23 Things You Have to Do in New Orleans This Year, From Southern Decadence to Gumbo Fest
These fun annual events in New Orleans are a perfect excuse to book a trip to the Big Easy.
In New Orleans, it’s always a party. That is no surprise given the lively atmosphere, world-renowned restaurants and bars, and unique music scene. Even in August, the swampiest of months, the city doesn’t experience much of a lull.
From Carnival to Christmas, there are so many festivals and celebrations happening throughout the year that any time is a great time to visit. It's even difficult for locals like me to keep track of everything going on. The best annual events in New Orleans offer a chance to explore the city’s food, music, art, and culture, all while surrounded by a colorful mix of locals and out-of-towners. Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest may be the most well-known, but New Orleans is always celebrating something, whether it’s the history of the cocktail, the legacy of Louis Armstrong, the bustling art scene, or centuries-old holiday traditions.
January
January 1, 2025
Multiple locations
Whether the Sugar Bowl stands as a vital game for college football’s national championship or merely a battle for bragging rights, it’s always a good time. The game is played at the Superdome on January 1 each year, preceded by a weekend of festivities. The city hosts a Sugar Bowl parade, Fan Fest, and other events in the French Quarter supporting the teams playing in the bowl. But, surprisingly enough, the kickoff to the Sugar Bowl begins in August, with the annual Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff headlined by top country artists.
Ready to go? Book here.
January 6–March 4, 2025
Multiple locations
Mardi Gras isn’t just one day, it’s a whole season of parades, balls, parties, and plenty of king cake. Carnival season begins on January 6 (known also as Twelfth Night) and lasts until Mardi Gras—Fat Tuesday—which changes every year based on the date of Easter. The two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras feature parades almost every night. Elaborately decorated floats with costumed riders roll through the streets—most of the parades roll on St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street, so plan your accommodations accordingly—joined by marching bands, dance troupes, flambeaux, and other fanciful figures. As a local, my best advice is this: Remember it's a marathon, not a sprint.
Ready to go? Many events are free.
March
2025 dates TBD
Multiple locations
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New Orleans range from a block party on the actual holiday to a parade in the Irish Channel on the closest Saturday. And this is no ordinary parade: float riders dole out cabbages, potatoes, carrots, onions, and bars of Irish Spring instead of beads and other trinkets. Parades are also held in the French Quarter and Metairie. Given how the city has strong Italian heritage as well and St. Joseph’s Day is close to St. Patrick’s Day, there are parades honoring Irish-Italian heritage too.
Ready to go? This event is free.
Super Sunday
2025 dates TBD
Multiple locations
Every year on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day, Uptown Mardi Gras Indian tribes come together in Central City to strut their stuff one more time after Mardi Gras. Beginning and ending at A.L. Davis Park, the tribes will stroll through the surrounding neighborhood and engage in friendly competition with dancing, chanting, and other rituals. It’s a chance to admire the tremendous amount of work and skill that are put into the hand-sewn suits.
Ready to go? This event is free.
Late March, 2025 dates TBD
This annual BBQ extravaganza held on the Lakefront is a festival and competition that pushes the boundaries of traditional BBQ. Sample meaty magic from more than 85 teams—like Piggy Stardust, Aporkalypse Now and Mr. Pigglesworth—as they compete in categories like Ribs, Pork Shoulder and Whole Hog. You’ll find everything from bourbon-glazed ribs and pulled pork tacos to inventive sides like bacon praline egg rolls and bacon boudin sushi. The aroma of smoked meats is enhanced by live music from local and national bands. Aside from the incredible food and fun, Hogs for the Cause raises millions for pediatric brain cancer care.
Ready to go? Donate here and attend the free event.
April
April 10–13, 2025
French Quarter
Smaller festivals like this often get overlooked in favor of Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest for tourists. But locals like me know French Quarter Fest is the place to be. More than 20 stages throughout the French Quarter host performances that span genres from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, and cabaret. The best part? It’s free! Catch local legends like Soul Rebels, Tank and the Bangas, Partners-N-Crime, Ivan Neville, Irma Thomas, and so many more. But that’s not all. The fest features dance lessons, demos, crafts, and more. Plus, the culinary offerings are stellar, with classic restaurants serving up longtime favorites alongside upstart pop-ups.
Ready to go? This event is free.
Easter
April 20, 2025
Multiple locations
Easter in New Orleans means bonnets, bunnies, brunches, and parades. Show off your holiday finery at a pair of parades: the French Quarter Easter Parade rolls in the afternoon, while the Gay Easter Parade, which features horse-drawn carriages with participants wearing their showiest Sunday best, departs in the evening. After the parade, Good Friends Bar hosts an always-lively Easter bonnet contest that’s a local favorite.
Ready to go? Many events are free.
April 24–May 4, 2025
Mid-City
Jazz Fest is the pinnacle of NOLA’s annual festival season, drawing around half a million attendees to celebrate the music, food, and culture of New Orleans. The Fest plays host to big name acts alongside some of the best bands in the city on more than a dozen stages spread throughout the Fair Grounds in Mid-City. You’ll hear everything from jazz and zydeco to hip-hop, funk, brass, gospel, and more. Multiple food areas feature vendors selling some of the best dishes in New Orleans and Louisiana—several of which are exclusive to the event. Folklife and heritage are on display as well as interviews, cooking demos, cultural exhibits, and more. Trombone Shorty, a New Orleans native and regular fest performer, says his best piece of Jazz Fest advice is this: “Make sure that you’re rested because it just doesn’t stop. We get close to 24 hours of music a day during that time in New Orleans with just a small window to sleep. So rest up and be sure you check out everything the festival has to offer.”
Ready to go? Book here.
July
July 12–14, 2024
French Quarter
This is Running of the Bulls, NOLA-style. The famed Spanish event is reinterpreted here with members of the Big Easy Rollergirls, wielding plastic bats, standing in for the bulls. Participants clad in white with red scarves run (as fast as one can on a sweltering summer day) through the French Quarter to avoid getting smacked. The run starts at the crack of dawn, then it turns into an all-day celebration with live music, food and drinks. The next day brings a welcome hangover-curing burlesque brunch called El Pobre de Mí. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from this vibrant fiesta go to charity.
Ready to go? Book here.
July 21–26, 2024
Multiple locations
This week-long celebration of cocktails and mixology is also a chance to educate and support the industry. Headquartered at the Ritz-Carlton with satellite events taking place throughout the city, it’s geared toward cocktail professionals and enthusiasts and there’s something for everyone. Workshops, seminars, competitions, networking opportunities, and, of course, parties pack the event schedule. This year’s theme is “Inspire,” a call to action that challenges the global drinks industry to embrace future thinking. There is no shortage of cocktails, spirits, and other booze to try at Tales, but I suggest you mix in a water or two. It is July in New Orleans after all.
Ready to go? Book here.
2025 dates TBD
Multiple locations
Essence Fest takes over the Superdome, Convention Center, and various venues around the city each July with music, workshops, panel discussions, marketplaces, and more. This year, the Fest welcomes Janet Jackson and will also be celebrating 30 years of the Cash Money Millionaires, featuring hometown favorites Juvenile, Birdman, and their crew. The full lineup has yet to be revealed but it always includes some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Ready to go? Book here.
August
August 3, 2024
Arts District
Don your finest white linen and head to the Arts District for the biggest gallery night of the year. Julia, Camp, St. Joseph, and Magazine Streets will be buzzing as galleries open their doors to show off new exhibits. Out in the streets, stroll past live art installations and music performances, sip on fabulous cocktails, and pick up a bite to eat at local food vendor stations. Spill some wine on your outfit? No worries—you’re all set for Dirty Linen Night the following weekend along Royal Street in the French Quarter.
Ready to go? This event is free.
August 3–4, 2024
French Quarter
For true New Orleans locals, it’s never too hot for a music festival. And Satchmo Summerfest proves that year after year. The festival at the New Orleans Jazz Museum honors the life and legacy of one of the city’s most beloved sons, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The celebration includes plenty of live music, food, drinks, and a series of “Satchmo Seminars” led by historians and Armstrong biographers so you can learn more about this music icon.
Ready to go? This event is free.
August 29–September 2, 2024
French Quarter
This bawdy, celebratory event feels like a mix of New Orleans Pride and Gay Mardi Gras. Needless to say, it attracts revelers from around the world each Labor Day weekend to party down the streets of the city in their best rainbow attire. The extravaganza features parties, concerts, club events, and a parade through the French Quarter.
Ready to go? This event is free.
October
October 5, 2024
Garden District
Art for Art's Sake kicks off the fall arts season on the first Saturday of October as more than 100 galleries and shops along Magazine Street stay open after hours. Enjoy wine, snacks, live music, special gallery openings, trunk shows, and more as you stroll along the idyllic six-mile stretch of businesses, restaurants, bars, and neighborhood charm.
Ready to go? This event is free.
Halloween
October 31, 2024
Multiple locations
New Orleans is steeped in supernatural lore throughout the year, but things kick into high gear for Halloween. It’s the perfect time to take a ghost tour, check out real haunted houses, or stroll through hauntingly beautiful cemeteries. Frightening haunted house experiences like The Mortuary and New Orleans Nightmare pop up each year, and events like Ghosts in the Oaks and Brews & Boos, both at City Park, add a little fun to the spooky season. The highlight of Halloween is the Krewe of Boo parade through the French Quarter and downtown—it’s like Mardi Gras with a touch of the macabre.
Ready to go? Many events are free.
November
November 9–10, 2024
Treme
Celebrate music, culture and food in the historic Armstrong Park in Treme. This festival is all about the gumbo, so it’s your chance to try as many different versions as you can, all in one spot. Whether it’s traditional seafood or chicken and andouille gumbo or a modern take with a twist, these gumbos range from classic and comforting to totally surprising. There are even vegan versions that have wowed the staunchest of carnivores. Aside from the gumbo, the fest features local vendors selling crafts and of course a lineup of some of the best brass bands in the city.
Ready to go? This event is free.
November 14–17, 2024
Multiple locations
For this annual festival of light, art, and technology, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park is transformed into a runway for illuminated artwork and fashions. Hourly projections on the building will honor the power of costumes, while light-based artworks spread along 7.5 acres of the park will celebrate the creativity of costumes and culture. Each night will also feature local food vendors, drinks, an arts market, and other glowing features.
Ready to go? This event is free.
November 28, 2024
Mid-City
While the track opens mid-November, Thanksgiving is a big day at the Fair Grounds, kicking off the season in earnest. Don your most fabulous hat or fascinator and head out for a day filled with mint juleps, racing, and a whole lot of fun. The clubhouse hosts a holiday dinner with all the trimmings, or you can dig into the big holiday buffet. Be sure to make a reservation, as both fill up quickly.
Ready to go? Book here.
November 30, 2024
Caesars Superdome
The annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University is a highlight of the Thanksgiving weekend. The historic rivalry between the Tigers and the Jaguars has morphed into one of the biggest annual sporting events in the region. Much more than just the game at the Superdome on Saturday, the weekend includes the epic Battle of the Bands on Friday featuring the two universities’ marching bands as well as a slate of events and parties around the city celebrating the matchup.
Ready to go? Book here.
December
2024 dates TBD
Multiple locations
City Park’s annual celebration of the holidays is an enchanting spectacle of lights, as the glorious oak trees are decked with more than a million lights, and light sculptures are scattered throughout the park. Tour the park by bike, on foot, or in a car. The Botanical Garden features even more holiday cheer, with plenty of Instagrammable photo ops.
Ready to go? Book here.
Throughout December
Multiple locations
Restaurants around town participate in the Creole tradition of Révellion dinners, offering special menus for the holidays. While the original tradition was a dining event following midnight mass on Christmas, you won’t have to wait that late nowadays. Traditional restaurants like Commander’s Palace, Tujaque’s, and Arnaud’s participate, elevating their already exceptional menus for the season.
Ready to go? Book with the restaurant.
New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2024
Multiple locations
New Orleans knows how to throw a party, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. The main event is the Fleur de Lis Drop atop the old Jax Brewery building in the French Quarter. The countdown is coordinated with a fireworks show on the Mississippi River. The city also plays host to numerous parties and events around town, from the annual Big Night New Orleans bash to Galactic’s legendary New Year’s Eve show at Tipitina’s and revelry of all sorts in between.
Ready to go? Many events are free.