Just as every Mardi Gras season is not the same, so goes our festival season. We have tried-and-true longtime festivals, smaller and newer festivals, paused and restarted festivals, and festivals further afield that take a bit more planning. It’s a fun challenge each year to try something new, especially if you are ritualistic about your fest-going. Whatever your approach is, mark your calendars now for the ones that you want to experience. April here is not the cruelest month by far, but it is one of the most hectic—and the perfect month for kicking off a long season of food, music, and community revelry that lasts through summertime.
Festivals are a good way to reinforce your love of NOLA, and there are plenty to choose from to suit your own joie de vivre style, tastes, and timing. Below is a sampling and starting point for the many festival offerings April through August. Do your research, then go forth and fest, rest and re-fest!
Hogs for the Cause | April 5-6
This year-round fundraising effort’s flagship event is one of the largest barbecue and music festivals in the country, with more than 90 competing barbecue teams helping to raise funds to fight pediatric brain cancer, making it the “World’s Most Delicious Fundraiser” according to Forbes Magazine. Come for the saucy feast and music (which includes the likes of Eggy, Briscoe, and Shane Smith & The Saints this year), knowing that you’re partying for a great cause. UNO Lakefront, Hogsfest.org
French Quarter Festival | April 11-14
More than 20 stages throughout the French Quarter featuring local musicians and local restaurants serving food and beverages in Jackson Square, JAX Brewery, the Jazz Museum at the Mint, and Woldenberg Park, create a hyperlocal event within a setting like no other. More than 1,500 community volunteers bring this historic (since 1984) festival alive, adding to the local vibe. French Quarter, Frenchquarterfest.org
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival | April 25-May 5
Aptly called a “10-day cultural feast” by organizers, this 54-year-old celebration features the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, with music of every genre all day, every day. The food experience is equal to the music experience, so your festing should include plenty of feasting as well. A reminder that JazzFest is now cashless, but all major credit cards and debit cards are accepted, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Fair Grounds Race Course, Nojazzfest.com
Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo | May 17-19
This is the only festival in New Orleans where visitors can enjoy the event from land or their own personal canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or homemade barge. Children 12 and under are free, with special stages and activities for kids. This year, thanks to a grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful, the festival will have additional funds for litter, waste, and recycling efforts. Historic Bayou St. John, Thebayouboogaloo.com
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience | June 6-9
This 32-year-old premier wine and cuisine event benefits the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation, Delgado Community Culinary Arts Program, and FirstLine School’s Edible Schoolyard program. Thursday’s opening event, the “Vinola” VIP tasting is at the Orpheum Theater from 6-8 p.m.; Friday’s Tournament of Rosés is held at Generations Hall from 7-10 p.m., Saturday’s Grand Tasting is from 3-6 p.m. at the Convention Center, and the Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch is Sunday from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Omni Royal. Nowfe.com
Creole Tomato Festival | June 8-9
Enjoy tomato-themed food and drinks (including a variety of bloody Marys) and fresh Creole tomatoes, plus live music and family activities, all within the French Market District which offers plenty of shopping, river views, and food options in addition to the festival activities. The event kicks off with a “Ripe & Ready” second line at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8. French Market District, French Quarter, frenchmarket.org
Essence Festival of Culture | July 4-7
It’s Essence’s 30th birthday this year and the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hip. For the first time in Essence history, they will have a lineup of all Hip-Hop headliners at their Superdome concert series as they “pay homage to one of the biggest creations of Black Culture.” A glimpse at the schedule includes concerts by everyone from Lauryn Hill to Ice Cube, Juvenile to Lucadris, Salt-N-Pepa to Missy Elliot. Other highlights include the Global Black Economic Forum, Essence Film Festival, and Essence Food & Wine Festival. Essence.com
Tales of the Cocktail | July 21-26
What began as a walking tour of historic New Orleans cocktail bars has become the world’s leading cocktail conference. This year’s event theme is “Inspire,” focusing on challenging the global drinks industry to “embrace future thinking.” Tickets go on sale on World Cocktail Day, May 13. French Quarter, Talesofthecocktail.org
Satchmo Summer Festival | Aug. 3 – 4
Presented by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, the fest returns to offering free admission this year. Scheduled to coincide with native son Louis Armstrong’s birthday, it is one of the few festivals in the world dedicated to his legend and legacy. The indoor lecture series is the hidden gem of this trad jazz music festival, with scholars, authors, and musicians presenting on everything from Armstrong’s African experiences to his influences on jazz, civil rights and New Orleans culture. New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint. Satchmosummerfest.org
Down the Road
Sandestin Wine Festival | April 11-14
Now in its 37th year, this festival offers a “come as you are” ambiance for the wine aficionado or novice alike. Set at the Village of Baytowne Wharf with a variety of nearby beach and bay accommodations and shopping experiences, you can immerse yourself in food and wine experiences and enjoy an Emerald Coast getaway at the same time. Sandestin, Florida, Sandestinwinefestival.com
Pontchatoula Strawberry Festival | April 12-14
Celebrating local farmers in the “Strawberry Capital of the World” since 1972, this is proudly called the state’s largest free festival. This moniker means crowds, so parking can pose a challenge if you don’t allot additional time to scout for free parking or arrive early to get a spot in parking lots hosted by local non-profits. Entry is free but food and drink booths are cash only so bring your own or be prepared to use on-site ATM’s. Pontchatoula Memorial Park, Ponchatoula, Lastrawberryfestival.com
South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival | April 25-28
This is the 10th anniversary of the four-day festival that features dozens of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, and mixologists and more than 600 wines to sample. Their charity wine auction benefits organizations like Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and many others supporting youth in Northwest Florida. Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach, Florida.
Pirate Day in the Bay | May 17 – 18
Presented by Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse, a non-profit in Mississippi’s Hancock County named for the U.S.S. Seahorse that contributed to the victory at the Battle of New Orleans. Most events are free and family friendly, like the fireworks, buccaneer costume contests, and cardboard boat races, but there are entry fees for events like the Pub Crawl and Treasure Hunt and the Pirate Invasion Parade. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, mkotsh.com/pirate-day-in-the-bay
