The Rules of Mardi Gras

We are approaching peak Carnival time! There’s a whole slate of parades to watch in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday, and things to keep in mind while gearing up for the revelry.

Here we list both informal guidelines as well as a few actual rules — i.e. ordinances related to Mardi Gras. The laws are meant to keep everyone safe and give everyone a fair chance of catching some good throws. Knowing them will also help you avoid getting arrested or fined, having to move your setup during the parade, and being (rightfully) judged by fellow revelers.

Personal Effects Must Be 6 Feet From the Curb

It’s totally OK to bring a backpack or cooler to a parade, but remember to store them a little off the curb. Those first few feet of grass or sidewalk are meant for everyone trying to enjoy the parade and catch beads. Also, occasionally, the parade floats have been known to jump the curb; your personal effects could be damaged in the event this happened. This rule also applies to ladders.

No “Saving” Spots

Some parade-goers stake out “their spot” along the parade route with chairs, trash cans, sofas, rope, yellow tape, spray paint — whatever comes in handy (have you heard of Krewe of Chad?). Not only this is very uncool and frowned upon but there’s an actual ban on roping off territory if you are in the public right of way.

The curb and the neutral ground are fair game to all who attend the parades. If you want to have a good spot, you’ll have to come early and wait in the spot to keep it. Seasoned revelers usually show up at least two hours before the parade rolls (and much earlier for the most popular parades like the Muses, Endymion and Bacchus).

Don’t Move Other People’s Stuff

Please do not move unoccupied chairs and ladders, as well as unattended coolers and personal belongings along the parade route to carve your own spot. We can guarantee that someone is watching this space and will be right back. Plus, families tend to use the same spots year after year. And they might also have little kids or seniors, or disabled persons in their group and need the space to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Don’t Interfere With the Parade

Running along with the moving float for a short while, begging for a Muses shoe or a Zulu coconut, is socially acceptable, but don’t run into the street between the floats to pick up a covetable throw. Floats are massive and can’t just stop quickly. You can get seriously hurt.

Also, getting in a band’s way, hanging on a float, joining the parade by marching along, acting aggressively toward anyone in the parade, or jumping over the barricade are all surefire ways to get yourself arrested.

No Nudity

You’ve probably seen or heard about the way some people come by beads. Police officers might be somewhat lenient about that sort of behavior on Bourbon Street, but it isn’t tolerated along the parade routes. Keep all your clothes on!

Contrary to popular belief outside of New Orleans, Carnival is overwhelmingly a family-friendly holiday. Many New Orleanians take their kids to parades, and a good rule to apply here is, if you wouldn’t do something in front of kids in your hometown, you shouldn’t do it here (exceptions to this rule include screaming, dancing and waving your arms to score beads).

Plus, in this day and age, you will probably end up on the internet, and not in a good way. We can’t stress this enough: Do NOT flash for beads.

No Glass Containers

As the night (or day) progresses, trash from the parades tends to pile up on the streets and curbs around the route. Glass bottles and even cans are potentially dangerous when discarded on the ground, although the official ban only applies to glass. You can always pour your drink into a plastic cup, or order one to go from one of the many bars you will find along the parade route.

Plan Wisely for Transportation and Parking

During Mardi Gras, and during the parades especially, parking violations are vigorously enforced. Parking on Napoleon and St. Charles is prohibited on both sides of the neutral ground, not just the parade side, starting two hours before the parade. This rule is strictly enforced, and you will be towed. Also, do not double-park or park in driveways, in front of water hydrants, within 15 feet of curb corners, or too far from the curb.

The French Quarter is closed to vehicular traffic during Mardi Gras weekend (the weekend leading up to Fat Tuesday, which falls on February 21, 2023) except for residents and hotel guests with special parking passes. You won’t get past the police barricades.

Please also remember that parking lots fill up fast during parades and tend to charge more than usual. Bus and streetcar routes and schedules also often change during Carnival season. And cabs might be delayed due to the demand and traffic congestion, so plan ahead or consider walking or biking, if it’s feasible.

Respect the Authority

The local police are consummate pros at handling all kinds of behavior during the Carnival and had seen it all. They are also amazing at controlling the crowds and tolerating all that goes on as long as it doesn’t involve breaking the law.

So, as you enjoy the festivities please do remember that the rules like no glass, no public urination, and the drinking age will be enforced. You will get arrested if you act obnoxiously, threaten anyone, act overly intoxicated, or break the law in any other way. The police presence is very robust at the parades, and in the French Quarter during the Mardi Gras weekend.

Finally, if you’re out and about enjoying the parades and the parties on Mardi Gras Day, don’t be surprised when midnight strikes and you’re asked to clear off the street. Mardi Gras is officially over and the street cleanup begins, though you are of course free to continue partying indoors.

“Ain’t No Place…”

One of the most famous Mardi Gras songs is the Benny Grunch classic, “Ain’t No Place to Pee on Mardi Gras Day.” As the saying goes, it’s funny because it’s true — or at least it can feel that way. There are some public restrooms along the parade routes — the most prominent ones are around Lafayette Square near St. Charles Ave. and Poydras St. You might think that you can sneak into a hotel or a restaurant, but those places usually strictly reserve their restrooms for guests or paying customers.

If you don’t want to wait in long lines, some restaurants, bars, churches, or other businesses offer single-use or day-long bathroom passes. Doing your business in public is a definite no-no, as you will get in trouble if the police catch you (also, it’s gross). And, this is an official rule: There can be no private portable toilets on neutral ground or other public property.

Parade Etiquette

The cops won’t come for you if you break these unofficial “rules,” but if you want to keep the peace with fellow parade-goers, it’s a good idea to maintain good Mardi Gras etiquette.

Bead Rule No. 1

This is one of the unspoken “rules” — don’t pick up beads that have fallen on the street or ground. There are a couple of safety issues involved with this rule. Picking up a bead or throw from the street puts you in direct line with the tires of the tractors or the floats. Also, the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras can get… Well, let’s just say “unsanitary.” Do yourself a favor and wait until you catch something in the air. There’s plenty to go around.

Bead Rule No. 2

For the “good throws” — most often signature beads, but also stuffed animals, sparkly Muses shoes, anything that lights up from Bacchus, etc. — you should never get in the way of someone else’s catch. If the rider wants to throw you something from the float, they’ll make eye contact with you, usually make an exaggerated “I’m looking at you” sign, and throw in your direction. The good part is, if someone else catches a throw destined for you, unless they’re clueless, they will respectfully give it up and hand it to you.

The Optional Bead Rule

This one is more good-natured than the first two bead rules. As the parade progresses, you should wear all of the beads that you catch. You’ll look silly at the end of the night, but it will also be a mark of pride. The people with the most beads must’ve worked really hard to get all of them, right?

The Family Rule

As we keep saying, Mardi Gras is a family event. Many people make it a day with their whole family, kids included. There are some places that are unofficially yet almost exclusively “Family Zones,” usually located near the beginning of parade routes and in residential zones, but children are welcome everywhere. So, try your best to remain on something like good behavior — there might be kids nearby. Also, never reach over a kid to catch a throw — that’s just mean.

And, the Number 1 Rule of Mardi Gras, above any official and unofficial rules, is to have fun! Costumes are encouraged throughout the season of Mardi Gras. Put on your fanciest wig and glitteriest outfit, and go out there!

Book a stay at our historic French Quarter boutique hotel, right in the epicenter of all of the action!

Romantic Things to Do in the French Quarter

The Bombay Club, French Quarter, New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most romantic cities in the world. And you’ve got a head start on a dreamy vacation if you’re staying in the French Market Inn, where brocade curtains frame the windows of charming rooms decorated in classic Quarter style.

While it may be tempting to ensconce yourselves amid the cushions of your comfy bed, a whole world of romance beckons from the streets just outside your door. The best part? You still have that lovely room to come back to when you’re ready to hit the hay.

Slurp Oysters at the Bourbon House Bar  (144 Bourbon St.)

You know what they say about oysters, right? Jumpstart your romantic evening with a dozen or two freshly shucked oysters. You’ll find them all over the Quarter, but the Bourbon House deserves a special mention for serving the mollusks with local caviar, and for its couples-friendly bar, which mixes classic cocktails like the Bourbon Sidecar.

Take a Jazz Cruise on the Creole Queen

Cruising the Mississippi at night is about as romantic as it gets, and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen takes you back to the glamorous riverboat days, when high-rolling gamblers courted saloon girls. Take a spin on the parquet dance floor to hot live jazz, then stroll the decks and enjoy the skyline view under the stars. Choose the dinner option if you want to feast on a bounteous Creole buffet in the softly-lit dining room.

(Departs from Poydras Dock at Spanish Plaza; book in advance online)

Take a Carriage Ride Through the Quarter

Many a marriage proposal has been made, and accepted, on a leisurely ride through the streets of the Quarter in a mule-drawn carriage. Royal Carriages offers several different tours in carriages steered by savvy tour guides. But if you’re looking to pop the question, book a private tour with your very own personal guide. Your driver can even help you find the perfect Quarter backdrop for your proposal.

(700 Decatur St.; book in advance online)

Have a Candlelit Dinner in a Romantic Restaurant

For old-school Creole elegance, book a table for two at Antoine’s (713 St. Louis St.) or Arnaud’s (813 Bienville). Both restaurants are housed in historic buildings in the heart of the Quarter, and serve classic French dishes like Chateaubriand and Frog Legs Provencal. More in the mood for nouveau cuisine? Head for Bayona (430 Dauphine St.), chef Susan Spicer’s flagship restaurant, which serves beautifully plated dishes like Fennel Pepper-Crusted Lamb Loin in a lovely atmospheric setting.

Catch Live Jazz at The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

It doesn’t get more romantic than the swanky curtained private booths at The Bombay Club, where you can sip Bombay’s signature martinis or other classic cocktails while listening to the cool jazz stylings of some of the city’s top artists. Even the bar food here is elegant.

Get Your Fortunes Read in Jackson Square

Is this really the one? Will your love last forever? Tempt fate and get some answers from one of the colorfully-garbed soothsayers who ply their trade in Jackson Square. Crystal ball gazers, palmists, tarot card readers, and other diviners all set up shop here and will look into your future if you cross their palms with silver.

(Decatur St. in front of St. Louis Cathedral)

Book a stay at our historic French Quarter boutique hotel, right in the epicenter of all of the action!

 

New Year’s Eve in New Orleans: What to Do and Where to Stay

It should come as no surprise that New Orleans does New Year’s Eve quite well. Both the city and the holiday are closely tied to the celebration, public revelry, and good fellowship. But many visitors may not expect how possible it is to have an intimate, (relatively) quiet New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. Of course, there are big celebrations within the French Quarter, but even in that storied neighborhood, a night out on December 31 can be both as raucous and as chill as you please.

Note that in New Orleans, the evening of the 31 is not a guaranteed chiller. While there have been New Year’s Eves in New Orleans characterized by heavy coats and cold winds off of the Mississippi, there is a chance the weather will be temperate, and even a little muggy. The point is: Bring cold-weather clothes but don’t be surprised if you won’t need them.

Here are some of our picks for what to do on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.

Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve 

Every year, Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve production hosts its official Central Time Zone party in New Orleans near the historic JAX Brewery starting at 9 p.m. The show is coordinated with parties in New York and Los Angeles, and features a musical lineup and special guests. The fleur-de-lis drop at midnight is live-cast (more on that below).

Jackson Square

This is the big, obvious New Year’s activity in New Orleans — our version of the Times Square ball drop (although the actual ball drop is a fleur-de-lis drop, and that event has a party all of its own, see above). Jackson Square is a historic and iconic meeting space of the city of New Orleans, and is always a linchpin for local events.

Every year, admission to the square is free, although you’ll want to show up early in the evening if you don’t want to be crowded to the edge of the square (depending on your crowd tolerance, the latter scenario may not be such a bad thing). Within Jackson Square, there is live music and general milling about. The end-of-the-year countdown culminates in the fleur-de-lis drop, followed by fireworks over the Mississippi River.

For the Kids

If you’re traveling with young children and have made the reasonable conclusion that popping bottles of Moët at midnight and a child’s sleep cycle don’t mix well — but also don’t want your kids to completely miss New Year’s Eve fun — consider some of the family-friendly annual events in the Crescent City.

You could take your kids to Zoo Year’s Eve at the Audubon Zoo, which “parties” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a soda toast, costumed characters, and of course, the Audubon’s wildlife menagerie (the event is included in the price of admission).

Or you could head to the Louisiana Children’s Museum for their annual New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown to Noon, which lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. That party typically includes noisemakers, paper bag hats, and music, all set against the backdrop of the Louisiana Children’s Museum’s considerable range of kid-friendly displays and exhibits, appropriate for children aged from 1-12.

Balcony Bashes

If you’re looking for a more traditional night of French Quarter-style partying, be on the lookout for balcony bashes at area bars — located all up and down the (in)famous Bourbon Street nightlife strip.

A balcony bash is pretty much that — you’ll pay a cover and be allowed to plant yourself on a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the street below. Some bashes feature all-inclusive tickets that get you extras like an open bar and food. Either way, much bead tossing subsequently ensues.

With that said, a different take on the balcony bash is a French Quarter New Year’s Eve house party. Seeing as such houses usually have balconies that afford at least a decent view of the river, this is a good chance to see the fireworks while avoiding crowds. Of course, getting yourself into a house party is all based on your charm and who you know.

Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade

Need something to do during the day? Since 1935, the Sugar Bowl has been played in New Orleans, and while that event has since become the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the New Year’s Eve Parade associated with the game continues in more or less the same vein. The extravaganza is done Mardi Gras-style, so expect big floats, marching bands, plenty of throws (trinkets tossed to spectators), and a general overload of glitz and pageantry.

The parade begins at the “bottom” of the Quarter, where it meets Faubourg Marigny, at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street, at 2 p.m. The parade proceeds into the French Quarter and rolls past some of that neighborhood’s most iconic landmarks, including the French Market and Jackson Square. At approximately 3 p.m. the parade passes the WDSU stage at the Allstate Fan Fest on Decatur Street inside the JAX Brewery parking lot, where all performers do a two-minute show. The parade ends at Canal Street.

Riverboat Cruises

Want the best view of the fireworks? Local riverboats like Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez offer an opportunity to ring in the new year with river cruises that include champagne toasts, live music, a dinner buffet, and party favors.

LGBTQIA+ Parties

The French Quarter includes some of the oldest gay bars in the country, and a slew of venues in the lower portions of Bourbon Street, starting at around the 800 block, will be throwing New Year’s Eve parties. Expect DJs, dancers (of the go-go variety), and drag cabaret.

If that kind of thumping nightlife experience isn’t your thing, consider an evening at one of the city’s more laid-back bars, like Mag’s 940 (940 Elysian Fields Avenue), The Friendly Bar (2301 Chartres Street), and Big Daddy’s (2513 Royal Street) — all friendly spots that will certainly be celebrating, but perhaps minus the laser show and speakers.

Crescent Park

The Crescent Park is a public green space that has become a favorite spot for watching events take place on the river. Positioned as it is along the Mississippi, the park offers fantastic views of the water, which means you’ve got a clear vantage point onto the annual fireworks show. Usually, the park closes after dark, but on New Year’s Eve it will stay open to the public till 1 a.m. There are three entrances to the space in Bywater and Faubourg Marigny, and both of those neighborhoods are thick with venues to celebrate in after the last fireworks pops off.

Where to Sleep

We’ve given you plenty of options on how to spend New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, but let’s face it: Once the confetti has been thrown, the champagne uncorked and the noisemakers put away, you need a place to sleep (and possibly sleep in, depending on how much fun you’ve had). With that said, you want to pick the right hotel — one that has a mix of easy accessibility and cozy amenities.

If you’re celebrating near Jackson Square, consider a room at the Place d’Armes Hotel. Want to be near the action on Bourbon Street? Try Hotel St. Marie. Or position yourself near the river at the historic French Market Inn. Finally, the Prince Conti Hotel will allow you to be close to both the French Quarter, Canal Street, and downtown action, as well as several streetcar lines.

Enjoy the holidays and happy New Year!

Thanksgiving in the French Quarter

Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

When Thanksgiving is upon us, summer weather is truly over, and the fall schedule is packed with fun activities you can only find in New Orleans. Plus, quite a few notable restaurants offer the prix fixe, a la carte, and buffet feasts of Southern classics on Thanksgiving Day. There’s turkey, of course, but also lots of traditional holiday favorites with a few contemporary twists. Here’s what you can do, see and eat if you find yourself in New Orleans for Thanksgiving.

Get to the Races

The opening day at the Fair Grounds Race Course (Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 28, 2024) kicks off the holiday season for New Orleans, and you’ll see half the city donning spectacular hats and turning up at the racetrack to happily mingle, cocktails in hand, and to gorge on oysters and bet on horses. The races start at 11 a.m.

The racetrack also offers a Thanksgiving sit-down dinner in the Clubhouse and the Black Gold Room (reservations only). Prices range per seat for adults and children ages 12 and under. There’s also a first-come, first-served buffet in the Pan Zareta Room. Please note that the Clubhouse has a dress code, but you’d probably want to dress up anyway — and don’t forget the fancy hat.

Bayou Classic

Each November the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries (on Saturday, November 30, 2024). The event stretches for four days and includes a fan fest, a parade, the Battle of the Bands, and, of course, the big game at the Superdome.

Thanksgiving Day Dining in the French Quarter or Nearby

Some of the city’s best restaurants will be offering multi-course Thanksgiving dinners in three formats — prix fixe, a la carte, and buffet. New Orleans celebrates food on any given day, but these holiday menus take it to another level, at the same time paying homage to the Southern culinary traditions.

The Louisiana spin on the traditional holiday bird is typically done three ways: deep-fried; smoked; and crawfish-style boiled with onions, garlic, potatoes, and crawfish boil spice. Then there’s the turducken, a New Orleans jazzed-up invention of a chicken inside of a duck inside of a turkey. Some traditional Louisiana recipes that make it into the chefs’ kitchens on Thanksgiving also include cornbread, oyster and Cajun dirty rice dressings, and pecan pie.

As it gets closer to Thanksgiving, check out what’s on the menu in some local restaurants on Thanksgiving Day. Restaurants participating in the past included such notables as Arnaud’s, Brennan’s, Muriel’s Jackson Square, and others. The restaurants typically post their special menus on their websites. This could be your best home away from home experience. Plus, someone else will be doing all the cooking!

Coming to New Orleans for Thanksgiving?

Take advantage of the French Market Inn specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous French Quarter cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Things to Do in New Orleans in February

Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and there is a steady stream of events and entertainment leading up to it. February is not only packed with Carnival-related festivities though — let’s not forget Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl— plus there are a few low-key local annual events you might enjoy. Here are some highlights and suggestions to make sure you make the most of this short but event-packed month.

Attend the Super Bowl

New Orleans is proud to host the 2025 Super Bowl, which will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome, home of the Saints. The NFL, Roc Nation and Apple Music announced that 17-time Grammy award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will be this year’s halftime performer (maybe with special guests?). Even if you don’t attend the game itself, expect to find yourself part of one huge, citywide party.

Go See the Mardi Gras Parades

One of the best parties in the world is here! The Carnival season always kicks off on January 6, known as Twelfth Night, or the Epiphany, with three parades, and will culminate as usual on Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday). In the days leading up to it, quite a few parades roll in February in the French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, and Uptown.

Do consider venturing outside the city too, if you can, as parts of the metro New Orleans, like Metairie, Covington, Slidell, and the West Bank have some of the most fascinating, fun parades of the Carnival season. You can’t catch them all, but you can try! Check the full parade schedule to get the rundown of the Carnival festivities.

Eat King Cake

For those who aren’t aware, King Cake is a traditional cake typically served during Mardi Gras festivities. It’s socially acceptable to stuff your face with it anytime between January 6, when the Carnival season starts, and Ash Wednesday. Also, per tradition, whoever finds a plastic baby in their slice has to throw the next party, or at least buy the next King Cake.

King Cake comes with many fillings although the traditionalists insist on the old-school rendition without any. It also comes in the Carnival colors of purple, gold and green, but then again you might see the “Who Dat?” versions in black and gold during the football season, honoring the Saints.

King Cake is a beloved Carnival staple, and New Orleanians tend to have strong opinions about who makes the best King Cake in the city. One thing is for sure: Everywhere you go during Mardi Gras, from a grocery store to a parade party to a dive bar, King Cake will be there for the taking.

Take in the Art at First Saturdays

Head downtown to the Arts District to discover some of the city’s best galleries during this free event. First Saturday gallery openings are held every first Saturday of the month, down and around Julia Street, 6 to 9 p.m. Member galleries open their doors and might be also serving free refreshments.

Celebrate Vietnamese New Year at Tet Fest

Tet Fest is held over a weekend at the Mary Queen of Vietnam Church at 14011 Dwyer Blvd. in New Orleans East. It’s a free celebration of the Vietnamese New Year with live music, traditional dance performances, fireworks, kid-friendly activities, and an amazing variety of authentic Vietnamese food. The date changes annually, falling anywhere between mid-January and late February.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in One of the Most Romantic Cities

To be fair, this is a worldwide holiday. But Valentine’s Day (Friday, February 14, 2025) in New Orleans — with her wrought-iron balconies, historical buildings, and the possibility of music on every corner — is a special kind of unique. Check out our suggestions on the romantic things to do in the French Quarter for some ideas.

Explore the French Quarter

Whether you’re here with your sweetheart to celebrate Valentine’s Day or visiting with family or friends (or alone) for any other reason, Carnival season is one of the best times to explore the French Quarter. The spirit of revelry permeates the streets, and there are parades and block parties to stumble upon. Not to mention that many of the French Quarter’s facades, porches and balconies are decked in dazzling decorations, sporting purple, green and gold.

Plus, the winter temps are usually mild here, and pleasant enough to stroll down Royal Street to visit the galleries and the antique shops, for example. You can also take in a brass band performance at Jackson Square; visit the French Market to get a po-boy and some oysters; or scarf down some beignets at Cafe du Monde. Take a tour, or just walk around and stare.

No matter when you visit and with whom, take advantage of the French Market Inn specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous French Quarter cuisine and enjoying everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

 

 

 

“Throw Me Something, Monsta!”: Krewe of Boo

Image courtesy of Krewe of Boo on Facebook

Krewe of Boo kicks off the holiday and parade season on Saturday, October 19, 2024, with its annual Halloween parade. This lively affair became the “official Halloween Parade” in New Orleans in 2007, and has been going strong since, only growing in popularity. Krewe of Boo is brought to you by Kern Studios and the late “Mr. Mardi Gras” himself.

With Krewe of Boo, expect the usual 3-D fiberglass and papier-mache extravaganza with all of your favorite spooky characters. This popular parade draws both locals and visitors but is not so crowded that you won’t be able to get close at any point on its route. The parade-goers had been known to don their favorite, family-friendly Halloween gear as well, and you’re encouraged to do the same.

Krewe of Boo is very child-friendly, we can’t stress that enough. Everyone is welcome to join the spooky festivities, which makes this parade one of the best and most family-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween in one of the most haunted cities in America. You’ll see werewolves, ghosts, vampires, and other Halloween-themed monsters, but all the monsters on the floats are PG-13 and not too scary even for the youngest parade-goers.

There are plenty of plush toy throws for the little ones too. In an ongoing effort to minimize waste, Krewe of Boo has been instead handing out eco-friendly cups and food items made by local companies that are sponsoring the event.

Look out for Aunt Sally’s pralinettes and Chee Wees from Elmer’s Fine Foods. The little coffee packs from PJ’s Coffee are also a mainstay. Also look out for other collectibles and consumables like candy, light-up medallion beads, and doubloons.

Once again, the pre-parade fun starts early in the morning and lasts all day. First up is the New Orleans Zombie Run. This two-mile race starts at 9 a.m. and ends at noon, both at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant (701 Tchoupitoulas St.) in the Warehouse District. Participants are encouraged to come dressed as zombies and monsters. Registration for the race begins at 7:30 a.m. You can also pre-register online.

The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Decatur St. and Elysian Fields Ave. in the Marigny, rolling through the French Quarter. It will first go down Elysian Fields to N. Peters St., then to Decatur, passing by Jackson Square. Then the parade will go down Canal, up to Burgundy St., making a U-turn and eventually reaching Tchoupitoulas St.

You can watch the parade at one of the official viewing parties on the balcony of Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur St.) in the French Quarter, or at The Sheraton (500 Canal St.), but you might want to get your tickets soon as they will most likely sell out (includes open bar and balcony access).

The parade ends at Generations Hall (311 Andrew Higgins Dr.) in the Warehouse District for the Monster Mash party. This ticketed costume party starts at 8 p.m. (until).; ages 18 and up to enter. The Monster Mash features live music, a costume contest, drink specials, and a big dance party. You can buy tickets online or at the door.

On Friday, October 18, 2024, there’s also an annual Royal Luncheon at Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St.) from 11:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., immediately followed by a second line to Pat O’Brien’s (718 St. Peter St.) Tickets are $150.

For more information and updates please visit the Krewe of Boo website, Facebook page, or @KreweofBoo.

Need somewhere to stay while you enjoy all the fall fun New Orleans has to offer, including the always-fabulous Halloween celebrations? Book a stay at a historic French Quarter boutique hotel today!

Fall in New Orleans Highlights

Celebration in the Oaks in the New Orleans City Park

When the summer lull is over and the temps are milder, the city gets ready to ramp it up with Halloween and a calendar full of foodie-haven and music festivals. There’s a festival, sometimes two, going on every weekend! Here are the fall highlights of what’s happening in New Orleans.

The Labor Day weekend kicks into high gear with Southern Decadence, which celebrates LGBTQIA+ culture and attracts participants from all over the world.

September continues with NOLAxNOLA. Pronounced “NOLA by NOLA,” it’s a celebration of New Orleans music, venues and artists. Supposed to be even bigger this year, NOLAXNOLA is not to be missed. For this year’s artist roster and participating venues list, check out the event’s website.

September closes out with the NOLA Coffee Festival. This annual festival-slash-trade show celebrates all things coffee. Although the event is a two-day one, consumer day is September 28, 2024. That’s when you can sample the products, attend classes on home brewing, and more. Held at the Convention Center.

October events are next, starting with the always well-attended Art for Art’s Sake. It’s an opportunity to browse the shops and galleries along the commercial stretch of Magazine Street. Expect extended hours, special deals, live music, and beverage sampling.

Do you like fried chicken? How about beer? The National Fried Chicken Festival at the Lakefront keeps getting bigger, drawing well-known fried chicken vendors coming from all over the region to represent different cooking styles of this classic Southern dish. This year, expect over 40 vendors and four outdoor stages.

October fun continues with the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival. This free fest happens every year in the CBD, in Lafayette Square. Join the fun for two stages of music, a dozen of the best barbecue vendors in the region, and a large art market.

Don’t forget, New Orleans throws its own lavish version of Oktoberfest over the three weekends in October at Deutsches Haus in Mid-City.

The New Orleans Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the South and is the longest-running festival of its kind in the state (35 years in 2024). The festival has grown to the point of attracting thousands of attendees and industry insiders, plus more than 400 filmmakers and over 200 films annually.

Next up is NOLA Funk Fest. Held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, this three-day fest will feature the city and nation’s best funk acts on two stages, plus exhibitions and talks.

Halloween kicks into high gear with the kid-friendly Krewe of Boo, courtesy of Kern Studios.

At Top Taco, festival-goers sample unlimited taco tastes and signature cocktails from some of the best restaurants in New Orleans, voting for their favorites to crown four categories of awards: Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco, and Top Cocktail. The fest is held in Lafreniere Park in Metairie. Expect three stages of music, mezcal tastings, and a tequila lounge.

October continues with Tremé Fall Festival brings entertainment from New Orleans musical royalty and food trucks and vendors from some of New Orleans’ best eateries in one the nation’s first African American neighborhoods on October 26, 2024.

October also gives us the popular Oak Street Po-Boy Festival and closes out with Halloween. New Orleans puts its own spin on the Halloween fun with a slew of balls, costume parties, a parade, haunted tours, and a huge block party on Frenchmen Street.

November kicks off with Bayou Bacchanal. This two-day fest will be held in Armstrong’s Park Congo Square and will celebrate the city’s Caribbean heritage, Carnival-style.

The annual Tremé Creole Gumbo festival serves up the perfect trifecta of gumbo, brass bands and cooler temps, returning to celebrate over a decade of existence at Louis Armstrong Park.

Back again this year, LUNA Fête light show will illuminate Lafayette Square and will spread to Piazza d’Italia, located downtown. The annual large-scale light and sound installations are breathtaking, and the fest is free and family-friendly.

Adding to the year-round roster of music and food-centric festivals, Beignet Festival celebrates both sweet and savory renditions of the beloved pastry.

Don’t miss Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course! Per a long-standing New Orleans tradition, it’s customary to turn out at the track on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting fabulous hats. The racetrack also serves a sumptuous holiday buffet, plus a fancy dinner with all the holiday trimmings at the Clubhouse.

Every Thanksgiving weekend, the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries. This involves a fan fest, a parade, and the always-amazing Battle of the Bands before the big game at the Superdome.

Finally, November kicks off the beloved New Orleans tradition of Celebration in the Oaks, a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of the City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. This is how you know the winter holidays are upon us!

New Orleans offers tons of fun festivals and events for people of all ages and interests, appealing to both locals and tourists alike. If you are visiting the Big Easy in the fall, be sure to book your stay at The French Market Inn, a charming historic hotel in the New Orleans French Quarter located close to all of the festivals and excitement.

What’s Happening in New Orleans in August?

Zulu SA&PC Grand Marshall at Satchmo Salute Parade. Photo by Cedric Ellsworth.

Don’t let the long, hot Louisiana summer get you down — there’s plenty to do in New Orleans in August. These happenings are a testament to our willingness to eat, drink, dance, mingle, strut, and even run — in the heat, humidity, and that inevitable afternoon rain. From brass bands to block parties to a parade to running in a fancy dress for a good cause, August got it going, spilling into the first week of September.

Coolinary

Thursday, August 1 – Sunday, September 15, 2024

The premise of Coolinary is simple: Dozens of area restaurants offer prix fixe menus to customers at a discount. Sometimes, a significant discount — this is a New Orleans event that’s as popular with the locals as tourists, and many city residents take advantage of Coolinary to engage in a bit of gastronomic splurging.

Interested? Check out the Coolinary website and see what restaurants are participating (and for which meals; some spots, for example, only offer a Coolinary menu during lunch). You don’t have to do anything else but show up and get fed; usually, the Coolinary menu is included as a special insert or addition to the regular menu.

Museum Month

Thursday, August 1 – Saturday, August 31, 2024

If you’re in town this August, be sure to take advantage of the Museum Month deal. During the month of August, museum members have the opportunity to visit all participating institutions, FREE OF CHARGE, using their current membership throughout the month of August.

You must be a member of a local museum to take advantage of this deal. This is a great opportunity to explore on the budget. In the past, participating museums in (and near) the French Quarter include the Beauregard-Keyes House, Audubon Insectarium, Contemporary Arts Center, The National WWII Museum, Old Ursuline Convent Museum, New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

Fidelity Bank White Linen Night

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Back in the days before air conditioning, New Orleanians kept cool and looked fresh in the face of August swelter by wearing light-colored linen clothing. Back in the days before White Linen Night, local art galleries felt the pinch of the August tourism slowdown.

In order to combat said slowdown, and to showcase local summer fashion, White Linen Night was created. Art galleries and restaurants on the 300-600 blocks of Julia Street in the Warehouse District throw their doors open for a night of wine, art perusing, dining, and more wine — plus modeling of, naturally, the latest in white linen fashion.

Satchmo SummerFest

Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2024

An initiative from the folks at French Quarter Festivals, Satchmo Summer Fest is a celebration of the city’s most famous musical son (Louis Armstrong, nicknamed “Satchmo”) and New Orleans music in general. As New Orleans festivals go, this one is pretty beloved — it’s family-friendly, kicks off within the French Quarter with a popular parade, the lineup is truly local, and it’s free. More than almost any other festival we mention, this one feels like a New Orleans street party (again, for families), and it definitely should not be missed if you’re in town.

Red Dress Run

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Probably the last thing any sane human being wants to do in the midst of a New Orleans August is run, but then again, the folks involved with the New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3) have always been a little crazy. The Red Dress Run is your chance to see a bunch of locals of all genders don red frocks and go careening through the city on a madcap 2-3 mile course.

Said route is kept secret until the day of the run, but racers always pass through the Quarter. Come out, wear crimson, have a beer (many of the runners will be joining in with you), and enjoy the show.

Dirty Linen Night

Saturday, August 10, 2024

The more rebellious sibling to White Linen Night, Dirty Linen is a similar gallery evening, but in this case, the galleries are located in the Quarter along 300-1100 blocks of Royal Street, and the vibe is a little more counterculture. Peruse food trucks, galleries, and bars, help yourself to the wine the gallery owners brought along with them, and enjoy an unbridled celebration of the creativity of the city.

Southern Decadence

Thursday, August 29 – Monday, September 2, 2024

New Orleans’ largest LGBTQI+  event is a citywide party that celebrates the huge impact the local gay and lesbian community has on the city at large. Almost a week’s worth of partying will kick off within the Quarter, spreading across New Orleans as more and more guests swoop into town for several days of… well, as the title says, decadence.

Coming to New Orleans this summer?

We’d love for you to stay with us! Take advantage of our specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Also, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!

Run Like No One’s Watching at Running of the Bulls in New Orleans

It’s 6:30 a.m., and thousands of people have gathered in the streets of downtown New Orleans, drinking, eating, and preparing for an event like no other. This isn’t your ordinary Saturday morning. This is New Orleans’s version of Spain’s Encierro de Pamplona, San Fermin in Nueva Orleans!

The “bulls” are actually the Big Easy Rollergirls (plus the participants from the other roller derby leagues across the country) on skates. The runners, wearing white with red accents, attempt to run away from the girls as they chase after them with wiffle ball bats.

This eccentric festival will be taking place in New Orleans on the weekend of July 12-14, 2024. Here’s this year’s rundown.

The Encierro

The festival stretches over the weekend, but the run itself takes place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave.) in Downtown New Orleans. Please note that this is a new location for this year.

Beginning at 6:30 a.m., join hundreds of runners, wearing all white and accessorized with red scarves and handkerchiefs. Live music, beer, sangria, and food trucks on-site get things going. The participants get the party started by saying a prayer to Saint Fermin (Pamplona’s patron saint). After the Procession of San Fermin and the Invocation, the race starts at 8 a.m. sharp.

While there is no dress code, the runners are encouraged to dress in the style of Spain’s Encierro de Pamplona: white top and bottom, with something red around the waist and the neck. This being New Orleans, many runners do, and get very creative with their gear. The Derby girls wear red and black with horns and various other accessories meant to intimidate the runners.

The pre- and post-run events

The run lasts till about noon. After that, you can attend the traditional La Fiesta de Pantalones, (2024 location TBA, the event starts at noon) or join the other revelers who stick around to make a day of it bar-crawling downtown.

On Friday, July 12, the festival opens with El Txupinazo (pronounced “el choo-pin-AHT-so”), hosted by the charity that benefits from this festival, Beth’s Friends Forever. It will be held at Gallier Hall. Expect an auction, live music, and food from some of the top restaurants in New Orleans. Please note that the event is 18+.

Recover the next day after the race at Sunday’s annual event, El Pobre de Mi (“Poor Me”), an Ernest Hemingway-themed party, again, at Gallier Hall, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with burlesque, cocktails, and a Papa Hemingway look-a-like contest. This is a non-ticketed event, and there’s no cover.

What else to know

  • All events happening on Friday and Saturday are ticketed — proceeds go to charity (get tickets online).
  • SFNO benefits Beth’s Friends Forever (named after Nola Bulls cofounder Beth Hanning), which raises money for financially needy women fighting cancer in the Greater New Orleans area. The second charity SFNO has chosen is Big Easy Animal Rescue.
  • Since drinking is part of the festival, prepare to get carded.
  • There are several paid parking lots in the area, but this is a popular event, so it will most likely be crowded, with limited parking options all around.
  • No outside food and drinks are allowed inside Gallier Hall on the day of the run, and no ice chests or chairs.
  • Review the rules of the run before you take off, like no touching the bulls and placing kids under 10 on the sidewalk.

On a final note, do NOT underestimate the “bulls” as they will not hold back when it comes to whacking participants with the wiffle ball bats. In fact, some participants really get into it and even yell at the bulls to entice them to chase after them. Dangerous? You’ll have to decide for yourself!

Visting New Orleans soon?

We’d love for you to stay with us! Take advantage of our specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Also, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!

Kick Off Your Summer With the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans

Photo by Danny Howe on Unsplash

Looking for something fun to do in New Orleans coming up this July? Look no further. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture will be taking place in New Orleans over the Independence Day weekend (July 4-7, 2024). This unique New Orleans festival hosts multiple famous musical guests, renowned speakers, unforgettable food, fashion, beauty, culture, and much more. Music lovers from all over simply can’t go wrong with all the incredible names in this year’s lineup.

Over the five days, the event will be held mostly at the two New Orleans venues: Caesars Superdome for the evening performances and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the daytime activities.

Soak in the Music at the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans

ESSENCE Festival is a music lover’s dream, and while this year’s full lineup is still TBA, the past years’ lineups should tell you this much: The 2024 music schedule will be amazing as usual. In the past, ESSENCE featured performances by such renowned musical artists as Brandy, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Big Freedia, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and many more.

The 2024 theme is “loving on us.” Some headliners were already announced and include Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, and Birdman & Friends, who will also honor three decades of Cash Money Millionaires.

The traditional Sunday Gospel Celebration at the Convention Center will feature the greatest gospel hits, and admission is free. ESSENCE After Dark is a series of late-night jam sessions, comedy shows, underground performances, live podcast recordings, and more.

Other ESSENCE events

The festival has a lot more than just music. One of the highlights is a series of keynote events (Michelle Obama, Rev. Al Sharpton and Pharrell Williams were the speakers in the past), plus a slew of exciting conferences, exhibitions, roundtables, and other experiences.

The Beauty Carnival and Wellness House experiences will bring beauty influencers and wellness experts to the stage, and the celebrated ESSENCE Eats will once again have cooking demos and a food court with vendors from all over the South offering a wide range of classic New Orleans food, world cuisine, vegan and vegetarian fare, desserts, and beyond.

How to Get Your Tickets

You can get your tickets a la carte (for the evening concerts at the Superdome and for the ESSENCE After Dark) or in the bundled day and VIP packages, online. The headliners sell out fast, so don’t wait till the last minute! All the events held at the Convention Center during the day are free and open to all (registration is required).

Stay Close to the ESSENCE Festival

If you are attending ESSENCE, book your stay at a beautiful New Orleans hotel close to the sounds of the city, the French Market Inn! This historic hotel is located in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, close to a multitude of popular New Orleans bars, restaurants and landmarks, including the Superdome and the Convention Center.

This quaint hotel also gives you old New Orleans charm, without sacrificing any of the modern-day amenities that you want when staying at a hotel. When you stay at the French Market Inn, you can walk through meandering gardens and a beautiful stone-paved courtyard that allows you to enjoy a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.