Experience New Orleans Mardi Gras Like a Local
If you’re a true Mardi Gras fan like us, you started counting down the days until Carnival as the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve. While Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, known as Carnival season, make Mardi Gras one of the best times to experience the Big Easy.
Packed with parties, parades, king cakes galore, and fun for the entire family, Carnival season lasts more than a month and ramps up on the Thursday before Mardi Gras. If you want to be in the midst of all the action, Mardi Gras weekend is the best time to stay. So, start planning your trip now to make sure you don’t miss a thing this Mardi Gras season.
Book a New Orleans Mardi Gras Hotel
When it comes to experiencing New Orleans Mardi Gras like a local, it’s all about location. Since the majority of the action is just steps from the parade routes, the ideal New Orleans hotels are located in the French Quarter and downtown.
If you’re looking for historic French Quarter hotels that capture the timeless beauty of New Orleans and are located in the heart of Mardi Gras activities, Place d’Armes Hotel, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, The Brakeman Hotel, and French Market Inn are perfect places to stay. But you’ve got to plan ahead because the best Mardi Gras hotels book up quickly. So, make your New Orleans room reservations today to secure your spot!
Create a Mardi Gras Parade Plan
With more than 80 parades on the 2026 Mardi Gras parade schedule, you’ll want to plan ahead. There are many different types of parades, so find out about each krewe and its theme before you make your list.
Must-See New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades
- Druids and Alla on Wednesday, February 11, 2026
- Babylon, Chaos, and Muses on Thursday, February 12, 2026
- Hermes, d’Etat, and Morpheus on Friday, February 13, 2026
- Iris, Tucks, and Endymion on Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Okeanos, Mid-City, Thoth, and Bacchus on Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Proteus and Orpheus on Monday, February 16, 2026
- Zulu and Rex on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
There are Mardi Gras parades that start as early as the Twelfth Night (January 6, the annual start of the Carnival season), and things pick up towards the end of January. So, you won’t have any trouble finding excitement at various locations across New Orleans during Carnival time.
French Quarter Mardi Gras Parades
- Chewbacchus on Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Krewe du Vieux on Saturday, January 31, 2026 (Note: This parade is very risque and may not be suitable for children.)
- Mystic Krewe of Barkus on Sunday, February 8, 2026 (dogs!)
How to Experience Mardi Gras
Photo by David Fary on Flickr
Most people will likely be standing to see the parades, but there is an option for reserved seating. Companies offer grandstand seating on the parade route, some with amenities such as easy access to restrooms, nearby parking, food packages, and more. If you’ve never experienced Mardi Gras before, this could be a great option for you.
Many Mardi Gras goers with children and people who don’t want to or can’t stand for extended periods of time enjoy the comfort and convenience of Mardi Gras grandstand seating. You will have an excellent view of all of the Mardi Gras parades without having to lug around ladders and chairs. All you have to do is bring a “bead bag” for all of your beads and catches.
Grandstand seating is limited, so we recommend booking as soon as you’ve made your travel plans. On NewOrleansParadeTickets.com, choose between their Place St. Charles grandstand (located directly on St. Charles Avenue near Canal Street) and their Lafayette Hotel grandstand (located on the opposite side of St. Charles Avenue between Lee Circle and Poydras Street, adjacent to Lafayette Square). Either location will be great, and if you will be enjoying multiple parades, you might try switching up your location to experience different views.
More Activities to Enjoy During Mardi Gras Season
Mardi Gras parades and parties are undoubtedly the main event, but remember to check out other fascinating attractions while you’re in the French Quarter this February. Take a break from catching beads and take the family to see the sights around historic Jackson Square, such as the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral.
If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s culture, stop by the Basin St. Station and learn more about the different walking tours you can take, including the St. Louis Cemetery #1 Tour — one of the most popular New Orleans cemetery tours. Then, head over to Bourbon Street to visit some of the top New Orleans live music venues.
Tour the city in an open-top, double-decker bus when you hop on a City Sightseeing Tour Bus. With 18 stops along the route and a new bus arriving every 30 minutes, this is the best way to explore New Orleans. Tickets start at $51.
What to Eat and Drink During Mardi Gras
Photo by Patrick on Flickr
Beignets and Brunch
Of course, you’ll want to indulge in the world-famous beignets at Cafe Du Monde (various locations) and enjoy the one-of-a-kind Louisiana cuisine at renowned French Quarter restaurants. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or brunch, late-night cravings, and basically any time of the day.
Coffee and Cocktails
If you need coffee to start your day, delight your senses with a searing hot macchiato or Americano from PJ’s Coffee (501 Decatur Street).
With a selection that features several types of whiskey, cognac, tequila, mezcal, rum, gin, and more, even the most discriminating drinker is bound to find something they will love at The Bombay Club (830 Conti Street).
Po-Boys
Killer PoBoys (219 Dauphine Street and in the back of the Erin Rose Bar, 811 Conti Street) pushes the envelope with some of its unique po-boys, and if you love shrimp and breaking from the traditional, you have to try their seared Gulf shrimp po-boy that features Sriracha aioli, herbs, daikon radish, pickled carrots, and cucumbers (the menu changes).
For more ideas on where to find the best po-boys in the Quarter, read New Orleans’ Po-Boy Is a Rich Food Tradition.
King Cake
Widely considered the official dessert of Mardi Gras, this is an absolute must-try if you’re in town for Carnival.
Choose from several different types of king cakes at the Bywater Bakery (3624 Dauphine Street). The flavors may change, but in the past years, there were pecan praline, cream cheese, strawberry, custard, and cinnamon apple.
If you ask New Orleans natives and long-time transplants, a large percentage of them will count Manny Randazzo King Cakes (3515 N. Hullen Street) at the top of their list, and you would have to trek to Metairie to get your hands on these cakes (and they might sell out).
More Mardi Gras
- Mardi Gras in the French Quarter
- Here are all the can’t-miss events happening on Mardi Gras weekend
- The Rules of Mardi Gras — guidelines and official laws
- How to Dress for Mardi Gras
- Traveling with kids for Mardi Gras? Read our guide to exploring the French Quarter with kids
Are you planning to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras? We’ve got a fabulous lineup of events that celebrate the Crescent City’s unique culture. Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel that will put you right in the center of all of the action and within walking distance of many of New Orleans’ bars, restaurants and entertainment spots.
Happy Mardi Gras!
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How to Spend Valentine’s Day in the French Quarter
This city’s sensual charms are undisputed, as New Orleans had been consistently rated as one of the most romantic cities in the world. Romance doesn’t necessarily need a special occasion, but if you happen to be here on Valentine’s Day there are few better places to be.
The French Quarter in particular has much to offer in terms of the romantic itinerary — from the scenic Mississippi River waterfront to strolling through the centuries-old district to enjoying dinner at some of the best restaurants in the country. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do in the French Quarter for Valentine’s Day.
Take a carriage ride
Time travel in comfort and see the French Quarter from a mule-drawn carriage, as one would have done a couple of centuries ago. You can book online or grab a first-come-first-serve French Quarter Mule Tour offered by Royal Carriages on Decatur right outside the Jackson Square gate, from 8 a.m. through midnight daily. One of the most popular tours covers the Quarter and St. Louis Cemetery #1. Private tours and wedding packages are also available.
Stroll the Riverfront and the French Market
You can access the mile-long Riverfront easily from the Jackson Square area. There you will find Woldenberg Park and a walkway called the Moonwalk, named after the former New Orleans mayor Maurice “Moon” Landrieu. The park is a popular spot to watch the people and the boats go by. There’s plenty of grass and benches, public art dots the space liberally, and you can enjoy street performances along the Moonwalk.
While you are at the Riverfront, you can’t miss the French Market across the street. The best way to experience it is to walk through its open-air mall, starting with the food stands and ending at Esplanade Avenue. As the oldest continually operating public market in the country since 1791, the French Market has the structure of a traditional European market. It covers roughly five blocks, from Cafe Du Monde on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square to the daily flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue.
Shop the stalls with handmade art and jewelry, t-shirts, music, and more. Sample local food and cocktails from the food stands or the nearby restaurants sprawling in every direction, or pick up pralines and a beignet mix to take home from any of the surrounding retail shops.
Take a river cruise
If you want to get off dry land, Creole Queen’s Valentine’s Day cruise offers a romantic outing on the river. The paddlewheeler’s evening cruise boards at 6 p.m. and includes an open bar, complimentary champagne, live music, and an upscale Cajun buffet. Reservations are required, and you should dress to impress.
Walk down Royal Street
The 13 blocks of Royal Street from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street in the French Quarter present a very different scene from Bourbon Street, which runs parallel only a block away.
The stretch between St. Louis and St. Ann streets is a pedestrian mall closed to traffic during the day daily. There you’ll find eclectic art galleries, funky boutiques, upscale antique shops, live music on many a corner, and lots of street performance art.
The scenic Royal Street is not only considered one of the best destinations in the country for antique shopping, but it’s also a sight to behold for its wrought-iron balconies and other charming architectural details.
Take in Jackson Square
Don’t miss this timeless landmark located in the very heart of the French Quarter. Known since the 18th century as Place d’Armes, it was renamed in honor of Andrew Jackson following the 1815 Battle of New Orleans.
Jackson’s bronze statue is the focal point of the square, surrounded by the lavish flora and facing the Mississippi River. Jackson Square is also a host to the open-air artist market and performance space, with local art displayed along the fence. You can get your sketch done, dance to a brass band, or have your fortune told.
Overlooking Jackson Square and the block-long row of the Pontalba Buildings, St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world, and the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Come inside to take in the Cathedral’s stunning interior. If you’re lucky, you may get to hear its bell or witness an occasional wedding party spilling out, followed by a second line.
Have dinner at a romantic restaurant
Few cities in the world have as many romantic restaurants as New Orleans, and you can have your pick of many stunners located in the French Quarter. Impress your date with a world-class meal in a historic setting at the trifecta of upscale Creole dining — Broussard’s, Arnaud’s or Antoine’s.
The back patio of the lovely Bayona, which is located inside a two-century-old Creole cottage on a quiet block of Dauphine Street, is as enchanting a setting as it gets. So is the candlelit Sylvain on Chartres Street, where the cocktails are top-notch and there’s a charming patio.
If you want something traditional yet sophisticated, we recommend Muriel’s Jackson Square for some excellent Creole cuisine and an unbeatable location (as the name suggests, it’s right on a corner of Jackson Square). Finally, the one and only Galatoire’s needs no explanation or additional incentive to visit.
Get a sweet treat
Don’t miss Croissant D’Or, tucked away between Royal and Chartres on Ursulines. Steeped in old-world charm, this Parisian-style patisserie has some of the best baked goods in the city. The sweet and savory croissants, and everything else you’ll find displayed in the gleaming glass case — the tarts and the tortes and the quiches — is delicious and served fresh daily from the bakery.
Finally, we can’t think of a more romantic sweet treat when in New Orleans than sharing Brennan’s “World Famous Bananas Foster.” This decadent dessert is made with bananas, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, rum, and vanilla bean ice cream. It’s traditionally flambéed tableside, and you can enjoy it with some bubbly in the restaurant’s lush courtyard.
Book Now
To enjoy Valentine’s Day in the Crescent City to the fullest, make sure to find the right hotel. Book a room at the French Market Inn, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, or Place d’Armes Hotel to have the best of this historical and romantic city at your fingertips.
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New Year’s Eve in New Orleans: What to Do and Where to Stay
From fireworks to balcony bashes, here’s how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans!
It should come as no surprise that New Orleans does New Year’s Eve quite well. Both the city and the holiday are closely tied to the celebration, public revelry, and good fellowship. But many visitors may not expect how possible it is to have an intimate, (relatively) quiet New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. Of course, there are big celebrations within the French Quarter, but even in that storied neighborhood, a night out on December 31 can be both as raucous and as chill as you please.
Note that in New Orleans, the evening of the 31st is not a guaranteed chiller. While there have been New Year’s Eves in New Orleans characterized by heavy coats and cold winds off the Mississippi, there is a chance the weather will be temperate, and even a little muggy. The point is: Bring cold-weather clothes, but don’t be surprised if you won’t need them.
Here are some of our top picks for what to do on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.
Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve
Every year, Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve production hosts its official Central Time Zone party in New Orleans near the historic JAX Brewery starting at 9 p.m. The show will be coordinated with parties in New York and Los Angeles, and will feature a musical lineup and special guests. The fleur-de-lis drop-off at JAX Brewery will be live-cast.
Photo: St. Louis Cathedral by Prayitno
Jackson Square
This is the big, obvious New Year’s activity in New Orleans — our version of the Times Square ball drop (although the actual ball drop is a fleur-de-lis drop, and that event has a party all of its own, see above). Jackson Square is a historic and iconic meeting space of the city of New Orleans, and is always a linchpin for local events.
Every year, admission to the square is free, although you’ll want to show up early in the evening if you don’t want to be crowded to the edge of the square (depending on your crowd tolerance, the latter scenario may not be such a bad thing). Within Jackson Square, there will be live music and general milling about. The end-of-the-year countdown culminates in the fleur-de-lis drop, followed by the fireworks over the Mississippi River.
The kiddos can have their New Year’s Eve fun at the Louisiana Children’s Museum
For the Kids
If you’re traveling with young children and have made the reasonable conclusion that popping bottles of Moët at midnight and a child’s sleep cycle don’t mix well — but also don’t want your kids to completely miss New Year’s Eve fun — consider some of the family-friendly annual events in the Crescent City.
From the Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee to the fireworks over the Mississippi River, there’s a slew of family-friendly activities this holiday season. One standout is the annual New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown to Noon at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, which lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. That party typically includes noisemakers, paper bag hats, and music, all set against the backdrop of the Louisiana Children’s Museum’s considerable range of kid-friendly displays and exhibits, appropriate for children aged from 1-12.
French Quarter Balcony photo by Lee Curran
Balcony Bashes
If you’re looking for a more traditional night of French Quarter-style partying, be on the lookout for balcony bashes at area bars — located all up and down the (in)famous Bourbon Street nightlife strip. Quite a few bars host popular annual parties with premium views.
A balcony bash is pretty much that — you’ll pay a cover and be allowed to plant yourself on a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the street below. Some bashes feature all-inclusive tickets that get you extras like an open bar and food. Either way, much bead tossing subsequently ensues.
With that said, a different take on the balcony bash is a French Quarter New Year’s Eve house party. Seeing as such houses usually have balconies that afford at least a decent view of the river, this is a good chance to see the fireworks while avoiding crowds. Of course, getting yourself into a house party is all based on your charm and who you know.
Enjoy a parade during the Allstate Sugar Bowl festivities
Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade
Need something to do during the day? Since 1935, the Sugar Bowl has been played in New Orleans, and while that event has since become the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the New Year’s Eve Parade associated with the game continues in more or less the same vein. The extravaganza is done Mardi Gras-style, so expect big floats, marching bands, plenty of throws (trinkets tossed to spectators), and a general overload of glitz and pageantry.
The parade begins at the “bottom” of the Quarter, where it meets Faubourg Marigny, at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street, at 3 p.m. The parade proceeds into the French Quarter and rolls past some of that neighborhood’s most iconic landmarks, including the French Market and Jackson Square.
Eventually, the parade passes the WDSU stage at the Allstate Fan Fest on Decatur Street inside the JAX Brewery parking lot, where all performers will do a two-minute show. The parade ends at Canal Street.
For music enthusiasts, Hall Lang Syne is sure to please
Riverboat Cruises
Want the best view of the fireworks? Paddlewheeler Creole Queen offers an opportunity to ring in the new year with a New Year’s Eve river cruise that includes champagne toasts, live music, a dinner buffet, and party favors.
Celebrate NYE at some of the oldest bars in the country
LGBTQ+ Parties
The French Quarter includes some of the oldest dedicated gay bars in the country, and a slew of venues in the lower portions of Bourbon Street, starting at around the 800 block, will be throwing New Year’s Eve parties. Expect DJs, dancers (of the go-go variety), and drag cabaret.
If that kind of thumping nightlife experience isn’t your thing, consider an evening at one of the city’s more laid-back bars, like Mag’s 940 (940 Elysian Fields Avenue) or The Friendly Bar (2301 Chartres Street), both friendly spots that will certainly be celebrating, but perhaps minus the laser show and speakers.
Photo: Crescent Park by Infrogmation of New Orleans
Crescent Park
Crescent Park is a public green space that has become a favorite place to watch events take place on the river. Positioned as it is along the Mississippi, the park offers fantastic views of the water, which means you’ve got a clear vantage point of the annual fireworks show.
Usually, the park closes after dark, but on New Year’s Eve, it will stay open to the public till 1 a.m. There are three entrances to the space in Bywater and Faubourg Marigny, and both of those neighborhoods are thick with venues to celebrate in after the last firework pops off.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a view of the French Quarter
Where to Sleep
We’ve given you plenty of options on how to spend New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, but let’s face it: Once the confetti has been thrown, the champagne uncorked and the noisemakers put away, you need a place to sleep (and possibly sleep in, depending on how much fun you’ve had).
With that said, you want to pick the right hotel — one that has a mix of easy accessibility and cozy amenities. If you’re celebrating near Jackson Square, consider a room at the Place d’Armes Hotel. Want to be near the action on Bourbon Street? Try the Hotel St. Marie. Or position yourself near the river at the historic French Market Inn.
Across the street from the French Quarter, in the historic Treme neighborhood, you’ll find The Brakeman Hotel. It’s a boutique hotel located in Basin St. Station, the original Norfolk Southern Railway station (circa 1904), the last remaining train station in the city. Finally, the Prince Conti Hotel is a great choice if you would like to be close to Canal Street and within walking distance of several streetcar lines.
Enjoy your New Year’s Eve, and Happy New Year!
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What to Expect at the 2024 Bayou Classic
Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic on Facebook
With Thanksgiving upon us, summer weather is truly over, and the fall schedule is packed with fun activities you can only find in New Orleans. One of those events is Bayou Classic, traditionally held during the Thanksgiving week.
Each November the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries. This year marks the 51st annual event, which has become much more than a football game, drawing more than 200,000 visitors to New Orleans.
The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade, the Battle of the Bands, and, of course, the big game. The game kicks off on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Superdome (you can get tickets online or at the gate).
Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic on Facebook
The Battle of the Bands between the Grambling “Marching Tigers” and the Southern “Human Jukebox” on Friday, November 29, at 6 p.m., promises to be amazing (tickets). The Fan Fest is held on Saturday before the game at Champions Square.
The same two marching bands will lead the Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade, also on Saturday, starting at 3 p.m., from the Superdome, and ending at Poydras and Loyola streets in downtown New Orleans. The parade will have the elements of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, floats, military units, and more. In other words, expect a great show.
Where to stay
To enjoy the best of the Bayou Classic in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. French Quarter is an ideal option for this event due to its proximity to the Superdome where the big game will be held. Also, the parade on Saturday is a short distance away, so you can get a front-row view of this amazing extravaganza.
And, since it will be Thanksgiving weekend, you can enjoy fine meals here on actual turkey day, or any day of the weekend, before heading to the Superdome. Walk around the French Quarter to check out the beginning of the Christmas light displays that deck out this historic neighborhood, and indulge in a wide range of boutiques and galleries on Small Business Saturday.
To enjoy the best of Thanksgiving in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. Book a room at the French Market Inn, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, Place d’Armes Hotel, or Alder Hotel to have the best of this historical city at your fingertips.
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Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
Photo courtesy of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation on Facebook
New Orleans and her fans know that few combinations are more satisfying than gumbo, brass bands and cooler temps, and that’s what the annual Tremé Creole Gumbo festival serves up best, keeping it thematically simple but stellar in terms of its lineup of brass bands and food vendors.
The free festival returns to celebrate a decade of existence at Louis Armstrong Park (701 N. Rampart St.) on Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, 2024. As in past years, the festival will show off New Orleans’ staple stew in all its savory varieties (sample-size portions will be available), from gumbo z’herbes and dark roux to vegan-friendly versions. Of course, there will be traditional gumbo — seafood, chicken and andouille, filé — and so on.
The Creole Gumbo Festival is touted as the “New Orleans’ Premier Brass Band Showcase” for a good reason. The world-famous, Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band along with the many of the local favorites, including the Hot 8, the Pinettes, and the Tremé brass bands, have all performed at the festival in the past. Also, as in the past years, there will be a kids’ area and an art market.
Armstrong Park is located along the RTA bus route 91 (Jackson-Esplanade), and the Rampart-St. Claude streetcar line, so using public transportation to get to the festival should be easy. If you’re driving to the fest, you can park in the parking lots of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre (enter via Basin Street). Additional parking is available in the lot across from Basin Street Station (501 Basin St.).
No pets and no recording are allowed, but you’re welcome to bring blankets and chairs. Check the festival’s website for updates on this year’s food and art vendor and music lineups.
Are You Eating Enough Gumbo?!
“First you make a roux…” Gumbo is synonymous with New Orleans, and everyone and their mama (especially their mama) will offer an opinion on how to make the best gumbo and who makes it best in the city (it’s usually the mama).
Luckily for us, many places in New Orleans make great gumbo. Anyone who lives here or visits can easily rattle off at least a few spots, high and low, where the gumbo is award-winning, and so special and delicious that trying it for the first time could go down forever as a life-changing experience.
Keeping in mind that every “Top Whatever Number of Best Gumbo in New Orleans” will always remain highly personal and incomplete, here are our current picks for best gumbo in the French Quarter.
Are you coming to New Orleans this fall? We’re jam-packed with festivals and celebrations, and the temps are perfectly mild! Browse our top recommendations for historic hotels in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect spot.
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Beignet Fest Returns in 2024
Almost any identifiably New Orleans menu item has a corresponding festival, but up until a few years ago, one of the city’s most iconic culinary treats was left without its own party. We’re referring to the beignet: little fried pockets of doughy goodness ideally dusted with alpine levels of powdered sugar.
Well, the beignet — the official state donut of Louisiana, if you were wondering — is no longer going without its own celebration thanks to the annual Beignet Festival, which returns on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
The daylong party will take place at the Festival Grounds in City Park (4 Friedrichs Ave.) and admission is $20 for adults and children under 12 with a paid adult are free. You can get tickets online, and there are also VIP and special pricing for krewe members. Feel free to bring (along with your appetite, of course) blankets and chairs, and don’t forget sunscreen and maybe a hat as the Festival Grounds doesn’t offer a lot of shade.
As you may expect, there’s going to be a whole lot of delicious sweetness going on (and a fair bit of savory too). The festival benefits the Beignet Fest Foundation, which funds programs and services for families impacted by autism. Beignet Festival founders Amy and Sherwood Collins created the foundation, and it uses the proceeds from the festival to create grants.
From traditional sweet treats swimming in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood and cheese, Beignet Fest will feature dozens of beignet dishes from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants and food trucks. Like most New Orleans festivals, the festival also features live music, a kid’s village, and an artist’s market. There’s also a beer garden! This year, the fest features a robust music lineup, including Amanda Shaw, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and more.
The fest offers more than just sweet donuts, of course. The past year’s favorite, The Ruby Slipper Cafe, for example, had been offering cochon beignets smothered in pork debris (gravy), and bananas Foster beignets along with Vietnamese coffee beignets.
Katie’s Restaurant has been doling out its delicious and generously sized crawfish beignets, while Loretta’s Authentic Pralines featured BBQ chicken beignets and crabmeat beignets stuffed with lump crab meat (voted the Best Overall Beignet in the past). Fear not, however, Loretta’s always brings its famous praline and chocolate praline beignets to the fest as well.
Oreo beignets from Luca Eats were the “Best Sweet Beignet” winners for two years in a row, while bacon and cheddar beignet from Howlin’ Wolf Den was one of the past winners in the “Best Savory Beignet” category.
There will be vegan and gluten-free beignets to accommodate every diet, and awards will be given in four categories once again: the “Best Sweet Beignet,” “Best Savory Beignet,” “Most Original Beignet,” and “Crowd Favorite Beignet.” Don’t forget to vote for your pick!
This year, expect 22 vendors and food trucks, from the returning favorites like Cafe Beignet, Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, and Ruby Slipper, to PJs Coffee and Valerie’s Snoballs.
You can park along perimeter streets and anywhere in the park that isn’t labeled “No Parking.” Blue Bikes will have a docking area located near the main entrance to the Festival Grounds if you’re considering biking. You can also hop on the Canal St. streetcar line. Get off at the end of Esplanade Ave. and Carrollton Ave., and follow the signage leading you to the entrance of the Festival Grounds. There will be additional pay-to-park options at Deutsches Haus (1700 Moss St.).
The festival is rain or shine, and no pets, please.
For more information, visit BeignetFest.com or Beignet Fest on Facebook and Instagram at @BeignetFest.
Need somewhere to stay during your visit? Book a stay at a historic French Quarter boutique hotel at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels!
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LUNA Fête Returns to the Arts District
Photo courtesy of Arts Council of New Orleans on Facebook
How would you like to add a free multi-block party that also happens to be a walkable art and technology experience to your fall roster of things to do? Not to mention, it’s interactive, kid-friendly, and full of light-based art.
LUNA Fête started as just one installation in 2014 on Lafayette Square (602 Camp St.) in downtown New Orleans. (It was a light and video projection illuminating Gallier Hall.) Since then, the celebration has spread from Gallier Hall to Piazza d’Italia. This year, the Fête will be held for four nights, on Thursday, November 14, through Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. nightly.
An annual presentation by the Arts Council of New Orleans, LUNA Fête marries art and technology in unprecedented ways, with emphasis on projection mapping, digital sculpture and light installations. LUNA Fête was originally envisioned as a five-year initiative intended to culminate in New Orleans’ 2018 tricentennial, but it continued, now in its 11th year. Each year the Arts Council grew the scope of its international partnerships with video-mapping artists and expanded the number of installations it commissioned and produced in New Orleans.
The idea of LUNA Fête hails from Europe. Take a visit to Lyon, France, in the winter, and you may see buildings crumble before your eyes, and then reassemble. What you are witnessing is a trick of art and illusion born partly from a digital process called “image mapping” at the Fete des Lumieres, an annual illumination festival that lights up Lyon each winter.
The process is different from just projecting an image onto a building. Instead, a 3D model of the building is used to create an optical illusion that gives the impression the building is moving and changing.
Projection mapping, as an art form, and as part of the free public festival, has been around in Europe but is relatively new to the U.S. It’s becoming more popular though, especially because it’s interactive, kid-friendly, and pretty incredible to see in person.
But projection mapping isn’t the entirety of LUNA Fête. Past installations include huge snow globes that transformed light into a paintbrush. The spheres were sensitive to light, so the audience could interact with them creating shapes and even their own portraits on the surface using flashlights, glow sticks, smartphones, or any other light-emitting device.
Other previously showcased pieces included audio and video installations with sonic lollipops, robot cave drawings, and a giant whale spouting techno music. As you might guess, all of the above goes over great with children, as do the stands on the street selling hot chocolate.
This year, the event’s artworks will explore the themes of Melody and Mythology with LED lights, lasers, and projected artworks. The campus includes a new premier projection mapping installation on Gallier Hall, an opportunity to host a private party in a LUNA VIP Suite, and a sponsor-branded block party along Lafayette Street leading into a unique light and music experience at the Piazza d’Italia.
LUNA Fête is especially popular with young children and families, inspiring the addition of the new Little LUNA Kids Corner. This kid-centered art space will feature a special art installation and encourage young children to dance and play in the light.
Finally, LUNA Fête’s 11th Edition will feature LUNA Lounge presented by the Downtown Development District, a VIP oasis nestled in the festival grounds. Tickets will include complimentary bites, drink tickets, dedicated restrooms, and exclusive art installations. They will be available on the event’s site starting on October 1, 2024.
Come see how Luna Fête brings technology, film and contemporary art together while using local iconic architecture in a unique, contemporary way!
Coming to New Orleans in the fall? Be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels!
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Tremé Fall Fest
Image courtesy of the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association via Facebook
Dancing to brass bands in the Tremé, mere feet from the stone steps of the nearly two-centuries-old African American church, sounds like a scene from a cinematic idealization of New Orleans. But for several years in a row, it’s been a reality, as the Tremé Fall Festival throws a serious party on the blocks connecting Henriette Delille, Tremé, and Gov. Nicholls streets on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
One of the nation’s first African American neighborhoods, Tremé has faced some historically important changes in the years following Hurricane Katrina. This cherished neighborhood has numerous cultural destinations including the New Orleans African-American Museum (NOAMM), Backstreet Cultural Museum, Congo Square, and the oldest African-American Catholic church in the United States, the historic St. Augustine Church (1210 Governor Nicholls St.).
The festival honors the unique history and heritage of the neighborhood. It was developed by the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association to benefit those cultural destinations found within the historical community of Tremé. The organization has been instrumental in the fight to preserve the culture, music, food, and architecture of this unique historic neighborhood. In the past, proceeds from Tremé Fall Fest benefited St. Augustine Church and the Tomb of the Unknown Slave — for example, by painting the church exterior and performing building repairs.
The free, donation-based festival features arts and craft vendors, face painting, free health screenings, tours of St. Augustine Church, and, of course, entertainment from New Orleans musical royalty that will feature a second line. Tremé is famous for its music, with the annual festival lineup to match. Tremé All Stars, Olympia Brass Band, John Boutte, Hot 8 Brass Band, and Dwayne Dopsie & Zydeco Hellraisers had all performed at this festival in the past. One of this year’s headliners is James Andrews & The Crescent City All Stars with a special guest John Boutté.
No New Orleans fest is complete without delicious food, and food trucks and vendors from some of New Orleans’ best eateries will be on hand all weekend long, so bring your appetite.
All day, you’ll find most of the action in front of St. Augustine Church on the 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street. Festival-goers are welcome to bring chairs and blankets and set up picnics.
Free parking is available at Armstrong Park via the St. Phillip St. entrance, as well as along N. Rampart St. and many other sites throughout the neighborhood, including the lot behind Aloysius apartments located at the intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Henriette Delille Street. Of course, you can also bike to the event or ride the Rampart-St. Claude Ave. streetcar line.
Get more info and updates on the music and food vendor lineup for 2024 at the event’s website and Facebook page.
Need somewhere to stay during your visit to New Orleans this fall? We have a packed schedule of festivals and other fun events! You can check out our top recommendations for what to do in New Orleans this fall here.
Find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels, within walking distance of many festivals and celebrations, including the Tremé Fall Fest!
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How to Do Top Taco NOLA
Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
The annual culinary extravaganza will be held at Lafreniere Park (3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie) on Thursday, October 24, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. (the VIP and First Tasting tickets will allow a 6 p.m. entry). Top Taco NOLA features dozens of restaurants and spirit and beverage companies serving and competing in a variety of categories, including Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco, and Top Creative Cocktail.
Past winners included some of New Orleans’ best restaurants — Cochon Butcher, Sobou, Atchafalaya, Juan’s Flying Burrito, and Rum House. (You can check out the list of 2023 winners here.) The event also features live music, burlesque, a costume contest, lucha libre (wrestling), and a VIP area.
Attendees will get to sample unlimited gourmet tacos and signature cocktails from some of the top chefs and mixologists in New Orleans. Tickets are all-inclusive and include unlimited food, cocktails, beer, spirit tastings, and live entertainment. General admission starts at $85. The First Tasting tickets will allow an earlier entry ($105), and the VIP tickets ($135) grant access to premium spirit tastings, private bars and bathrooms, gourmet desserts, and more.
Here’s what you need to know about getting there, plus our tips on how to get the most out of attending:
- The event is 21 and older, so no kids and please bring your ID.
- No pets, please.
- Have a designated driver because tequila will be involved, and lots of it. We highly suggest taking a Lyft or an Uber.
- Top Taco is rain or shine, so bring a rain jacket or an umbrella.
- Eat a light breakfast and lunch — you’ll want to try as many tacos as possible.
- Bring people you like, as the lines get long, and you’ll want to make sure you have someone to chat with and someone who can stand in other lines — so that you all can try ALL OF THE TACOS.
- Be comfy: Wear loose-fitting clothes — it may be hot and you’ll be stuffed. You’ll want to have some stretch in your pants/waistband. Also, reconsider heels as the park is grassy and the terrain is uneven.
- Go VIP — you’ll get to enter an hour earlier than everyone else, have access to better restrooms, and enjoy other special perks.
- Fully charge your phone to share your experience on social media. Do a before and after photo of yourself.
- No large bags or backpacks are allowed (15″ or smaller are OK). You don’t want to be carrying a lot of extra stuff anyway. You want to have your hand free to try all of the tacos and cocktails!
- Chairs aren’t allowed, so you might want to bring a beach towel or pashmina to lay on the ground or steps if you need to sit.
- No outside food or drink including water (it’s free at the event’s water stations).
For event updates and details on the after-party, check out Top Taco on Facebook and X.
Book your stay at a nearby French Quarter hotel!
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Halloween for Kids in New Orleans
Celebrating Halloween in New Orleans could be a decidedly grownup affair, with spectacular balls, parties and parades. We are thankful for the variety, but that’s not to say that kids don’t get a parade and at least two weekends of themed activities leading up to the holiday. Here are our picks for how to celebrate in a family-friendly way, starting a few weeks before Halloween, which falls on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Ghosts in the Oaks
Thursday, October 17 – Sunday, October 20, 2024, 6-9 p.m. (early admission at 5 p.m.)
This four-day family-friendly extravaganza in the magical New Orleans City Park has become a tradition for many locals. During the event, both the amusement park and Storyland open their doors to kids of all ages for trick-or-treating, rides, a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, and a DJ dance party. Entertainment also includes face painting and balloon animals. Proceeds from this fundraiser support the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland. You might want to get your tickets well in advance online as this event usually sells out quickly.
Krewe of Boo
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
This lively affair has become the “official Halloween Parade” in New Orleans in 2007, and has been going strong since, only growing in popularity. The parade is brought to you by Kern Studios, so expect the usual 3-D fiberglass and papier-mâché extravaganza, plus all of your favorite spooky characters.
You’ll see werewolves, ghosts, vampires, and other Halloween-themed monsters, but all the monsters on the floats are PG-13 and not too scary even for the youngest kids. The parade-goers had been known to don their favorite, family-friendly Halloween gear as well, and you’re encouraged to do the same.
There’ll be plenty of plush toy throws and candy for the little ones too. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Decatur St. and Elysian Fields Ave. in the Marigny, rolling through the French Quarter and passing by Jackson Square.
Boo Carré Halloween Haunt
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This is an opportunity for the kids to trick-or-treat starting in Dutch Alley between St. Philip and Dumaine Streets, and throughout the French Market District — from the Shops at the Upper Pontalba to the open-air French Market. Many vendors and shops along Decatur Street and at the farmers’ market will be participating. The annual celebration features live music, kid’s activities, and more.
Boo at the Zoo
Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20, 2024, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This annual Halloween event at the Audubon Zoo is family-friendly (only kids up to 12 are allowed to trick-or-treat). It features haunted-house games, entertainment, Ghost Train, and more. The kids will hear stories, trick-or-treat, and meet some of the zoo’s animals. The proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hospital. Member tickets are $12, non-member tickets are $38 (includes a trick-or-treat bag and a wristband for kids).
French Quartour Kids Ghost Hunt
By appointment
Tricks, treats, stories, and a ghost hunt await during this walking tour specifically designed for kids ages 4-8. The tour touches upon the history of the French Quarter and its well-known residents, but leaves the gore out, focusing instead on the legends and the hauntings. The whole family is encouraged to participate and ask questions (tickets are $25 per person; you can book your tour online).
“Haunted House” Decorations
There’s no shortage of “haunted houses” this time of year around New Orleans, but not all are child-friendly. So, while parental discretion is always advised, these fabulous haunted houses are set up in and around private homes every year, and they’re as thrilling as they’re safe for at least the older kids. You can check the listings in the newspaper for more Halloween displays set up in private homes as the dates get closer.
St. Charles Avenue and State Street
Local resident Louellen Berger has been arranging her 50-plus krewe of skeletons on the front lawn of her mansion every Halloween, drawing appreciative crowds and an occasional local celebrity. While some of the puns are too satirical for the little ones to get — as Berger’s installations spoof local politics and play on the only-in-New-Orleans themes — the whole setup is a spectacular treat for all ages.
Magazine and Second Streets
A spooky-fabulous display featuring music, holograms, lights, and projections that would awe anyone passing by. Expect a story with a plot, dancing ghosts, creepy apparitions, and dazzling lights.
State and Claiborne Streets
One of the most elaborate skeleton-pirate ship displays in town, skillfully lit and exquisitely arranged. There’s no music and no projections, but it’s well worth a peek.
Are you planning to spend some time in New Orleans this October? This is a great time to visit as the temps get milder and the city’s schedule is full of fun Halloween events and the annual fall festivals. To stay close to all the action, book a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels today!
