Festivals

A New Orleans staple for nearly 50 years, Southern Decadence Festival celebrates New Orleans’ unique culture and diversity. It resembles the Mardi Gras season in many ways, marked by parades, bead throwing, street parties and costumes. With a predicted 300,000 participants this year, you’ll need the right look to stand out.

The list of performers who appeared at the first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival includes music legends, such as Mahalia Jackson, Pete Fountain, Al Hirt, Fats Domino and Duke Ellington.

Spring has sprung, and festival season is upon us. Whether you are planning on braving the muddy Fair Grounds for Jazz Fest, paddling down the bayou for Bayou Boogaloo or making your way to Woldenburg Park for Oyster Festival, Plush Appeal – The Mardi Gras Spot has all of the festival accessories you need.

Jazz Fest posters became collectors’ items during the festival’s 50-year history. The 1970 posters featured art by Noel Rockmore and Bruce Brice.

BUKU Music + Art Project appeals to all of the senses. Big names like Lana Del Rey and Louis the Child may be the hook to get you through the gates, but take a look around you to get a real feel for the event. What to appreciate:

Known as Louisiana’s best free music and food festival, the French Quarter Festival will draw thousands of people to the city’s oldest neighborhood April 11-14.

The Youth Empowerment Project’s third annual fundraiser, YEP Fest, presented by IBERIABANK, kicks off on Sunday, March 24, from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in the 1600 block of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.

What better place to celebrate New Orleans’ music, food and culture – and its 300th birthday – than one of its oldest neighborhoods? The Treme Fall Festival is Oct. 6 and 7 at St. Augustine Church.

As summer wraps up, festival season marches on with the 18th annual Satchmo SummerFest. Catch the fest at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old New Orleans Mint Aug. 3-5.

With festivals in the Big Easy throughout the year, you don’t want to find yourself unprepared. Whether you’re tasting sweet beignets at City Park or slurping up some oysters at Woldenburg Park, WWLTV’s “Local Lens” segments feature Chip’s Tips to help you get the most out of your festival experience.

Tomato lovers, rejoice. One of the most unique festivals in the city’s 300-year history, the 32nd Annual Creole Tomato Festival, took over the streets of the French Quarter Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10.

This November 11 and 12, Downtown Covington will host the Three Rivers Art Festival, a two-day cultural event. Attendees will stroll down Columbia Street in the town’s Cultural Arts District and shop, perusing more than 200 artist tents with work ranging from painting to metalwork and everything in between.

In NOLA, it’s easy to celebrate, especially when giving back to the community. Don’t miss these festivals with heart:

During his nearly 40-year career, photographer Michael P. Smith (1937–2008) immersed himself in New Orleans’ musical culture. At public and private events – from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and concerts to street parades – Smith documented the scenes with his Nikon, and he sold his images at Jazz Fest.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, runs April 28-30 and May 4-7. Artists include Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, Usher with the Roots, Meghan Trainor, Snoop Dogg and all your local favorites across 13 stages.

What started as a neighborhood event has grown into the second largest event in Louisiana, with an economic impact of $190 million.