Events
New Orleans Festivals & Events 2026-2027
Complete guide to Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and every major New Orleans event. Exact dates, what to expect, and how to plan for large groups.
New Orleans has more festivals per capita than anywhere in America. Mardi Gras is just the beginning—there’s a major event almost every month, and each one transforms the city in different ways.
This guide covers every major event with exact dates, what to expect, and how to plan if you’re bringing a group.
2026 Event Calendar
Mardi Gras 2026
Fat Tuesday: February 17, 2026
Mardi Gras isn’t a day—it’s a season. Parades start two weeks before Fat Tuesday and build to a crescendo.
Key Dates:
- February 6-7: First major weekend parades (Krewe du Vieux, Uptown parades)
- February 12: Muses (Thursday night, massive all-female krewe)
- February 13: Hermes, Krewe d’Etat
- February 14: Endymion (Saturday megaroute through Mid-City)
- February 15: Bacchus (Sunday, celebrity king, huge floats)
- February 16: Orpheus, Lundi Gras festivities
- February 17: Fat Tuesday – Zulu, Rex, and hundreds of walking krewes
For Groups:
- Book accommodations 6+ months ahead
- Expect 2-3x normal pricing
- Parades are free; just show up curbside
- Best viewing: St. Charles Avenue (Uptown), Magazine Street, Canal Street
French Quarter Festival 2026
April 16-19, 2026
The locals’ favorite. Free music on 20+ stages throughout the Quarter, plus the city’s best food vendors. Less chaotic than Jazz Fest, more authentic than Mardi Gras.
Why it’s great for groups:
- Completely free admission
- Walkable between all stages
- Food booths from actual NOLA restaurants
- Less crowded than Jazz Fest
Jazz Fest 2026
April 23 - May 3, 2026 (two weekends)
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. 12 stages, 500+ artists, legendary food. One of the world’s great music festivals.
Weekend 1: April 23-26 Weekend 2: April 30 - May 3
For Groups:
- Book accommodations 4-6 months ahead
- Day passes ~$85-95 (buy early for discounts)
- VIP packages available for corporate groups
- Gates open 11am; pace yourself—it’s a marathon
Tips:
- Thursday and Sunday are least crowded
- Bring cash (many food booths are cash-only)
- The Gospel Tent is a must
- Heritage Stage for traditional jazz; Congo Square for bigger acts
Essence Festival 2026
July 2-5, 2026 (July 4th weekend)
The largest African American cultural event in the country. Major R&B, hip-hop, and gospel acts at the Superdome, plus daytime programming and empowerment seminars.
For Groups:
- Concert tickets required for evening shows (Superdome)
- Daytime events at Convention Center are free
- Hotels book up fast—secure accommodations early
- Great for multi-generational groups
Satchmo Summerfest 2026
August 6-8, 2026
A smaller festival honoring Louis Armstrong. Traditional jazz, brass bands, and seminars. Centered in the French Quarter around the Old U.S. Mint.
Good for: Jazz purists, smaller crowds, summer visitors
Southern Decadence 2026
September 3-7, 2026 (Labor Day weekend)
One of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations. Centered in the French Quarter with parades, parties, and events throughout the weekend.
For Groups:
- Book well in advance—hotels fill up
- Parade: Sunday afternoon through the Quarter
- Festive, welcoming atmosphere
Voodoo Music + Arts Experience 2026
October 29 - November 1, 2026 (Halloween weekend)
Major rock/electronic festival in City Park. Think Coachella meets New Orleans Halloween.
For Groups:
- 3-day passes required
- City Park location (not in the Quarter)
- Costumes encouraged—it’s Halloween weekend
- Great for younger groups
New Orleans Saints Season 2026
August 2026 - January 2027 (exact schedule TBD)
Sundays in the fall are sacred here. The Superdome is one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, and gameday transforms the city.
For Groups:
- Book accommodations for specific game weekends
- Arrive early for tailgating in Champions Square
- Walk from Garden District or Warehouse District properties
2027 Event Calendar
Mardi Gras 2027
Fat Tuesday: February 9, 2027
Earlier Mardi Gras than 2026—carnival season will be compressed.
Key Dates:
- January 29-30: First major weekend parades
- February 4: Muses
- February 5: Hermes, Krewe d’Etat
- February 6: Endymion
- February 7: Bacchus
- February 8: Orpheus
- February 9: Fat Tuesday – Zulu, Rex
French Quarter Festival 2027
April 8-11, 2027 (dates tentative)
Jazz Fest 2027
April 22 - May 2, 2027 (two weekends, dates tentative)
Weekend 1: April 22-25 Weekend 2: April 29 - May 2
Essence Festival 2027
July 1-4, 2027 (July 4th weekend)
Full Annual Calendar
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Sugar Bowl, King Cake season begins |
| February | Mardi Gras (date varies) |
| March | St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Tennessee Williams Festival |
| April | French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest begins |
| May | Jazz Fest concludes, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience |
| June | Creole Tomato Festival, Pride Festival |
| July | Essence Festival, Running of the Bulls (San Fermin) |
| August | Satchmo Summerfest, White Linen Night |
| September | Southern Decadence, Saints season begins |
| October | Voodoo Festival, Boo at the Zoo |
| November | Po-Boy Festival, Saints games |
| December | Celebration in the Oaks, New Year’s Eve |
Planning Tips for Festival Weekends
Accommodations
Festival weekends book up fast. For large groups (11-30):
- 6+ months ahead: Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest
- 4+ months ahead: Essence, Voodoo, Southern Decadence
- 2+ months ahead: French Quarter Fest, smaller events
Castleday Retreats and The Syd both accommodate 11-30 guests and are walkable to most events.
Pricing
Expect premium pricing during major events:
| Event | Price Premium |
|---|---|
| Mardi Gras | 2-3x normal |
| Jazz Fest | 1.5-2x normal |
| Essence Festival | 1.5-2x normal |
| French Quarter Fest | 1.25x normal |
| Voodoo | 1.5x normal |
| Regular weekends | Baseline |
Transportation
During festivals, forget about driving:
- Walk or bike from nearby neighborhoods
- Rideshare prices surge significantly
- Streetcar runs but is packed
- Pedicabs are great for short distances in the Quarter
What to Bring
- Cash – Many festival vendors don’t take cards
- Comfortable shoes – You’ll walk miles
- Layers – Weather varies wildly
- Small bag/backpack – Large bags often prohibited
- Sunscreen – Even in February
Which Festival is Right for Your Group?
Bachelorette parties:
- Jazz Fest (music + daytime drinking)
- French Quarter Fest (free, walkable, less overwhelming)
- Mardi Gras (if you want chaos)
Corporate retreats:
- Avoid Mardi Gras (too distracting)
- French Quarter Fest (easy to mix work and play)
- Fall weekdays (Saints games can be a nice perk)
Family reunions:
- Jazz Fest (all ages, great food)
- Satchmo Summerfest (smaller, family-friendly)
- Avoid Southern Decadence and Mardi Gras peak days
Music lovers:
- Jazz Fest (obvious choice)
- French Quarter Fest (more intimate)
- Voodoo (rock/electronic fans)
Book Your Festival Stay
Large group accommodations are scarce during festivals. The earlier you book, the better your options.
- Castleday Retreats – Private villas in the Bywater, sleeps up to 30
- The Syd – Art-filled villas in Lower Garden District, sleeps up to 22