Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
End single life with a New Orleans festival together... or apart
The guys go with guys and the girls go with the girls. Traditionally, this is how bachelor/bachelorette parties have gone. But who said that the bride and groom-to-be have to celebrate the end of their single lives separately? And what are you to do if you and your future spouse share a group of friends? Try having one awesome co-ed celebration! This can be an experience for everyone to enjoy. After all, the more, the merrier! Festivals are a great way for the whole gang to come together for the weekend or even for just a day. With festivals year-round showcasing its extraordinary food and electrifying music and art, New Orleans is a city that undeniably brings people together and will definitely show you a good time!
MUSIC FESTIVALS
New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz and it’s impossible to roam the city without the sound of music filling the air. If you and your spouse-to-be are music lovers, then a music festival would be a perfect idea for your co-ed celebration! The festivals below will be a sure smash and have a diverse lineup so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
French Quarter Fest
French Quarter Festival (FQF) is a one-weekend annual celebration of New Orleans’ and Lousiana’s local music and cuisine in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods – the Vieux Carre, or the French Quarter. The lineup includes performances by hundreds of artists across multiple stages, blending beloved local icons with highly anticipated debuts. You'll also find dozens of food options from local vendor stalls located throughout the Quarter near the stages.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
With jazz, pop, funk, hip-hop, rock, zydeco, indie, and blues, Jazz Fest has live entertainment for everyone. The seven-day music festival is held at the end of April through the beginning of May at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course. If you want to view all the action up-close then the Krewe of Jazz Fest VIP package may be just right for you. With high-end folding seats along with private, upscale restroom facilities and a dedicated beverage concession area, your squad can enjoy Jazz Fest right in front of the Acura Stage. Everyone will be able to celebrate in style, while watching musical superstars perform just feet away.
ESSENCE Festival
Known as the “party with a purpose”, Essence Festival is a celebration of contemporary black music and culture. Past performers include Beyoncé, Charlie Wilson, Jill Scott, Frankie Beverly, Maze and the locally formed Rebirth Brass Band. Your co-ed celebration can be spent front and center in the Superdome watching your favorites perform with the VIP Weekend Ticket package. You can also enjoy a more intimate performance with artists performing in the four, club-level, super lounges. This will be a truly memorable experience for everyone.
FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALS
If it’s food that you and your bride or groom-to-be enjoy, then you’ve come to the right place. New Orleans and food are practically one and the same. From gumbo to beignets, there is never a shortage of food here. Your group can savor the flavor for your celebration at any of these fine food festivals.
N.O. Wine & Food Experience
Calling all food and wine lovers! Each spring thousands of food and wine enthusiasts gather in the French Quarter for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. The festival showcases hundreds of wineries and restaurants that feature local flavor and innovative new creations. Top chefs from around the city come together for this four-day event to create culinary experiences like no other. Whether you’re a group of food connoisseurs, or you’re just looking for a tasty time on the town, this festival has packages to please everyone in your party.
Tales of the Cocktail
If your group enjoys a cocktail, shake things up for your co-ed celebration at this week-long festival! Each summer, the Tales of the Cocktail festival fills the French Quarter with thousands of people alongside some of the country’s best mixologists and bartenders. You and your crew can also enjoy lectures, book signings, dinner pairings, cooking and mixing demonstrations. Let the drinks and the good times roll!
Hogs for the Cause
Taking place each spring, Hogs for the Cause is a two-day philanthropic BBQ festival with the charitable goal of helping families fighting pediatric brain cancer, raising over $18.5 million since its beginning. The fest features live music and pork-centered cooking competitions where around 100 teams sign up to cook and sell their creations. Hogs for the Cause is a fun way to try creative BBQ dishes while supporting an important cause.
LAGNIAPPE FESTIVALS
The culture of New Orleans is certainly unlike any other city in the world. This is evidenced in both the food and music. However, your co-ed celebration does not have to be limited to a food or music festival. New Orleans certainly has more to offer and these festivals serve as lagniappe, or a little something extra, to the Big Easy festival scene.
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
Does “Streetcar Named Desire” ring any bells? Playwright, Tennessee Williams gave birth to some of literature’s greatest works and credited the wondrous city of New Orleans as his muse. Held each year in late March, the five-day festival celebrates Tennessee Williams’ work and includes a plethora of noteworthy events. With speakers, contests, classes for aspiring writers, countless panels and live theater, this festival has it all; but it wouldn’t be complete without the Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest held in Jackson Square!
San Fermin/ Running of the Bulls
Every July in New Orleans, the Annual Running of the Bulls thumps through the streets of downtown New Orleans! The event is meant to pay homage to Encierro of Pamplona held in Spain. Though there are no actual bulls for the event in New Orleans, you and your crew can run from the Big Easy Rollergirls instead. This adrenaline pumping event will be fun for any group and of course there will be wine and spirits to get you in the spirit before and after the run.
For a full list of festivals in New Orleans click here.
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