New Orleans March 2025

New Orleans March 2025 Events

New Orleans March 2025 Events

Visit New Orleans in March for Warmer Weather

Average temperature low and high: 54°-73°
Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of New Orleans during the spring season this March. Take a stroll through the historic French Quarter, visit the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, or try your luck at the city's famous casinos. Of course, the food scene is also legendary, with dishes like gumbo, beignets, and po' boys topping the list. When you've had your fill, check out one of the parades or bar crawls during the city's St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Hungry for more? Then be sure to stay tuned to this page for all of March's top events.

March Event Calendar

Drake and J. Cole

Fresh on the heels of his highly successful sell-out tour "It's All A Blur," international superstar Drake returns to the stage in 2024 for a line-up of highly anticipated performances, many featuring rapper/producer J. Cole. Presented by Cash App and Visa, the "It's All A Blur-Big As The What?" tour follows the release of the popular rapper's eighth studio album For All The Dogs, and his sweep of the 2023 Billboard Music Awards rap categories.

Award-winning artist Drake and rapper/producer J. Cole will light the stage on fire with back-to-back performances at New Orleans' Smoothie King Center on March 6 and 7. Get tickets now. 

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.

Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade

Irish Channel St. Patrick\'s Day Parade

If you’re in New Orleans for St Patrick’s Day, you’re lucky! The city seems to throw a parade or celebration for almost everything and there’s a HUGE one for St. Patty’s Day! Throw on your best green and head down to the Irish Channel to join thousands of parade participants! Watch over 30 floats (the same decadent ones that roll during Mardi Gras), roll down Magazine Street, and catch throws like flowers, beads, cabbage, and more! Catching the parade is free and open to the public!

Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival

Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival

For all you book and theatre lovers, mark your calendars for the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival. This isn't your average book club meeting but a five-day extravaganza in New Orleans, where celebrated writers, actors, and musicians come together for workshops, panels, and performances. Enjoy literary tours, food, and music, and make sure you check out the Stella Shouting Contest. Grab a VIP Pass at a special rate of $550 until December 31st, and individual event tickets will be up for sale starting January.

Congo Square Rhythms Festival

Congo Square Rhythms Festival

Congo Square Rhythms Festivals bring cultural authenticity and fun with African Dance, Mardi Gras Indians, art vendors and displays, and fantastic food & drinks. Taking place in Louis Armstrong Park, this event also features live music of several types, including Latin jazz, jazz, brass bands, West African highlife, soul, and funk. This event is free and open to the public. 

Freret Street Festival

Freret Street Festival

The Freret Street Festival has live music, performances, crafts, food, and so much more. This annual Freret Street Place will take place on the blocks between Soniat Street and Napoleon Avenue. Multiple stages with different performances are positioned along the streets including brass bands, swamp pop, sounds rock, and New Orleans’ special sounds. You can also head to the market for shopping and eating. This festival is free and open to all ages.

Gay Easter Parade

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.

Learn more.

New Orleans Events in March

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in New Orleans

Things to Do in New Orleans in March

Visit the Sculpture Garden

Visit the Sculpture Garden
The Sculpture Garden is the perfect way to take a break from the buzz of the city. Located next to the New Orleans Museum of Art, the world-class collection of modern and contemporary sculptures recently expanded 6 acres and now occupies about 11 serene acres of City Park. Take a leisurely walk through winding paths under beautiful oak trees and over peaceful lagoons while marveling at the garden's magnificent art!

Visit Mardi Gras World

Visit Mardi Gras World
Are you curious to know how the enormous, elaborate floats that roll through the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras parades are crafted? Then take a visit Mardi Gras World, the largest float designing and building facility in the world! Open year-around and located right next to the Mississippi River, this 300,000 square foot warehouse filled with historic floats, costumes, and decorations gives you a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look of Mardi Gras traditions.

Take a Bike Tour Around New Orleans

Take a Bike Tour Around New Orleans
Located in the French Quarter, learn more about New Orleans’ rich history with Freewheelin’ Bike Tours, a locally-owned and operated company. Opened seven days a week between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there are different tours to choose from, whether you want to know more about the Creole & Crescent, The Garden District, or the Marigny & Bywater (for those who are 21+ only). You can also go on a self-guided tour, or if you just want to rent and ride a bike, you can! Prices for rentals start at $25 for cruisers and bikes, while tours start at $50.

Rent a pedal boat or a kayak and explore City Park

Rent a pedal boat or a kayak and explore City Park
City Park Boat and Bike Rentals offers kayaks and boats so that locals and tourists can explore the lakes of City Park. They are located about three miles from the French Quarter and they are open from 10 a.m. to sunset on weekdays and 9 a.m. till sunset on weekends. You must be 18 years of age to rent; cash and credit cards only. Rentals start at $15 for kayaks, $22 for canoes and $26 for pedal boats. They also offer bike rentals if you prefer to be on land!