New Orleans Festivals & Events

Whether you're a foodie, wine enthusiast, music lover or art aficionado, you're bound to get inspired in New Orleans with its many celebrated festivals, from Mardi Gras to the King Cake Festival, Hogs for the Cause and the Essence Festival. Book a stay at our hotel today and be close to all of the action!

January

King Cake Festival

If you're a New Orleans native, then you know the King Cake is a staple in any household during Mardi Gras season. And because we love this sweet treat so much, we have to celebrate it with a festival! The King Cake Festival brings local bakeries and vendors together to honor this historic confectionery and help raise money to benefit Ochsner Hospital for Children. A sweet treat for a sweet cause.

February

Mardi Gras

New Orleans loves a good celebration, but Carnival Season is like no other festival the city celebrates. The festivities last for weeks in the city and draw in tourists from all around the world. So, come visit New Orleans and get your Carnival on!

April

Hogs for the Cause

This pork inspired event has become one of New Orleans most popular local charities bringing over 80 teams completing fiercely for the rights as top hog! Hogs for the Cause is an annual fundraiser that raises money for families with children fighting pediatric brain cancer. With live music, and great barbeque, you are sure to have a ham of a good time supporting a good cause.

French Quarter Festival

Looking for a festival that incorporates all of what New Orleans is about? Well, look no further! The French Quarter Festival has it all. With over 23 stages, 1,700 local musicians, 60 local restaurants and over 760,000 visitors, it is easy to see that this isn't just some little festival. It might just make you feel like a local.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Know to the locals as simply, Jazz Fest, this popular festival spans over two weekends in New Orleans. The celebration of not only jazz, but gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk, and much more. Featuring 12 stages of soul-filling music, regional cuisine and hand-made arts and crafts there is bound to be something to get you jazzed up!
 

May

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

Featuring food and drink from hundreds of restaurants and wineries, NOWFE has been the city's preeminent culinary celebration for more than two decades. Get to know famous chefs and winemakers while sipping, sampling and soaking up New Orleans' one-of-a-kind culture. All proceeds benefit local culinary initiatives, from food banks to cooking schools.

June

New Orleans Oyster Festival

Is there anything more refreshing than an ice-cold oyster on a hot summer day? Slurp away at this action-packed food fest, which features fresh seafood from more than 20 local eateries. Live music, an oyster-shucking competition and an oyster-eating contest are also part of the lineup.

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival

Treat your ears to the sweet sounds of authentic Cajun and zydeco music at this upbeat cultural celebration, highlighting nationally known and up-and-coming artists. A sprawling arts market and dozens of food vendors add even more excitement to the two-day event, which takes place at Louis Armstrong Park in the Tremé neighborhood.

Essence Festival

Paying tribute to African-American culture and music, Essence Festival is one of New Orleans' biggest and boldest public events. From world-class R&B, rap and pop artists to empowering public speakers, the talent showcased at this festival is absolutely astounding. Past performers and speakers include Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Leon Bridges, Tyra Banks and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
 

July

New Orleans Film Festival

Be the first to see next year's Oscar winners at the New Orleans Film Festival, a cinematic tradition for nearly 30 years. Highlighting the works of storytellers from near and far, the festival screens hundreds of films and welcomes more than 20,000 attendees each year.

Running of the Bulls

Inspired by the fiestas of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain, the Running of the Bulls celebrates food, fun, friendly competition - and just a little bit of danger as our "bulls" are the Big Easy Rollergirls. It's free to participate, but remember to register in advance and abide by the dress code (white shirt, white shorts or pants, and a piece of red cloth around your waist or neck).

Tales of the Cocktail

Learn about new products and techniques in the spirits industry at Tales of the Cocktail, one of the city's most refreshing annual events. Sample libations, participate in bartending competitions and chow down on delectable dishes designed to complement your concoction of choice.

FestiGals

Take your New Orleans girls' getaway to the next level at FestiGals, featuring food, drink, fashion and an array of workshops led by acclaimed speakers. The festival is organized by women, for women, and proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations such as the American Heart Association and Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans.