Mardi Gras (January 6 (Twelfth Night) through Fat Tuesday (date varies; February 17, 2026)). Annual Carnival celebration climaxing on Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. First recorded street parade in New Orleans: 1837. Rex krewe established 1872 and introduced purple, green, and gold as official colors.
French Quarter Festival (April 16–19, 2026 (Thursday–Sunday, second week of April annually)). Free four-day outdoor music festival in the French Quarter, 11 AM–8 PM daily. Largest free music festival in the South by some estimates.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 23 – May 3, 2026 (two four-day weekends straddling late April–early May)). Founded 1970 by George Wein and Quint Davis; inaugural event at Congo Square drew ~350 attendees. Held at Fair Grounds Race Course since 1972. Peak attendance 650,000 (2001). Features jazz, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco,…
Essence Festival of Culture (July 3–5, 2026 (Fourth of July weekend)). Annual celebration of Black music and culture at Caesars Superdome and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. 2026 performers include Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, and Public Enemy.
Satchmo SummerFest (August 1–2, 2026 (first weekend of August)). Annual tribute to native son Louis Armstrong held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum in the French Quarter.
Southern Decadence (September 3–7, 2026 (Labor Day Weekend)). Annual LGBTQ+ festival centered in the French Quarter with parades, street parties, and costume events.