“We dance even if there's no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud and live too large, and, frankly, we're suspicious of others who don't,” local author Chris Rose wrote.

That’s all true. Every bit. New Orleans is a town that loves to throw a party. With dozens and dozens of festivals a year honoring everything from pop music and po-boys to tomatoes and Tennessee Williams, the city offers visitors an array of colorful events most every weekend. Many are free. Everyone is welcome. So consult the festival calendar below and start packing. It’s a standing invitation. New Orleans can’t wait to show you a good time.