FESTIVAL GUIDE
Full 2026 Festival Calendar in New Orleans
November 15, 2025
New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds
November 16, 2025
Oak Street (8100 - 8700 blocks)
November 22, 2025
The Broadside
New Orleans Lemon Drop Festival
November 22, 2025
Woldenberg Park
November 28, 2025 - January 1, 2026 (Recurring daily)
City Park
December 11 - 13, 2025 (Recurring daily)
Greenway Plaza on the Lafitte Greenway
December 20 - 29, 2025 (Recurring daily)
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
February 16, 2026
Woldenberg Park
March 9 - 14, 2026 (Recurring daily)
New Orleans, Louisiana or Gallier Hall
March 24 - April 1, 2026 (Recurring daily)
Multiple Venues in New Orleans
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival
March 25 - 29, 2026 (Recurring daily)
Hotel Monteleone & Various French Quarter Locations
Saints + Sinners Literary Festival
March 27 - 29, 2026 (Recurring daily)
French Quarter
April 9 - 12, 2026 (Recurring daily)
Prytania Theatres at Canal Place
April 10 - 11, 2026 (Recurring daily)
UNO Lakefront Arena
April 16 - 19, 2026 (Recurring daily)
French Quarter
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 23 - May 3, 2026
Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, A Churchill Downs Co.
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
June 10 - 14, 2026 (Recurring daily)
City Wide
July 10 - 12, 2026 (Recurring daily)
Gallier Hall
July 19 - 24, 2026 (Recurring daily)
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans / City Wide Events
August 1 - 2, 2026 (Recurring daily)
French Quarter
August 8, 2026
Starts at Armstrong Park
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Beignet Fest
16
Oak Street Po' Boy Festival
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Sober Fest
New Orleans Lemon Drop Festival
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Human Horse Races
Fair Grounds Race Course and Casino
28
Celebration in the Oaks
Bayou Classic
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Manning Family Children's Holiday Parade
Algiers Bonfire & Concert
Festival Tips & Tricks
Festivals Near CastleDay
Any festivals in the Bywater, Marigny, or French Quarter are very easy to get to from CastleDay. Most are a short rideshare, streetcar, or bike ride away. Check the list above on this page for great nearby options during festival season.
Dress and Pack for the Day
You will be walking and standing on grass, gravel, and uneven sidewalks for long stretches of time, so wear shoes you can stay in all day and skip anything that rubs or pinches. For big outdoor events like Jazz Fest, closed-toe shoes are usually best. Use a small crossbody or backpack that keeps your hands free. Pack simple basics like sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, your tickets, and a portable phone charger. A refillable water bottle is helpful if the festival allows it. If you are sensitive to sound, toss in a pair of earplugs.
Jazz Fest Tips
Jazz Fest at the Fair Grounds is one of the biggest events of the year. Many people bring a small folding chair, low festival chair, or blanket to claim a spot by a stage. The grounds can get crowded and cell service may be unreliable, so choose a clear meeting spot with your group before you arrive.
Plan to eat at the festival. The food is a major part of the experience, with classics like crawfish bread, po-boys, jambalaya, and frozen drinks. DOWNLOAD THE JAZZFEST APP and check the official Jazz Fest guidelines in advance so you know what is allowed inside, since large coolers, big umbrellas, or oversized bags may be restricted. Most vendors take cards, but having some cash as backup is still helpful.
Respect the Festival Flow
Festivals are busy and people are always trying to move between stages, food booths, and exits. Try not to block narrow walkways or doorways. Give performers, bands, second lines, and support vehicles room to pass. If staff or security ask you to move or wait, it is usually to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Getting To and From Festivals
On big festival days, streets may close and parking can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier than you think you need to can make the day feel more relaxed. Many guests prefer rideshares, the streetcar, or bikes instead of dealing with parking near the event. When the festival ends, rideshares may surge and traffic can be heavy. This can be a good time to grab a snack or drink nearby and wait for things to calm down. If you are unsure about the best way to reach a specific festival from CastleDay, you can always ask us for help.
Pace Yourself
Festival season in New Orleans often means several days of activity in a row. Try not to plan too many things in one day. Allow time to sit, listen to music, and explore without a strict schedule. Drink water throughout the day, especially if you are having alcohol. Short breaks off your feet will help you enjoy more of the weekend instead of burning out.
Staying Comfortable at the Festival
Once you are inside the festival grounds, small habits will keep you more comfortable. Drink water regularly. Reapply sunscreen as needed. Use a portable charger so your phone is ready when you need directions or a ride home. Do not wait until the last minute to think about bathrooms. Lines can get long. Use restrooms when you see them so you are not stuck in an emergency. Many festivals have a mix of porta potties and indoor options nearby, depending on the location.
Support Local
Festivals are a great way to support New Orleans culture. Try food from local vendors. Tip bartenders and musicians when you can. Buy art, records, or small pieces of merch if something catches your eye. Your support helps keep these events and traditions alive for future visits.
