Spring in New Orleans isn’t just a season—it’s a full-on celebration. The flowers bloom, crawfish boil, and music takes over every corner of the city. Whether you’re local or just lucky enough to visit, these festivals are your gateway to the soul of the Crescent City. Here are the top 10 can’t-miss festivals lighting up the spring of 2025.
1. French Quarter Festival
April 10–13, 2025
The French Quarter Festival is a love letter to the city’s local music, food, and culture. With over 20 stages throughout the Quarter and performances by hundreds of local musicians, it’s one of the best ways to experience authentic New Orleans.
Want a sneak peek into the culture behind it all? Check out our piece on New Orleans street musicians.
2. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest)
April 25–May 4, 2025
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is more than just a music festival—it’s a cultural institution. With headliners ranging from Stevie Wonder to Trombone Shorty, you’ll hear everything from gospel to zydeco, alongside art markets and regional eats.
Curious about how deeply rooted music is here? Read our look into how live music keeps New Orleans moving.
3. Freret Street Festival
April 5, 2025
The Freret Street Festival brings together neighborhood flavor, with local vendors, live music on multiple stages, and Uptown’s signature energy. From handmade goods to crawfish étouffée, it’s a hyperlocal celebration you won’t want to miss.
4. Hogs for the Cause
March 28–29, 2025
At Hogs for the Cause, barbecue meets philanthropy in the most New Orleans way possible. Pitmasters from around the country compete to raise money for families battling pediatric brain cancer, all set to the backdrop of great music and good vibes.
5. Wednesday at the Square
March–May 2025 (Every Wednesday)
Held in Lafayette Square and hosted by the Young Leadership Council, Wednesday at the Square is a free concert series offering after-work live music, food trucks, and community energy in the heart of the CBD.
6. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE)
April 17–20, 2025
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience brings together chefs, winemakers, and food lovers for a weekend of indulgent tastings, curated dinners, and educational experiences across the city.
Need restaurant ideas before you sip and swirl? Explore our guide to the best seafood restaurants in New Orleans.
7. Buku Music + Art Project
March 22–23, 2025 (TBA)
If it returns in 2025, the Buku Music + Art Project will once again transform the riverfront into a vibrant celebration of EDM, hip-hop, and experimental art. It’s a festival where fashion, music, and creativity collide.
8. Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
Spring 2025 (TBA)
The Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival celebrates New Orleans’ oldest Black neighborhood with the perfect combo of brass bands and gumbo pots. Hosted by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, it’s one of the most culturally rich festivals of the season.
9. Bayou Boogaloo
May 17–19, 2025
Bayou Boogaloo is as laid-back as it gets. Held along Bayou St. John, it’s known for people floating in the water while grooving to local music, enjoying cold beer, and soaking in the Mid-City sun.
10. NOLA Crawfish Festival
Late April 2025 (TBA)
Squeezed between Jazz Fest weekends, the NOLA Crawfish Festival is an intimate event featuring mountains of crawfish, live local music, and that unmistakable New Orleans backyard boil energy.
Want to recreate the flavor at home? Try our classic New Orleans crawfish boil recipe.
Spring in New Orleans Is Like Nowhere Else
Whether you’re into food, funk, or just that uniquely New Orleans energy, spring in this city is overflowing with reasons to celebrate. These festivals aren’t just events—they’re snapshots of the city’s soul.
Want more on where to eat, dance, and explore this season? Subscribe to Big Easy Magazine’s newsletter or check out more of our uniquely local guides.
