Top 10 Must-Do Activities in New Orleans this March
March in New Orleans means perfect weather, lots of crawfish and the return of the sno-ball. With an extra hour of daylight and spring on the horizon, it’s an ideal time to get outdoors and enjoy our parks and waterways. March is also Women’s History Month, and we’ve got your guide to woman-owned businesses in celebration of that. Make sure to mask up, remain socially distant from others and stay aware of the city’s phased reopening plan as you enjoy New Orleans this March.
Eat lots of crawfish
Crawfish season officially begins in March, and New Orleans is full of seafood shops and restaurants that’ll satisfy all your cravings. Grab ‘em boiled, sauteed, baked or fried, or get them raw for a crawfish boil of your own. Don’t forget the corn, potatoes and seasoning, plus an ice-cold beer to wash it all down.
Support a local fish fry
The day after Mardi Gras rings in the Lenten season, where many Catholics fast from meat on Fridays until Easter. Schools, churches and restaurants participate by hosting local fish frys, many of which serve as a fundraiser for various groups. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to pick up a fish plate (complete with hush puppies, mac’n’cheese and sweets) this spring in NOLA.
Get outdoors for the first day of spring
March 20 is the first day of spring, though the weather is pleasant in New Orleans all month long. Picture yourself in a kayak on Bayou St. John, rollerblading through City Park or even on horseback in Audubon. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors this spring in New Orleans.
Celebrate Women’s History Month
Throughout the month of March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the contributions and achievements of women throughout U.S. history. One of the best ways to celebrate is to visit a woman-owned business, which range from bakeries and boutiques to tour companies and restaurants. Enjoy virtual programming as well, including an online exhibit on New Orleans Women and the right to vote from The Historic New Orleans Collection here.
See a St. Joseph’s Day altar
Every March 19, New Orleans Catholics celebrate St. Joseph’s Day by constructing elaborate altars to honor the relief St. Joseph provided during a famine in Sicily. The altars pop up at a handful of restaurants and churches and are filled with cookies, cakes, breads and lucky fava beans. Make a reservation to see the altar at Irene’s and check back to see what other restaurants are participating. Beauregard-Keyes House also has a St. Joseph’s Day altar available for viewing from March 17-19.
Participate in the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
Returning for its 35th year, the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival will take place from March 24-28, 2021 as a virtual event. Readers, writers, theater lovers and fans of the festival’s namesake will enjoy a series of panel discussions, readings, interviews and online social events. The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival, created specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, will be held virtually in a similar format from March 11-14.
Tune into Snug Harbor’s Jazz Revival Series
Streaming every Sunday on StageIt.com starting February 14, catch a performance from a New Orleans jazz legend from the comfort of your own home. The lineup for March includes Charmaine Neville Band, Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band, Larry Sieberth Ensemble and Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet. Tickets are $15.
Visit the zoo, a museum or attraction
Spring in New Orleans is the perfect time to visit the animals at the zoo, take a walking tour through Tremé, or check out the latest exhibit at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Mask up and reserve your tickets online in advance to visit an attraction this spring. There’s so much to be explored in NOLA – browse the attractions here.
Enjoy a three-part virtual cooking class
Join Chef Alon Shaya for one or all of his March cooking classes. Learn how to make jambalaya, gumbo, and biscuits and jam in the comfort of your own home. A special package will be provided for each class, including a recipe card, prep videos to prepare for class with instruction and a shopping list. Classes are $50 each or $125 for all three.
Kick off sno-ball season
Crawfish season isn’t the only thing we’re celebrating this month. Many sno-ball stands open their doors for the season beginning in March, meaning that your favorite sweet, icy treat is back and here to stay. Indulge in one covered in condensed milk at Hansen’s or flanked with gummy bears at Plum Street Snowballs. Browse the many options here and be on your way to a snowball stand already. You can even peep our favorite DIY boozy combinations here if you’re looking to upgrade to an adult concoction.
