Best Spring Festivals in New Orleans in April 2025
New Orleans in April 2025? Honey, you’re in for a big, bold, brass-band-blasting good time!
MikeTyes
New Orleans in April 2025? Honey, you’re in for a big, bold, brass-band-blasting good time! 🌸🎺 The city transforms into a non-stop celebration of jazz, crawfish boils, street parades, and artsy vibes—where every corner has a live band, a dancing crowd, or a food stall serving up something sinful. Here are the best spring festivals in New Orleans in April 2025.
And guess what? You’re invited.
Whether you’re here for the French Quarter Festival, the legendary Jazz Fest, or just to soak up that Orleans culture with a cocktail in hand, this guide spills all the must-know deets—plus where to stay (hint: CuddlyNest has the cosiest spots 🛏️✨).
So, grab a beignet, put on your dancing shoes, and let’s dive into the best spring festivals in New Orleans April 2025 has to offer!
🎵 The Big Ones: Must-Attend Festivals
1. 🎷 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (AKA Jazz Fest)
📅 Expected Dates: April 25 – May 5, 2025
📍 Where: New Orleans Fair Grounds
🎤 Headliners: Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Lil Wayne, Luke Combs + local jazz legends
🍤 Eat: Crawfish bread, cochon de lait po’boys
💃 Do: Dance to brass bands, shop the arts market, catch African dance performances
Why It’s Awesome: Jazz Fest is THE celebration of New Orleans traditional jazz heritage, blending big-name acts with homegrown talent. Plus, the food is next-level.
Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes—this festival is HUGE.
2. 🎶 French Quarter Festival (The World’s Largest FREE Music Fest!)
📅 Expected Dates: April 10-13, 2025
📍 Where: Jackson Square, Woldenberg Park, French Quarter
🎷 Sounds: 1,700+ local musicians playing local music, jazz, funk, rock & more
🎉 Vibe: Open-air concerts with the Mississippi River as your backdrop
Why It’s Awesome: It’s free, packed with local talent, and the perfect intro to New Orleans culture.
Don’t Miss: The second line parade—just follow the brass band!
3. 📚 New Orleans Book Festival (For the Lit Lovers)
📅 Expected Dates: April 4-6, 2025
📍 Where: Tulane University
📖 Highlights: Author talks, short films, deep dives into Orleans culture
Why It’s Cool: A chill break from the music fests, plus you might meet your fave author.
4. 🎨 Heritage Festival (Celebrating Black Culture & Arts)
📅 When: April 18-20, 2025
📍 Where: City Park
🖌️ Highlights: African dance, live local music, art vendors
Why You Should Go: It’s a vibrant, community-driven celebration of NOLA’s roots.
🎭 More Cool April Events
🎸 Lil Wayne’s Young Money Fest (If he headlines!)
While not officially confirmed yet, Lil Wayne often brings his Young Money crew to NOLA for epic hip-hop showcases. Past lineups in the New Orleans Festivals have included Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga, so if it happens in 2025, expect big-name surprises and high-energy performances. Keep an eye on social media for announcements!
🎬 Short Film Showcase (For Indie Film Buffs)
New Orleans isn’t just about music—it’s a hub for filmmakers too! The NOLA Short Film Fest (dates TBA) screens cutting-edge indie shorts from local and international creators. Think quirky comedies, gripping docs, and avant-garde art films—plus Q&As with directors. Perfect for a creative night out.
🍻 Local Craft Beer Crawl (Brewery Pop-Ups)
Skip the basic beers and hit up NOLA’s craft scene during April’s Brewsday Tuesday events or special festival pop-ups. Top spots:
Urban South Brewery (Hazy IPAs & lively taproom) Parleaux Beer Lab (Experimental small-batch brews) Brieux Carré (Funky French Quarter flavors)Pro Tip: Many breweries offer festival shuttle deals!
🏡 Where to Stay? (CuddlyNest’s Top Picks)
April brings peak crowds to New Orleans, so securing your accommodation early is essential. Here are some top recommendations available on CuddlyNest:
🎷 For Jazz Fest: Charles Hotel
Located in the Central Business District, the Charles Hotel offers convenient access to the Fair Grounds, the venue for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. After enjoying performances by artists like the Dave Matthews Band, you can retreat to this comfortable hotel for some rest.
Perks: Proximity to the festival grounds, comfortable accommodations, and access to local dining options.
🎶 For French Quarter Fest: Hotel Royal New Orleans
Situated on Royal Street, Hotel Royal offers a prime location to experience the French Quarter Festival. Enjoy the vibrant street performances right from your doorstep while sipping your morning café au lait.
Perks: Historic charm, prime people-watching spots, and easy access to the festival’s main attractions.
📚 For Book Fest: Ace Hotel New Orleans
Located in the Warehouse District, the Ace Hotel provides a cozy retreat for book enthusiasts attending literary panels and events. Its chic design and comfortable reading nooks make it an ideal spot to unwind after a day immersed in literature.
Perks: Cozy reading areas, a quiet atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle, and proximity to local bookstores and cafes.
By choosing one of these accommodations through CuddlyNest, you’ll ensure a comfortable and convenient stay during New Orleans’ bustling festival season.
Your perfect festival crash pad is just a click away! 🎉 Book your CuddlyNest stay today and wake up where the party’s at!
FAQs
What’s the best way to get around between festivals?
The RTA streetcar ($1.25/ride) is cheapest, especially the Canal St. line to City Park. Ride-shares surge during peak hours.
Are there any free parking options near festival venues?
Street parking is scarce. Your best free option is parking at City Park (for Heritage Fest) and taking the streetcar downtown.
Can I bring my kids to Jazz Fest?
Yes! Kids under 10 enter free. There’s a dedicated “Kids Tent” with family-friendly activities and music.
What should I do if it rains during a festival?
Pack a poncho! Most festivals continue rain or shine. Jazz Fest has covered stages, and French Quarter Fest tents offer shelter.
