A city that takes joie de vivre to new levels, New Orleans naturally organizes its celebratory approach to life into some of the world’s most popular (and eclectic) festivals.

Festivals are more than a great time for New Orleans; they are an important driver for the city’s tourism industry, its economic backbone. But even more, festivals are a joyous celebration – and the very embodiment – of the city’s cultural heart and soul.

And there’s so much to celebrate: our city’s fascinating history and unique cultural heritage; its natural beauty; its creative and culinary arts; its world famous music; and, perhaps most of all, the very spirit of its people, who invite the world to laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) at New Orleans’ myriad festivals!

Featured Upcoming Festivals:

COOLinary New Orleans August & September 2010 Every summer, famous New Orleans restaurants all over the city offer summer menus featuring special three-course meals. more...

Southern Decadence September 3-6, 2010 Nicknamed the "Gay Mardi Gras," this annual celebration attracts as many as 100,000 participants from all over the world. more...

New Orleans Seafood Festival September 10-12, 2010 The fourth annual New Orleans Seafood Festival is a festival of food, music and fun and will take place in Lafayette Square across from historic Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. more...

New Orleans Burlesque Festival September 17-19, 2010 Glamorous burlesque dancers, comics, singers, and variety acts from around the world celebrate classic burlesque in the most entertaining, classy, and risqué showcases. more...

Art for Arts' Sake October 2, 2010 Every fall, gallery owners in the Arts District and on Magazine Street throw open their doors in celebration of the arts culture of New Orleans. Join 30,000 other art lovers at this giant, chic street party. more...

New Orleans Film Festival October 2010 Louisiana is the third-largest film destination in America, behind only Hollywood and New York City. This annual celebration of the art form features premieres, film screenings, workshops and more.

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival October 16 & 17, 2010 Two stages of the best in blues from New Orleans and beyond. The festival is dedicated to the men and women in blue- the NOPD. "Walk the Beat," a fundraising event on Saturday. more...

Fall Arts & Crafts Festival October 16 & 17, 2010 Visit more than 150 booths of artists and crafters from throughout the United States at Oak Alley Plantation. more...

Halloween New Orleans October 28-November 1, 2010 New Orleans knows how to do Halloween right. Haunted houses, voodoo history, above-ground cemetery tours and Halloween on Frenchman Street, one of the most celebrated gay-circuit parties of the year. more...

Voodoo Music Experience October 29-31, 2010 Only the coolest take to the stage at this Halloween-themed festival in City Park, known for its blending of high-profile national artists with famous local musicians. more...

Louisiana Swamp Festival November 6 & 7, 2010 Visit with the alligators and other assorted swamp critters. Eat all the jambalaya and gumbo you can get your hands on. more...

Words & Music Festival November 18-22, 2010 Join well-known authors, editors, agents and entertainers in celebrating William Faulkner, who honed his craft in a Pirate's Alley apartment in the French Quarter. more...

Po-boy Preservation Festival November 21, 2010 On Sunday, November 22, 25,000+ New Orleanians came out once again to celebrate the city’s most famous sandwich on the newly renovated Oak Street corridor. The festival includes a judged competition for the best po-boys in seven categories. more...

Christmas New Orleans Style December 1-January 6, 2011 A month-long celebration featuring free evening concerts, candlelight caroling in Jackson Square, cooking demonstrations, Papa Noel hotel rates and Reveillon dinners. more...

Treme Creole Gumbo Festival & Holiday Bazaar December 2010 This free festival celebrates the history of Faubourg Treme as a hotbed of New Orleans musical and culinary culture. more...

The fun happens year-round: Search our Calendar of Events for a full list of festivals.