New Orleans is the cradle of jazz and, in April, that cradle is a rockin'! Both the French Quarter Festival and the first week of Jazz Fest are this month – along with many other unique only-in-NOLA events. Check out all there is to see and do below and then start planning your trip at bestneworleanshotels.com. Here's what's up way down yonder in New Orleeeens.
Krewe of Fools' April Fools' Day Parade (March 32)
The theme for this crazy krewe's 7th annual parade is "The Seven Year Itch." Don't miss it, April 1. The fun begins at the corner of Royal Street and Franklin at 7 p.m.
Heritage Day at Destrehan Plantation (April 8)
War. Yellow Fever. Hurricanes. Daily life on a plantation. Go back to the 19th Century at Heritage Day at Destrehan Plantation. Take part in hands-on activities; view demonstrations, reenactments and exhibits, and participate in period music and dance. The event is open to the public between 9 a.m and 3 p.m. Learn more.
Adelphi Crescent City Classic (April 8)
The Crescent City Classic is more than a run – it's a festival! It begins at the Caesar's Superdome, weaves through the French Quarter, turns up Esplanade Avenue and ends with a big bash at New Orleans City Park. Expect to see runners in creative costumes (it's New Orleans after all). Register here.
Easter (April 9)
Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, and St. Joseph's Day are behind us but Easter is yet another chance to parade in New Orleans. Still, even though there are three parades in the French Quarter on Easter Sunday, there is a lot more to do here than catch beads. You can enjoy the Captain Carrot cruise on the Riverboat City of New Orleans, along with other festive brunches and egg hunts. Plus, there's nothing like Easter Mass at St. Louis Cathedral.
French Quarter Fest (April 13-16)
The Vieux Carré is the place to play this April during French Quarter Festival, one of the most popular free music festivals on the planet. Here's your chance to see New Orleans' finest musicians play on 20 stages all over the historic French Quarter. Jazz, funk, Zydeco, Cajun, brass bands, gospel...we've got it all, cher. See 2023 lineup.
Zurich Classic (April 17-23)
Mark Twain said, "Golf is a good walk spoiled" because he'd never been to the Zurich Classic. This leg of the PGA Tour is played at the TPC of Louisiana, a short drive from downtown New Orleans. It's a lot of fun – especially because you can eat well while you're there at the Acme Oyster House area. Learn more.
Jazz Fest (April 28-May 7)
Board the Official Jazz Fest Express and join us at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. There's food, there's art, there are bands, bands, bands! See the complete Jazz Fest 2023 lineup.