New Orleans is a city that loves to celebrate. From the iconic Mardi Gras to the Crescent City Blues & BBQ, there are plenty of festivals and events to enjoy in the Big Easy. Whether you're looking for music, food, art, or culture, there's something for everyone in New Orleans. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best festivals in New Orleans and what makes them so special.
The Mardi Gras season in New Orleans is a time of celebration and revelry. The festivities begin on January 6th, also known as Three Kings Day, and last for several weeks. The official Mardi Gras colors are purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power). If you don't want to deal with the crowds, consider traveling to New Orleans a few weeks before Mardi Gras.
The French Quarter Festival began in 1984 as a way to attract locals to the area after the construction of the World's Fair was completed. It's now the largest free music festival in the country, with approximately 1,700 musicians from Louisiana playing on 23 different stages. Here you'll find a variety of musical genres, from funk to jazz and zydeco. The Wine and Food Experience is one of the best festivals for food lovers and drunks alike.
This 5-day celebration features more than 250 wineries and 100 restaurants. If you want to experience the New Orleans dining and drinking scene, visit their website for more information. The Essence Festival has been celebrating African-American culture for more than 25 years. It's now known as the largest event of its kind in the United States.
With music, food, art, and more, it's an event not to be missed. Voodoo Music + Arts Experience began after Hurricane Katrina as a way to attract tourists to the city and create jobs for locals. It has been a great success ever since and this year will be its 14th edition. Main artists include Guns N' Roses, Post Malone, and Beck.
Hogs for the Cause is another New Orleans festival that brings together two great pastimes: eating and dancing. With delicious food and live music, it's one of the best festivals in New Orleans. Crescent City Blues & BBQ is a great festival for music lovers and foodies alike. If you want to experience one of the best festivals in New Orleans, plan to be in town on the last weekend of April or the first of May (or both if you want to go big).
The Congo Square Rhythms Festival celebrates African dance, brass bands, delicious jazz, soul-funk, Latin jazz, and West African high life. It's presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation in Armstrong Park. Bayou Boogaloo is a unique festival that celebrates New Orleans' swampy nature. With food, music, and heritage, it's an event not to be missed. No matter what type of festival you're looking for, there's something for everyone in New Orleans. From Mardi Gras parades to jazz festivals and everything in between, there's no shortage of fun things to do in this vibrant city.
