Let’s get back to the Festivals!
There’s something magical happening in New Orleans right now. The days are getting warmer, the familiar hum of termite swarms is back, and the mouthwatering aroma of crawfish boils fills the air. This can only mean one thing: it’s festival season in New Orleans!
After two years of cancellations due to COVID-19, the city’s vibrant festival season has returned, and I couldn’t be more excited. From April to August, there’s a festival for just about everything you can imagine. While the events begin to taper off as football season kicks in, festival-goers make the most of the months leading up to Halloween, when the festivities officially wrap for the year.
Personally, I have three go-to festivals that I make a point to attend every year. While some years I ambitiously try to hit as many as possible, these three always hold a special place in my heart.
Kicking Off Festival Season: French Quarter Festival
The return of Mardi Gras in 2022 gave us a glimmer of hope that festival season would follow—and it has! Once Fat Tuesday indulgence is behind us and Easter repentance is complete, festival season officially kicks off with French Quarter Festival, the biggest free event in the city after Mardi Gras.
Held in the iconic French Quarter, this festival transforms the streets into an open-air celebration of New Orleans’ finest food, music, and culture. Local restaurants and vendors set up booths offering their best dishes, while multiple stages host live entertainment. Running from Thursday to Sunday, the French Quarter Festival begins today, April 21, 2022, marking its first appearance since 2019.
Next Up: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Just one week later, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival—better known as Jazz Fest—takes center stage at the Fairgrounds. This two-weekend extravaganza is a feast for the senses, with performances by both local and national artists, craft vendors, and, of course, incredible food.
Unlike the French Quarter Festival, Jazz Fest requires an entry fee (around $80 per day), but the experience is worth every penny. The festival runs from April 29 to May 1 for its first weekend, and May 5 to May 8 for its second. If you’re a foodie, this event is another must-attend, offering an unparalleled array of dishes alongside world-class music.
Celebrating Culture: Essence Festival of Culture
Rounding out my top three is the Essence Festival of Culture, a cornerstone of New Orleans traditions for 27 years. Originally a one-time event hosted by Essence magazine, it has evolved into a powerful celebration of Black culture.
During the day, attendees can enjoy free sessions featuring notable names from media, pop culture, beauty, and film, while the nights are reserved for electrifying concerts by music icons like Janet Jackson and Beyoncé. This year, the festival takes place from June 30 to July 3, 2022, during Fourth of July weekend. Tickets range from $60 to $350 per night, granting access to main stage performances and intimate sets in the super lounges.
A Full Festival Comeback
While these are my “big three,” I’m determined to make the most of this long-awaited festival season and experience as many events as possible. After two years without festivals, there’s no holding back—let’s keep the good times rolling!
“Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
For a complete list of this year’s festivals, check out the full calendar of events at NewOrleans.com.
Here’s where you can find more information on the festivals mentioned: