Unbelievable festivals

Mardi Gras is the most widely recognized festival in the United States. Every year on the Tuesday before Lent begins (Fat Tuesday), revelers gather in the French Quarter of New Orleans to celebrate and indulge before the long days and night of Lent. Mardi Gras attracts visitors from around the world, and never disappoints.

The Mardi Gras Marathon beckons runners worldwide to come to New Orleans every year. New Orleans’ flat terrain and its low, low altitude make the city a favorite among runners. The route takes runners through the French Quarter, the Garden District, Audubon Park, and City Park, with the finish line at the Superdome. There is plenty of fun along the way, including bandstands playing live music and a Mardi Gras celebration at the end.

Spring in New Orleans would not be complete without the French Quarter Festival. This bash began as a neighborhood block party for locals, and is now an international sensation. The French Quarter Festival weekend includes fun things for kids to do, magnificent home tours…and more…and it’s FREE!

Also in the spring is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. This event has been happening every spring since 1970, and includes two weekends of live music, incredible food, and unforgettable fun. Past entertainers at the Jazz & Heritage Festival include Fats Domino, Jimmy Buffet, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson.

Fall in New Orleans brings cooler temperature but lots of hot events. City Park holds the Voodoo Music Experience each October, featuring the hottest rock acts out there. November sees the Louisiana Swamp Festival at the Audubon Zoo, featuring Cajun food, music, crafts, and fun for the whole family.

The holiday season is one of the most magnificent times of year in New Orleans. Christmas, New Orleans Style, is a month-long Christmas celebrating that includes opulent feasts, free evening concerts, candlelight caroling, beautifully decorated Garden District homes, holiday bonfires, and Christmas day concerts.