Arts & Culture: New Orleans Festivals

Held over Fourth of July weekend throughout downtown New Orleans, this multi-day party named for its founder and sponsoring magazine combines high-octane music performances with inspirational speakers and provocative conversations about gender, race, culture, and art.

Scheduled to coincide with Louis Armstrong's August 4 birthday, Satchmo Fest is a free festival that honors the legacy and heritage of Louis Armstrong. The two-day celebration features tw9o stages of music, a delicious culinary lineup, and an incredible indoor lecture series poised to educate guests on Armstrong’s history and enduring impact.

Held on the last weekend of April & the first weekend of May every year, New Orleans "JazzFest" is Louisiana's premiere festival celebrating the music and culture of Louisiana.

Held every April before Jazz Fest, this free festival celebrates the music of New Orleans on multiple stages throughout the historic French Quarter. It features food, music and activities.

Held in March in Louis Armstrong Park, this free festival celebrates New Orleans traditions that stem from the African diaspora. Notably, the festival occurs in Congo Square, the location in New Orleans where enslaved Africans and free people of color gathered on Sundays and continued their traditions of song, dance, and drumming. The festival is free to attend and highlights include lots of gumbo, African dance and drumming, live music, and an arts market.

Established in 2006, and held each October, this festival continues New Orleans’ historic role in making the blues and R&B among the most influential sounds in the world. The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival presents many of the top performers from southern Louisiana and Mississippi, plus delicious food and unique visual art.

Held in January, this five-day fête celebrates the life and legacy of Tennessee Williams in the adopted city he called his spiritual home.

A major showcase of local, regional, national and international films.

Souvlaki New Orleans style! The Greek Fest features Greek food, dance, music and merchandise. Very popular and fun for the whole family!

A month-long Christmas fantasy featuring Reveillon menus, historic characters, twinkly lights, special concerts and events.

4 days of great wine, fine cuisine and the celebrity chefs of Louisiana. A true celebration of Louisiana's culinary heritage.

Caribbean Festival held the 1st Saturday in November.

July 4th riverside extravaganza! Fireworks display is ranked 5th in the nation!!

Info on all the fun to be had in New Orleans.

Held in the gallery district on Julia Street, this is a night of music, food, drink, fun, and most importantly ART.