April 18 2014 | New Orleans

There’s always something to do in New Orleans, but this weekend will be especially packed full of activities. Today may be rainy, but the forecast for Saturday and Sunday looks sunny with highs in the 70’s.  If you’re looking to get out of the house and take advantage of this great weather, here are a couple of things we recommend:

The Crescent City Classic 10k

Even if you’re not signed up to run this 10k, you should definitely make time to partake in the festivities. The first wave of runners crosses the starting line at 8 a.m., and waiting at the finish line is a fun festival.  Runners get free admission to the festival in Champions Square with their bibs, and it’s only $5 for everyone else.  Free red beans and rice and Micholoeb Ultra will be served, and there will be a great play area for kids. A lot of food trucks are also lining up this year, so bring some cash!

If you do decide you’d like to run in the Classic, it’s not too late! Participants can still sign up at the Crescent City Classic Health & Fitness Expo today. The expo is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the French Quarter.

Easter egg hunt

The Carousel Gardens at City Park is opening at 9 a.m. Saturday for a massive Easter egg hunt for kids ages 8 and under. Over 15,000 eggs will be hidden across the park, including golden eggs with special prizes hidden inside. There’s even a special area for toddlers.

Easter Parades

Three Easter parades will be rolling through New Orleans on Easter Sunday. The first is the historic French Quarter Parade at 10:30 a.m. and makes a pit stop at St. Louis Cathedral for the 11 a.m. Mass.  Then the Chris Owens Easter Parade begins at 1 p.m. and travels through the French Quarter.  Owens will, as every year, be riding in the parade and entertaining everyone. The third and final parade is the Gay Easter Parade, which begins at 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of North Rampart and St. Ann Streets.  

For more information on the Easter parade and other related events (like Sunday mass and an Easter brunch!), click here. A couple of our favorite restaurants are even having some Easter specials, so check them out.