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© Mariusz Prusaczyk / Dollar Photo Club

Best time to visit

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February and March with the massive Mardi Gras celebrations are considered to be the best time to visit New Orleans. Notice though, such events draw huge crowds and prices rise dramatically. Apart from the hot weather, summer brings hot deals as well, so you can enjoy COOLinary New Orleans, a month of special offers in city's restaurants. A mild period from October through November is another lovely time to explore New Orleans and to taste a wide variety of local seafood. December and January are perfect for savvy tourists as the hotel rates are low and the city substantially cools off.

41 things to do in New Orleans

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

April 24-May 4, 2025 Event

One of a kind celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana with a true jazz spirit

Plantation Pilgrimage

September–November | March–May Activity

If you are in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, you just can't miss seeing the old plantations!

New Orleans Red Dress Run

August 10, 2024 Event

A flamboyant run in red dresses accompanied by great music and plenty of beer

Winter

December, January, February Weather

Despite some rain and wind, it still feels good to be outdoors

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

March 16–17, 2024 Event

New Orleans changes the perceptions of St. Patrick's Day celebration

White Linen Night

August 3, 2024 Event

The SoHo of the South, the Warehouse district organizes a party of art and style

Shrimps

April–February Food

Although available year-round frozen shrimps are nothing like fresh white and brown ones!

Dirty Linen Night

August 12, 2023 Event

A counterpart of White Linen Night, Dirty Linen Night is more quirky

Mardi Gras

March 4, 2025 Event

The festival that has made New Orleans famous!

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

October 27, 2024 Event

The favourite sandwich with a unique history is a pride of New Orleans and thus gets its own festival!

Lundi Gras

March 4, 2025 Event

The day before the Mardi Gras begins!

Celebration in the Oaks

November 29, 2024–January 3, 2025 Event

A beautiful scene scattered around the City Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens

Crawfish Season

December—July Food

It's crawfish time! Definitely the most important food season in New Orleans

Azaleas

March–April Nature

Enjoy the beautiful pinkish flowers blooming during this period

Oysters

November–April Food

Although Louisiana oysters are available year round, best time are the cooler months

New Orleans World Naked Bike Ride

June 8, 2024 Event

New Orleans has been taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride since 2009

Swamp Tours

May–October (all year round) Activity

The most exciting and easy way to discover Louisiana's famous swamps and bayous

Hiking

September–May Activity

Marshes, forests and bayous—there's a lot to explore around New Orleans

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

October 2024 Event

The loudest of Halloween events in New Orleans

Louisiana Iris

April Nature

A symbol of beauty, this flower even has a Krewe named after it

Rubber Duck Derby

May 13, 2023 Event

Thousands of rubber ducks race for the grand prize of $5000

French Quarter Festival

April 10-13, 2025 Event

Grounded in the most famous Quarter, the festival is full of food and free of charge

Southern Decadence

August 29-September 2, 2024 Event

Known as Gay Mardi Gras, the festival is extravagant and joyful

Easter Parades

March 31, 2024 Event

For New Orleanians, Easter is a special time with more parades!

Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival

May 17-19, 2024 Event

A joyful celebration of Louisiana food and music traditions

New Orleans 4th of July Fireworks & Events

June 3-7, 2024 Event

The Big Easy City is great at celebrating! Summers here are hot, and so are the festivities

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade

October 19, 2024 Event

New Orleans would never miss a chance to dress up and party

NOLA ChristmasFest

December 20–30, 2024 Event

Get into Christmas spirit, meet Santa and celebrate winter in New Orleans

New Orleans Film Festival

October 16–27, 2024 Event

No one can celebrate cinema the way New Orleans does

New Orleans Oyster Festival

May 17–19, 2023 Event

American capital of oysters presents lots of delicious ways to enjoy your favorite seafood at the annual oyster celebration

Krewe of Jingle Parade

December 7, 2019 Event

The official New Orleans holiday parade delights locals and visitors

NOLA Holiday Lights

late November–early January Event

Yet another reason to celebrate in New Orleans

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge

all year round Activity

The world's longest continious bridge over a body of water

Cinco de Mayo

May 5 Event

A great excuse to party and indulge in delicious Mexican foods

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

March 21–24, 2024 Event

A delicious showcase of Cajun cuisine and seafood

New Orleans Labor Day Weekend

August 31–September 2, 2024 Event

Party hard in the French Quarter or look for a retreat at the local parks

New Year's Eve in New Orleans

December 31–January 1 Event

Fleur De Lis drop and a fireworks display over the Mississippi—New Orleans knows how to celebrate in style

Fan Expo New Orleans

January 10-12, 2025 Event

The largest popular culture event in Louisiana

Satchmo SummerFest

August 3-4, 2024 Event

A birthday party of a founding father of jazz—Louis Satchmo Armstrong

New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Events

May 24–27, 2024 Event

Welcome summer in The Crescent City with an array of fun-filled activities

Krampus Parade in New Orleans

December 7, 2024 Event

Embrace the spookiness of Alpine traditions this holiday season

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