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 (April 1)
This crazy krewe's 10th annual parade is on a Wednesday this year. The theme is “Life’s A Circus.” The fun begins at the corner of Royal Street and Franklin at 7 p.m.
Easter Parades (April 5)
If you missed Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans, you still have a chance to catch a parade. At 9:45 a.m. the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade departs Dickie Brennan's Tableau Restaurant and heads toward St. Louis Cathedral for 11 a.m. Mass. Come see mule-drawn carriages and old convertibles with plenty of stuffed Easter bunnies and other trinkets for the kids. After Mass, participants promenade in Jackson Square, showing off their Easter bonnets. At 11 a.m., the French Quarter Easter Parade begins in the Omni Royal Orleans Ballroom with a hat contest, silent auction, and entertainment. There will be festive floats, marching bands, beads, and special Easter throws.
Hogs for the Cause (April 10 & 11)
Head to UNO Lakefront Arena for this annual event where 90 local and regional BBQ masters and the best backyard chefs compete. Learn more.
Irish Italian Islenos Parade (April 11)
The St. Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Community Parade and Marching Club will hit the streets of St. Bernard Parish with nearly 50 floats, 300,000 pounds of produce, and 30+ marching units and groups.
French Quarter Fest (April 16-19)
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 stages all over the historic French Quarter. Jazz, funk, Zydeco, Cajun, brass bands, gospel...we've got it all, cher. See entertainment lineup
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (April 10-12)
Since 1972, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has held a sweet spot in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Take a ride to the Northshore to the largest free harvest festival in the state of Louisiana. Three days of time-honored traditions, amazing food and drinks, live music, rides, and family fun await.
Zurich Classic (April 20-26)
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.
Jazz Fest (April 23-26 and April 30-May 3)
Board the Official Jazz Fest Express and join us at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. There's food, there's art, and there are bands, bands, bands! See entertainment lineup
Photo of Deacon John at Jazz Fest by Missy Fields Dalton