The spring and summer seasons in New Orleans are kind of one continuous party.

At any time of the year, visitors to The Big Easy will never want to do something, from exploring its cultural attractions, history and heritage of art and architecture, to its famous music scene, unique gastronomy and diverse public spaces. But the good times do come in New Orleans during the spring and summer months when school is over, the sun is shining and everyone is in vacation mode.

Crescent City’s calendar for the coming warm weather seasons will be filled with cultural, music, food and wine festivals, seasonal events and attractions. Trying to figure out which celebrations fit your plans and preferences? You can find out everything you need to know when choosing the celebrations you want to attend at New Orleans & Company, the dedicated marketing organization for Louisiana’s iconic port city.

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Below, you’ll find just a few of New Orleans’ famous spring and summer festivals and events that you might want to include on your travels.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

This is a big event and is considered one of the greatest cultural events in the world. The annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (locally known simply as “Jazz Fest”) is a 10-day spring celebration that features literally thousands of local and international musicians performing at a dozen venues.

This massive event usually attracts around 500,000 avid enthusiasts from around the world. You can find travel packages that include concert admission as well as food, crafts, cultural events, and exhibitions.

This year’s line-up includes such notable artists as Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, Mumford & Sons, Santana, Steve Miller Band, Ludacris, Wu-Tang Klan, Kenny Loggins, NE-YO, Tom Jones, Melissa Ethridge, Lo Lobos and hundreds of others. other local bands from all over the world.

Dates: April 28–30 and May 4–7, 2023

Location: Fair Grounds Racetrack & Slot Machines, A Churchill Downs Co.

Web site: nojazzfest.com

French Quarter Festival

The aptly named French Quarter Festival celebrates local music, including all genres, from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin music, zydeco, classical, cabaret and international music. The event spans over 20 stages scattered throughout the city’s renowned historic French Quarter. The event has consistently been referred to by locals as the “favorite festival”, “favorite food festival” and “favorite event open to the public” of the locals. Plus, admission is free!

Dates: April 13–16, 2023

Location: French Quarter

Web site: frenchquarterfest.com

Bayou Boogaloo

This three-day festival of music, art and food is unique in that it can be seen both on land and on water, with many attendees spending the weekend boating and swimming to enjoy the celebration.

Dates: May 19–21, 2023

Location: Various access points

Web site: thebayouboogaloo.com

Wine and gastronomy of New Orleans

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) is a citywide culinary extravaganza held annually to showcase top chefs, dozens of local restaurants and fine wines from around the world. It is also a charity event and has raised over $1.5 million to date for local nonprofits. This year will see the 31st iteration of the event.

Dates: June 7–11, 2023

Location: Various locations

Web site: nowfe.com

Wednesday at the Square Series

This outdoor concert series features renowned local musicians in a variety of genres including jazz, rock, funk, swamp pop, Latin rhythms and more. Taking place every Wednesday evening from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the recurring event is free and open to the public. The square is also full of food stalls and outlets offering everything from entrees to desserts, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Proceeds from the sale of food and beverages also benefit the community projects of the Young Leaders Council.

Dates: every Wednesday from March 15 to May 17, 2023

Location: Lafayette Square

Web site: ylcwats.com

The essence of the cultural festival

Held over the Fourth of July weekend at the Caesars Superdome and downtown New Orleans, the Essence Cultural Festival is a vibrant three-day celebration named after the magazine that founded and sponsors it. The event combines incredible musical performances with other elements including inspiring speakers; exhibitions, seminars and master classes; and provocative conversations on topics such as gender, race, culture and art. Aimed at an audience of African American women, Essence is a celebration of the rich culture developed among the African diaspora, as well as a showcase of contemporary African American art and music of the highest caliber.

Dates: June 29 – July 3, 2023

Location: Caesar Superdome

Web site: essence.com/festival

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