Check out the Jazz and Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festival this April in New Orleans!
Visit New Orleans for annual festivals that celebrate the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana such as Jazz Fest and the French Quarter Fest! At both festivals, you can try out multiple New Orleans restaurants at the multiple food stands. Some annual events may be postponed or different because of COVID-19, we will update this page with any new information in the coming weeks released by organizers.
April Event Calendar
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
One of the biggest events in New Orleans, you can’t miss out on the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival! This 2-weekend event hosts huge music names and attracts visitors from all over the world. Purchase your weekend pass or single-day tickets here!
Gay Easter Parade
If you’re in New Orleans for Easter Sunday, then you’re in for a treat because the annual official Gay Easter Parade will take place! This unique, vibrant parade showcases the creativity of the LGBTQ community as they flaunt flashy versions of their Easter Sunday finest. The parade kicks off in the French Quarter and takes a route passing every gay bar as well as gay-owned restaurants and other shops. Also, consider checking out the annual Easter Bonnet Contest held at Good Friends Bar. Plans in regard to COVID-19 have not yet been released, we will update this post with any new info in the coming weeks.
French Quarter Festival
Taken place in one of the most popular, historic, and beloved parts of New Orleans, the annual French Quarter Fest is an event you shouldn’t miss! Hosted by Chevron, the event drew an estimated 825,000 people last year! Enjoy food sold by staple New Orleans restaurants while listening to live music (from both local and international acts)! This year the fest will celebrate its 37th anniversary. Admission is free of charge. Exact 2021 dates TBA!
Things to Do in New Orleans in April
Go horseback riding at Cascade Stables
The spring weather in New Orleans is perfect for a day of horseback riding! Whether you want to go with family or friends, Cascade Stables accommodates all ages! They’re open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday till Sunday. One-on-one private lessons start at $35 for 30 minutes, 2-rider groups are $40 per person for 30 minutes, while groups of 3 to 6 are $35 per person for 45 minutes. Cascade Stables is about 4.5 miles away from the French Quarter.
Spend the day outdoors at the French Market
Mirroring European markets, the French Market is an open-air market where you can shop, dine, and listen to music. The French Market, formerly a Native American trading post in 1791, continued to evolve into what it is now. Visit the historical Dutch Alley, the farmer’s market, the flea market, and the local art market. It’s right by the French Quarter so you can easily go back and forth between places!
Take a kayak swamp tour
Drive 11 miles out of the city to go on a kayak swamp tour with Wild Louisiana Tours. If you really want to see what the swamp looks like and get a chance see a lot of wildlife, this is the perfect activity for you! Louisiana naturalists will be your tour guides and will share all about the swamp’s history with you as well. The Manchac Magic tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours, with prices starting at $59.
Visit the new Crescent Park
The perfect place to take a stroll or ride your bike, Crescent Park is a mile away from the French Quarter and is parallel to the Mississippi River, giving you a breathtaking view of the water. It has beautiful greenery and it’s a great place to go if you need a break from the buzz of the city.