New Orleans Festival Season 2016 Guide

New Orleans is a city that is known for its celebrations and festivals. Every year, the community comes together for a variety of events that celebrate the local culture, the food and a range of other things. As the festival season approaches, knowing what is happening when can help you be prepared for the events that you want to attend.

March 5-6, 12-13 – Spring Fiesta
The cultural heritage of New Orleans is one of the things that will attract many visitors to the city. With the Spring Fiesta, the first two weekends in March become a time when people can really experience this history up close. There are parades to attend, walking tours through different historic neighborhoods and tours of some of the historic homes.

March 11-12 – Buku Music and Art Project
For music, art and local culture, there are few events like the Buku Music and Art Festival. The event features music from local and national artists, and it also celebrates the history and culture of New Orleans. Watch the paddleboats go down the river, experience the authentic local cuisine or get the premium experience by taking advantage of the VIP packages.

March 20 – Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday
The Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday is another big event that provides a great cultural opportunity. Various tribes from the Mardi Gras Indian Council get together to hold a parade to celebrate their history. Dressed in elaborate costumes and performing cultural chants and dances they march through the streets for an event that is truly unique and interesting.

March 11-17 – St. Patrick’s Day Parades
St. Patrick’s Day has deep roots in New Orleans and every year the city celebrates these roots by hosting more than a week’s worth of events. There are a total of three parades and various block parties to mark the holiday and of course, the celebration has a touch of the local flavor. At the biggest of the parades, float riders throw beads and other trinkets just like they do with the Mardi Gras parades.

March 19 – St. Joseph’s Day
The celebrations for this Catholic saint are very important to many of the city’s residents and the events associated with it are a local favorite. The tradition is to commemorate the memory of St. Joseph and the relief that he provided Sicilians during the famine. By tradition, people will build alters to show thanks and share food with those in need. Additionally, there is the parade organized by the American Italian Marching Club.

March 19-20 – Congo Square New Worlds Rhythm Festival
This festival is a celebration of the rich cultural tradition that has helped to give the music of New Orleans its unique sound. It is a free event organized by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and it features all sorts of music and dance including that from the Afro-Caribbean tradition and the Gulf Region.

March 26 – Crescent City Classic
The Crescent City Classic is a 10k race held annually in the city. It runs through many of New Orleans most iconic neighborhoods and it is popular with local runners and competitors from all over the world. In addition to the race, you have the post-race festival, which includes music food and beverages.

TBA – Wednesday at the Square Concert Series
Running from March until June, residents and visitors can enjoy the different acts that take part in this 12-week concert series held at Lafayette Square.

SAINTS AND SINNERS LITERARY FESTIVAL: March 30-April 3 2016
Combined with the annual Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, this LGBT literary event is host to various speakers, readings and workshops. It runs from the end of March to the first few days of April and it is made up of different events and contests.

French Quarter Festival: April 7-10 2016
With 20 performance stages and over 90 food and beverage booths, this is the largest free music festival in the South. It’s a celebration of the local culture and music, plus there are tons of attractions that are organized in association with the festival.

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY SHELL: APRIL 22-MAY 1, 2016
People come from all over the country to experience the New Orleans Jazz Festival. While it may be a festival to celebrate city’s connection to jazz, the event features artists and acts from every style of music that you can imagine. It’s a big event with big names and it only happens in New Orleans.

With the New Orleans festival season, it seems like there is another exciting event every day. It’s a great time of year and there is lots of fun to be had. Come to the city, have a good time and experience some of the events that help to make New Orleans a one of a kind city.

Fischer Pest Control is proud to be a part of the local New Orleans community for more than 50 years. We hope to find this guide helpful and we’ll see you out at the festivals this spring!