A city that takes joie de vivre to new levels, New Orleans naturally organizes its celebratory approach to life into some of the world’s most popular (and eclectic) festivals.

Festivals are more than a great time for New Orleans; they are an important driver for the city’s tourism industry, its economic backbone. But even more, festivals are a joyous celebration – and the very embodiment – of the city’s cultural heart and soul.

And there’s so much to celebrate: our city’s fascinating history and unique cultural heritage; its natural beauty; its creative and culinary arts; its world famous music; and, perhaps most of all, the very spirit of its people, who invite the world to laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) at New Orleans’ myriad festivals!

Featured Upcoming Festivals:

French Quarter Wine Festival February 26-April 15, 2010 The Maison Dupuy Hotel proudly presents the fourth annual 2010 French Quarter Wine Festival. Modeled after the prestigious Boston Wine Festival, the dinners will showcase wines from the U.S. and Europe. more...

Earth Fest March 20-21, 2010 Come see the animals, listen to great music, eat fabulous New Orleans food and learn what you can do to save the planet! more...

19th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival March 20-21, 2010 Oak Alley's show prides itself in selecting crafters with the most unique items to sell. Enjoy an array of delicious local flavor foods, and as always, the festival features activities for the entire family to enjoy. [more]

Louisiana Roadfood Festival March 26-28, 2010 Roadfood.com and the New Orleans Convention Company honor Louisiana's best restaurant cooks and cooks from around the country by inviting them to the French Quarter to make their signature dishes for visitors to enjoy. [more]

French Quarter Festival April 9-11, 2010 This neighborhood party began as a festival for locals and has grown to attract visitors from all over the world. It's now the largest free music festival in the South! more...

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest April 23-May 2, 2010 The world-renowned New Orleans Jazz Fest presented by Shell is an event worthy of the birthplace of jazz. more...

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience May 25-29, 2010 For obvious reasons, food lovers really love New Orleans. Prepare your palate for tastings, symposia, and vintner dinners at this 19th annual event. more...

Greek Festival May 28-30, 2010 "Greece on the Bayou," an annual Hellenic party with a uniquely New Orleans flair. Mouthwatering Greek food, delightful drinks and authentic dancing and music for the whole family. more...

A New Orleans Vieux to Do June 11-13, 2010 There's so much to do at a New Orleans Vieux to Do- three festivals in one weekend in the historic Vieux Carre.

Essence Music Festival July 2-4, 2010 "Party with a purpose" at this star-studded celebration of African American music and culture in the Superdome. Jazz up your July with performances by the world's biggest hip-hop, R&B and soul artists. more...

Tales of the Cocktail July 21-25, 2010 Have a highball, y'all. Sip and sup at this four-day-long mixer in the city that invented the cocktail. Enjoy lectures, book signings, dinner pairings, cooking and mixing demonstrations. more...

Satchmo Summerfest August 5-8, 2010 Celebrate the life of New Orleans musician Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong at this free festival featuring live music, second line parades, a Jazz Mass at St. Augustine Church and so much more.

COOLinary New Orleans August & September 2010 Every summer, famous New Orleans restaurants all over the city offer summer menus featuring special three-course meals. more...

Whitney White Linen Night August 7, 2010 Drape yourself in cool white linen and join 16,000 art aficionados in the Arts District for the artiest night of the summer. Stroll through the galleries, sip wine and hear some of the city's most exciting bands. more...

Dirty Linen Night August 14, 2010 Not to be outdone by White Linen Night, Royal Street merchants decided to stage a gallery walk of their own in the French Quarter. Pick up some amazing art and antiques at an event that has become very popular. more...

Louisiana Tailgate & BBQ Fest August 13-15, 2010 Follow the aroma of sweet, smoky barbecue to the Morial Convention Center for the La. Tailgate & BBQ Festival, a celebration of food, music, football and family fun. more...

Southern Decadence September 3-6, 2010 Nicknamed the "Gay Mardi Gras," this annual celebration attracts as many as 100,000 participants from all over the world. more...

Project 30-90 September 11, 2010 Adding to a list of environmentally friendly practices, New Orleans is incorporating green practices into its famous festivals. Join us for the city’s second annual all green music festival, featuring several local musicians. more...

Art for Arts' Sake October 2, 2010 Every fall, gallery owners in the Arts District and on Magazine Street throw open their doors in celebration of the arts culture of New Orleans. Join 30,000 other art lovers at this giant, chic street party. more...

New Orleans Film Festival October 2010 Louisiana is the third-largest film destination in America, behind only Hollywood and New York City. This annual celebration of the art form features premieres, film screenings, workshops and more.

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival October 16 & 17, 2010 Two stages of the best in blues from New Orleans and beyond. The festival is dedicated to the men and women in blue- the NOPD. "Walk the Beat," a fundraising event on Saturday. more...

Halloween New Orleans October 28-November 1, 2010 New Orleans knows how to do Halloween right. Haunted houses, voodoo history, above-ground cemetery tours and Halloween on Frenchman Street, one of the most celebrated gay-circuit parties of the year. more...

Voodoo Music Experience October 2010 Only the coolest take to the stage at this Halloween-themed festival in City Park, known for its blending of high-profile national artists with famous local musicians. more...

Louisiana Swamp Festival November 6 & 7, 2010 Visit with the alligators and other assorted swamp critters. Eat all the jambalaya and gumbo you can get your hands on. more...

Words & Music Festival November 18-22, 2010 Join well-known authors, editors, agents and entertainers in celebrating William Faulkner, who honed his craft in a Pirate's Alley apartment in the French Quarter. more...

Po-boy Preservation Festival November 21, 2010 On Sunday, November 22, 25,000+ New Orleanians came out once again to celebrate the city’s most famous sandwich on the newly renovated Oak Street corridor. The festival includes a judged competition for the best po-boys in seven categories. more...

Christmas New Orleans Style December 1-January 6, 2011 A month-long celebration featuring free evening concerts, candlelight caroling in Jackson Square, cooking demonstrations, Papa Noel hotel rates and Reveillon dinners. more...

Treme Creole Gumbo Festival & Holiday Bazaar December 2010 This free festival celebrates the history of Faubourg Treme as a hotbed of New Orleans musical and culinary culture. more...

The fun happens year-round: Search our Calendar of Events for a full list of festivals.