There are several parades this Easter Sunday in New Orleans, and all have parties before and after that are open to the public.
The first to roll is the Historic French Quarter Parade started by the daughter of Count Arnaud long ago. The Parade of carriages and convertibles will leave Arnaud's Restaurant at 10:30 a.m. It goes down Bienville Street to Dauphine Street, Iberville Street, and Bourbon Street. The parade then turns onto Toulouse Street to Royal Street. Participants will promenade in Jackson Square before attending the noon Mass at St. Louis Cathedral, after which they go back to Arnaud's.
The Chris Owens Easter Parade also rolls Sunday. The celebration starts at the Astor Crowne Hotel Ballroom at 11:00 a.m. with a continental breakfast, Hat Contest and entertainment. The parade rolls at 1 p.m. through the French Quarter.
Also in the French Quarter this Easter is the annual gay parade . It starts at 3:00 p.m. with a party at Starlight By The Park, 834 N. Rampart St. The parade rolls at 4 p.m. and goes through the French Quarter.
St. Charles Avenue Easter Parade
The St. Charles Easter Parade, rolls up and then down beautiful St. Charles Avenue. You can ride in one the supplied carriages or in your own convertible. The fun begins at 11:00 AM House of Broel with a Continental Breakfast and Champagne Reception. Musical entertainment is provided. Then after the parade a seated dinner buffet will be provided for all riders and non-riders (subject to space availability)at the The Cricket Club. A dance band will play from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM along with the famous "Full Service Open Bar".
If you just watching the parade, catch it somewhere between the Ponchartrain Hotel and Soniat Street. It makes a loop back to the Pontchartrain Hotel, so you can catch it twice if you want to.
For the Kids
There's a Dinosaur Egg Hunt at the Audubon Zoo on Saturday and Sunday April 4 and 5. Pre-registration is necessary and spots sell out quickly. You can register online. There's an Easter Egg hunt in City Parkat Easter Egg Hunt in Storyland at 11:00 a.m. for the younger ones, and at the Amusement Park for the bigger kids. You can get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny in the Carousel Gazebo. Eggs will be stuffed with candy and toys, a few with ride tickets, and one golden egg for a bigger prize. The Fairy Godmother will be at the Storyland Castle doing face painting and entertainment from 11am-3pm with characters. Regular admission rates apply.
On the day before Easter runners will leave from the French Quarter and run down beautiful Esplanade Avenue to City Park for the Crescent City Classic. There's a great party in the park after the CCC for the runners, the walkers, and for those who just love parties.
