Two of our city ’ s most famous festivals are in April . French Quarter Festival , presented by Chevron , is Apr . 21 – 24 . The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival , presented by Shell , is Apr . 29 – May 8 .
Between Apr . 21 – 24 , the entire French Quarter sets the stage for French Quarter Festival , the largest showcase of Louisianan music in the world . With more than 20 stages throughout the French Quarter , entertainers represent every genre , from traditional and contemporary jazz , to R & B , New Orleans funk , brass bands , folk , gospel , Latin , Zydeco , classical , cabaret , and international . There is delicious cuisine from some of the city ’ s best restaurants and caterers served in Jackson Square , the Jazz Museum at the Mint , JAX Brewery , and Woldenberg Riverfront Park . Some of the exceptional events returning to this year ’ s fest is the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase , which will feature dancing classes in the Traditional Jazz , 1920s Charleston , Swing Dance , Cajun Jitterbug , and Zydeco . Another great feature at this year ’ s event will be the Chevron STEM Zone , which features local community partners an incorporating the elements of “ STEM ” ( Science , Technology , Engineering , and Math ) into handson learning activities for children . Spend the weekend being a tourist in your own city and stay at a hotel downtown . Enjoy the festival during the day , dine at one of your favorite restaurants , followed by cocktails and music at the many bars and clubs . Your options are endless . ( https :// frenchquarterfest . org )
Come boogie on the Bayou at Bayou Boogaloo between May 20 – 22 , in Mid-City along Bayou St . John . Come enjoy the best in Louisianan art , food , culture , and music on four stages . ( https :// thebayouboogaloo . com )
Opa ! If you love Baklava , gyros and Ouzo daiquiris , then the New Orleans Greek Festival is the place to be . It is held over Memorial Day Weekend , May 27 – 29 , on Bayou St . John at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral . This year ’ s theme is EAT ! DRINK ! DANCE ! There will be homemade traditional Greek food , wine , pastries , live , traditional Greek dancing , Greek bands playing near the Bayou , tours of the Cathedral , a marketplaces with everything Greek , and my favorite part a Greek grocery with delectable cheeses , dips , spices , and other goodies . ( http :// www . greekfestnola . com )
Please note , in the ever-changing world of COVID , some of the dates and times of the above festivals may change . It has been a long two years , but we will persevere . KEEP CALM AND FEST ON !
From Apr . 29 to May 8 , The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is probably one of my favorite festivals in the city . Held at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots , the third oldest racetrack in the country , this music , food and art festival enjoys a mixture of local , national and international artists . This year some of the headliners include Stevie Nicks , The Who and Lionel Richie . I can already taste the crawfish bread and Rosemint herbal iced tea . ( https :// www . nojazzfest . com )
Get your jam on at Jammin ’ on Julia on May 7 , the first Saturday in May . Happening in the New Orleans ’ Warehouse Arts District ( primarily on Julia St ., hence the name ), this celebration will have bands taking the stage , food and refreshments from local vendors , an art market , and of course all the galleries will be open showcasing their latest exhibitions . ( http :// www . artsdistrictneworleans . com / events / jammin-on-julia2 )
www . FrenchQuarterly . com Spring 2022 | 9