5 Must-Visit New Orleans Festivals Beyond Mardi Gras: A Local's Guide
1. Jazz Fest: Held the last weekend of April and first weekend of May at the Fair Grounds Race Course, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival showcases Louisiana's food, art, music, and culture. Must-try eats include cheesy crawfish bread, Crawfish Monica pasta, and the Cochon de Lait po'boy. With 12 stages featuring jazz, gospel, zydeco, blues, funk, rock, folk, and more, past performers include Professor Longhair, the Neville Brothers, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jimmy Buffett, Simon & Garfunkel, Elton John, and The Who.
Photo from Flickr by kowarksi
2. Po’boy Fest: This free, public event on Oak Street in Uptown New Orleans, typically in November, honors the city's famous "poor boy" sandwich. Enjoy classics like fried shrimp, oyster, or roast beef po'boys, or creative options such as fried lobster or seafood au gratin. Order yours "dressed" with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and mayo.
Photo from Flickr by GW Fins
3. Voodoo Fest: (Note: Discontinued after 2019) Once a Halloween staple at City Park, this event evolved from niche metal shows into a major music festival post-Hurricane Katrina. Its motto, "worship the music," drew stars like Florence + the Machine, Ozzy Osbourne, Deadmau5, and locals Dumpstaphunk and Soul Rebels Brass Band. A rite of passage for many locals upon turning 18.
2014 festival, image courtesy of event organizers
4. French Quarter Fest: My personal favorite as a native, this spring event celebrates the Vieux Carré with 23 stages of live music echoing New Orleans' soulful sounds. Top restaurants offer signature dishes from booths, perfect for strolling the cobblestone streets. Relaxed open-container laws mean you can sip iced Abita beers while exploring before summer humidity hits.
2014 festival, image courtesy of event organizers
5. Red Dress Run: Beyond cultural celebrations, some events support good causes. This annual August fundraiser features a casual jog through the French Quarter in red dresses—yes, men too!—raising over $1 million for 100+ local charities. Post-run parties embody the city's legendary revelry, often with drinks in hand.
Photo from Flickr by Kimberly
New Orleans thrives on lagniappe—that extra touch making life special. Discover more like Oyster Festival, Creole Tomato Festival, Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, Essence Fest, White Linen Night, and Southern Decadence. Lead image by Siouxsnapp / Shutterstock.com
