Summer Festivals You Gotta See in New Orleans

When the holidays approach, most people see a snowman and think of Frosty, but not in New Orleans. The Big Easy has its very own beloved snow character, and he’s called Mr. Bingle. But where did this famous NOLA legend come from and why is he such a big deal?

New Orleans festivals celebrate anything you can imagine, including art, crawfish, po-boys, beer, music, fried chicken, playwrights, and much more. The French Quarter Fest is one of the Big Easy’s most anticipated events, giving locals and visitors a chance to experience some of the city’s best music and food.

New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in America and for good reason. The Big Easy is steeped in tales of ghosts, vampires, and eerie happenings. Therefore, it’s no surprise that thousands of people flock to NOLA for Halloween each year. The only holiday that beats those numbers is Mardi Gras.

Are you planning on spending Father’s Day in New Orleans? Lucky for you, there are tons of ways to celebrate Dad’s big day with food, fish, festivals, and of course, non-stop fun. Show Dad how much he means to you, NOLA-style, with these top-notch Father’s Day activities in and around the Big Easy.

Things start to kick off the Wednesday before Labor Day and stretch through the Sunday before. However, many participants hang around until the following Tuesday because the party’s just that much fun. In 2023, Southern Decadence takes place in New Orleans from August 31st through September 4th. The celebration is one of the city’s most significant annual events, joining the ranks with massive spectacles like Mardi Gras, Essence Fest, and Jazz Fest.

You were the lucky ones to score Taylor Swift Eras Concert Tour tickets in New Orleans, now what should you do?   Taylor Swift is coming to New Orleans in October 2024 for three shows at the Caesar’s Superdome. Before you head to the Big Easy, here is everything you need to know about where to stay in NOLA.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in one of the world's most exciting and vibrant cities, New Orleans. Between the incredible food, dynamic music, and non-stop festivities, you’ll find something for everyone when you’re spending the New Year in the Big Easy.

It’s unsurprising that New Orleans is home to many Easter parades. After all, every year during carnival, parade after parade rolls through the city and surrounding areas, culminating in the greatest free show on earth on Mardi Gras Day. One of the most iconic Easter traditions in New Orleans is the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade.

Each Labor Day weekend, New Orleans hosts one of the biggest annual events in the world that many fondly call the “Gay Mardi Gras.” Southern Decadence started over 50 years ago as a small going-away party and has exploded into one of the top Labor Day Weekend destinations for thousands of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Sure, NOLA gets hot and humid in the summer, and it's the kick-off of hurricane season. But it's also a great time to snag amazing deals on hotels and food and catch some very special events. Visiting New Orleans in the summer means COOLinary restaurant deals, Essence Fest, Satchmo Fest, July 4th celebrations, and so much more.

Essence Fest will be back in full force this summer, celebrating black culture through music, food, and a series of empowering events. The legendary celebration welcomes everyone to experience black joy, with special guests and so much more. You can check out Essence Fest in New Orleans in 2022 from June 30th through July 3rd, which promises to be one party-filled weekend.

Between the outstanding food, world-famous music scene, and nonstop entertainment, New Orleans overflows with unique cultural experiences. The city's also no stranger to incredible art, both from local and global artisans and cr

There’s no denying that Jazz Fest is one of the most legendary festivals, spanning 10 days in NOLA. Visitors flock to the Big Easy from all over the globe to experience the fantastic music, complete with mega headliners. But Jazz Fest isn’t just about music; there’s a whole other side to this festival that can’t be missed -- the food.

Anywhere else, Easter might mean going to mass, participating in an egg hunt, and chowing down on candy from the Easter Bunny. But, in New Orleans, Easter is a fabulous all-out affair, featuring fantastic brunches, colorful parades, and egg-citing extras.

It’s no surprise that a city known for its celebratory nature has its own special ways of enjoying St. Paddy’s Day. This day o’ green, and the days leading up, are usually marked by parading, lots and lots of beer, and cabbage. For an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day experience, enjoy some of the uniquely Irish events and places NOLA has to offer. 

There’s a reason locals say “Every day is Valentine’s Day in New Orleans.” NOLA is one of the most romantic cities in the world, so it’s the ideal destination for Valentine’s Day 2022. You’ll find some of the best music, food, and people in the world here. So, show the love of your life just how special they are with a romance-filled New Orleans vacation or staycation.

 Satchmo Summerfest will take place the weekend of July 31 through August 1 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, celebrating the life of beloved New Orleans musician Louis Armstrong. 

The 4th of July is just around the corner, and the festivities lined up for that weekend are the perfect way to celebrate! 

In a city as vibrant and diverse as New Orleans, it’s no surprise that it has a rich and celebrated LGBTQ culture.

Here’s a handy guide to some of the most popular words and phrases you’ll hear throughout the carnival season!

Well, lucky for you, there are several socially-distanced ways to celebrate and some special events that are planned to ring in the New Year in New Orleans. 

If you had to pick just one thing that makes New Orleans truly stand out, it would have to be its people. NOLA’s culture is so diverse and rich, that the different people with their vast array of traditions, beliefs, and customs all weave together to create a beautiful web of authenticity that gives New Orleans its soul.

One of the great features you can enjoy when you stay in the Big Easy is the convenient access to the authentic New Orleans Streetcar. Besides being a go-to form of public transportation for locals, the streetcars are also a tourist destination all their own. Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know about NOLA’s iconic mode of transportation.

Whether you came to town for a Saints game or you are a long-time resident of the city, you’ll want to have the best tailgating experience. Read our complete New Orleans tailgating guide and you won’t miss a beat.

Millions flock to New Orleans each year for Mardi Gras, but this festive celebration is much more than one day. In 2023, Mardi Gras is on February 21, but the Carnival season kicks off every year on January 6th.