Springtime is coming, and we’re ready to celebrate the many spring festivals happening in New Orleans! As always, our hotel is a great option in terms of proximity to all the action, from St. Patrick’s Day to French Quarter Festival to New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to everything in between.
Read on for details about upcoming New Orleans spring festivals.
Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival
For more than 25 years, the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival has paid homage to its eponymous author through lectures, tributes, a book fair, performances, and much more. This year’s festival takes place from March 22-26, 2017 (commemorating what would have been Williams’ 106th birthday on March 26).
Though there are several venues helping to host the Festival, we think Hotel Monteleone is the most fitting – after all, Williams featured our hotel in his play, The Rose Tattoo, and often stayed here when he was in town. Hotel Monteleone will host several portions of the festival, including numerous educational panels.
St. Patrick’s Day
Irish heritage is one of many cultures represented in New Orleans, and you’ll find several ways to celebrate on and around St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Uptown, the Irish Channel neighborhood hosts parades and parties on Saturday, March 11, with live music, but the French Quarter will feature several parades as well.
On Friday, March 17, you can enjoy both the Molly’s at the Market Irish Parade and the Downtown Irish Club Parade. You’ll catch throws like any other parade – but not just beads. Expect to catch edibles like cabbages, carrots, potatoes, or even a moon pie (if that’s not quite what you had in mind for dinner, check out our bar bites menu at Carousel Bar & Lounge or head to Criollo!).
French Quarter Festival
This four-day festival celebrates New Orleans music, food, and people – the perfect combination, we think! Running from April 6-9, 2017, the free festival showcases several Louisiana and New Orleans musicians. Past performers have included PresHall Brass, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, John Boutte, and many more.
This year’s music calendar has yet to be finalized, but check back for updated information. You can also get a taste of the types of vendors selling food and drinks in Jackson Square: with beautiful spring weather, delicious food, live music, and good company, French Quarter Festival is definitely one of our favorites.
Jazz & Heritage Festival
Music lovers, rejoice. The annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest, for short) has a dizzying array of local musicians, national headliners, and absolute music legends all in one place. This year’s acts will include Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Maroon 5, Kings of Leon, Meghan Trainor, Lorde, Snoop Dogg, Alabama Shakes, Pitbull, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Darius Rucker, NAS, Patti LaBelle, Buddy Guy, Aaron Neville, Irma Thomas, Elle King, Dr. John, Jonny Lang, and Earth, Wind & Fire, among many others.
Spanning two weekends, this music-centric festival also features plenty to do between sets. Explore the sprawling green space of City Park as you browse food stands, craft vendors, and cultural assets like the Louisiana Folklife Village.
Lagniappe
While those mentioned above are some of the spring season’s largest and most notable festivals, there’s almost always something to celebrate here in the Crescent City.
If music is your thing, you can enjoy the free Wednesday at the Square outdoor concert series. It takes place downtown each Wednesday from March 15 through May 17. You’ll also want to make plans to visit during Congo Square New Worlds Rhythm Festival (March 18-19), Bayou Boogaloo (May 17-21), and Bayou Country Superfest (May 26-28).
Are you a foodie? You can get your fill at Taco Fest (March 23), Hogs for the Cause (March 31 – April 1), or New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (May 25-28).
Book Your New Orleans Vacation!
Ready to visit New Orleans this spring? Our historic French Quarter hotel offers the perfect accommodations for your adventure. Plan your spring festival stay now, and book a room!
