FestiGals
Visit New Orleans' best summer festivals, like Vieux to Do, ESSENCE Music Festival, Tales of the Cocktail, Satchmo SummerFest and more.
 
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
May 22 - 26, 2012
When it comes to holidays, pie-eating contests and all-you-can-eat buffets, overindulgence is just part of the fun. Well, at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, it's no different. Make sure to bring your appetite to this prestigious festival, where wine dinners, unique tasting events, culinary seminars and celebrated chefs come together for five days of feasting.
 
Vieux To Do
June 9 - 10, 2012
Good things really do come in threes. During Vieux To Do's whirlwind weekend,  you can sample juicy Creole tomatoes at the Creole Tomato Festival, boogie down at the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival and nosh on fresh seafood at the Louisiana Seafood Festival. Wander from one event to the other to experience the food, music and spirit of New Orleans.
 
FestiGals
June 22 - 24, 2012
Pack your bags and plan a girls' getaway at FestiGals, a three-day party made just for women. The FestiGals itinerary is loaded with cocktail parties, culinary events, networking mixers and inspiring seminars, so you'll have plenty to do with your gal pals. This fun festival takes place at the French Quarter's historic Hotel Monteleone. 
 
ESSENCE Music Festival
July 6 - 8, 2012
If R&B or hip-hop is your thing, ESSENCE Music Festival is simply a "must" on the summer checklist. Along with a line-up of New Orleans-based musicians, expect to see big-name artists such as Aretha Franklin, Estelle, Keyshia Cole and Mary J. Blige. 
 
Tales of the Cocktail
July 25 - 29, 2012
What happens when seasoned boozehounds come together to share expertise and celebrate their favorite libations? Well, it's a gala not to be missed or forgotten (though we'd be willing to bet some parts might be hazy).  Join the festivities at Tales of the Cocktail, which features bartending competitions, cocktail seminars, alcohol tastings and plenty of parties.
 
Satchmo Summerfest
August 2 - 5, 2012
Take part in the New Orleans' rich musical heritage at Satchmo Summerfest, a free jazz festival celebrating the life of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. With seminars, art displays, performances by brass bands and jazz ensembles, and plenty of locally made beer and cuisine, visitors can get a taste - and an earful - of the Crescent city's vibrant culture.  
 
Photo: Courtesy of FestiGals.