The weather is beautiful and the streets of New Orleans are full of blooming flowers, and as always, good music and great food. It's time for some festivals.
To begin, every Wednesday in April, May and June, from 5 p.m. to 7:30, there are free concerts in Lafayette Square. It's the time when most New Orleanians leave work early and enjoy some music and food before heading home. We consider it the way a civilized society behaves. The schedule includes all kinds of music from jazz to funk, and there's food, drinks and an artist's village.
A great chance to tour the old homes and hidden gardens of the old French Quarter homes.The French Quarter Festival held just before Jazz Fest, is a party to get ready for the party. Only in New Orleans! Many stages with some Zydeco, Classical, Jazz, and Cajun music are spread around the French Quarter and Woldenberg Park. The French Quarter Festival also has the world's largest outdoor Jazz brunch with some great food. Best of all the festival is free and is in the French Quarter, so it's easy to get to.
The "Big Daddy" of spring festivals in New Orleans is the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival which takes place at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. Several large stages and tents offer everything from Jazz to Gospel and the food, aaaah the food! That's half the fun.
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
At the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival there's something for everyone, from scholarly discussions to a tour of Williams's haunts, a scavenger hunt and a Stella-calling contest.
Great Wine and Great Food
For something a little different, try the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. Several events are set including vintners dinners all over town where you can taste some great New Orleans food pared with fine wines. My favorite part of this festival is the Royal Street Stroll. Walk along Royal Street, visiting the art galleries and sampling fine wines while listening to live Jazz music. Get tickets early, this event always sells out.
It's always a good time to visit New Orleans, but April and May are two of the best months. So, come down and enjoy. Get the festival dates for this year.
