Here in New Orleans, we have a favorite expression: “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” It’s a Cajun saying meaning “Let the good times roll!” And let them roll, we do. With more than 130 festivals year-round in the Crescent City, we know how to have a good time.
While some of the most popular festivals like Jazz Fest and the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience can carry a hefty ticket price, there are also plenty of free festivals to enjoy. Read on to discover a few of our favorites!
Satchmo Summerfest
Organized by the same folks behind French Quarter Festival, Satchmo Summerfest celebrates the life and music of New Orleans’ most beloved son, Louis Armstrong. The event is held in early August in honor of Armstrong’s birthday on August 4. It typically features special programming like historical lectures and film screenings in addition to free live music. This year’s event will fall on August 3-5, 2018.
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
Many of the festivals in New Orleans are centered around a single favorite food, and this one is no exception. Each fall, fans of the beloved po-boy head to the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival to sample sandwiches prepared by local restaurants, who compete to see who has the best po-boy. Po-boys range from the classic (Soft Shell Crab or Blackened Catfish) to the exotic (Alligator Fricassee’). The festival also hosts three live music stages featuring favorite local bands. This year’s festival will take place on November 11, 2018.
Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival takes place on the banks of Bayou St. John in New Orleans, May 18-20, 2018. (Photo by Bart Everson)
Bayou Boogaloo
One of our favorite summer events in New Orleans is Bayou Boogaloo, a free music and arts festival that takes place along the banks of beautiful Bayou St. John in Mid-City. The festival features live music, local and regional artisans, and a marketplace of other local businesses. Each year, the event offers arts & crafts demonstrations and activities as well as recreational fun like hoop dancing and kayak racing. It will take place May 18-20, 2018.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
In 2018, the 13th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival will take place October 12-14, within walking distance of our hotel at Lafayette Square Park. It features local music, food vendors, and artists. The Blues & BBQ Fest is a favorite of ours because it happens during the beautiful peak of the New Orleans fall season.
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival
This festival takes place just outside of our French Quarter neighborhood at Louis Armstrong Park. The 12th annual Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival runs from June 23-24, 2018, and features the best in Louisiana Cajun & Zydeco music. Of course, as with any local event, there will also be delicious food delicacies and plenty of local artwork to peruse.
New Orleans Oyster Festival
The New Orleans Oyster Festival takes place just steps from our hotel at Woldenberg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. Get your fill of this delicacy June 2-3, 2018, and sample a wide variety of oyster dishes from local restaurants. The festival features cooking demonstrations from some of the best chefs in Louisiana, live music, and oyster-themed crafts.
Once you’re done festing, head back to our in-house tiki bar, Latitude 29, and share an Aquadesiac cocktail.
Stay In The Heart Of It All
Book your room at Bienville House and stay in the heart of it all! We’re conveniently located in the French Quarter, right in the heart of the action!
After you’re done festing, you’ll be able to relax in our courtyard pool or sip a tiki cocktail at our onsite bar & restaurant, Latitude 29.
See you soon!