New Orleans is home to the festival—there are probably many more than you could ever attend in a year. But there are some unique festivals in New Orleans that really stand out. We’ve come up with a list of the best New Orleans festivals that you absolutely should not miss. Check them out!
1) Po-Boy Festival, Oak Street New Orleans
This annual festival takes place in November just before Thanksgiving. It began in the fall of 2006, when any signs of new life in the city felt positively sizzling. Over the years the festival has blossomed as it attracted gourmet chefs to its best po-boy competition. It experienced some growing pains, with some years overly congested on narrow Oak Street. The fest has learned its lessons, and at this point feels like a new New Orleans tradition that won't be going away anytime soon. Location: Oak Street between Carrollton and the River
2) Congo Square World Rhythms Festival
New Orleans has always been a crossroads of cultures from around the globe, but the local music scene can often be very focused on the immediate areas around the city. This annual March festival showcases the rhythmic roots of many musical genres that dominate the New Orleans sound. Well worth a visit! Location: Congo Square
3) Central City Festival
This lively fall festival takes places in the heart of Central City as the neighborhood continues to transform in the years following Katrina. Over the years the fest has steadily grown and attracted some of the best musical talent in the city. Location: Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
4) Bayou Bougaloo
This annual May festival showcases all that Mid-City, and more specifically Bayou St. John, has to offer. Plenty of unique vendors and chefs snake around the bayou's shores while amazing musicians play on multiple stages until the sun goes down. It's no surprise that this festival was also founded after the storm and has helped to revitalize the neighborhood causes and nurture the community. A truly grassroots festival that is also quickly expanding, it's definitely one you want to catch before it gets any bigger! Location: Bayou St. John at Orleans Ave.
5) Chaz Fest
Chaz Fest developed in direct response to the monumental changes that the yearly Jazz and Heritage Festival has gone through. When a local crew of friendly musicians invested into a block of property in the Bywater, the place was just itching for a party. After multiple local musicians weren't asked to play in the Jazz Fest lineup to make room for out of town artists, Chaz Fest was born. In the years since, the fest has managed to maintain its vibe of your neighbor's backyard rager with incredible music. There are many reasons why this set-up is precarious however. I'd recommend getting tickets for this year if you want to be sure not to miss it! Location: 3020 St. Claude Ave.
6) White Linen Night
P. Diddy has his Hamptons white party, New Orleans has white linen night. Originally created to stimulate the warehouse district art galleries during the dreadfully slow late summer weeks, White Linen Night has become a New Orleans place to see and be seen. Maybe it's because only the die hard New Orleanians are actually around in those dog days of summer. But there's something beautiful about everyone in their favorite white clothes. Location: Julia Street, Warehouse District
7) Mirliton Fest
This quirky neighborhood celebration of an unusual Louisiana vegetable, the mirliton, is certainly worth a visit. Nestled in the center of the Bywater each fall, there's always great tunes and of course creative cuisine. Location: Markey Park
8) Satchmo Summer Fest
Another festival in the often overlooked summer months, this celebration of Louis Armstrong offers incredible music and food without the insane crowds. Location: French Quarter
9) Greek Fest
A fest that is now in its 43rd year, Greek Fest offers an incredible peek into Greek culture and life. Delicious foods, cultural demonstrations, and gorgeous performances make this late May weekend fest worth a trip to Lakeview. Location: Holy Trinity Cathedral, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd.
10) Running of the Bulls
An incredible summer tradition that simply has to be witnessed to fully appreciate. Here are some hints: roller derby girls, plastic bats, and huge running crowds. Location: CBD, Starting from Convention Center Blvd.
11) Tet Fest New Orleans
This annual celebration of Vietnamese New Year at the Mary Queen of Vietnam congregation is an amazing place to eat delicious Vietnamese food and be exposed to other cultural traditions. Location: Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, 14001 Dwyer Boulevard
How many of these unique festivals in New Orleans have you been to? Which one is your favorite? What do you think are the best New Orleans festivals? Let us know your thoughts! We love your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!