New Orleans April 2025

New Orleans April 2025 Events

New Orleans April 2025 Events

Spend Easter in New Orleans This Year

Average temperature low and high: 61°-79°
In April, New Orleans comes to life with vibrant colors and lively music. The weather is warm and perfect for exploring the historic French Quarter, where you can find delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine. The streets are filled with the sounds of jazz and brass bands, and the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival draws crowds of music lovers looking for culture, food, and fun. But that's not all: April in NOLA is full of exciting events to explore. Fan favorites like the NOLA Poetry Festival and the French Quarter Festival are always a treat and don't forget to wrap up April with some great eats at the NOLA Crawfish Festival.
French Quarter Fest

French Quarter Fest

Come celebrate life in the French Quarter at the French Quarter Fest on April 11 through April 14. Enjoy food from some of the finest restaurants in the Big Easy, such as Cafe Dauphine, Mrs. Wheat's Pies, and K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen, as well as a large variety of beer, wine, and cocktail options. Start this year's festival with the Annual Opening Day Ceremony and Kickoff Parade before exploring live music performances from talented local artists on any of the 20+ stages set up across the district. Get more information and updates on the lineup on their official website.

April Event Calendar

Wednesday at the Square Concert Series

Wednesday at the Square Concert Series

This free concert series features some well-known artists coming from all over the United States. Participants will get to witness a big performance stage, and bands with indigenous music styles, i.e., rock, jazz, swamp pop, etc. Also, the delicious bites and beverages at food stalls complement the sound of New Orleans. Note that outside food is prohibited.

The Overlook Film Festival

The Overlook Film Festival

Horror movie lovers won't want to miss out on the Overlook Film Festival, here in one of the most haunted cities in the country. Named after the hotel in Stephen King's The Shining, the event allows guests to watch incredible horror movies from both new and established creators and meet new people with similar interests. Passes start at $249 and can be purchased online.

Hogs for the Cause

Hogs for the Cause

Hogs for the Cause is the biggest BBQ and music festival in the county! Head down to the Lakefront Arena to enjoy two full days of music, local beer, and of course, food. The fest will feature three stages with 15+ bands and over 90 teams competing to serve some of the best pork dishes! General admission and VIP tickets are available for sale. Proceeds benefit both local and national children’s hospitals to provide relief for families with children who have brain cancer.

Baton Rouge Blues Festival

Baton Rouge Blues Festival

Join thousands of blues music enthusiasts this spring at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival from April 19 to April 21. This year's line-up includes artists such as Black Joe Lewis, Jackie Venson, Charlie Musselwhite & Elvin Bishop, and many more. There will also be art and food vendors as well as children's activities. The Blues Festival is a free event but is open to donations.

Crawfest

Crawfest

Participate in the annual Crawfest event at Tulane University on April 20th. The festival features live music, a wide range of art and local food vendors and of course, plenty of crawfish. 

Jazz And Heritage Festival

Jazz And Heritage Festival

The Jazz and Heritage Festival is a New Orleans event you can’t miss! A popular annual celebration, the festival is all about music, live performances, and food. There are also parades, cultural showcases, and craft demonstrations with an emphasis on Louisiana culture. 2024 performers include Foo Fighters, The Killers, Chris Stapleton, and many more. Ticket information is available online.

 

NOLA Crawfish Festival

NOLA Crawfish Festival

Crawfish lovers, rejoice! From April 29 to May 1st, the NOLA Crawfish Festival in New Orleans springs to life with awesome tunes, colorful arts and crafts, and plenty of savory, boiled crawfish for everyone. There will also be a crawfish cook-off and a crawfish eating contest. General admission and VIP passes are available. VIP passes include unlimited hot-boiled crawfish, soft drinks, and tasty dishes like jambalaya and BBQ. So if you love crawfish and the good vibes that flow throughout New Orleans, then save the date for this NOLA Crawfish Festival.

New Orleans Events in April

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in New Orleans

Things to Do in New Orleans in April

Go horseback riding at Cascade Stables

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

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!

Visit Crescent Park

Visit 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.