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French Quarter Events
January
Battle of New Orleans Celebration
Re-enactment of the famous 1812 battle at Chalmette National Park features military drills, musket firings and cooking demonstrations with period costumes. On Saturday night, guided lantern tours illuminate the "night before the battle" within warring encampments. Call (504) 589-4428 for more information.
Celebration in the Oaks
From late November to early January, this historic city park becomes a holiday wonderland with walks through the botanical gardens and a two-mile driving route showcasing thousands of lights. Santa appears nightly, with miniature train rides and horse-drawn carriages. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
Nokia Sugar Bowl Classic
Originated in 1935, this gridiron classic unfolds at the Louisiana Superdome. Call (877) 99-SUGAR for packages or (800) 672-6124 for information.
February
Mardi Gras
Depending on the Gregorian calendar, Mardi Gras falling on Tuesday from Feb. 3 through March 9, is legendary in New Orleans with freewheeling street parties, formal masquerade balls, parades and more. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
O'Houligan's Ball
Legend has it that the Irish were not invited to any of the New Orleans society Mardi Gras celebrations. So in the early 1800's, they created their own O'Houligan's Ball where outrageous costumes mocked popular society gatherings. Call (504) 529-1317 for more information.
New Orleans International Boat Show
Louisiana Superdome hosts a wide selection of new boats, engines and accessories for fun on the water. Call (504) 780-1818 for more information.
Nokia Sugar Bowl / Mardi Gras Marathon
This 5K marathon starts on Sugar Bowl Drive outside of the Louisiana Superdome and winds through streets of the historical city. Call (504) 454-8687 for more information.
March
Children's World Fair
International exhibition at the Children's Museum features music, literature, crafts, and food from 16 countries. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival
Five days of theatrical and musical events, lectures, panel discussions and literary tours -- some free -- are part of a salute to the great playwright. Call (504) 581-1144 for more information.
Louisiana Crawfish Festival
The Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette is the scene for this crawfish extravaganza featuring some 25 ways to cook crawfish along with non-crawfish dishes, plus rides, games and live entertainment. Call (504) 874-1921 for more information.
April
Crescent City Classic
The 10K Crescent City Classic road race starts at the Quarter's Jackson Square, heads downtown and to Esplanade Ridge on a tree-shaded route winding up at historic City Park. Call (504) 636-1020 for more information.
Louisiana Swamp Romp
Crawfish and other Cajun favorites star at the Louisiana food festival unfolding for more than a decade featuring bands, beads and Mardi Gras dancers. Call (512) 441-9015 for more information.
French Quarter Festival
Committed to a pivotal role in rebuilding of New Orleans, the nearly quarter-century old French Quarter Festival provides economic impact of some $75 million over three days of family fun, with the World's Largest Jazz brunch, 10 music stages, kid's activities, an art show and more. Call (504) 522-5730 for more information.
MO Fest
On the Monday and Tuesday between Jazzfest weekends the Mayor's Office Festival showcases new music talent. Call (504) 636-1020 for more information.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Musicians, crafters and cooks share their heritage and culture at this 35-year-old celebration often called Jazzfest at assorted venues. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
May
Greek Festival
Greek music, food, crafts and entertainment reign at the Hellenic Cultural Center. Call (504) 282-0259 for more information.
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Featuring wines from more than 100 wineries worldwide, the festival also showcases New Orleans restaurant excellence. Call (504) 529-WINE for more information.
June
Great French Market Tomato Festival
Cooking demonstrations, tomato tasting and musical entertainment. Call (504) 636-1020 for more information. International Arts Festival
The Big Easy's third oldest festival takes over Marconi Meadows Park for a family-oriented fusion of arts, crafts, jazz, reggae, salsa, zouk and R&B. Cajun, Caribbean and African cuisine. Call (888) 767-1317 or (504) 367-1313 for more information.
Mayor's Arts Awards
The Arts Council of New Orleans underscores the city's unsinkable spirit with honors to recipients during a festive luncheon gala and patron party. Call (504) 523-1465 for more information.
July
Go Fourth on the River
Featuring food, music, attractions and a spectacular fireworks display over the Mississippi River. Call (504) 636-1020 for more information.
Red River Western Festival
At the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Shreveport, the Red River Western Festival (part of Ark-La-Tex) celebrates heritage of the Old West with chuckwagons, music jamborees, costume competition and barn dancing. Call (318) 798-3014 for more information.
August
Satchmo Summerfest
Music and food combine within the French Quarter to honor native son Louis Armstrong. Call (504) 636-1020 for more information.
Tales of the Cocktail
Southern Comfort's Tales of the Coctail in the French Quarter provides a three-day opportunity to celebrate the history and culture of New Orleans dining and drinking. Call (504) 636-1020 for more information.
White Linen Night
This open-air event features gallery exhibit openings throughout the city's Warehouse Arts District. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
September
Southern Decadence
Labor Day weekend brings on New Orleans Southern Decadence like no other, with celebrants converging on the French Quarter to party at what's often called the Gay Mardi Gras. Call (504) 636-1020 for more information.
October
Art for Arts' Sake
Galleries throughout the city open the season with evening activity culminating in music, food and dancing at the Contemporary Arts Center. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
Gretna Heritage Festival
The Gretna Heritage Festival promotes organizations in the City Of Gretna, celebrating from the Mississippi's west bank with music, food and crafts. Call (504) 361-7748 for more information.
Bridge City Gumbo Festival
Gallon upon gallon of Louisiana's favorite chicken / sausage stew mixes with entertainment, food and a 5K run over the Mississippi River Bridge. Call (504) 436-4881 for more information.
Halloween in New Orleans
In a city ripe with voodoo legend, Halloween gets special treatment with haunted house tours, costume parties and a Moonlight Witches Run. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
Oktoberfest
German food, drinks and polka are in plentiful supply at Deutsches Haus on South Galvez. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
November
Bayou Classic
Bayou Classic action marks the traditional end of the football season with a game between Southern University and Grambling University at the Louisiana Superdome. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
Swamp Festival
Early in November, Louisiana's bayou country comes to Audubon Zoo with Cajun food, music and crafts. Call (504) 212-5417 for more information.
Bucktown Seafood Festival
Authentic Bucktown seafood is accompanied by live entertainment, cultural crafts, festival posters, games, raffles and more. Call (504) 833-8224 for more information.
December
Christmas New Orleans Style
City-wide events include candlelight caroling in Jackson Square, tours of historic homes decorated in 19th century holiday style, cooking demonstrations, and more. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
New Year's Eve
Jackson Square, in the heart of the French Quarter, features fireworks and a lighted ball dropping from atop Jackson Brewery to welcome the new year. Call (800) 672-6124 for more information.
Words & Music Literary Festival
Aspiring authors gather in the French Quarter for a literary conference and workshop. Call (504) 636-1020 for more information.
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