12 Things to Do this April in New Orleans

April in New Orleans is another jam-packed month of fun, full of one festival after another. Pig out for a purpose at Hogs for the Cause, tee off at the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic, eat all the crawfish you can, and cool down with a sno-ball. Mark your calendars for two major New Orleans music and food festivals: French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. It’s the perfect month to come on down to NOLA and let the good times roll. 

Pig Out For a Purpose at Hogs for the Cause  

Hogs for the Cause is back this April 4-5, and we couldn’t be more excited to pig out for a purpose. Over 90 teams will compete in the ultimate New Orleans barbecue competition while raising funds for families with children who have pediatric brain cancer. Several bands are scheduled to perform, including Charley Crockett, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Zach Top, and more. Two-day general admission tickets are $99, plus fees. Head to the New Orleans Lakefront for this family-friendly festival. 

Celebrate All Things Horror at Overlook Film Fest 

Returning April 3-6, Overlook Film Fest celebrates all things horror in America's most haunted city. Experience feature-length and short films from both master filmmakers & emerging artists alike. In addition to the films, the festival hosts signature live events and activities which include live shows, radio plays, podcast recordings, performances, interactive entertainment, and one-of-a-kind immersive experiences. Buy an all-access pass or purchase individual event tickets, which will be available to the public soon.

Enjoy Food, Drink, and Music at French Quarter Fest  

Known as the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world, French Quarter Fest is free and open to the public. This year, the fest returns from April 10-13. Check out our Ultimate Guide to French Quarter Fest here. 

Jam Out at Wednesday at the Square  

We love Wednesday at the Square for many reasons: it’s a fundraiser for the Young Leadership Council, it features great local musicians and vendors, it’s free to attend, and it’s held every hump day, like a balm for your midweek blues. The 2025 spring series kicks off on March 19 and concludes on May 7. With five shows scheduled for April, there are plenty of chances to enjoy local New Orleans music. 

Enjoy Easter Weekend in New Orleans 

The Crescent City Classic is an Easter Weekend tradition here in New Orleans. With the warm spring air and runners dressed in costume, it’s fun for the whole family–and even includes a festival at the finish line with live music, food, and more. Register here and get ready to run on April 19. 

On Easter Sunday, head out for brunch or enjoy a parade. The French Quarter Easter Parade rolls first, at 9:45 a.m., while the Gay Easter Parade rolls in the afternoon. Both are family-friendly and lots of fun! 

Head to the Fairgrounds for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival  

Jazz Fest returns from April 24-27 and May 1-4 with an all-star lineup of performers. Headliners for Weekend 1 include Dave Matthews Band, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Kacey Musgraves, and John Fogerty. Weekend 2 will feature Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz, Laufey, and many more. Enjoy “Jazz Fest food” such as crawfish dishes and mango freeze, stop by one of the art vendor tents, or compile your list of post-Jazz Fest shows around the city. Check out our Ultimate Jazz Fest Guide here and start planning your trip.

Tee Off at Zurich Classic  

Zurich Classic is an annual New Orleans golf tournament that returns this April 21-27. Just outside of the city at TPC Louisiana, men will take to the greens in this PGA Tour event. Watch as a spectator, or volunteer to get a behind-the-scenes look at the classic. 

Cheer on Your Favorite Sports Team  

The NOLA Gold Rugby and Pelicans basketball both have several options for home games this April. The NOLA Gold take on Old Glory DC (April 12) and the Seattle Seawolves (April 27) at the Gold Mine on Airline this month. Catch the Pels at home in the Blender against the Milwaukee Bucks (April 6), Miami Heat (April 11), and OK City Thunder (April 13) as their season winds down. 

Head to the Theater  

This April is the perfect time to head to the theater, from Broadway’s “Hamilton” at the Saenger to New Orleans Opera’s production of “Elixir of Love” at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Plan to visit the theater this spring in New Orleans. See our Spring Theater Guide here.

Eat Lots of Crawfish and Fried Fish  

Crawfish season is still going strong in April, and New Orleans is full of seafood shops and restaurants that’ll satisfy all your cravings. Grab ‘em boiled, sauteed, baked or fried, or get them raw for a crawfish boil of your own. Then, head outdoors to City Park, Woldenberg Park, or The Fly for a feast in the glorious spring weather. Check out our page on boiled seafood here.

Cool off with a sno-ball 

April is just the beginning of a long sno-ball season in New Orleans. The icy treat is perfect for the springtime and summer weather. Pick your flavor - be it nectar cream, tiger’s blood, or rainbow - and enjoy the outdoors as the days get longer. Feelin’ spicy? Check out some of our favorite booze-and-sno-ball pairings, and turn your icy treat into a frozen cocktail. 

Day Trip to a Louisiana Festival  

Hop in the car and take a day trip to the Baton Rouge Blues Festival (April 4-6), the Ponchatoula Strawberry Fest (April 11-13), or any of the great springtime festivals in communities surrounding New Orleans. Check out Louisiana Travel for trip inspiration and visit a festival this spring. See here for additional day trip ideas.