March in New Orleans

March Events, Festivals & Spring Celebrations in NOLA

March in New Orleans ushers in a whole new season of celebration. Though we put away our Mardi Gras costumes for next year, the revelry doesn't stop on Mardi Gras Day. Spring brings a slew of festivals, cultural celebrations, and warm, breezy weather perfect for exploring historic neighborhoods or sipping cocktails in a courtyard. Whether you're coming for the food, the music, or the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, New Orleans in March is unforgettable.

Discover Major Events in March in New Orleans

March marks the beginning of spring festival season in New Orleans. Find some of the best ones below.

Literary Festivals

Consider yourself a bookworm? Both the Tennessee Williams and Saints and Sinners literary festivals take place in March. Enjoy special activities, guest authors and speakers, book signings, and other literary enthusiasts at each fest. New Orleans Book Festival is also held every March on the campus of Tulane University. Authors from around the world are invited to speak, and there's a free family day for all.

Irish Channel Parade

Mardi Gras may be over, but we have a parade for every occasion here in New Orleans! Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Downtown Irish Club Parade that rolls annually on St. Patrick's Day. Other parades include the Irish Channel Parade that spans its namesake neighborhood usually the Saturday closest to St. Patrick's Day. Before and after the day itself, be sure to check out one of the city’s Irish pubs or explore the area with our Irish Channel Neighborhood Guide.

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Super Sunday Mardi Gras Indians - Golden Blades

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(1) Irish Channel Parade, (2) Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday, (3) Wednesday at the Square, (4) Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday

Super Sunday

If you're looking for something you can only find in New Orleans then you have to pass by the Mardi Gras Indian Super Sunday. This is the perfect time to learn more about New Orleans' Mardi Gras Indian culture and experience a second line.

Wednesday at the Square

The Wednesday at the Square concert series is a free music fest that features local performers. It's an ideal family-friendly event for music lovers and musicians alike. Starting at 5 p.m. each Wednesday, head to Lafayette Square and enjoy food and art vendors, plus an opener and main act. You'll want to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Wednesday at the Square typically begins mid-March and concludes in early May.

What is the Weather in March in New Orleans?

Enjoy mild temperatures in March, where the average high reaches 70℉. Enjoy the fresh air with streetcar rides down St. Charles Avenue or leisurely strolls through Tremé or the French Quarter. Walking tours? No problem! Make sure to pack a light jacket or umbrella in case of light showers. Don't forget to pack your best green attire for the St. Paddy’s Day festivities.

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Paul Broussard

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(1) Crawfish Boil, (2) Crawfish Boil - Bayou Beer Garden, (3) Muffuletta - Napoleon House, (4) Muffuletta - Napoleon House

What Foods Should I try in March in New Orleans?

Crawfish season is in full swing come March, and New Orleans is full of seafood shops and restaurants that’ll satisfy all your cravings. Grab ‘em boiled, sautéed, baked, or fried, or get ‘em raw for a crawfish boil of your own. If you're not a seafood fan, another New Orleans classic to try is the muffaletta. Made with cured Italian meats, olive dressing, and topped with provolone cheese, muffalettas are massive sandwiches made for sharing. They're the perfect on-the-go bite as you hop from one fest to another this March.

Additional March Resources

With so much happening around every corner of March, your itinerary pretty much writes itself. If you’re looking for some vacation inspiration beyond the suggestions listed above check out our outdoors guide to New Orleans and take advantage of springtime weather.

However you choose to celebrate, know that there is plenty to do, see, and experience in the Crescent City during the month of March. Check out our top things to do in March here for more.

Happening in March

02/08/2026 - "Burke’s Delight The Stacey and Michael Burke Collection"

02/08/2026 - "Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity"

02/08/2026 - "Herman Leonard: Images of Jazz"

02/08/2026 - "New Orleans Musicians in Art"

02/08/2026 - "Origins of New Orleans Black Carnival Society: The Story of the Illinois Clubs"

02/08/2026 - "The Moss Mystique: Southern Women and Newcomb Pottery"

02/08/2026 - "The Unending Stream: Chapter II"

02/08/2026 - 30th Commemorative MLK Art Exhibition

02/08/2026 - Degenerate! Hitler’s War on Modern Art

02/08/2026 - French Quarter Galleries

02/08/2026 - “Making Her Mark”

03/01/2026 - Mae Martin: The Possum

03/03/2026 - SSTB 2026

03/04/2026 - "The Phantom of the Opera"

03/04/2026 - Echoes of Innovation

03/04/2026 - Travel Webinar: What They Fought Against with Dr. Alexandra Richie

03/05/2026 - Carlota, a new musical

03/05/2026 - Guys and Dolls: A Musical Fable of Broadway

03/06/2026 - Disney's Frozen

03/06/2026 - French Fables & Fantasies

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