February/March
Lundi Gras
504-827-1661
Lundi Gras, or "Fat Monday," is the day before Mardi Gras. The free, outdoor celebration takes place at the Spanish Plaza and serves as a low-key warm up party for the big Mardi Gras celebration the next day. The event is more family friendly than the Mardi Gras parties that follow it, and includes music, food and the Zulu king and queen arriving by boat.
Mardi Gras
985-898-2158
Mardi Gras is New Orleans? biggest party of the year and one of the best-known celebrations in the world. Mardi Gras takes place every year on Fat Tuesday (the day before Lent on the Christian calendar) and the days leading up to Fat Tuesday. Activities include daylong street parties, parades, general drunken merriment and more.
March
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
504-581-1144
The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival is a five-day event that focuses on Williams' influence in the literary community. Activities include live theater, panel discussions, walking tours, one-act play competitions, master classes and poetry readings.
April
French Quarter Festival
504-522-5730 or 800-673-5725
The French Quarter Festival is a three-day festival that features outdoor concerts, patio tours, a parade, battle of the jazz bands, bartender competition, art shows, children's activities, talent competitions and more.
April/May
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
504-558-6100
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is an annual 10-day event that attracts more than 300,000 people. Live performances by well-known and upcoming musicians are featured, as well as an annual gala held at the Sheraton of New Orleans Grand Ballroom, workshops, creative craft fairs and much more.
May
Greek Festival New Orleans
504-282-0259
The Greek Festival New Orleans is a three-day event that takes place over Memorial Day weekend at the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral's Hellenic Cultural Center. The festival features Greek Folk dancing, specialty foods, crafts, music, rock climbing, live entertainment, cathedral tours and more.
October
New Orleans Film Festival
504-309-6633
The New Orleans Film Festival features world-renowned films from local and international directors selected by the New Orleans Film and Video Society. Post-screening parties feature live local music, libations of course, and more.
November-January
Celebration in the Oaks
504-483-9415
Celebration in the Oaks takes place along a two-mile strip of New Orleans' historic City Park. The strip is lined with huge Oak trees adorned with more than two million twinkling lights and ornaments. Amusement rides, food vendors and live entertainment are also featured.