Louisiana Events
& Festivals

Mardi Gras

The world's most famous carnival — two weeks of parades, masked balls, beads, and revelry culminating on Fat Tuesday. Over 70 parade krewes, each with its own floats, throws, and traditions. The largest free entertainment event in America.

• Reserve accommodation 6–12 months in advance
• Endymion, Bacchus, and Rex parades are the grandest
• Mardi Gras is a state holiday in Louisiana

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Jazz Fest is widely considered one of the greatest music festivals on earth. Since 1970, it has brought together jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, rock, and Cajun/zydeco music over two weekends at the Fair Grounds Race Course.

• 90+ stages across seven stages simultaneously
• Local food culture is as important as the music
• Early bird tickets sell out — buy months ahead

Dates change annually. Verify at nojazzfest.com

Essence Festival

A celebration of Black culture, music, and empowerment that brings over 500,000 attendees to New Orleans every July. The Superdome concerts feature the biggest names in R&B, hip-hop, and gospel, while free daytime empowerment sessions fill the Convention Center.

Verify dates and lineup at essence.com/festival

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles

Three free festivals in one autumn weekend in Lafayette — celebrating Cajun music, Creole music, and Louisiana food culture in Girard Park. The best authentic immersion in Cajun/Creole culture you can experience as a visitor.

• Multiple free stages with simultaneous performances
• Peak time for visiting ULL campus nearby
• Book accommodation early — Lafayette fills up