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As often as possible, I like to go out and explore the museums and historical sites in New Orleans. Yesterday, I visited The Old Ursuline Convent Museum. It's a fascinating step back in time. As the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley (built in 1752), it offers a rare glimpse into colonial French architecture and early Catholic history in Louisiana. The museum is well-curated, with exhibits highlighting the lives of the Ursuline nuns, their educational and healthcare missions, and the broader history of the region. Current exhibits highlight "Sunday Best" clothing habits and rituals throughout the decades and a family tree of new Pope Leo XVI, highlighting his Creole roots. The museum entry includes access to beautiful St. Mary's Church, The courtyard and chapel add to the peaceful atmosphere. It's a quiet gem in the French Quarter—ideal for those interested in history, architecture, or religious heritage. The Old Ursuline Convent Museum is located on Chartres Street, an easy walk from our bed & breakfast, Chez Palmiers---your best bet for a comfortable and relaxing hotel alternative in New Orleans. See you soon!
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October 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to one of the most exciting times of the year to be in New Orleans! The dozens of festivals and parties that start up this month carry us right through to Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest next year, so you’re really spoiled for choice if you’re looking to visit the city! Almost every kind of the city’s favorite foods are celebrated this fall with events of their own - Fried Chicken, Beignets, Po-Boys, Gumbo and even coffee has its very own festival! By the time you read this, the city will already be hanging up its skeletons and spooky decorations for Halloween, of course! New Orleans remains one of the world’s premier destinations to see in pumpkin season, with almost every home transforming and the hugely popular, and family-friendly Krewe of Boo parade! By the end of November, there’s even the first hints of Christmas, with the immense light festival of Celebration in the Oaks. Chez Palmiers is plugged into the city’s full calendar of festivals, and if you stay with us, you’ll have your very own expert guide on hand to help you make the most out of your stay. Come and be part of things with us here in the Crescent City! OCTOBER 3rd-5th Gretna Fest 5 Stages, 50 acts, including Trombone Shorty, Natasha Bedingfield and Sam Hunt. So much to see, hear and eat at this Revel on the River. 3rd-4th New Orleans Coffee Festival The NOLA Coffee Festival celebrates New Orleans' rich coffee heritage while bringing together industry professionals, enthusiasts, and coffee lovers for a two-day celebration. 4th-5th Fried Chicken Fest Two days by the lake, 40 restaurants competing and 20 hours of free musical entertainment! 10-12th Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival From the producers of Jazz Fest, The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival continues New Orleans’ historic role in making the blues and R&B among the most influential sounds in the world. The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival presents top performers from southern Louisiana and Mississippi, plus delicious food and unique visual art. 18th LASPCA's Carnival A Paw-ty With a Purpose! Celebrate at the Louisiana SPCA’s biggest event of the year—a day filled with live music, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. 10th-25th Oktoberfest Presented by Deutsche Haus, Oktoberfest NOLA brings Germany’s beloved celebration to the Crescent City for three weekends filled with German culture, cuisine, and fun. Fest-goers can expect a host of authentic German foods, live music, dances, and activities. 16-19th Ghosts in the Oaks A family event, Ghosts in the Oaks features trick-or-treating, arts & crafts, a pumpkin patch, and hot-dog roasting around the campfire. 23rd-Nov 2nd New Orleans Film Festival The 36th annual, Oscar-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival returns to venues across the city with in-person events, parties, panels, filmmaker pitches, and much more! 25th Krewe of Boo! This family parade has grown to be a spooktacular weekend of Halloween-themed events, combining the magnitude of Mardi Gras with the macabre theatrics of All Hallow's Eve. 31st Happy Halloween New Orleans is simply one of the best places in the country - if not the world - to experience Halloween! 31st Bayou Bachannal The original Caribbean Carnival of New Orleans, is a celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. Bayou Bacchanal is a wonderful festival on the bayou, including Caribbean cuisine, dance, music, and celebration. NOVEMBER 1st Freret Street Fall Festival Now, with over 200 local vendors, live music stages, and food and drink options, the Freret Street Festival is one of the premier neighborhood festivals in the city, and it’s free! 1st NOLA Zydeco Fest Get ready to experience the best of Zydeco music, dancing, and culture in the Greater New Orleans region. This year’s festival takes place in the charming Northshore suburb of Slidell, offering a scenic and spacious setting for families, friends, and music lovers to gather and groove. 8th Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival If you love brass bands and gumbo – or, better yet, enjoying some delicious gumbo while listening to brass bands playing live in beautiful Louis Armstrong Park – this is the event for you! Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival returns with lots of live music, and arts market, and of course, gumbo! 15th Beignet Fest Hailed as one of the best food festivals in the south! Celebrate the city’s most iconic treat - you can try beignets topped or stuffed with a variety of sweet or savory delicacies. 16th Oak Street Po' Boy Festival The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival highlights not only the importance of the po-boy itself, but also the rebirth of a once-thriving shopping district with roots as deep as the neighborhood itself. It’s a block party with multiple stages of live music, and an arts market. Expect po-boys with everything from oysters Rockefeller to smoked beef cheek to deep fried buffalo shrimp banh mi and vegan oyster mushroom. 28th Celebration in the Oaks An annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. It’s the hottest time of the year here in New Orleans, but don’t imagine for a minute that things slow down around here. If you’re a foodie especially, then August is one of the very best months to visit. COOLinary New Orleans sees the city’s top restaurants open up their tables (in beautiful, air conditioned dining rooms!) with unbeatable discounted prices - if you’ve had your eye on a gourmet restaurant here, now’s the time to book that spot. Satchmo Fest is an intimate free music festival that’s beloved by locals, and the White and Dirty Linen nights show off the full spectrum of the Crescent City’s artists, from world famous to cutting edge. Also, sports fans can start to eye up Sundays in the city, as the first game of the regular football season finally arrives in September. Book into Chez Palmiers, and you can bask in our cool bedrooms, and enjoy a quieter city than you’d find during peak festival season. It’s a culturally varied, more personal time of the year to be here - and you can carry your iced drinks with you from spot to spot no matter how high the mercury climbs. Come and summer with us - the welcome is as warm as the season, and we’ve got cocktails, a pool and ceiling fans just waiting for you.
AUGUST 1st COOLinary New Orleans You’ll once again find decadent dining deals at world-renowned restaurants all around the city as part of COOLinary for the entire month of August. Treat yourself to multi-course, prix-fixe meals with prices as low as $28 or less for two-course lunches and $58 or less for three-course dinners and brunches. 2nd White Linen Night Experience an unforgettable evening where guests don their finest white linen attire and take to the streets to explore the thriving art scene of New Orleans. On the first Saturday of every August, Julia Street transforms into a hub of artistic energy, hosting a multitude of galleries, live music performances, food and drink, and captivating art installations. 2nd Satchmo SummerFest Satchmo SummerFest began as a tribute to one of New Orleans’ most famous native sons, the late Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, to celebrate his 100th birthday. Thousands of people turned out for the first Satchmo SummerFest in 2001 to dance to traditional New Orleans blues and jazz, and to sample the delicious food. It was so successful that it has become an annual event held on the first weekend of August every year since. 8th Dirty Linen Night Dirty Linen Night offers a twist on White Linen Night. Organized by the Royal Street Arts District nonprofit, this edition of the event aims to infuse passion and music into the world of art. Galleries along Royal Street will open their doors, offering exhibits for attendees to explore while live musicians will fill the streets, creating an enchanting atmosphere. 8th Red Dress Run If you’ve ever wondered why so many people are dressed in red dresses in New Orleans on the second Saturday in August, look no further than Red Dress Run. A charity “run” in New Orleans, Red Dress Run is hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers. This local drinking club hosts the world’s most unique running event. All locals and visitors attend this annual event dressed in red attire - specifically, dresses. SEPTEMBER 7th Saints vs Arizona Cardinals Game Get ready for the first regular game of the football season! Who Dat! 12th-13th A Tale of Two Cities The New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts (NOAFA), with the Asheville-based ArtsvilleUSA and River Arts District Artists (RADA), presents this exciting exhibition, featuring arts and crafts from the very best New Orleans and Asheville artists. 18th-21st OVO by Cirque du Soleil A dazzling production by the world famous Cirque du Soleil, featuring 53 acrobats and musicians who bring to life a fantastical insect colony. This reimagined version includes new acrobatic acts, original characters, updated costumes, and reinvented music. 25th-28th International Arts Festival NOLA 25 A global symphony of music in Louis Armstrong Park that will be curated to celebrate the beauty of art envisioned through the lens of instruments, paintbrushes, voices, imagery, and poetry. 26th New Orleans Yoga Festival The inaugural New Orleans Yoga Festival - a four-day immersion into yoga, music, movement, and mindfulness. This vibrant celebration brings together teachers, students, and wellness practitioners from across the Gulf South, spanning Houston to Florida, for a transformative weekend in the Crescent City. Black Americana Fest 26th-27th A vibrant two-day celebration spotlighting Black artists in Americana, Country, and Folk music. Open to all ages, the festival blends powerful live performances, inspiring panels, interactive art, and family-friendly activities to honor and reimagine traditional American genres through a fresh and inclusive lens. July 2025 Newsletter
Hello! There’s no ignoring the fact that summer is here in New Orleans, but even though the temperatures are rising, there are still plenty of cool events, and ways to have fun without breaking a sweat. The indoor arena concerts of Essence Festival of Culture and the iced drinks of Tales of the Cocktail are good places to start in July. August invites you to eat in air conditioned dining rooms across the city for much less money than the regular season with the month-long COOLinary program, and there’s one of the locals’ favorite local weekends with the music and food of Satchmo Fest. Meanwhile, Chez Palmiers awaits you, with open arms and no restrictions on your room’s temperature control and a refreshing pool for those steamy evenings. You should also start to look at our inn for next year’s big events - Mardi Gras and Jazz fest rooms start to fill up quickly, but if you’re organized and planning ahead, you can still score a room. Whatever time of the year you choose to come and see us, we’ll be waiting with a smile and an open door for you! Enjoy your summer, JULY 3rd Essence Festival of Culture One of the city’s biggest events, Essence Festival is centred around huge concerts with international artists (this year including Boyz II Men, and The Isley Brothers), but there’s so much more. There’s a film festival, and seminars and demonstrations for everything from cuisine to health and beauty. 4th Go Fourth on the River New Orleans celebrates the 4th July as it does most major holidays - with a party and fireworks display on the banks of the Mississippi River! 11th Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece and one of his most famous and well-loved plays. This classic drama is about family, legacy, and truth that comes to life on stage. 11th A Midsummer Night's Dream Magic, chaos, and passion collide in A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Step into a world where the rules of reality don’t apply, where fairies weave spells and hearts are tangled in the most unexpected ways. 11th Running of the Bulls The city’s own, quirky take on the famous happening in Pamplona, Spain, that takes place during the annual San Fermín festival. Instead of bulls, we have roller derby players on roller skates, armed with plastic bats. It’s a ton of fun, with parties and parades all weekend. 20th Tales of the Cocktail New Orleans is the spiritual home of the cocktail, and this week-long celebration is a huge, global event. Bartenders and booze industry folk come to the city to show off new developments in the cocktail world, to delve into the history of mixed drinks and to generally celebrate. Tickets are available to the public for much of the program. AUGUST 1st COOLinary New Orleans You’ll once again find decadent dining deals at world-renowned restaurants all around the city as part of COOLinary for the entire month of August. Treat yourself to multi-course, prix-fixe meals with prices as low as $28 or less for two-course lunches and $58 or less for three-course dinners and brunches. 2nd White Linen Night Experience an unforgettable evening where guests don their finest white linen attire and take to the streets to explore the thriving art scene of New Orleans. On the first Saturday of every August, Julia Street transforms into a hub of artistic energy, hosting a multitude of galleries, live music performances, food and drink, and captivating art installations. 2nd Satchmo SummerFest Satchmo SummerFest began as a tribute to one of New Orleans’ most famous native sons, the late Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, to celebrate his 100th birthday. Thousands of people turned out for the first Satchmo SummerFest in 2001 to dance to traditional New Orleans blues and jazz, and to sample the delicious food. It was so successful that it has become an annual event held on the first weekend of August every year since. 8th Dirty Linen Night Dirty Linen Night offers a twist on White Linen Night. Organized by the Royal Street Arts District nonprofit, this edition of the event aims to infuse passion and music into the world of art. Galleries along Royal Street will open their doors, offering exhibits for attendees to explore while live musicians will fill the streets, creating an enchanting atmosphere. 8th Red Dress Run If you’ve ever wondered why so many people are dressed in red dresses in New Orleans on the second Saturday in August, look no further than Red Dress Run. A charity “run” in New Orleans, Red Dress Run is hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers. This local drinking club hosts the world’s most unique running event. All locals and visitors attend this annual event dressed in red attire - specifically, dresses. Hello!
The weather is warming up here in New Orleans, but it’s still plenty pleasant enough to enjoy the various festivals and happenings around town. Luckily, Chez Palmiers has a dainty fun swimming pool, so if a morning (or afternoon, or evening!) dip is something you could use, come on over. June is a very culinary month in the city, with the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience, Mac & Cheese Festival AND the French Market Creole Tomato Festival. There’s also Restaurant Week at the end of the month, with many local restaurants offering incredible value set menus - it’s well worth coming into town if you’re a foodie or just curious to try some of our higher-end spots. July sees Essence and Tales of the Cocktail - two of the Crescent City’s biggest events, and there’s still time to book accommodation with us. Remember, we don’t leave you out in the cold or expect you to do chores while you stay with us! We’re always here to give you a warm welcome, and pass on the accumulated years of local knowledge to help visitors really make the most of their vacations. JUNE 5th-9th New Orleans Food and Wine Experience (NOWFE) A culinary celebration including wine dinners, tastings ,and other one-of-a-kind experiences. Sample eclectic dishes, participate in a caviar and champagne workshop, or check out the French Quarter’s most impressive wine cellars. 6th-22nd New Orleans Shakespeare Festival Tulane University hosts a celebration of the Bard’s work, with favorite ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ as this year’s highlight. 7th New Orleans Mac & Cheese Festival Join local group on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 for a celebration you don’t want to miss! Our New Orleans Mac & Cheese Festival will be held as a food crawl (think bar crawl, but for Mac & Cheese instead)! So, round up your crew, bring your family, and get ready to take a tour around New Orleans to sample all kinds of Mac & Cheese creations from some of the best spots in the Big Easy. 7th-8th French Market Creole Tomato Festival Spend the weekend at the historic French Market! Along with the festival’s namesake dish, celebrate the New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage with food, drinks, live music, dancing and much more. 16th-22nd Restaurant Week Get ready, food lovers! This is a week of unforgettable dining experiences at some of the city's most celebrated restaurants. It’s a highly anticipated culinary event with crafted and affordable prix fixe menus that showcase the best of the city's vibrant food scene. JULY 3rd Essence Festival of Culture One of the city’s biggest events, Essence Festival is centred around huge concerts with international artists (this year including Boyz II Men, and The Isley Brothers), but there’s so much more. There’s a film festival, and seminars and demonstrations for everything from cuisine to health and beauty. 4th Go Fourth on the River New Orleans celebrates the 4th July as it does most major holidays - with a party and fireworks display on the banks of the Mississippi River! 11th Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece and one of his most famous and well-loved plays. This classic drama is about family, legacy, and truth that comes to life on stage. 11th Running of the Bulls The city’s own, quirky take on the famous happening in Pamplona, Spain, that takes place during the annual San Fermín festival. Instead of bulls, we have roller derby players on roller skates, armed with plastic bats. It’s a ton of fun, with parties and parades all weekend. 20th Tales of the Cocktail New Orleans is the spiritual home of the cocktail, and this week-long celebration is a huge, global event. Bartenders and booze industry folk come to the city to show off new developments in the cocktail world, to delve into the history of mixed drinks and to generally celebrate. Tickets are available to the public for much of the program. May 2025 Newsletter
Hello! The festival season that started up in April carries on in full flow throughout May and June, with many annual favorites that are well worth coming into town for! Imagine sitting by the water in beautiful Bayou St John enjoying the music and food of Bayou Boogaloo or Greek Fest. Then in June, gastronomic adventures await with the Food and Wine Experience, the always-popular Restaurant Week and the Creole Tomato Festival. Some big stage shows, too, with The Wiz and Tulane’s Shakespeare Festival. No matter what your interests, late spring and early summer in New Orleans are peak times to visit. Chez Palmiers is superbly located for exploring. We’re also saying goodbye to the euphoric last weekend of Jazz fest as we type this - if you don’t want to miss out, it’s well worth booking with Chez Palmiers for next year’s event. It’s always the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, so you can plan ahead with confidence. We hope all’s good in your world, wherever you are. Come and see us soon. MAY 5th Cinco de Mayo We have a wonderful Mexican community in New Orleans, and our local taco and Mexican restaurants go all out to celebrate this famous holiday! 13th-18th The Wiz An all-new production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical ‘The Wiz’, adapted from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ arrives at The Saenger Theatre. The highly anticipated Broadway revival of “The Wiz” returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Pre-Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. 16th-18th Bayou Boogaloo Three days of music, food, art, and community all around beautiful Bayou St John. 23rd Greek Fest The sounds of Greek music fill the air, as does the wonderful aroma of Greek food during this indoor and outdoor fete. There is dancing and feasting, and of course ouzo, plus Greek wines to along with iced Greek coffee, kids activities and fabulous, colorful arts and crafts for sale. JUNE 5th-9th New Orleans Food and Wine Experience (NOWFE) A culinary celebration including wine dinners, tastings ,and other one-of-a-kind experiences. Sample eclectic dishes, participate in a caviar and champagne workshop, or check out the French Quarter’s most impressive wine cellars. 6th-22nd New Orleans Shakespeare Festival Tulane University hosts a celebration of the Bard’s work, with favorite ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ as this year’s highlight. 7th-8th French Market Creole Tomato Festival Spend the weekend at the historic French Market! Along with the festival’s namesake dish, celebrate the New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage with food, drinks, live music, dancing and much more. 16th-22nd Restaurant Week Get ready, food lovers! This is a week of unforgettable dining experiences at some of the city's most celebrated restaurants. It’s a highly anticipated culinary event with crafted and affordable prix fixe menus that showcase the best of the city's vibrant food scene. Hello!
Spring really is one of the very best times to be in New Orleans. The weather is warm and sunny but not too humid yet, there are festivals almost every weekend, and people are just generally out and about enjoying themselves! Two huge events dominate the calendar - for a local flavor, there’s French Quarter Fest on the weekend of April 10th, and then there’s the biggest of all- Jazz Fest, which takes place on the last weekend of April and the first weekend in May. Many of our local theatre companies have their seasons in full swing, too. What could be better than eating in a sunny courtyard, before walking around the French Quarter on a beautiful sunny day and taking in some world class music? We love it here at this time, and you will too. Below are a few highlights to tempt you! APRIL 8th - 20th Hamilton @ The Saenger Theatre The beloved historical musical comes to New Orleans! 10th-13th French Quarter Festival Loved by locals, and more recently sought after by visitors, French Quarter Festival is an annual mid-spring fest celebrating one of New Orleans' most beloved neighborhoods: the French Quarter. From Jackson Square to Woldenberg Park fest-goers can experience live local music, classic NOLA bites, and the culture that makes New Orleans’ French Quarter so magical. 12th NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival The NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival is an exciting springtime event taking place at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This family-friendly celebration will be held in the beautiful Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, featuring a variety of activities for all ages including arts & crafts, games, face painting, food, drinks, sweets, and live music. 19th Crescent City Classic The annual Crescent City Classic is not only a great physical challenge but a fun, local tradition as well. Held on the Saturday before Easter, amateur and professional runners alike unite for New Orleans’ signature 10k race. Some dress in Easter-themed costumes while others come decked out in full workout attire, but all have a good time for a good cause. 20th Easter Parades See the colorful parades processing through the historic French Quarter! 24th-May 4th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Easily one of New Orleans’ largest and most popular festivals, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, better known as Jazz Fest, draws massive crowds from all over the world each and every year. Jazz Fest stretches over two weekends, with 14 different stages + tents, signature Jazz Fest foods and vendors, and a legendary lineup of musicians, performers, and artists. MAY 5th Cinco de Mayo We have a wonderful Mexican community in New Orleans, and our local taco and Mexican restaurants go all out to celebrate this famous holiday! 13th-18th The Wiz An all-new production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical ‘The Wiz’, adapted from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ arrives at The Saenger Theatre. The highly anticipated Broadway revival of “The Wiz” returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Pre-Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. 16th-18th Bayou Boogaloo Three days of music, food, art, and community all around beautiful Bayou St John. 23rd Greek Fest The sounds of Greek music fill the air, as does the wonderful aroma of Greek food during this indoor and outdoor fete. There is dancing and feasting, and of course ouzo, plus Greek wines to along with iced Greek coffee, kids activities and fabulous, colorful arts and crafts for sale. 29th-30th Daze Between New Orleans A two-day music festival celebrating the vibrant spirit of New Orleans music. The fourth annual event finds a new home at the historic Mahalia Jackson Theater, featuring an incredible lineup of artists including Umphrey's McGee, The Allman Betts Band, and more, with special tributes to Led Zeppelin and The Meters. March 2025 Newsletter
Hello! By the time you read this, New Orleans will be getting ready to move on from Mardi Gras season, but there’s no rest - we’ll be heading straight into festival season! Some big hitters are coming up: The Tennessee Williams Festival, Freret Street Festival, French quarter Festival and of course, the biggest of all, Jazz Fest! These are just some of the events that bring people into town, and you can still find your ideal room if you’re planning your trip to make your festival experience one to remember! Check out the calendar for the next couple of months - there’s really something for everyone this spring in the Crescent City. I hope to see you soon! Betsy MARCH 1st Parade: Endymion One of the biggest parades, passing through Mid City. 2nd Parade: Bacchus 3rd Parade: Orpheus 4th Mardi Gras Day! Including the Krewe of Zulu and Krewe of Rex parades. 15th Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade St. Patrick’s Day is a major celebration in New Orleans, blending Irish traditions with the city’s signature flair for festivities. From the lively Irish Channel Parade to pub crawls, block parties, and even other Irish-inspired parades, the city comes alive with green-clad revelers. 26th Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival The annual Tennessee Williams Festival takes place each spring in New Orleans, and is named after the world-famous playwright who made New Orleans his home during one of the most creative periods in his life. Each year, the festival assembles top playwrights, authors, actors, and speakers for literary panels and to provide master classes with other published authors. There are theatrical performances of original works, readings, cocktail parties, culinary events, book signings, movie screenings, literary walking tours and more. 29th Freret Street Festival In recent years, Freret Street has become one of the most vibrant streets in the city, with tons of restaurants and businesses that have popped up on the strip. Now, with over 200 local vendors, live music stages, and food and drink options, the Freret Street Festival is one of the premier neighborhood festivals in the city, and it’s free! APRIL 8th - 20th Hamilton @ The Saenger Theatre The beloved historical musical comes to New Orleans! 10th-13th French Quarter Festival Loved by locals, and more recently sought after by visitors, French Quarter Festival is an annual mid-spring fest celebrating one of New Orleans' most beloved neighborhoods: the French Quarter. From Jackson Square to Woldenberg Park fest-goers can experience live local music, classic NOLA bites, and the culture that makes New Orleans’ French Quarter so magical. 12th NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival The NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival is an exciting springtime event taking place at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This family-friendly celebration will be held in the beautiful Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, featuring a variety of activities for all ages including arts & crafts, games, face painting, food, drinks, sweets, and live music. 19th Crescent City Classic The annual Crescent City Classic is not only a great physical challenge but a fun, local tradition as well. Held on the Saturday before Easter, amateur and professional runners alike unite for New Orleans’ signature 10k race. Some dress in Easter-themed costumes while others come decked out in full workout attire, but all have a good time for a good cause. 20th Easter Parades See the colorful parades processing through the historic French Quarter! 24th-May 4th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Easily one of New Orleans’ largest and most popular festivals, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, better known as Jazz Fest, draws massive crowds from all over the world each and every year. Jazz Fest stretches over two weekends, with 14 different stages + tents, signature Jazz Fest foods and vendors, and a legendary lineup of musicians, performers, and artists. February 2025 Newsletter Hello! We’re at the start of the parade season here in New Orleans. Mardi Gras day itself falls on Tuesday March 4th, but there are parties, parades and events aplenty before then. For a full schedule, along with parade routes, this list is a great resource: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/ Make us part of your Mardi Gras plans - you won’t be disappointed! Below are some of the highlights across the city for the next couple of months. Hope to see you in the Crescent City very soon! Happy Carnival! FEBRUARY 15th Parade: Krewe du Vieux Founded in 1987 and taking its name from the Vieux Carré (old square), the official name for the French Quarter, the Krewe du Vieux is one of the earliest parades of the New Orleans Carnival calendar. In the old tradition, it is noted for wild satirical and adult themes, as well as for showcasing some of the best brass and traditional jazz bands in New Orleans. The parade goes through the Marigny and French Quarter, ending at their official ball. 23rd Parade: Krewe of Barkus A beloved, dog-focused parade with our canine friends dressed up in costumes! 27th Parade: Krewe of Muses This club was founded in 2000 and is made up of women who conduct community outreach programs that involve school children and local artists in the design of Muses’ throws, costumes and floats.Try and get one of their coveted, famous decorated shoes! 28th Parade: Krewe D’Etat Founded in 1996 to help resurrect the traditional satirical style of Mardi Gras parades. In keeping with its name’s meaning, the “Dictator” reigns over the streets in place of a traditional monarch. Secrecy is of great importance to the krewe, and the identity of its ruler is never made public. D’Etat’s Latin motto translates, “Live to Ride, Ride to Live.” MARCH 1st Parade: Endymion One of the biggest parades, passing through Mid City. 2nd Parade: Bacchus 3rd Parade: Orpheus 4th Mardi Gras Day! Including the Krewe of Zulu and Krewe of Rex parades. 15th Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade St. Patrick’s Day is a major celebration in New Orleans, blending Irish traditions with the city’s signature flair for festivities. From the lively Irish Channel Parade to pub crawls, block parties, and even other Irish-inspired parades, the city comes alive with green-clad revelers. 26th Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival The annual Tennessee Williams Festival takes place each spring in New Orleans, and is named after the world-famous playwright who made New Orleans his home during one of the most creative periods in his life. Each year, the festival assembles top playwrights, authors, actors, and speakers for literary panels and to provide master classes with other published authors. There are theatrical performances of original works, readings, cocktail parties, culinary events, book signings, movie screenings, literary walking tours and more. 29th Freret Street Festival In recent years, Freret Street has become one of the most vibrant streets in the city, with tons of restaurants and businesses that have popped up on the strip. Now, with over 200 local vendors, live music stages, and food and drink options, the Freret Street Festival is one of the premier neighborhood festivals in the city, and it’s free! Hello!
A very happy 2025 to you, and all of our best wishes for the New Year. As January arrives in New Orleans, our city’s thoughts turn to Mardi Gras. This year, the city also hosts the Super Bowl, so it’s a busy season. January 6th marks the official start of festivities, and there will be increasing numbers of parades, parties and events right up to Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday, March 4th. It’s the perfect time to plan your New Orleans trip - our properties put you close to the parade routes and are the perfect bases for enjoying the celebrations. Pack a costume and a sense of adventure, and you’ll have a wonderful time here as the whole of New Orleans transforms itself into colorful, lively Mardi Gras mode. Almost every weekend has at least one ‘krewe’ (a local name for the societies that organize each parade). We hope to see you soon at Chez Palmiers. See below for a list of some of the major events for January and February. Happy New Year once again. JANUARY 6th Twelfth Night The official start of 2025’s Carnival season! The traditional first parades, including Jean d’Arc and the Phunny Phorty Phellows ring in the celebrations that will last up to Mardi Gras day itself. 6th King Cake Season! The city’s favorite seasonal confection is once again available! There are dozens of variations to try, so hit up your local bakery and find out what flavors they’re serving up this year! 10th-12th Fan Expo This convention turns the city of New Orleans into a playground filled with cosplay, anime, horror, and gaming. There will also be huge celebrities in attendance, including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. 11th/12th Winter Music Festival Zony Mash Beer Project hosts its annual winter music fest presented by The School of Rock! 16th Teaser Fest A four-day celebration of burlesque and New Orleans' unbelievable food, creative craft cocktails, and live entertainment. 31st (through February 2nd) Tet Fest An annual winter festival celebrating the Vietnamese New Year with our city’s wonderful Vietnamese community. Guests can enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine, dance and music, children’s activities, and stunning firework displays nightly. FEBRUARY 1st Parade: The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus One of the most popular parades, this is a 900-member Krewe with over 150 sub-krewes all paying homage to Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. 15th Parade: Krewe du Vieux Founded in 1987 and taking its name from the Vieux Carré (old square), the official name for the French Quarter, the Krewe du Vieux is one of the earliest parades of the New Orleans Carnival calendar. In the old tradition, it is noted for wild satirical and adult themes, as well as for showcasing some of the best brass and traditional jazz bands in New Orleans. The parade goes through the Marigny and French Quarter, ending at their official ball. 27th Parade: Krewe of Muses This club was founded in 2000 and is made up of women who conduct community outreach programs that involve school children and local artists in the design of Muses’ throws, costumes and floats.Try and get one of their coveted, famous decorated shoes! 28th Parade: Krewe D’Etat Founded in 1996 to help resurrect the traditional satirical style of Mardi Gras parades. In keeping with its name’s meaning, the “Dictator” reigns over the streets in place of a traditional monarch. Secrecy is of great importance to the krewe, and the identity of its ruler is never made public. D’Etat’s Latin motto translates, “Live to Ride, Ride to Live.” |
I'm Betsy*the Innkeeper. Here are some observations of life in my New Orleans B&B, mostly factual. Archives
July 2026
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