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 5-6, 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 Band of Horses, Shane Smith & The Saints, The Record Company, 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 4-7, 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 11-14. 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 2024 spring series kicks off on March 6 and concludes on May 8. With four shows scheduled for April, there are plenty of chances to enjoy local New Orleans music. 

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

Jazz Fest returns from April 25-28 and May 2-5 with an all-star lineup of performers. Headliners for Weekend 1 include Widespread Panic, The Killers, Jon Batiste, Chris Stapleton, Vampire Weekend, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, and Heart. 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 22-28. 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 the Miami Sharks (April 6) and Dallas Jackals (April 20) at the Gold Mine on Airline this month. Catch the Pels at home in the Blender against the Phoenix Suns (April 1), Orlando Magic (April 3), San Antonio Spurs (April 5), and LA Lakers (April 14) as their season winds down. 

Head to the Theater  

This April is the perfect time to head to the theater, from “Annie” at the Saenger to Parsons Dance with The Allen Toussaint Orchestra at the Mahalia Jackson Theater and “Born With Teeth” at Le Petit Theatre. 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 Ponchatoula Strawberry Fest (April 12-14), the Baton Rouge Blues Festival (April 19-21), 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.

Visit a New Orleans Attraction  

Make sure to visit a New Orleans attraction or museum this month. Visit the Ogden Museum of Southern Art or the New Orleans Museum or Art for exhibits and fun events. The Botanical Garden comes alive in springtime with diverse flora. Check out our attractions guide to find your perfect outing.