April in New Orleans: Festivals, Food, and Full-On Fun
April in New Orleans doesn’t let up—it’s a month packed tighter than a po’ boy with all the fixin’s. The city is bursting with festivals, parades, and food you’ll dream about long after you've gone home. We’re talkin’ crawfish, sno-balls, brass bands, barbecue, and every flavor of joy you can imagine. Whether you’re here for the tunes, the tastes, or the just downright good vibes, this is your sign to come on down and laissez les bon temps rouler.
Hogs for the Cause
April 4–5
Barbecue for a cause? Say less. Hogs for the Cause is smokin’ up the New Orleans Lakefront again this April, with over 90 teams going whole hog to raise money for families facing pediatric brain cancer. Expect ribs, pulled pork, a whole lotta beer, and live music from Charley Crockett, Stephen Wilson Jr., Zach Top, and more. It’s messy, meaningful, and ridiculously fun. Two-day general admission is $99 (plus fees)—bring your appetite and a few napkins.
Overlook Film Fest
April 3–6
If you like your festivals with a side of spine-tingling suspense, Overlook Film Fest is your jam. Held right here in the most haunted city in America, this four-day celebration of horror is part film fest, part immersive experience. Think indie flicks, creepy performances, live podcast tapings, and interactive events that'll leave you jumping at shadows—in the best way.
French Quarter Fest
April 10–13
Free, fabulous, and full of Louisiana soul—French Quarter Fest is the largest showcase of local music in the world. Grab a plate of something delicious, find a spot by the river or under the oaks, and let the sounds of brass bands and funk wash over you. Did I mention it’s free? This is what spring in New Orleans feels like.
Wednesday at the Square
Every Wednesday through May 7
Midweek blues? Not in New Orleans. Wednesday at the Square is your weekly reminder that life is better with live music and a cocktail in hand. It’s free, it supports the Young Leadership Council, and it’s got everything from funk to rock to bounce. Five chances to catch a show in April—don’t miss 'em.
Crescent City Classic & Easter Weekend
April 19 (Classic) & April 20 (Easter)
Easter weekend in New Orleans is a colorful, quirky celebration—starting with the Crescent City Classic 10K, a costumed run that’s part race, part party, all joy. At the finish line? Live music, food, and plenty of reasons to hang around. Easter Sunday brings not one, but two festive parades: the elegant French Quarter Easter Parade in the morning and the fabulous, feather-filled Gay Easter Parade in the afternoon.
French Navy Ships Docking
April 21–26
How often do you get to tour real French military ships? Two French Navy vessels—the FS Mistral and FS Surcouf—will be docked at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal and open for public tours. This is their first U.S. stop on the Jeanne d’Arc mission, and it’s a rare chance to step aboard a working naval vessel. Go full sailor mode and check it out.
Jazz Fest
April 24–27 & May 1–4
This one’s the biggie. The granddaddy of all New Orleans festivals. Jazz Fest is everything you’ve heard and more—eight days of music, culture, art, and food that feels like a living, breathing love letter to Louisiana. Weekend 1 headliners: Dave Matthews Band, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Kacey Musgraves, John Fogerty. Weekend 2? Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz, Laufey, and so many more. Come for the music, stay for the crawfish bread and mango freeze.
Zurich Classic
April 21–27
Golf lovers, rejoice—the Zurich Classic brings PGA Tour action to TPC Louisiana, just outside the city. Whether you’re swinging clubs or sipping drinks under the sun, it’s a chill way to spend a spring day. You can even volunteer to get a behind-the-scenes look (and maybe a sunburn).
Rugby in Nola
April 12 & 17
The NOLA Gold Rugby team is back in action with home games. Have a beer and some boiled peanuts while enjoying Rugby in New Orleans.
Basketball in Nola
April 6, 11 & 13
Our New Orleans Pelicans wrap up the regular season with home games. Grab a courtside seat and cheer on the team.
Springtime Theater
April 8-20
The New Orleans stage is alive with Hamilton at the Saenger Theatre
It’s a great time to get dressed up and enjoy a night out in our city’s stunning Broadway Theatre.
Crawfish, Fried Fish & Feastin’ Outdoors
It’s peak crawfish season, y’all, and that means it’s your civic duty to eat your weight in mudbugs. Whether you like ‘em spicy and boiled or folded into étouffée, we’ve got no shortage of seafood joints ready to feed you. Want to BYOB (boil your own batch)? Grab some from a market, then head to City Park, The Fly, or Woldenberg Park for a picnic with a view.
Sno-ball Season Starts Now
April kicks off sno-ball season, and you’ll find me in line at Hansen’s getting one stuffed with ice cream or at Sno-La getting it stuffed with cheesecake. These frosty little miracles are pure New Orleans joy in a cup. Want to spice things up? Add a splash of booze and turn your sno-ball into a grown-up slushie.
Baton Rouge Blues Festival
April 4-6
Hop in the car and check out the Baton Rouge Blues Festival. Great music and food.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
April 11–13
This festival is nearby and incredibly enjoyable. It features every strawberry dessert you can think of, along with a full fair to enhance the experience.
So there you have it—April in New Orleans is like a gumbo pot of everything good. Music, food, culture, sunshine, and that magic you can only find here. Don’t just read about it—come experience it for yourself.
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