Mark your calendars for a year filled with vibrant festivals and delicious food in New Orleans. From the grand opening of the legendary Dew Drop Inn to the iconic Jazz Fest, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on the must-attend events happening throughout the year.
Exciting Festivals and Food Events in New Orleans 2024
( Credit to: Nola )
New Orleans is known for its vibrant festival and food scene, and 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for locals and visitors alike. From grand openings to annual favorites, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here's a guide to some of the must-attend events happening throughout the year.
( Credit to: Nola )
The Legendary Dew Drop Inn Grand Opening
Kicking off the festivities is the grand opening of the legendary Dew Drop Inn from March 1-3. This iconic establishment will be hosting a weekend full of events, including a concert with Irma Thomas and a vinyl night. And of course, there will be delicious food prepared by renowned chef Marilyn Doucette.
Food Fight: A Culinary Competition
If you're a food lover, don't miss Food Fight on March 14. This culinary competition in Lafreniere Park features over 40 local restaurants battling it out for the best traditional, creative, and vegetarian dishes. There will also be a cocktail competition. Best of all, the event supports the PLEASE Foundation, so you can indulge while giving back to the community.
Immerse Yourself in the World of Bourbon
For bourbon enthusiasts, the New Orleans Bourbon Festival is a must-visit from March 20-24. This five-day extravaganza includes a Bourbon Brawl, whiskey competition, and VIP welcome party. With seminars, tastings, and a range of ticket options, you can immerse yourself in the world of bourbon.
Savor the Flavor at the Louisiana Crawfish Festival
If you're craving crawfish, head to the Louisiana Crawfish Festival from March 21-24. This three-day event offers a smorgasbord of crawfish cook-offs, eating contests, carnival rides, and live music. With a lineup featuring bands like Sugar Shaker International Party Band and Groovy 7, it's bound to be a fun-filled weekend.
Celebrate the Heritage of Tremé at the Congo Square Rhythms Festival
Celebrate the heritage of Tremé at the Congo Square Rhythms Festival on March 23-24. This free event showcases African dance and drumming, live music, an arts market, and of course, gumbo. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions that have roots within the African diaspora.
Enjoy Music, Food, and Art at the Freret Street Festival
On March 30, head to the Freret Street Festival for a day of music, food, and artisan booths. With stages for music performances and a variety of food stalls, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of this popular event. Keep an eye on Facebook for updates on the full lineup.
Indulge in Barbecue and Music at Hogs for the Cause
If you're a fan of barbecue and music, don't miss Hogs for the Cause on April 5-6. This annual charity event and competition is one of the largest barbecue festivals in the country. Enjoy concerts, bacon night, a chicken wing competition, and a barbecue cook-off while supporting a good cause.
French Quarter Fest: A Blend of Food and Music
French Quarter Fest returns from April 11-14, offering a perfect blend of food and music. With a lineup featuring artists like Big Freedia and Irma Thomas, you can groove to the rhythm while indulging in delicious local cuisine. Stay tuned for announcements on the culinary lineup.
Jazz Fest: A 10-Day Extravaganza
Jazz Fest is the pièce de résistance of New Orleans's festival scene and takes place from April 25 to May 5. This 10-day extravaganza celebrates music, arts and crafts, cultural events, and of course, food. With early bird tickets available, make sure to secure your spot at this iconic event.
Wine Spectator's Grand Tour: A Tasting Event
Wine lovers will rejoice at Wine Spectator's Grand Tour event on April 26. For the first time in New Orleans, this event offers tastings and the chance to mingle with winemakers at the Mariott Hotel. With general admission and VIP ticket options, you can savor the finest wines from around the world.
Daze Between: A Celebration of Music and Beer
Daze Between returns on April 30 to May 1, bringing two days of food, music, and beer to Faubourg Brewery. With a stacked concert lineup featuring Lettuce with John Scofield and other talented artists, this event is a must for music and beer enthusiasts.
Experience the Vibrant Atmosphere of Bayou Boogaloo
From May 17-19, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bayou Boogaloo in Mid-City. With local music performances and a stage dedicated to comedy and cabaret, there's something for everyone. Stay tuned for the announcement of food vendors.
Indulge in Greek Cuisine at the Annual Greek Festival
Experience the flavors of Greece at the annual Greek Festival from May 24-26. Indulge in delicious Greek cuisine, enjoy traditional dances, take part in crafts, tour the cathedral, and watch cooking demos that celebrate the city's Greek heritage.
Explore the Diverse Food and Wine Scene at NOWFE
The New Orleans Food and Wine Experience returns from June 5-9, offering a culinary extravaganza. With chef seminars, wine dinners, brunch events, and grand tastings, you can explore the city's diverse food and beverage scene. Choose from individual event tickets or opt for one of the package tiers.
Witness the Bocuse D'Or Americas Competition
Culinary enthusiasts won't want to miss the Bocuse D'Or Americas competition on June 12-13. Watch as pastry and culinary professionals showcase their skills at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Celebrate Caribbean Culture at the New Orleans Caribbean Carnival
Get ready for a taste of the Caribbean at the New Orleans Caribbean Carnival on June 29. With parades, pool parties, fetes, and delicious food, this vibrant celebration is not to be missed. Stay updated on Instagram and the website for the latest information.
Immerse Yourself in Culture at the Essence Festival of Culture
The Essence Festival of Culture returns from July 4-7, offering a four-day weekend of concerts, film screenings, panels, cultural events, and of course, food. Keep an eye on the website for updates on the 2024 agenda.
Explore the World of Cocktails at Tales of the Cocktail
Cocktail enthusiasts will be delighted by Tales of the Cocktail, taking place from July 21-26. This industry-centric conference offers educational events, tastings, networking opportunities, and awards programming. Tickets go on sale on May 13.
Pay Homage to Louis Armstrong at Satchmo Summerfest
Pay homage to Louis Armstrong at Satchmo Summerfest on August 3-4. This weekend event at the New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates food and jazz. With food vendors like 14 Parishes and Cafe Dauphine, you can enjoy delicious bites while listening to live music. Best of all, admission is free.
Enjoy Art and Food at White Linen Night
On August 3, the Warehouse District comes alive with White Linen Night. This block party among the art galleries on Julia Street offers a chance to enjoy art and food. Stay tuned for the announcement of food vendors.
Indulge in Culinary Experiences at the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival
The Louisiana Food and Wine Festival takes place from September 19-22. This three-day weekend event offers culinary experiences, tastings, music, and a Sunday jazz brunch to top it off. Tickets are already available for purchase.
Fried Chicken Heaven at the Fried Chicken Festival
Fried chicken lovers won't want to miss the annual Fried Chicken Festival on October 5-6. Hosted by Raising Cane's, this event features festive crowds, fried chicken contests, music, and of course, plenty of food.
Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival: Brass Bands and Gumbo
Brass bands and gumbo take center stage at the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival on November 9-10. This free weekend event celebrates the rich musical and culinary heritage of New Orleans. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in delicious gumbo while enjoying live music and browsing the arts market.
Beignet Fest: A Sweet-Filled Festival
Wrap up the year with Beignet Fest on November 16. This sweet-filled festival brings together the best beignets from New Orleans's favorite restaurants and makers. With local music performances, a "kids village," an artisan market, and a beer garden, it's a weekend of family-friendly fun.
Conclusion
With such a diverse range of festivals and food events, 2024 promises to be a memorable year for New Orleans. Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the flavors and traditions that make this city truly unique.