The History of the French Quarter Easter Parade
Move Over, Frosty, in New Orleans It’s All About Mr. Bingle
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?
14 Facts About New Orleans French Quarter Fest
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.
Top Haunted Halloween Experiences in New Orleans
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.
8 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in New Orleans
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.
Summer Festivals You Gotta See in New Orleans
Yes, summertime in New Orleans gets hot, but that doesn’t stop the fun. In New Orleans, every season is the best time for a festival, and summer is no exception. Plus, it’s one of the best times to visit New Orleans if you want to snag some great travel deals.
It’s Southern Decadence Time In New Orleans
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.
TAYLOR SWIFT’S ERAS TOUR IS COMING TO NEW ORLEANS FOR 3 SURPRISE SHOWS!
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.
7 Reasons New Orleans Is the Best Place to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
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 Southern Decadence Time In New Orleans
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.
10 Reasons to Visit New Orleans in Summer 2022
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 Is Back and Better Than Ever
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.
Must-See Upcoming Museum Exhibits in New Orleans
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
Jazz Fest Food You Don’t Want to Miss
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.
It’s Easter in New Orleans, Ya’ll: Five Ways to Celebrate
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.
St. Patrick's Day NOLA Style: Four Ways To Celebrate In The French Quarter
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.
A Romantic Valentine’s Day In New Orleans 2022
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 Returns to New Orleans
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.
Experience July 4th the New Orleans Way
The 4th of July is just around the corner, and the festivities lined up for that weekend are the perfect way to celebrate!
LGBTQ in NOLA: City of Acceptance
In a city as vibrant and diverse as New Orleans, it’s no surprise that it has a rich and celebrated LGBTQ culture.
How to Speak Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Here’s a handy guide to some of the most popular words and phrases you’ll hear throughout the carnival season!
Celebrating New Year's Eve in New Orleans
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.
The Arts, NOLA Style: Take To the Streets
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.
Getting Around NOLA Style: All About the New Orleans Streetcar
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.
New Orleans Tailgating Guide
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.
Kicking Off Carnival in the French Quarter
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.
The Start of a New Orleans Easter Tradition
The most popular origin story of the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade dates back to 1956. Germaine Wells, the stepdaughter of Arnaud Cazenave (founder of Arnaud’s Restaurant), founded the parade, which started at her stepfather’s restaurant. It featured a fanciful procession of people dressed in their Sunday best, parading through the quarter toward St. Louis Cathedral.
Over the years, the parade became an Easter morning staple, eventually shifting its starting point to Antoine’s Restaurant and getting a name change to the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade. Convertibles, mule-drawn carriages, and people in beautiful bonnets travel along the route, tossing plush Easter bunnies, beads, and other fun throws.
Is the Historic French Quarter Parade the Same as The Chris Owens French Quarter Parade?
The French Quarter Parade is not the same as the Historic French Quarter Parade. Chris Owens, a New Orleans icon, entertainer, entrepreneur, and business owner, served as the Grand Duchess of the parade annually until her passing in 2022. Therefore, you’ll often see this celebration aptly named The Chris Owens French Quarter Parade.
The parade typically kicks off at the Omni Royal Orleans with a silent auction, live entertainment, and an impressive hat contest. The Chris Owens French Quarter Parade is one of the three main events in New Orleans on Easter Sunday.
The Gay Easter Parade
After the festivities of Easter morning, including the two morning parades, the fun doesn’t stop there. The annual Gay Easter Parade has been rolling through the streets of NOLA since 2000, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
The parade focuses on being a family-friendly NOLA event for everyone to enjoy, showcasing adorned horse-drawn carriages and riders decked out in their Sunday finest. The route begins at the Armstrong Arch on St. Ann and winds its way through the French Quarter, showering onlookers with tons of throws. There is also an Easter bonnet contest at Good Friends Bar.