You’d think the Crescent City would take a break following all of the Mardi Gras madness. Wrong! Carnival is just a precursor for the next three months filled with spring festivals here in NOLA. Of course, mega-fests like Jazz Fest and French Quarter Festival draw crowds in the hundreds of thousands from near and far. But there are a host of other trip-worthy festivals that celebrate music, food, neighborhoods, and culture, all of which you can read about in 12 Things to Do in March.
Hogs for the Cause, New Orleans Book Festival, and Bayou Boogaloo are just a few of the many events to put on your radar.
Take advantage of hotel packages and deals during the spring season in New Orleans. With so much to do, even on the weekdays, you can make the most of your visit by booking a hotel centrally located in downtown New Orleans or the French Quarter. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, shuttle service, and other perks by booking here. Looking for even more hotel inspiration? Check out our hotels for every type of traveler or explore some of our favorite unique boutique hotels, as well as some recently renovated stays here.
Nothing says Sunday in New Orleans like a second line. While second lines roll most Sundays throughout the year, there is one Sunday slightly more spectacular than the rest - Uptown Super Sunday. Once a year, on the third Sunday in March, the community gathers to marvel at the beauty and tradition of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Indian culture. Learn more here.
Saying goodbye to King Cake season while simultaneously welcoming back crawfish season is a sure sign of springtime in New Orleans. While the state-wide delicacy is technically available year-round, any New Orleanian knows that traditional boiled crawfish are best enjoyed in the spring. Grab a pound (or two) while the getting is good this season.
From boiling and peeling, to where to purchase and picnic - check out our Guide to Crawfish for inspiration.
May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and New Orleans has dozens of Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, and Thai restaurants to celebrate at. Check out our list of Asian-owned restaurants here and come hungry!
No matter the holiday, New Orleans always has a fun way to celebrate it. Parade your way through the French Quarter on Easter Sunday and the Irish Channel for St. Patrick’s Day. Take mom, grandma, an aunt, and the other important women in your life out for a special Mother’s Day brunch or spa date. Pay a visit to the National WWII Museum over Memorial Day weekend. Scout out some of the best Latin music, margaritas, and mojitos around town for Cinco De Mayo at some of the city’s Hispanic-owned Businesses.
Like most cities during spring, the weather can be a hit or miss (after all, something has to usher in those May flowers!). Some days are filled with sunshine and clear skies and other days can be a little gloomy with high chances of rain. Luckily, New Orleans knows a thing or two about keeping the festivities alive during the rain showers.
If the weather permits, take full advantage of our endless outdoor activities like kayaking down Bayou Saint John or biking through the French Quarter. But if the forecast has other plans, take a rain check and enjoy some indoor activities from our rainy day itinerary. Either way, the show must go on and the fun never stops.
Each year in March, communities across the country celebrate Women’s History Month. In New Orleans, women make up so many of the award-winning chefs, ground-breaking historians, and well-known musicians throughout the city. During the month of March and beyond, celebrate their endless contributions and undying influences at some of New Orleans’ many women-owned businesses.
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) is an annual culinary extravaganza highlighting some of the city’s finest dining and wines from around the globe. The multi-day event features creations by top chefs from around the city, specially curated menus at local restaurants, and ticketed programming and fun.
Attend this spring favorite or create your own wine & dine experience by restaurant hopping across the city. Check out our 26 Dishes to Eat in 2026 and restaurants with standout wine programs for the ultimate New Orleans foodie experience.
Sure, beaches are fun for spring break, but why not try out something new this year? Planning a family trip? Check out our family itinerary for a bit of inspiration, or check out some of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants. We’ve also got some ideas for teen-approved activities that will keep even the most aggressive eye-rollers entertained, including the best places to see live music for those under 21.
Coming with a group of friends instead? Dine your way through the day with boozy brunches, off-the-beaten-path eateries, and our favorite late-night bites. Experience our one-of-a-kind culture, live music, and nightlife, visit museums during the day and do it all without breaking the bank.