New Orleans Tour: Festivals

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In addition to year-round attractions, a series of celebrations and festivals provide additional interest:

• Mardi Gras
• New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, www.nojazzfest.com. Also known just as Jazz Fest. Held the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May every year at the New Orleans Fairgrounds, F-Su 11AM-7PM. It is second only to Mardi Gras for importance and size for New Orleans. The festival has been held every year since 1970. The true heart and soul of the Jazz Fest, as with New Orleans, is Music. That includes jazz, both traditional and contemporary, Cajun music, blues, R&B, gospel music, folk music, Latin, rock, rap, country music and bluegrass. But it's not just music. This is a cultural feast with food and crafts. There are thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople at the festival and 500,000 visitors each year. Visit the two large food areas where you can sample Louisiana cuisine and see demonstrations from top New Orleans chefs. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen.
• French Quarter Festival fqfi.org/index.php?id=12,18,0,0,1,0
• Essence Festival www.essence.com/essence/emf
• Southern Decadence www.southerndecadence.net
• Halloween. While not as large a celebration as Mardi Gras, Halloween is still a big deal in New Orleans. Locals begin costuming two or three days in advance, with most of the action Halloween night being, of course, in the French Quarter, which becomes a veritable parade of costumes ranging from the traditional to the satirical. Families can enjoy Halloween festivities in their own neighborhoods or at various events around the city specifically geared for children.
• Voodoo Music Festival www.voodoomusicfest.com - The pop/alternative/contemporary counterpart to the New Orleans Jazzfest, this is fast becoming a major attraction, hosting multiple stages in City Park over 3 days.

New Orleans Photos

• www.nojazzfest.com
• fqfi.org/index.php?id=12,18,0,0,1,0
• www.essence.com/essence/emf
• www.southerndecadence.net
• www.voodoomusicfest.com