April in New Orleans is another jam-packed month of fun, starting with the NCAA Men’s Final Four weekend. Pig out for a purpose at Hogs for the Cause, celebrate Easter with parades in the French Quarter, tee off at the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic, and cool down with a sno-ball. This month welcomes the return of two major New Orleans music and food festivals: French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. It’s a great time to come down to NOLA and let the good times roll. 

Participate in the NCAA Men’s Final Four

The NCAA Men’s Final Four is about more than just basketball, with multiple fan and community outreach events throughout the weekend. From April 1-4, head to the Caesars Superdome for the best in college basketball. Enjoy the Men’s Final Four Fan Fest at the Convention Center and the March Madness Music Festival at Woldenberg Park. Check out a breakdown of the multi-day event here, and check out places to stay and dine at here.

Go to the HBCU All Star Game

On April 3, the first ever HBCU All Star Game will be held in New Orleans at UNO Lakefront Arena during the Final Four Championship weekend. Featuring the best HBCU players across the country, the main event may be the game itself, but the weekend is full of events for the whole family. Learn more here.

See Queen Nefertari’s Egypt

This spring at the New Orleans Museum of Art, journey into ancient Egypt by way of Queen Nefertari. Queen Nefertari, the royal wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II (reigned 1279–13 BCE), is linked to some of the most magnificent monuments of ancient Egypt. Now, artifacts found within her tomb are on display here in New Orleans for a limited time only, March 18-July 17. Learn more and purchase your tickets in advance here. 

Travel back in time with Anastasia

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Coming to the Saenger Theater, the show stops in New Orleans April 5-10.

Pig out for a purpose at Hogs for the Cause

Hogs for the Cause is back this April 1-2, and we couldn’t be more excited to pig out for a purpose. Nearly 100 teams will compete in the ultimate New Orleans barbecue competition while raising funds for families with children who have pediatric brain cancer. Over 20 bands are scheduled to play three stages, including artists like Galactic and The Iceman Special. Head to the New Orleans Lakefront for this family-friendly festival. 

Bunny hop towards an Easter parade or egg hunt

Easter is just as fun for the adults as it is for the kids in New Orleans. Enjoy parades throughout the French Quarter on Easter Sunday including the Chris Owens Easter Parade at 1 p.m. and the Gay Easter Parade at 5:30 p.m. Find more events here. At City Park, children under 8 years of age can enjoy an egg hunt on April 9 and 10 and adults 21+ can enjoy Bunny Hops on April 16.

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 2022 spring series kicks off on March 16 and concludes on May 18. The lineup for April shows includes Lost Bayou Ramblers (April 6), Partners-N-Crime (April 13), Flow Tribe (April 20), Tab Benoit (April 27). 

View the ships at NOLA Navy Week

NOLA Navy Week returns this April 18-22. Talk a walk aboard the naval ships, speak with crew members, and enjoy a week of events. It’s fun for the whole family at the New Orleans Riverfront. Check back here for more details as they’re announced.

Welcome the return of French Quarter Festival

French Quarter Fest hasn’t filled the streets of New Orleans since 2019, and we’re ready to welcome it back this April 21-24. Known as the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world, the festival is also free to attend and held in the heart of the city. Browse hundreds of food and art vendors, and kick back near one of the many stages in the area. For more information, see here. 

Tee off at Zurich Classic

Zurich Classic is an annual New Orleans golf tournament that returns from April 18-24. 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 event.

Attend an Earth Day event

Celebrate Earth Day in New Orleans by attending a local event. On April 22, 24, and 26 at the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Mélange Dance Company presents: RISE for Mother Earth. Shining a light on the climate crisis through dance, this show will come to life in epic fashion: on Earth Day and in nature. Also on Earth Day, visit St. Roch Market for The Recycle Challenge, a program featuring food and youth performances. Find volunteer events and more with Love The Boot's Keep Louisiana Beautiful cleanup week.

Welcome the return of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Jazz Fest returns after two long years with an all star lineup of  performers, including The Who, Stevie Nicks, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimmy Buffet & the Coral Reefer Band, Luke Combs, Lionel Richie, The Black Crowes, Willie Nelson, Erykah Badu, and more. It all kicks off on April 29 at the Fairgrounds Race Course. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Jazz Fest here. 

Catch a NOLA Gold Rugby Game

With football season over and basketball season coming to an end, the NOLA Gold Rugby team is just getting started. April home games include April 9 against Rugby ATL and April 23 against Austin Gilgronis. Head to the Gold Mine on Airline for a different kind of sports game. 

View art reimagined at the traveling Van Gogh exhibit

Van Gogh, the immersive experience, stops in New Orleans this spring beginning in April. Step inside the universe of the famed artist with 360 degrees of digital art, a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience, and more. The exhibit is located at 619 Carondelet St. # 621.

Cool off with a sno-ball

March is just the beginning of a long sno-ball season in New Orleans. The icy treat is perfect for the springtime and  upcoming summer weather. Pick your flavor - be it nectar cream, tiger’s blood, or rainbow - and enjoy the outdoors as the days get longer.

Go to Paradigm Gardens Pizza & Pies

Pizza & pies night returns to Paradigm Gardens on Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with an all-star culinary cast of Ancora Pizzeria, Windowsill Pies, Turkey & The Wolf, Fritai, Vals, and Lufu. Miel Brewing will be serving up delicious brews and Roulaison Rum will be serving up refreshing garden cocktails. DJ Doug Funnie will be spinning the best in Funk, Blues, Reggae, and Latin vinyl. Entry is $70 and is all-inclusive. You can also BYOB if you choose.

Eat lots of crawfish and fried fish

Crawfish season peaks 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. Fish Fry Fridays is also underway through Easter, which means you can get plates of fried or baked fish and shrimp at more than a dozen participating restaurants found here.