New Orleans is the cradle of jazz and, in April, that cradle is a rockin'! Both the French Quarter Festival and the first week of Jazz Fest are this month – along with many other unique only-in-NOLA events. Check out all there is to see and do below and then start planning your trip at bestneworleanshotels.com. Here's what's up way down yonder in New Orleeeens.
Krewe of Fools' April Fools' Day Parade (April 1)
This crazy krewe's annual parade is Easter Monday this year. The fun begins at the corner of Royal Street and Franklin at 7 p.m. Hop over there!
Hogs for the Cause (April 4 & 5)
Head to UNO Lakefront Arena for this annual event where 90 local and regional BBQ masters and the best backyard chefs compete. Learn more.
Irish Italian Islenos Parade (April 5)
The St. Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Community Parade and Marching Club will hit the streets of St. Bernard Parish with nearly 50 floats, 300,000 pounds of produce, and 30+ marching units and groups.
French Quarter Fest (April 10-13)
The Vieux Carré is the place to play this April during French Quarter Festival, one of the most popular free music festivals on the planet. Here's your chance to see New Orleans' finest musicians play on stages all over the historic French Quarter. Jazz, funk, Zydeco, Cajun, brass bands, gospel...we've got it all, cher.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (April 11-13)
Since 1972, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has held a sweet spot in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Take a ride to the Northshore to the largest free harvest festival in the state of Louisiana. Three days of time-honored traditions, amazing food and drinks, live music, rides, and family fun await.
Zurich Classic (April 21-27)
Mark Twain said, "Golf is a good walk spoiled" because he'd never been to the Zurich Classic. This leg of the PGA Tour is played at the TPC of Louisiana, a short drive from downtown New Orleans. It's a lot of fun – especially because you can eat well while you're there at the Acme Oyster House area.
Jazz Fest (April 24-May 4)
Board the Official Jazz Fest Express and join us at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. There's food, there's art, and there are bands, bands, bands!
Photo of Deacon John at Jazz Fest by Missy Fields Dalton