Spring has arrived in New Orleans, and you can feel it in the air. Mardi Gras has come and gone, but the festivities are far from over. 

We’re just getting started. 

Everywhere you turn, you can feel the buzz. Everyone you talk to is bursting with energy. The weather is delightful, and the soul of the city is on full display. 

New Orleans is a city of resilience, and this spring feels to many like the end of an exceptionally long winter.

And the city is celebrating even more than usual as a result. 

Need a few reasons to plan your next visit? We’ve got so many. Pack a bag, or maybe two…because once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.

 

Festivals and Events

Springtime in New Orleans is all about the outdoors. This year, we’re seeing the return of many festivals and events that have not taken place since the early months of 2020.

YLC’s Wednesday at the Square – This free, weekly music fest brings local music to the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District, with live music, food, and local art. This concert series runs through May. For the music lineup and more information, visit: https://ylcnola.org/ylc-wednesday-at-the-square/

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival – Louisiana strawberries are unlike any others! This year, the free 50th Annual Strawberry Festival will host food, music, and more from April 8 to 10. For more information, including music lineups, visit http://lastrawberryfestival.com/.  

Crescent City Classic – Looking for some exercise? One of the oldest 10K races in the United States will take place on April 16. Join over 20,000 athletes in a race across the city on a beautiful spring morning. For more information or to register, visit https://ccc10k.com/

New Orleans Poetry Festival – The 7th annual Poetry Festival takes place this year from April 16 to 24, featuring poetry readings both live and virtual, the Small Press Fair, and a myriad of events featuring all things poetry. For more information, visit https://nolapoetry.com/

French Quarter Festival – The French Quarter’s biggest free festival returns this year from April 21 to 24 along the riverfront featuring hundreds of musicians, food vendors, and artists. For the music schedule and more information, visit https://frenchquarterfest.org/

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – Two weekends of jazz and good times are right around the corner. This year’s Jazz Fest takes place from April 29 to May 1 and from May 5 to 8. Headliners include The Who, Stevie Nicks, Lionel Richie, Ludacris, and many, many more. You’ll also find a plethora of New Orleans best food and art at the fest. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.nojazzfest.com/.

 

As you can see, there’s never a shortage of festive fun in the Big Easy…and the season is just getting started.

 

Limited Time Only

History and Art – This spring, the Queen Nefertari Exhibit makes its final stop on tour at the New Orleans Museum of Art. For tickets or more information, visit: https://noma.org/exhibitions/queen-nefertaris-egypt/

Crawfish Season – That’s right; they’re here! The best time to enjoy a crawfish boil is spring. It’s also the easiest time to find them. If you’re looking for crawfish in the French Quarter, try the Original French Market Restaurant or Deanie’s Seafood for crawfish by the pound. If you’re looking for a boil, the Three Legged Dog usually hosts crawfish boils three times a week!

 

New Orleans is a city that’s always buzzing, and she truly comes alive in the springtime. There is much more to come in April, including French Quarter Fest and the famous Jazz Festival. Come see for yourself why New Orleans is a destination you’ll never forget, and stay tuned for next month’s blog with more information!

 

Stay with us! Step outside the Lanaux Mansion and cross the street to explore the fascinating walkways of the French Quarter, or simply turn the corner for the lively music scene on Frenchmen Street. You’re less than a block from either. To book your stay, visit: https://secure.thinkreservations.com/thelanauxmansion/reservations.