Are you as excited for festival season as we are at Bienville House? Read on for five upcoming spring festivals to book your trip around!

Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival (March 3 – 4)

This free festival celebrates New Orleans traditions that emerged from the African diaspora. Performances include African dance, brass bands, Latin jazz, soul, and more. The festival takes place in Armstrong Park’s historic Congo Square, where slaves and free blacks gathered throughout the 19th century for open markets and music performances that contributed to the birth of modern jazz. The annual Mardi Gras Indian “battle” – a gathering of local tribes in a display of cultural unity – is a must-see.

Wednesday at the Square (March 13 – May 30)

Wednesday at the Square is a free concert series presented by the Young Leadership Council in Lafayette Square. The concerts take place weekly from 5:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Local food and drink vendors allow you to satisfy your appetite while enjoying New Orleans’ best local bands.

The Stella and Stanley Shouting Contest draws massive crowds during the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival. (Photo by Earl Perry)

Tennessee Williams Literary Festival (March 21 – 25)

Founded in 1986, the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival pays tribute to the famous playwright who called New Orleans home. Each year, the festival holds panels and master classes with top playwrights, authors, and actors. The most popular event is the Stella and Stanley Shouting Contest, where Stanley Kowalski imitators recreate an iconic scene from A Streetcar Named Desire.

swing dancing french quarter fest

French Quarter Fest (April 12 – 15)

French Quarter Fest is one of the nation’s largest free music festivals, which also features plenty of delicious local food and drinks. More than 20 stages around the French Quarter showcase music of all genres, and traditional traffic routes are redirected so that attendees can party in the streets. French Quarter Fest is a local favorite, and perfectly represents the joyous vibe of New Orleans in springtime.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival spans two weekends of music and fun. (Photo courtesy Flickr user sailn1)

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 27 – May 6)

Finally, the most anticipated festival of the season: the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Jazz Fest is one of the largest music festivals in the nation. It takes place at the New Orleans Fair Grounds over the course of two weekends in the middle of spring. This year will be the 49th iteration of the event. The lineup features huge names like Aretha Franklin, Sting, Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffett, Beck, Jack White, and many more. Along with the incredible music, festival-goers have access to some of the best food, beverages and artwork that New Orleans has to offer.

Spend Your New Orleans Vacation at Bienville House

Our renovated French Quarter hotel is the perfect place to stay for festival season. Not only will you enjoy the delights of our upgraded guest rooms, you’ll be mere moments away from all the action. Book your stay in one of our beautiful, reimagined rooms or suites for any one of New Orleans’ larger-than-life celebrations right now!