Ah, April! It’s really Spring, and we’re getting ready for loads of fun! Festivals, Tall Ships, Easter, and so much more! New Orleans knows how to celebrate, and this year is TRIPLE the excitement because of all the Tricentennial events! Here is a list of a few of the great things to do in NOLA this month!
Easter Day – April 1, signals the end of Lent, and New Orleanians are ready to party! We’ve got three Easter parades – the first is the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade at 9:45am from Antoine’s to St. Louis Cathedral for 11:00am Mass. After Mass, head to Jackson Square to see the Easter bonnets and other finery, and then on to Antoine’s for prizes. The second parade, the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade, starts at the corner of Canal and Bourbon streets and makes its way through the French Quarter, with lots of throws, floats, convertibles, brass bands and Chris Owens herself as the Grand Duchess. Finally, at 4:30, the family-friendly Gay Easter Parade wends its way through the French Quarter, past many gay-owned businesses, with participants dressed in their Sunday Best.
opens in a new windowFreret Street Festival – April 7, from 11am – 6pm, on Freret, for six blocks between Napoleon Avenue and Soniat Street, enjoy this free fest that features live music on four stages; art, jewelry and clothing vendors; and of course, food and drink concessions. A special effort is made to provide activties for the children, with a kids’ activity center, with a petting zoo and inflatables.
opens in a new windowFrench Quarter Fest – This is the 35th anniversary of the venerable fest, taking place April 12-15. The largest music festival in Louisiana features over 100 musical acts, on SIXTEEN stages. Food and beverage vendors will be set up in 9 different spots within the Festival area, so you will be able to stay hydrated and fed. As part of the Fest, special events take palce daily: On April 12, the French Quarter Festival Second-Line Kickoff Parade runs from the 100 block of Bourbon Street to Jackson Square at 10am. On the 13th – 15th, the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase will have free dance lessons, taught by professional dancers from NOLA Jitterbugs and Dance Quarter. On Saturday and Sunday, you can attend lectures, a film festival, and the Chevronm STEAM zone for kids. On Saturday between 5-9pm, evening events include the Port of New Orleans Water Display at Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Battle of the Bands, and the French Quarter Fest Tricentennial Fireworks. Sunday winds down with the St. Louis Cathedral Annual Spring Concert at 3pm and Dancing at Dusk – dancing to favorites from the 30s, 40s, and 50s with The Tomcats at the 400 block of Royal Street from 6-7:15pm.
opens in a new windowNOLA Navy Week takes place April 19-25th, coinciding with opens in a new windowTall Ships New Orleans – when Navy ships and beautiful historic Tall Ships will sail up the Mississippi and dock at NOLA. This incredible celebration, part of our Tricentennial, will feature rides on the Tall Ships, ship tours, a gala, Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, fireworks on the river, and the Blessing of the Fleet.
When you’re in the mood for fun and uniquely American events, you cannot beat NOLA! We have rooms available for you – check our site for opens in a new windowavailability!