Excuses to Stay Another Day or Come Back Soon

Mardi Gras in New Orleans Feb 05 - Mar 01, 2022 at New Orleans Mardi Gras season begins on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. Mardi Gras is a time for parties, parades, balls and celebrations. In 2022, Mardi Gras Day falls on March 1 so parades will begin 3 weekends prior. The final day of the celebration is Fat Tuesday. the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, when Christians traditionally sacrifice in imitation and remembrance of Jesus' 40-day fast in the desert.
Family Gras Feb 18 - 20, 2022 at Clearview City Center Family Gras is a great "free" annual event in Metairie two weekends prior to Mardi Gras day offering national entertainment, great food and fun for the whole family
Lundi Gras Feb 28, 2022 at Woldenberg Park/Spanish Plaza (New Orleans Riverfront) Lundi Gras is a series of events that take place on the day before Mardi Gras day at Woldenberg Park including an all day Zulu festival with entertainment, food and fun plus the King of Zulu and the King of REX meet at Spanish Plaza for a Carnival tradition followed by fireworks on the river!

Cajun Zydeco Festival TBD at Armstrong Park There's a new location and weekend for the festival this year. This year the festival moves to Armstrong Park in Treme. The mainstay of the festival is Cajun-Zydeco music and dancing (there will be lessons).
Mardi Gras Day / Fat Tuesday Mar 01, 2022 at New Orleans The greatest free show on earth! Mardi Gras Day parades begin at 8 a.m., and the celebration officially ends at midnight.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Apr 08 - 10, 2022 at Ponchatoula, LA The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is held every April in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, just north of Lake Pontchartrain. Your chance for food, music, dancing, and fresh strawberries right off the farm.
French Quarter Festival Apr 21 - 24, 2022 at French Quarter Enjoy music from 23 stages throughout the historic Vieux Carré, and sample New Orleans cuisine from over 60 food and drink booths.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Apr 29 - May 08, 2022 at New Orleans Fair Grounds A musical celebration held at the Fairgrounds Race Track and celebrated throughout the city. Music, food, crafts, and more music! Outdoor stages host jazz, R&B, gospel, African, Caribbean, Cajun, blues, ragtime, folk, bluegrass, reggae and country music, with evening performances happening at venues all around town. Hundreds of unofficial street bands, local artists, crafts and food.

FestiGals TBD at Downtown New Orleans Enjoy a girls weekend away in the heart of New Orleans. Its New Orleans' newest party, but with a purpose. A party for women, by women. Enjoy world-famous cuisine, culture and of course cocktails while discovering your inner diva!

Freedom Fest at the Lake TBD at Laketown in Kenner The annual Freedom Fest at the Lake is the way Kenner thanks the men and women who keep the city, parish and country thriving and free.
NOLA on Tap Beer Fest TBD at New Orleans City Park festival grounds Join beer lovers from all over kick off Oktoberfest with the absolute largest and most outrageous beer festival in the region.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience TBD at New Orleans City Park Halloween-themed music festival showcasing the hottest bands, held annually in City Park.
Algiers Fest TBD at Federal City, 2500 General Meyer Ave at Shirley Drive The Algiers Fest will celebrate the military, police and the Algiers community.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival TBD at Lafayette Square Park This free festival is held at Lafayette Square (between St. Charles and Camp Street). It features two stages, as well as crafts, and of course, food, including New Orleans' best BBQ!
Tremé Fall Festival TBD at Treme Produced by the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association, the Treme Fall Festival supports the vibrant history and culture of Tremé.

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival TBD at Oak Street, New Orleans The Po-Boy Festival is a one-day family event held on Oak Street celebrating--you guessed it--the delicious po-boy sandwich.
Boudin, Bourbon & Beer TBD at Champion's Square Emeril Lagasse Foundation's Boudin, Bourbon & Beer is a great way to raise money for a good cause, sample delicious food from top local as well as national chefs and enjoy live music.

Audubon Zoo Lights TBD at Audubon Zoo Audubon Zoo Lights, open the Friday after Thanksgiving through the end of December. One of America’s most beloved zoos will be decorated with festive light displays featuring alligators, elephants, flamingos, lions and more.