Plan Like a Local, Celebrate Like a New Orleanian
If you’ve ever wondered how New Orleans manages to feel like a celebration every day of the year, here’s the secret — it really is. With more than 130 festivals, nightly live music, and a deep sense of community woven into every neighborhood, the city offers something special in every season.
At The Chimes Bed and Breakfast, we love helping guests experience the city like locals — from Uptown parades and neighborhood festivals, to cozy jazz clubs and unforgettable meals.
Here’s a look at some of the festivals and events that make New Orleans shine year-round — plus insider tips from The Chimes Bed and Breakfast, where we’ve welcomed guests celebrating them all.
Mardi Gras: A Celebration for All Ages
The Mardi Gras season begins on Twelfth Night (January 6) and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Depending on the calendar, the season can last long into March.
Forget the image of wall-to-wall crowds on Bourbon Street — outside the French Quarter, Mardi Gras is a family tradition. In neighborhoods like Uptown, the Garden District, By-Water, Marigny, and Esplanade Ridge, families line the parade routes together.
Children delight in catching trinkets, toys, and beads from parade floats, while adults enjoy the lively music, creative costumes, and fun spirit that make Mardi Gras unforgettable.
Staying at The Chimes Bed and Breakfast places you within walking distance of the Uptown parades, so you can experience the excitement, then return to a peaceful courtyard retreat once the festivities wind down.
Tips on What to Bring to Mardi Gras:
- Large bags for parade throws
- Snacks and bottled water
- Warm layers (January–March can be surprisingly chilly in NOLA)
- Sitting blankets or tarps
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A rain jacket
- A decorated hat or fascinator
- Costume for Fat Tuesday
What Not to Bring:
- A car you plan to move frequently. Parking in New Orleans can be tricky — and during Mardi Gras, it’s almost impossible. If you find a legal street spot, keep it for the weekend. Many areas have “unwritten” local rules about where parking is tolerated, and violations often lead to towing and costly, cash-only fees.
- Worry about getting around. Staying at The Chimes Bed and Breakfast means you can leave the car behind entirely. Guests enjoy free street parking, a rare perk in New Orleans, and can easily walk to the Uptown parade routes or hop on the St. Charles streetcar to explore other neighborhoods. With many streets closed for parades, being in the right location makes all the difference — and The Chimes puts you right where you’ll want to be.
Local Tip: Check the official parade schedule organized by neighborhood for: date, time, a map of the parade route, parade themes, and the throws you can expect. Or download the “Parade Tracker App” for updates.
“We loved our stay here and would definitely return! I came here with my husband and child for a Mardi Gras event with my krewe and the location was perfect — walking distance to the Uptown parades and restaurants but still far enough away to feel like a quiet neighborhood.”
— basscatSanFrancisco
New Orleans Book Festival — March 12–15, 2026 (Tulane University)
A free, four-day literary celebration featuring 100+ authors—from national bestsellers to beloved regional and local voices. Expect panel discussions, moderated conversations, keynote lectures, book fairs, family programming, and workshops at this major literary event.
Local Tip: Book your room near Tulane University early. From The Chimes Bed & Breakfast, you can walk or take the St. Charles streetcar to Tulane’s Uptown campus. Comfortable shoes and a light day bag make it easy to explore events back-to-back.
Crescent City Classic — April 4, 2026
The Gulf South’s premier 10K and one of the nation’s oldest, the Crescent City Classic winds through architecturally delightful neighborhoods, with locals cheering from porches and sidewalks.
Local Tip: This Easter Weekend Tradition is now, along with Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, one of New Orleans signature events—so book your lodging at Chimes Bed & Breakfast, and register for the race early.
Hogs for the Cause — April
90+ teams compete for BBQ glory, with live music, family-friendly fun, and an extraordinary mission. To date, Hogs has distributed $15+ million—including thousands of direct grants to families facing pediatric brain cancer, plus major support for hospital programs and children’s hospital on-campus housing.
Local Tips: This is a one-of-a-kind festival. Don’t miss your chance to experience the flavor, the fun, and the impact of this unforgettable event.
Jazz & Heritage Festival — Late April into Early May
“Jazz Fest” runs two weekends, Thursday–Sunday each week, with 13 stages spanning jazz, blues, gospel, rock, funk, zydeco, and more. The pace is precise; sets start right on time. So be ready.
Local Tips:
- It’s typically hot and humid. Seek A/C in the Grandstand at the Allison Miner Stage (also where many artist interviews happen). Clean restrooms are on the 3rd floor—TIP your attendant!
- The Gospel, Blues, and Jazz tents are covered and misted—great for shelter from the sun and rain.
- The two largest stages—Festival Stage and Shell Gentilly Stage—are at opposite ends of the track; all other stages are spaced between them. Map your must-sees before you go.
Even if there were no music, it would still be one of the best food festivals you’ve ever attended. Don’t miss classics like crawfish bread and cochon de lait po-boys.
Check the current music schedule before you head out.
After a full day of live music and festival crowds, there’s nothing like returning to your own quiet courtyard. Guests at The Chimes Bed and Breakfast often tell us it’s their favorite part of the trip — the calm between celebrations.
Crawfish Season — February to May
Whether you’re a New Orleans native or a first-time visitor, spring in NOLA means one thing — boiled crawfish. Get ready to boil, peel, and savor this spicy Louisiana favorite that defines the season.
Local Tips: Ask your hosts at The Chimes Bed and Breakfast where to go that week — crawfish quality and spice level can vary by season and supplier. If you’re new to crawfish, start mild and level up as you go.
Tales of the Cocktail (July 19–24, 2026)
Each summer, mixology’s brightest minds gather in the French Quarter for Tales of the Cocktail — a celebration of creativity, culture, and connection. Hosted at the Ritz-Carlton and nearby venues, this international event brings together bartenders, distillers, and cocktail enthusiasts from around the world for tastings, workshops, and hands-on classes.
The 2026 theme, “Spark,” recognizes that every great movement begins with a single idea — a perfect reflection of New Orleans’ own creative spirit. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply curious, Tales of the Cocktail offers an unforgettable taste of the city’s artistry and innovation.
Local Tips: Book your room early and pace yourself — it’s easy to lose track of time with so many events happening back-to-back. Stay hydrated between tastings, and plan a relaxing dinner or quiet Uptown evening afterward to balance the energy of your day.
National Fried Chicken Festival (October 4–5, 2026)
Each fall, the New Orleans Lakefront transforms into a flavorful celebration of one of the South’s most beloved comfort foods. The National Fried Chicken Festival, features more than 40 restaurants serving up their signature recipes — from classic crispy favorites to bold, creative twists.
This two-day, ticketed event pairs great food with live music, scenic lake views, and plenty of photo-worthy moments, making it a local favorite for families and food lovers alike.
Local Tips: Purchase your tickets early and arrive by rideshare or streetcar — lakefront parking fills up fast. Bring sunscreen and an appetite; it’s easy to spend hours sampling, strolling, and soaking in the Louisiana sunshine.
Tremé Fall Festival (October 25, 2026)
Every October, the historic Tremé neighborhood — known as the birthplace of jazz — comes alive for the Tremé Fall Festival, a one-day celebration of New Orleans culture, music, and community. The day begins with a second-line parade, followed by an afternoon filled with live music, local arts and crafts, and authentic Creole cooking.
Held on Governor Nicholls Street, this festival showcases the city’s creative heart and the close-knit spirit that defines Tremé. It’s a local favorite for anyone wanting to experience New Orleans’ cultural roots beyond the typical tourist path.
Local Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for dancing (or at least toe-tapping) and come hungry — local chefs serve everything from jambalaya to freshly baked beignets.
Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival (November 8–9, 2026)
Nothing captures the flavor of New Orleans quite like gumbo — and nowhere celebrates it better than the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival. Held each November in Louis Armstrong Park, this two-day event brings together the city’s best Creole chefs, brass bands, and local artisans for a feast that’s equal parts music and flavor.
Guests can sample a variety of gumbo styles — from seafood and sausage to okra-rich family recipes — while enjoying live R&B, funk, and brass band performances throughout the day. The air is filled with the sounds of New Orleans’ heritage and the unmistakable aroma of simmering pots, creating a true sensory experience.
Local Tips: Arrive early for shorter lines and the best selection of dishes. Bring a hat or umbrella for shade, and plan to stay awhile — this is one festival where you’ll want to listen, linger, and maybe even dance between bites.
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival (November 16, 2026)
Every fall, locals and visitors gather along Oak Street in Uptown to celebrate one of New Orleans’ most iconic creations — the po-boy sandwich. Since 2007, the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival has honored this humble yet historic dish with a full day of food, music, and community spirit.
With more than 40 food and beverage vendors, an Arts Market, Kids Zone, and live music on multiple stages, this festival truly embodies the city’s culture. It kicks off with an opening parade and culminates in a po-boy competition judged by celebrity chefs, where local restaurants showcase everything from traditional roast beef to creative modern takes.
The event’s joyful mix of food, art, and music makes it one of the most unique and exciting festivals of the year — a celebration of flavor and tradition that perfectly captures the soul of Uptown New Orleans.
Local Tips: Arrive early for the widest selection of po-boys and easier access to parking or public transit. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to share samples — it’s the best way to try more flavors. Explore the Arts Market between sets, visit sponsor activations for fun surprises, or relax in the VIP area for shade and premium views.
As the weather cools and the oak trees sparkle with lights, New Orleans takes on a different kind of magic. Winter in the city means music, twinkling courtyards, and one-of-a-kind holiday traditions — many just minutes from The Chimes Bed and Breakfast.
Holiday Home Tour (December 13–14, 2025)
Held every year on the second weekend in December, the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans opens the doors to some of the city’s most beautiful private residences for the Holiday Home Tour — a cherished tradition that celebrates the architecture, artistry, and holiday spirit of the Garden District.
For nearly fifty years, this beloved event has given visitors a rare chance to step inside historic homes dressed in their festive best. From grand galleries draped in garlands to intricate ironwork adorned with twinkling lights, every detail reflects the timeless elegance of New Orleans’ holiday season.
Proceeds from the tour support the Preservation Resource Center’s mission to protect and promote the city’s architectural heritage — making it a celebration with a meaningful cause.
Local Tips: Purchase tickets in advance, as this popular event often sells out. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the self-guided tour includes several stops within the neighborhood. Afterward, enjoy dinner or dessert along Magazine Street, then return to The Chimes Bed and Breakfast to unwind in the courtyard and reflect on a day filled with New Orleans charm.
Holiday Concert Series at St. Louis Cathedral (December 2025)
Each December, the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter fills with music for its cherished Holiday Concert Series — a set of free performances showcasing some of New Orleans’ most talented local musicians.
Held on select evenings throughout the month, the concerts feature a variety of choirs, vocal ensembles, and instrumental artists performing seasonal favorites inside the historic St. Louis Cathedral — the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States. The soaring ceilings, candlelight, and warm acoustics create a breathtaking setting that has made these concerts a treasured holiday tradition for both locals and visitors.
The 2025 season’s final concert takes place on Sunday, December 21, at 5:30 p.m., closing out another inspiring year of music in the heart of Jackson Square.
Local Tips: Arrive early — seating is first-come, first-served, and lines can form well before the concert begins. Bring a light sweater; the stone interior stays cool even on mild nights. Afterward, enjoy the glow of Jackson Square before returning Uptown to The Chimes Bed and Breakfast for a peaceful evening.
For the latest concert schedule and performer lineup, visit the official St. Louis Cathedral Calendar
Caroling in Jackson Square (December 21, 2025)
Each December, the heart of Jackson Square glows with candlelight for one of New Orleans’ most beloved holiday traditions — Caroling in Jackson Square. Beneath the spires of the St. Louis Cathedral, visitors and locals join in a joyful, candlelit sing-along that captures the spirit of the season.
This free, non-denominational community celebration takes place on Sunday, December 21, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., when volunteers hand out complimentary songbooks and candles. Carols are led by local clergy and community members, creating a warm atmosphere of togetherness and goodwill that has made this event a cherished part of New Orleans’ holiday calendar.
Local Tips: Arrive early to find a comfortable spot and soak in the festive energy as the square fills with candlelight. Dress in layers — December evenings can be cool — and allow extra time for parking or rideshare drop-off near the French Quarter. After the music fades, enjoy a dessert or peaceful stroll through the Quarter’s twinkling streets before heading back Uptown to The Chimes Bed and Breakfast for a cozy night in.
Plan Your Stay Where New Orleans Feels Like Home
From candlelit carols and jazz parades to crawfish boils and book festivals, every season in New Orleans has something to celebrate. And when the day winds down, the city’s rhythm gives way to quiet courtyards, warm hospitality, and a good night’s rest.
After choosing your favorite festivals and events, you can round out your itinerary with great food and local fun. See our Eat & Explore Page for nearby dining ideas, music venues, and neighborhood highlights to enjoy during your stay.
At The Chimes Bed and Breakfast, you’re close to it all — yet tucked away in the peaceful Uptown Garden District, where comfort and local charm come together effortlessly. Whether you’re visiting for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or a holiday weekend, The Chimes offers the perfect place to relax, recharge, and experience New Orleans like a local.