a monument to the Italian-American community.

The French Quarter's two most notable streets— Bourbon and Royal —offer visitors a unique look into 18th-century New Orleans. Dating to 1718, Bourbon Street extends 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. The infamous street—known mainly for its party atmosphere, burlesque clubs, and Mardi Gras parade—is home to the Royal Sonesta Hotel, located in a 1721 building and flaunting a unique architectural style designed to look like 19th-century row houses. On Royal Street, iron-lace balconies and outdoor patios decorate the more refined of the two promenades.

The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France (the St. Louis Cathedral) is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the country. The original structure, built in the early 18th century, was destroyed in a fire in 1788. Rebuilt in 1794 (and again in the 19th century after mistakes were made during a renovation), the church is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in New Orleans. Attend a Mass, explore the church, or enjoy a free classical concert hosted by the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center.

The French Quarter —or Vieux Carré, the oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans—is home to a plethora of shops and restaurants, and is the city's cultural hub. Wander through the mix of American, Spanish, French, and Creole-style architecture, or go on a free guided tour offered by the National Park Service (419 Decatur Street). There are also a number of free walking tour maps available.

Night-owls should check out Frenchmen Street, a two-block entertainment district near the French Quarter that's frequented by locals. Food joints are open late, and most clubs (like Spotted Cat, Alley Katz, and Café Negril) don't have a cover charge, making a night out on the town a pocket-friendly affair.

Grab a cup of coffee and a beignet (French doughnut) at Café du Monde and stroll through New Orleans's French Quarter for a glimpse of one of the city's most famous landmarks. Jackson Square —called Place d'Armes until the early 19th century, when it was renamed for Battle of New Orleans hero Andrew Jackson—is surrounded by historic buildings like the St. Louis Cathedral, the Louisiana State Museums, and the Upper Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. Have your picture taken in front of the bronze statue of Jackson and his horse, or have your portrait painted by one of the artists in the open-air artist colony, a Jackson Square staple for over 50 years. Tip: to get a great picture of the entire square, head to Washington Artillery Park, which overlooks the Square.

The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve has six sites scattered throughout southern Louisiana , three of which are located in the metropolitan area. Walk among the graves of Civil War veterans in the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery, which dates to 1815. In the French Quarter, the Visitor Center features life-size murals, exhibits, and interactive displays that detail the history and culture of New Orleans. If you need some fresh air, visit the Barataria Preserve, a 20,000 acre park with canoe trails, picnic areas, and hiking trails amidst bayous, swamps, marshes, and forests.

You don't have to empty your wallet to enjoy the atmosphere of historic Magazine Street . The six-mile thoroughfare, named for an 18th-century warehouse (or "magazin"), features diverse architecture, from Victorian cottages to Greek Revival, and is decorated with antique shops, art galleries, and outdoor cafés.

Considered one of New Orleans's most ornate churches, the baroque-style St. Mary's Assumption Church is home to the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos , known as the "Cheerful Ascetic" and one of the most beloved pastors in the state's history. Listen to the 1861 German organ, marvel at the 19th-century hand-carved wooden statues, or enjoy the quiet of the magnolia-filled courtyard. The Shrine is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. St. Mary's, as well as St. Alphonsus—located across the street—are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are both free to visitors.

Originally called the Eads Plaza, the Spanish Plaza was dedicated to New Orleans by Spain in 1976 in remembrance of their common historical past. The fountain, located just next to the Riverwalk Marketplace (on the site of the 1984 World's Fair), is surrounded by the seals of the provinces of Spain, and serves as a popular meeting place for folks downtown.

Mardi Gras is undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions in New Orleans, and attending the city-wide party is completely free. Mardi Gras season technically begins on Epiphany (January 6) and lasts through the day before Ash Wednesday ("Fat Tuesday"), though most of the celebrations take place during the last week, when the city of New Orleans hosts parades, parties, and other festivities. Check out Intelligent Travel's tips on how to celebrate Mardi Gras like a local in our Mardi Gras Moments series, and don't miss our Interactive Mardi Gras map and photo gallery.

Ghost hunters shouldn't miss one of New Orleans's many above-ground tombs, or "cities of the dead." Due to the area's high water table, settlers were unable to bury their loved-one's caskets, so most of the tombs in the city are located above ground. Explore one of the 40 cemeteries in the city. Some of the most famous New Orleanians reside in St. Louis Cemetery #1, including sugar-industry pioneer Etienne Boré, Homer Plessy (of Civil Rights case Plessy v. Ferguson), and Ernest N. "Dutch" Morial (the first African-American mayor of New Orleans). Many visitors leave tokens and practice rituals for Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, believed to be interred there.

The Ernie K-Doe Mother-in-Law Lounge , located along the "under the bridge" Mardi Gras parade route, serves as a memorial and shrine to the late R & B legend Ernie K-Doe, who passed away in 2001. His wife, Miss Antionette, ran the small bar until 2009, when she passed away on Mardi Gras morning. Stop by to pay homage to the New Orleans couple, and enjoy a show when there is no cover charge.

Get an intimate look at Mardi Gras at the Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum , located above Armaud's classic Creole restaurant. The museum opened in 1983 and is named after Mrs. Wells, who was the queen of twenty-two Mardi Gras balls between 1937 and 1968. On display are some two dozen gowns, including Mrs. Wells's mother's 1939 Empress gown, as well as other Mardi Gras costumes, memorabilia, photographs, jewelry, and krewe invitations.

New Orleans Jazz Historical Park (temporary visitors center located at 916 N. Peters Street) gives visitors a chance to learn about the rich music history of New Orleans. Pick up a jazz walking tour map of the city (including the Jazz Walk of Fame, also available as an audio file), or attend one of the many free concerts and children's music workshops offered throughout the year. Check the schedule for a full list of events.

Established in 1862, Café du Monde is New Orleans's signature French café. Stop by the original location at 800 Decatur Street and watch as fresh beignets—French doughnuts—are made.

Browse the Crescent City Farmers Market on Tuesdays in uptown and Saturdays downtown. The Saturday market's visiting chef station offers cooking demonstrations and tips from local chefs. Every other Saturday the market also showcases local musicians. Both markets are open and free year-round.

Stop by New Orleans staple Le Bon Temps Roule Bar & Sandwich for free oysters (Fridays only at 7 p.m.) and live music. The pub also has pool tables and offers $1 beer during Saints games.

Many metropolitan-area restaurants offer families special deals, like kids eat free or for a discount on certain days of the week. Check out this list and remember to call the restaurant before you go, as deals can change weekly.

Take the St. Charles Avenue streetcar (fee) to Audubon Park , located between Loyola and Tulane Universities. The 300-acre park is filled with lagoons, extensive green space, and has plenty of space for visitors to escape the city. Picnic under the oak trees or go for a jog along the 1.8-mile trail. Audubon Park is part of the Audubon Institute and has free admission.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Take a break from the bustle of the city and hop on the free Canal Street Ferry to Algiers Point. Wander Old Algiers Main Street , lined with old churches, historic homes (including those of famous jazz musicians like drummer Bill Matthews), and Mardi Gras World, where floats for the annual festival are made and stored. Kids will enjoy playing in Confetti or Delcazal Park. The Canal Street Ferry is free for walk-on passengers or $1 per vehicle.

Located in the heart of New Orleans, City Park offers 1,300 acres of outdoor space, free to all visitors. Picnic in the shade of 600-year-old oak trees (some of the largest in the world), feed the ducks in one of the many lagoons, or wander about works of art in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden . Some attractions—like the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, Botanical Garden, and Storyland—cost a small fee.

Stroll along the redbrick promenade that stretched across the 16-acre Woldenberg Park , which extends from Jackson Square to the Audubon Aquarium. Stop for a break at a park bench underneath the shade of magnolia and crepe myrtle trees. Woldenberg is part of the Audubon Institute and is open to the public for free.

More Information

Since Hurrican Katrina hit in 2005, volunteer groups have flocked to New Orleans to help rebuild the city. Check out Volunteer Louisiana for a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities and organizations.

Best of New Orleans Blog

Official Tourism Site

Events Calendar

Free Activities for Kids

Interactive Mardi Gras Map

New Orleans City Maps

Offbeat: Online Music Resource

Related Topics

• CULTURAL TOURISM
• RESTAURANTS

You May Also Like

How to plan a weekend in South Moravia, Czech wine country

10 best things to do in Texas

For hungry minds.

8 ways to discover Los Angeles' Latin side, from museums to margaritas

How to spend a day in Nashville, America's soulful southern city

A guide to Milan and what's new in Italy's most fashionable northern city

A UK break in Falmouth: Cornish maritime history on the South West Coast Path

Alternative Kyoto: how Japan's culture capital became a hotspot for live music

• Environment

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Gory Details
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Bucket list on a budget: Travel New Orleans without breaking the bank

Check out local eateries, free live music and more!

The Big Easy is a bucket list destination for fun-seekers. With live music and jazz echoing through the streets, delicious French and Creole cuisine -- serving everything from beignets and po' boy sandwiches to French 75 cocktails -- there's an abundance of must-do activities in New Orleans.

But living it up in the Crescent City can get costly if you're not careful, so "Good Morning America" scoped out the best way to enjoy bayou country on a budget.

If you're pinching pennies, see all the ways you can still let the good times roll, below.

Getting there

Airfare prices to New Orleans, like most destinations, can vary depending on the time of year, but in the beginning of June for example, roundtrip fares from Chicago O'Hare International Airport can be found for under $145 on Spirit Airlines, and for $45 more -- around $189 -- American Airlines has similar flights that include a carry on item for no fee.

Where to stay

Look at hotel membership programs before you book your stay.

An IHG One Rewards account gets guests a slightly cheaper rate: A room at the Hotel Indigo, for instance, is priced at $129 per night for members, $7 less than the typical rate.

Travel expert Clint Henderson, managing editor at The Points Guy, told "GMA" that "among the perks you can potentially get just for being a member in a loyalty program are free Wi-Fi, late checkout and even room upgrades."

"In the case of IHG, specifically, you unlock member discounts by booking via their website as opposed to an online travel agent," he said.

Eat like a local

There's no shortage of delicious New Orleans restaurant options from legendary chefs like Emeril Lagasse or Nina Compton, but if you're looking to save, check out specials and find some go-to spots that locals love.

At the famed, family-run Parkway Bakery, one of the oldest po' boy shops in the city and known for its fresh baked bread, visitors can enjoy an array of stuffed oversized sub-like sandwiches for as little as $7. And if you can agree on the fillings and toppings, sharing a full size po' boy like the classic flash-fried Louisiana wild-caught Gulf shrimp comes in at just $7.70 each for two people.

Plus, May through July is peak crawfish season, and local eateries like Clesi's Seafood Restaurant & Catering have an abundance of the freshwater crustacean for just $8.50 per pound. The restaurant offers weekly specials as well like $3 taco Tuesday and free fry basket Friday, and gives customers a complimentary order of french fries tossed in a house-made parmesan garlic butter with the purchase of a pitcher of beer.

It wouldn't be a visit to New Orleans without satisfying your sweet tooth with beignets. The renowned Cafe du Monde serves up the deep-fried pâte à choux pastry, which is doused in powdered sugar, in orders of three for just $3.85 -- but don't forget, it's cash only.

Getting around the city

Skip the cabs or rideshare apps and pick up a Jazzy Pass to use public transit for just $3 a day.

The card includes unlimited rides on the ferry, bus and street cars, providing a unique view of the city.

Listen to the music

You'll never miss a beat in the jazz-filled French Quarter. Entertainment is free, but be sure to pack some small bills and tip your favorite artists as you enjoy the historic area.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum also hosts free afternoon concerts Tuesday through Friday.

Venture outside the city center

Look for activities, tours and other attractions from the local tourism board to book unique deals.

Plus, Groupon has offers on more than 40% off the Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour.

More 'GMA' travel picks

Anker PowerCore Select 10000 Portable Charger - Black, Ultra-Compact, High-Speed Charging Technology Phone Charger for iPhone, Samsung and More.

JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan, Wearable Personal Fan, 4000 mAh Battery Powered Bladeless Fan with 3 Speed

CeraVe Hydrating Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for All Skin Types, 2.5 fl oz

Munchkin® Spotless™ Silicone Placemats for Kids, 2 Pack, Blue/Green

Lonely Planet New Orleans

SPECIAL MADE Collapsible Water Bottles Cups Leakproof Valve Reusable BPA Free Silicone Foldable Travel Water Bottle Cup for Gym Camping Hiking Travel Sports Lightweight Durable

Picaridin Insect Repellent - 3 oz.

54" Vortex Vented Jumbo Compact Auto Open/Close Umbrella

Columbia Watertight™ II Jacket

Columbia Arcadia II™ Jacket

Columbia Kids Glennaker™ Rain Jacket (Little Kids/Big Kids)

Top stories.

Woman uses self-checkout to steal $60,000 of items from same Target store over a year

• May 10, 5:03 AM

At least 11 dead, mostly students, in Indonesia bus crash after brakes apparently failed, police say

• May 12, 12:50 AM

Controversy follows Gov. Kristi Noem as she is banned by two more South Dakota tribes

• May 11, 6:02 PM

Israel moves deeper into Rafah and fights Hamas militants regrouping in northern Gaza

• May 12, 3:50 AM

Search on for suspect in fatal 'ambush' of police officer

• 3 hours ago

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

• Complimentary Planning Assistance
• Destination Wedding Guide Digital Copy
• Elopement Packages
• Marriage License & Legal Essentials
• Welcome Bag Ideas
• Second Lines
• The History of Wedding Umbrellas and More in New Orleans
• Wedding Cake Pulls
• Destination Wedding Guide Printed Copy
• Wedding Inspiration
• Wedding and Event Planners
• Photographers & Videographers
• Transportation
• Beauty, Hair & Makeup
• Spas, Health & Wellness
• Cakes & Bakeries
• Entertainment
• Engagement Photos in New Orleans
• Bridal Shower & Brunch
• Joint Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
• Bachelor Parties
• The Ultimate New Orleans Bachelorette Party Guide
• Honeymooning
• LGBTQ Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Walkable Downtown
• Corporate Group Incentive
• LGBTQ New Orleans
• Convention Center
• Caesars Superdome
• Smoothie King Center
• Special Events Venues
• Hotels with Meeting Space
• Venue Search
• Custom Maps
• Services Directory
• Convention Services Request
• Exhibitor Services Request
• Custom Post Cards & Save the Date
• New Orleans Print Materials Request
• Visitor Guide Request
• Corporate Social Responsibility & Donations
• Emergency Planning
• Meeting Planner Guide
• Transportation Directory
• Transportation & Getting Around
• Promotional Videos & Images
• Stats and facts
• Free Things To Do
• Talk like a New Orleanian
• Local Outreach
• Social Media Resources
• Marketing e-Templates & Ads
• Convention Calendar
• Testimonials
• Submit Your Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Availability Grid
• Coupons Deals
• Group Transportation
• Assistance Request
• Bulk Brochure Request
• Photos & Videos
• Microsite Request
• Itineraries
• Performance Venues
• Motorcoach/Group Transportation
• Educational Opportunities
• Student Itineraries
• voluntourism
• Class Reunions
• Venue & Services
• Hotel Assistance
• Promote Your Reunion
• Family Reunions
• Military Reunions
• Regulations and Maps
• Motorcoach Parking
• Tax Free Shopping
• International Travel Tips
• Consulates in New Orleans
• Maps & Transportation
• Advisor VIP Pass
• Brochure Request
• Photos/Videos
• Cruise Coupons
• Pre-Post Packages
• General Coupons
• Voluntourism
• Group Travel Planner Guide
• Travel Advisor Certification
• International Groups
• Group Travel
• Cruise Lines
• Meet the Team
• Did You Know | New Orleans Facts
• Member Benefits
• Maximize Your Membership
• Application NOT USED
• Membership Policies
• Member Directory
• Event Photos
• Member Anniversaries
• New Members
• Member Login
• Media Assistance Request
• What's New in New Orleans
• New Orleans Awards & Accolades
• Image Library
• B-roll Assets
• New Orleans & Company Press Releases
• Hospitality Industry Press Releases
• Image / Video Request
• Communications & PR Contacts

• New Orleans Festivals And Events
• French Quarter
• A Guide to New Orleans Nightlife
• Attractions
• Cultural Arts
• Mystical/Haunted New Orleans
• Family-Friendly Guide to New Orleans
• Multicultural
• Recreation & Outdoors
• Architecture
• Find Restaurants
• Where to Eat
• Traditional Foods
• Top Chefs In New Orleans
• Restaurant Deals
• Love To Eat Video Series
• Find a Place to Drink
• Where to Drink
• Classic New Orleans Cocktails
• Book a New Orleans Hotel
• Hotel Directory
• Bed And Breakfasts: Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Saint Charles Avenue Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Garden District Hotels
• French Quarter Hotels and Lodging
• Downtown/Central Business District Hotels and Lodging
• Bourbon Street Hotels
• Green Hotels
• Bourbon Street Balcony Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
• Pet-Friendly Hotels
• Historic Hotels
• Upcoming Events
• Ultimate New Orleans Event Calendar
• New Orleans LIVE Music Calendar
• Submit an Event
• Major Events and Festivals in New Orleans
• New Orleans Neighborhood Guide
• Streets to Visit
• Request a Guide
• Deals & Coupons
• Essential New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary
• Bleisure Itinerary
• Monthly Newsletter
• Insider's Blog
• Virtual Tour
• Accessibility
• New Orleans Artist Database
• LOVENOLA.TV 24/7 Broadcast

Nature Tours

Experience the unique beauty of our southern louisiana habitat.

There's a reason South Louisiana is called "Sportsman's Paradise". Our unique natural environment and abundance of wildlife make New Orleans & the surrounding areas a premiere destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From airboat tours through the swamp and kayaking down the bayou, to hikes through beautiful forested parks, come experience our one-of-a-kind natural habitat.

COMPANIES OFFERING NATURE TOURS

• Recommended

Restaurant Attire

Nightlife attire, restaurant price, accomodations rate, neighborhood.

• Central Business District/Downtown
• Esplanade Ridge
• Garden District/Uptown
• Jefferson Parish
• Lakeview/Lakefront
• Gentilly/New Orleans East/Chalmette
• Outside Metro Area
• Arts/Warehouse/Convention District
• Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
• View More View Less
• No available filters

Map Results

• Things to Do
• Trip Planning Tools
• Meeting Planners
• Travel Professionals
• Press and Media
• Privacy Policy
• Site Search
• Doing Business in New Orleans
• About NewOrleans.com
• Report Fraud
• Accessibility Options

Sign up for special tips, offers, and info about all the latest happenings around NOLA with our monthly Insider’s Guide, delivered right to your inbox.