In New Orleans, you never have to wait long for the next celebration. Even though Mardi Gras just ended, we’re already thinking about spring festivals.
With several festivals happening right within the French Quarter, our hotel is a great home base for guests searching for an authentic New Orleans festival experience. Learn how to enjoy a few of our favorite spring festivals below.
St. Patrick’s Day
The city has its own Irish Channel neighborhood in Uptown and a rich Irish heritage tracing back nearly 300 years. So, of course, New Orleans celebrates St. Patrick’s Day! On Friday, March 17, 2017 Molly’s at the Market hosts its annual Irish Parade. You might catch beads, but look out for other edible throws like carrots, potatoes, and cabbages – we’re guessing that’s not what you want for dinner, so remember to check out our on-site restaurant Latitude 29 for craft cocktails and Polynesian-inspired fare.
The Downtown Irish Club Parade also takes place on St. Patrick’s Day at 6 p.m., and in another Catholic tradition, the Italian-American Marching Club will celebrate St. Joseph’s Day with a parade on Saturday, March 18 at 6 p.m. Both parades will venture through the French Quarter! On that note, another must-see festival is…
French Quarter Festival
Running from April 6-9, 2017, the French Quarter Festival is a free event that showcases Louisiana and New Orleans musicians, which in the past have included PresHall Brass, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, and John Boutte.
Spectators will also enjoy incredible food and drinks – check out a complete list of vendors – within the perennially gorgeous scenery of Jackson Square. Celebrating New Orleans’ heritage, people, food, and music, this festival is always a favorite at Bienville House.
Jazz & Heritage Festival
The annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – known affectionately as Jazz Fest, for short – always features an absolutely incredible lineup of musical acts like Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Maroon 5, Kings of Leon, Meghan Trainor, Lorde, Snoop Dogg, Alabama Shakes, Pitbull, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Patti LaBelle, Aaron Neville, Elle King, Dr. John, and Earth, Wind & Fire, and hundreds more.
The two-weekend festival also features plenty of other activities. You can explore bountiful greenspace as you browse food vendors, a crafts market, and cultural experiences like the Louisiana Folklife Village.
Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival
Our sister property, Hotel Monteleone, is one of the hosts of the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival, an annual event that pays tribute to its eponymous author through lectures, performances, a special book fair, and much more.
Hotel Monteleone is an especially fitting venue for the festival, which runs from March 22-26, 2017. Its rich literary history includes being featured in one of Williams’ plays, The Rose Tattoo; Williams also often stayed at Hotel Monteleone while he was in town.
Visit New Orleans This Spring!
Which festival are you most excited about? The festivals mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. Spring is one of the best times to visit the Crescent City, as there is always something going on.
What are you waiting for? Book your spring stay now at Bienville House!