New Orleans Festivals
Most famous for Mardi Gras, New Orleans holds a variety of Festivals throughout the year. Almost anything is an excuse for a party here: holidays, music, arts or just the changing of the seasons.

Elegant dinners prepared by the city's top restaurants, nightly concerts and over 2 million Christmas lights make Christmas New Orleans Style one of the Top 20 holiday destination spots according to the Southeast Tourism Society. Or you can enjoy Easter in the French Quarter with something for the whole family. There are boat cruises and all-night cocktail parties on Saturday, then parades, Easter egg hunts, and great food on Sunday.

The birthplace of Jazz is also the home of an incredible Jazzfest every spring. Entertainers from around the world have been descending on New Orleans for the past 35 years to make this one of the best musical celebrations in the world. For those that can't get enough, the Satchmo Summerfest keeps the music of Louis Armstrong alive every summer.

At Earth Fest you can learn about the environment and enjoy Louisiana's unique culture. Or enjoy the non-stop party of Essence Fest - the largest African-American entertainment gathering in the country. Fabulous art from nationally-recognized artists and amazing live music are all part of the Fresh Art Festival each October. The historic French Quarter hosts one of the annual Tennessee Williams Literary Festival in March. Then thousands of wine and food lovers hit town for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. Or you can join more than 100,000 gay revelers for New Orleans' annual Southern Decadence Celebration each Labor Day weekend.

So get out your calendar and visit New Orleans during one of these great festivals. Regardless of when you visit, you are sure to find a party somewhere.