New Orleans, Louisiana

Mardi Gras in New Orleans isn’t just a single day—Fat Tuesday—but a month-long celebration that kicks off on Twelfth Night, January 6. The city immerses itself in a whirlwind of festivities, including eating, costuming, bead-tossing, and parading, with excitement building as Ash Wednesday approaches. Throughout the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, parades roll through various neighborhoods, featuring bands, marching groups, boats, and costumed riders who toss beads and other trinkets to the crowds. The celebration is also family-friendly, with Uptown and suburban parades offering kid-friendly fun.

The annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazz Fest, is an eight-day celebration of the city’s rich musical and cultural traditions, second only in importance to Mardi Gras. Held in late April and early May, the festival attracts bands and performers from across the country, showcasing genres integral to Louisiana’s art scene, including jazz, blues, Cajun, Afro-Caribbean, and zydeco.

Another noteworthy music festival is the French Quarter Festival, a celebration of New Orleans music that has been running annually since its inauguration in 1983. Music genres represented include blues, jazz, zydeco, and others. Attendance is free of charge.

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) is a premier five-day festival that draws culinary experts and foodies from around the globe who come to the city to savor Louisiana’s finest cuisine. As implied by its name, NOWFE also hosts wine-tasting events, on which hundreds of fine wines from around the world are offered.

Good food is at the heart of New Orleans’ inextinguishable joie de vivre, and there is hardly a better month than August to explore all the city’s culinary delights. Throughout the entire month, diners can indulge in special prix-fixe menus at over 100 participating restaurants, offering lunch, dinner, and brunch at irresistible prices. These culinary experiences are spread across the city, allowing you to savor the diverse flavors of New Orleans in iconic neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Uptown, and the Central Business District.

The annual Satchmo SummerFest is a lively celebration dedicated to the legendary Louis Armstrong, aligning with his August 4th birthday. Held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, this two-day festival features a diverse lineup of jazz performances across multiple stages, including traditional jazz, swing, and more. It’s a festive event that captures the spirit of New Orleans with music, food, and fun for the whole family.

Christmas in New Orleans is truly magical, with carols and live jazz filling the air as the city welcomes Papa Noël, Louisiana’s own Santa Claus, who travels by alligator-pulled boat instead of a sleigh. Take the opportunity to enjoy a four-course Réveillon Dinner and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere beneath the twinkling lights of City Park’s centuries-old oaks.