The Best Spring Festivals in New Orleans: A Complete Guide

Photo Credit: nojazzfest.com

Key Takeaways

• Spring in New Orleans features major festivals from March through May across multiple neighborhoods.
• New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festival draw large crowds and require early booking.
• Transportation planning, weather preparation, and advance reservations improve the spring festival experience.

Didn’t have a chance to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Don’t worry — the party in NOLA continues all through the spring! 

The weather is perfect, the city is still riding high from Mardi Gras, and the fun is just beginning. Spring in New Orleans is festival season — a time when music, food, culture, and NOLA energy overtake the city, and you can find an event to add to your calendar no matter your style. 

To make it easier to plan your getaway around the events that speak to you, we’ve put together this guide of the top spring festivals in New Orleans. Let’s find the one that’s perfect for your next trip to the Big Easy!

March Festivals in New Orleans

Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival

The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival is five action-packed days celebrating the brilliance of Tennessee Williams and the city’s love of books. Top authors, playwrights, actors, and speakers assemble for a series of literary panels, theatrical performances, movie screenings, book signings, cocktail parties, conferences, walking tours, and more. Don’t miss the well-loved “Stella!” shouting contest in Jackson Square, where contestants reenact the iconic scene from A Streetcar Named Desire. 

Also hosted by the Tennessee Williams Festival and held the same weekend, the Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival is three days of panel discussions and master classes dedicated to bringing together LGBTQ+ publishers, writers, and readers from across the country and beyond.

New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University

Another favorite festival for book lovers is The New Orleans Book Festival, hosted at Tulane University. Free and open to the public, this four-day event showcases over 200 national, regional, and local authors, artists, and storytellers. If you’re visiting with kids, Family Day at the New Orleans Book Festival is a free, family-centered event with a lively schedule of author readings, book-related activities, and a free book distribution.

Super Sunday

Missed Mardi Gras? Super Sunday is a great chance to experience the Mardi Gras Indians in their feathers, beads, and suits. On the third Sunday in March, they once again don their colorful attire and parade through the streets, delighting visitors lucky enough to see them.

St. Patrick’s Day

We love our parades in New Orleans, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is another one you won’t want to miss. In the Irish Channel neighborhood (near the Garden District), the entire St. Patrick’s Day weekend is filled with fun. The parade itself rolls down Magazine Street and St. Charles Ave on the weekend before St. Patty’s Day. Yell “throw me something, mister!” and you just might catch a throw — but look out for potatoes, onions, cabbage, and carrots (the makings of Irish Stew), because they throw those too! Aside from the parade, there’s a block party, pub crawls, and — yes — more parades! 

Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival 

A week filled with citywide live music performances, educational panels, and even a golf tournament, this annual festival celebrates the life and legacy of New Orleans’ own NEA Jazz Master Danny Barker, a renowned musician, educator, and author. It’s a wonderful showcase of the musical heritage of New Orleans. 

Wednesday at the Square Weekly Concert Series 

If you’ll be in New Orleans on a Wednesday night in the spring, grab a chair or blanket, put together a picnic, and enjoy some live music in Lafayette Park. From March through May, enjoy a free weekly concert series with a mix of jazz, rock, brass, swamp-pop, Latin rhythms, and more. It’s great for families, and dogs are welcome too!

NOLA Food Fight 

If you’re a foodie, this one’s for you! Hosted at the carousel at Lafreniere Park, this food competition for a cause features over 40 restaurants and 30 spirits competing to create the best New Orleans dishes and cocktails. The event benefits the PLEASE Foundation, a Louisiana non-profit providing at-risk teens with mentorship, leadership training, and scholarships to attend local college-preparatory high schools.

Brews, Boils & Bubbles Festival 

Nothing’s more NOLA than boiled seafood! Head over to the New Orleans Lakefront to enjoy hot, spicy, flavorful boils paired with local craft beer and champagne at this outdoor festival. There will also be all-day entertainment, including music, games, photo ops, and more. 

Congo Square Rhythms Festival 

Hosted in the oldest neighborhood of free African Americans in the country, the Congo Square Rhythms Festival is a celebration of traditional song, dance, and drumming. The free event features live music, African dance and drumming, an arts market, and lots of gumbo. 

April Festivals in New Orleans

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Also known as Jazz Fest, this famous two-weekend festival is a can’t-miss for music lovers. Held on the New Orleans Fair Grounds in Mid-City, Jazz Fest brings together all kinds of incredible musical acts and some of the city’s best cuisine. The big names that perform at Jazz Fest draw huge crowds, so reserve tickets and accommodations early. Just to give you an idea, past headliners include Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lil Wayne & The Roots, and Lenny Kravitz. 

French Quarter Festival

A New Orleans favorite, the French Quarter Festival celebrates the essence of NOLA with four days of music and food in the French Quarter. There are over twenty stages featuring local musicians playing every genre of music from traditional jazz to brass bands. While you enjoy the live music, sample cuisine from over 60 Louisiana restaurants — there are tons of food and drink vendors right in the heart of the FQ. Best of all, admission is free!

Hogs for the Cause

Over 90 world-class BBQ teams and an incredible lineup of more than 20 musical acts unite for two days of fun by the New Orleans Lakefront. There’s a cook-off contest where judges taste-test to determine categories like best ribs and best sauce, plus tons of delicious BBQ for you to enjoy while rocking out to live music. Even better? Your ticket helps to raise money to find a cure for pediatric brain cancer. 

Overlook Film Festival 

This one is for the horror fans! Go beyond ghost tours with a four-day festival celebrating all things horror. Really, is there any better place to do that than the most haunted city in America? The Overlook Festival features full-length and short films, interactive and immersive experiences, live shows, radio plays, podcasts, and panels – all focused on horror. 

NOLA Crawfish Festival 

Sandwiched between Jazz Fest weekends, the annual NOLA Crawfish Festival is perfect for foodies looking for something to do between Jazz Fest events. Yes, it’s centered around crawfish, but in addition to thousands of pounds of boiled crawfish, you’ll also find award-winning BBQ and a full musical lineup. 

Zurich Golf Classic

Golf lovers, you’ll love this weeklong PGA Tour event at TPC Louisiana, a golf tournament, charity event, and festival all in one. Purchase a general admission ticket to watch, or upgrade your ticket to get the Best of the Zurich Classic, including access to VIP hospitality suites, signature dishes from local restaurants, and an open bar. 

Jammin’ on Julia

If you love a gallery stroll and live music, don’t miss Jammin’ on Julia. Presented by Art District New Orleans, Jammin’ on Julia is a spring art walk and music festival along Julia, Camp, and Magazine Streets, where you can stroll through local art galleries and listen to live musical performances. This free event is a great way to experience the Big Easy’s art scene. 

May Festivals in New Orleans

Bayou Boogaloo

Beat the heat with this family-friendly, three-day festival you can enjoy from the water! Multiple stages host a variety of musical acts, local food vendors serve up classics like crawfish beignets, jambalaya, po’boys, and alligator sausage, and the arts market and Kids Cultural Pavilion hold something for everyone. But the distinctive feature of the festival is that you can bring inflatables, kayaks, or canoes to float on the bayou during the festival, especially nice in the heat of May.

Greek Festival

Held every Memorial Day weekend along Bayou St. John, the New Orleans Greek Festival features live music, traditional Hellenic dancers, Cathedral tours, a walk/run, and lots of delicious Greek cuisine. From lamb and orzo to Greek salad, from savory gyros to sweet baklava, there is so much deliciousness to sample!

Asian Heritage Festival

This free, family-friendly festival, hosted at the Carousel at Lafreniere Park, celebrates Asian culture with fashion, martial arts, dance, music, cultural performances, and delicious cuisine. Bring picnic blankets or chairs to enjoy this fun-filled outdoor festival.

Cinco de Mayo Fest

Held at Lafreniere Park, this celebration of Mexican culture features local musicians, food trucks, and top-shelf tequila. Beyond the festival, there are always fun events and restaurant specials throughout the city to celebrate. 

Zoo-to-Do

Enjoy an evening of music, dinner, and dancing under the oaks at Audubon Zoo! With live musical performances, signature cocktails, and dishes from top local restaurants served throughout the zoo, and options to upgrade your experience, it’s sure to be a magical night. The best part is that your ticket supports Audubon Zoo’s conservation efforts. 

Keith Lee’s Familee Day

Held at the UNO Lakefront Festival Grounds, Keith Lee’s Familee Day is a high-energy celebration of culture, connection, and community. You can expect a curated food village, live musical performances, carnival rides, and a competitive family obstacle course, among other things. This is a fun one for the family!

Tips for Attending Spring Festivals in New Orleans

Spring festivals in New Orleans are a fun way to experience the city, but it’s helpful to prepare in advance if you know you’ll be attending one. Here are a few tips to help plan your experience. 

• Book early — festivals like Jazz Fest and the French Quarter Festival are extremely popular. Reserve tickets and book accommodations early.

• Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated — Spring in New Orleans can be hot and humid, and many festivals are outside. If you’re prepared for the weather, you’ll be a lot more comfortable.

• Prepare for rain — Some festivals, like Jazz Fest, are rain or shine (or can be quite muddy after a rainstorm). Check the forecast so you can pack rain gear and appropriate footwear as needed. 

• Use rideshares or the streetcar — Driving and parking in New Orleans can be tricky, especially during festivals when there are road closures and parking limitations. Your best bet is to use public transportation like the streetcar or rideshares. 

Plan Your Spring Festival Getaway

If you’re planning to visit New Orleans in the spring, consider spending time at one of the fun festivals and events sprinkled throughout the season. For the more popular festivals, be sure to book your vacation rental in advance to enjoy the best selection. 

Find the perfect home base for your spring festival visit to New Orleans and start planning today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about planning your trip to NOLA’s iconic spring festival season.

What is the best month to visit New Orleans for festivals?

April is widely considered the peak month for festivals in New Orleans due to mild temperatures and the occurrence of both the French Quarter Festival and the start of Jazz Fest. Visiting during this window allows travelers to experience world-class music and local cuisine before the intense summer humidity and heat settle over the city in late May.

Is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kid-friendly?

Yes, Jazz Fest is a family-oriented event that offers a dedicated Kids Tent featuring youth-centric performances and cultural activities. While the fairgrounds can be crowded, the festival’s open-air layout and variety of food options make it accessible for families, provided you bring sun protection and arrive early to secure a base camp spot.

How far in advance should I book a hotel for spring festivals in NOLA?

You should aim to book your accommodations at least four to six months in advance, especially if your trip coincides with Jazz Fest or French Quarter Festival. These major events draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, causing local hotels and vacation rentals to reach capacity and peak pricing significantly faster than during other times of the year.

What should I wear to an outdoor festival in New Orleans?

The most effective attire is lightweight, breathable layers paired with comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. New Orleans spring weather can fluctuate between cool breezes and humid heat, so packing a poncho for sudden rain showers and applying high-SPF sunscreen is essential for staying comfortable during long days at the fairgrounds.

What is the “Stella!” shouting contest?

The “Stella!” shouting contest is a unique event held during the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival where contestants compete to mimic Marlon Brando’s iconic yell. Located in Jackson Square, this quirky tradition celebrates the city’s deep ties to “A Streetcar Named Desire” and serves as a highlight for both literary fans and local spectators.

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