Visiting New Orleans
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Mark Twain once said that New Orleans was one of the only "unique" American cities...the rest were cookie cutter models of each other. New Orleans is certainly the most European of U.S. cities, and is the largest American city to have once been predominantly French-speaking.
These days, you won't find many New Orleanians speaking French, but that influence remains. The world-famous French Quarter (actually mostly Spanish architecture, but that's a different story!) attracts visitors from across the globe. The 100 blocks that make up the Quarter feature fascinating architecture, great clubs and restaurants, and beautiful parks. The Aquarium of the Americas, Bourbon Street nightlife, French Market, Jackson Square, Royal Street antique shopping and the new riverfront Woldenberg Park are just some of the many neighborhood attractions.
But New Orleans isn't just the French Quarter. The city boasts several neighborhoods> of interest, from oak-lined Uptown to historic Algiers Point to the fun and hip Faubourg Marigny to the tranquil Bayou St. John area of Mid-City. And don't forget the majestic mansions of the Garden District or the modern appeal of the Warehouse District, either!
Local Events:
Carnival/Mardi Gras
The traditional carnival season kicks off on January 6 in 2012, just as it does every year, with the celebration of King's Day (also known as Epiphany). The first few weeks of the season are used to stage mostly by-invitation-only affairs (balls and parties) for krewe members and their guests. This year, the big 5-day celebration (which most people call Mardi Gras but which should only be used to describe Fat Tuesday itself) runs from Thursday, February 16 thru Tuesday, February 21. That's when the biggest and the best of the parades roll through the city's streets and when the French Quarter becomes a 5-day block party. For those faint of heart (or if you just don't like large crowds), consider coming the weekend before (Friday, February 10 thru Sunday February 12) when there are plenty of smaller parades which will provide you with a milder but still flavorful taste of enjoyment. We call it Mardi Gras Lite! Be sure to check out the link below for the schedule of all the parades this season.
Jan 10, 2012 thru Feb 21, 2012
http://www.mardigrasday.com/mardigras/schedule.phpFrench Quarter Festival
The 29th Annual French Quarter Festival presents over 250 hours of entertainment featuring more than 150 musical performances on seventeen stages throughout the French Quarter over the 4-day weekend, Thursday thru Sunday!
Apr 12, 2012 thru Apr 15, 2012
http://www.fqfi.org/frenchquarterfest/New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Inspired by the spirit of Mahalia Jackson and the Eureka Brass Band back in 1970, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival continues to celebrate the culture of Louisiana with the combined fervor of a gospel hymn and the joy of a jazz parade. The Wall Street Journal has stated that the New Orleans Jazz Festival "showcases a wider, deeper lineup of essential American musical styles than any festival in the nation..." and Life magazine has called it "the country's very best music festival.'' The musical lineup for the 42nd Anniversary Jazz Fest will be released later this year. Be sure to check on the official festival website for more details.
Apr 27, 2012 thru Apr 29, 2012
Contact Phone: (504) 410-4100
http://www.nojazzfest.com/New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Inspired by the spirit of Mahalia Jackson and the Eureka Brass Band back in 1970, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival continues to celebrate the culture of Louisiana with the combined fervor of a gospel hymn and the joy of a jazz parade. The Wall Street Journal has stated that the New Orleans Jazz Festival "showcases a wider, deeper lineup of essential American musical styles than any festival in the nation..." and Life magazine has called it "the country's very best music festival." The musical lineup for the 42nd Anniversary Jazz Fest will be released later this year. Be sure to check on the official festival website for more details.
May 03, 2012 thru May 06, 2012
Contact Phone: (504) 410-4100
http://www.nojazzfest.com/Essence Music Festival
Essence Music Festival is the largest event celebrating contemporary African American music and culture in the United States. The annual festival, sponsored by Essence Magazine, has been held in New Orleans every year since its inception in 1995, except for 2006 when it was moved to Houston, Texas following Hurricane Katrina. The 2012 edition will be the 18th Annual Essence Music Festival.
Jul 06, 2012 thru Jul 09, 2012
http://www.essencemusicfestival.comSatchmo Summerfest
"What a Wonderful World" you will discover during an entertaining and educational weekend in the French Quarter honoring New Orleans' native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. Come Celebrate the life of Louis Armstrong with a fun-filled weekend of activities and music including: Traditional Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and a Brass Band; Plus Children's programming as well as all of our speaker seminars with nationally renowned speakers. And of course there will be lots of delicious local food and drink available for consumption. Or as Satchmo would say, it's all "Red Beans and Ricely Yours!"
Aug 02, 2012 thru Aug 05, 2012
http://www.fqfi.org/satchmosummerfest/Southern Decadence
Southern Decadence started 41 years ago as a simple going-away party thrown by a small group of friends in the French Quarter. It has evolved into a top gay Labor Day weekend event and has become known as the "Gay Mardi Gras". Participants begin arriving on the Wednesday before Labor Day and generally don't even think of returning home until the following Tuesday. The event attracts over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants.
Aug 29, 2012 thru Sep 03, 2012
http://www.southerndecadence.net/