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!
Cajun Zydeco Festival (April 3-7)
You gotta zydeGO!The Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival in Armstrong Park isn’t just fun, it’s free! Come celebrate these traditional Louisiana artforms with your friends and family. Learn more.
16th Annual Hogs for the Cause (April 5 & 6)
Head to UNO Lakefront Arena for this annual event where 85 local and regional BBQ masters and the best backyard chefs compete in seven categories: Whole Hog, Ribs, Pork Butt/Shoulder, Porkpourri, Sauce, Fan Favorite, and Fundraising Champion. Learn more.
Irish Italian Islenos Parade (April 6)
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. Learn more.
French Quarter Fest (April 11-14)
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 20 stages all over the historic French Quarter. Jazz, funk, Zydeco, Cajun, brass bands, gospel...we've got it all, cher. See 2024 lineup.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (April 12-14)
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. Learn more.
Noises Off (April 12, 14, 18, 20 & 21)
This delightful backstage farce includes slamming doors, falling trousers, and flying sardines! It’s just one of several stellar productions you won’t want to miss this year at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Learn more.
2nd Annual Spring Garden and Pet Show at Destrehan Plantation (April 20 & 21)
Destrehan Plantation has partnered with the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Master Gardeners and St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter for this fun and informative event the whole family will enjoy. Along with plants and pet, there will be live music, food, arts & crafts booths, bee-keeping demonstrations, and a kid’s activities including a petting zoo on Saturday. Learn more.Zurich Classic (April 22-28)
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. Learn more.
Jazz Fest (April 25-May 5)
Board the Official Jazz Fest Express and join us at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. There's food, there's art, there are bands, bands, bands! See the complete Jazz Fest 2024 lineup.
Born with Teeth at Le Petit Theatre (April 25-May 12)
In this play by Liz Duffy Adams, playwrights Christopher “Kit” Marlowe and a young William Shakespeare meet in the back room of a pub to collaborate. Elizabethan hijinks ensue. Learn more.