Big Events in the Big Easy
New Orleans entertains year-round, but its spring festivals require an extra visit.

Mardi Gras

New Orleans’ celebration of the last day before diving into the Lenten season begins before Fat Tuesday, this year Feb. 16. Carnival begins Jan. 6 with Epiphany, marking the period of celebration that precedes Lent’s serious contemplation. Purple, green and gold color the streets even outside the historic French Quarter.

The scope and grandness of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras can only be experienced. More than 1 million people attend more than 50 individual parades that occur in three different parishes. More than 135,000 people participate in putting on the parades and surrounding events making floats, designing and constructing elaborate costumes, or marching in the parades. Parades kick into gear a couple weeks prior to Fat Tuesday with the Little Rascals, a children-only krewe starting things off on Jan. 31. Five parades are scheduled this year for Feb. 5, with parades leading up to the big day.

The entire process is shrouded in history, a healthy amount of secrecy and sufficient gusto. In 1857, the Krewe of Comus presented the modern incarnation of the celebration complete with masquerade and parade. Today, there are dozens of krewes that put on parades throughout the city, welcoming families to enjoy the holiday in a safe and hospitable environment.

Those who are unable to attend the actual Mardi Gras can get an inside look at the action by visiting Mardi Gras World. The museum of sorts, which recently relocated to the Lower Garden District, is actually the workspace for the Blaine Kern Studios, a company that has been designing floats, sets and sculptures for Mardi Gras since 1947. Visitors to the studios can catch artists in the middle of a project for the upcoming Carnival season.

French Quarter Festival

Music takes center stage at the French Quarter Fest, which features bands and musicians parading through the cobblestoned streets of the historic neighborhood and bands from Louisiana and beyond on one of its 17 stages. The festival, held this year April 9–11, is free and boasts more than 250 hours of music to keep people dancing throughout the weekend.

The festival highlights Louisiana musicians and musical traditions with performances from zydeco groups, jazz ensembles and blues musicians. The Preservation Hall Band marches through the French Quarter followed by a trail of dancers. Groups performing gospel, funk, samba, soul, reggae and international music take the stage throughout the weekend. French Quarter restaurants present regional cuisine for the “world’s largest jazz brunch.”

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Mahalia Jackson, legendary gospel singer, is credited with founding the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The story goes that Jackson was visiting her hometown in 1970, along with Duke Ellington, for the Louisiana Heritage Fair. The Eureka Brass Band was parading through the festival grounds and the festival organizer asked Jackson to sing with them. She joined in the parade and the marriage of music and heritage at this once yearly festival was born.

Today, the festival invites world-class recording artists and musicians to perform along with acts from New Orleans and Louisiana. But even with the more than 100 performing groups, artisans still make a mark at the two-weekend event. Several venues host more than 300 artists from around the world. Congo Square has crafts from African or African-influenced vendors and artists; Contemporary Crafts features modern jewelry, leather and art; Louisiana Marketplace has artisanal products from the state. The Louisiana Folklife Village highlights the cultural diversity of the state with presentations on Cajun, African-American and Isleno history. The Native American Village has information on Louisiana’s indigenous populations.

Big-name musical acts attract crowds upward of 500,000. Headlining this year’s festival, which runs April 23–25 and April 29 to May 2, are Pearl Jam, Simon and Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Lionel Richie and My Morning Jacket. Louisiana musicians share the festival with national jazz, gospel, blues, rhythm and blues, Caribbean, Latin and international acts.

New Orleans Food and Wine Experience

This year marks the 19th anniversary of the first New Orleans Food and Wine Experience. The state is lauded for its culinary traditions and innovations, and this four-day event— May 25–29 this year—is set to celebrate that. More than 175 wineries and 75 restaurants present food and libations at this five-day feast for the senses. There are wine dinners and tastings every night of the event. Celebrated New Orleans chefs give presentations along with national food personalities, but the food is truly the showcase. Festival attendees can stroll the event, picking up food from familiar and new chefs to compare or just to enjoy.

Anytime is a good time to visit the Crescent City, a town that wears its heart on its sleeve. But at any of these events, visitors will capture a little extra joy.