New Orleans Fall Highlights

Fall in New Orleans means the end of heat-induced hibernation and switching gears to enjoy the upcoming months of moderate weather, a calendar full of foodie-haven and music festivals, a unique take on Halloween, plus several parades and many other fun activities. With the summer lull over, this is a great time to visit the Crescent City. Here are a few highlights, to give you an idea just how much is going on in New Orleans in the fall.

SEPTEMBER

Southern Decadence
August 29 – September 2
Held over the Labor Day weekend, this popular festival celebrates LGBTQA culture and attracts participants from all over the world. The festival’s annual hub, Bourbon Pub/Parade, will be open 24/7. Just like in the previous years, it will serve as an epicenter of the Bourbon Street Extravaganza, a free show/block party happening on Saturday, and the annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Parade on Sunday.

Restaurant Week New Orleans
September 10-16  
This is your chance to enjoy a popular gastronomic extravaganza at a more economic price point. Participating restaurants — which include James Beard luminaries, new hotspots, iconic grand dames, and everything in between — offer set course menus at a discount.

New Orleans Burlesque Festival
September 13-14  
This annual international event brings together the best of local talent and some big international names. Dancers, emcees, comics, singers, and variety-act performers will be doing nightly shows at the Civic Theatre and House of Blues. The main event, held on Saturday at the Civic Theatre, will have performers from all over the world competing for the title of “Queen of Burlesque.”

National Fried Chicken Festival
September 20-22  
Now expanded to three days, this relative newcomer on the foodie-fest scene promises to be one of the highlights of September. The free fest will have three outdoor stages, two for music and one for the cooking demos, at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park. The stellar food lineup includes over 30 well-known fried chicken vendors coming from all over the region to represent different cooking styles of this classic Southern dish.

NOLA on Tap Beer Fest
September 21  
Held at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds, this is the largest fundraiser for the Louisiana SPCA and the largest beer fest in the area, with more than 400 beer offerings from the local and national breweries and homebrewers (other beverages will also be available, of course). The festival is kid- and dog-friendly.

OCTOBER

Oktoberfest
October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
New Orleans throws its version of Oktoberfest over the three weekends in October at Deutsches Haus in Mid-City, to celebrate the city’s rich German history with all the usual trappings, including authentic food and live music.

Art for Art’s Sake
October 5
One of the best attended art events in the city, this annual fundraiser is an open house for the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and an opportunity to browse the shops and galleries in the CBD district and along the commercial stretch of Magazine Street. Expect extended hours, special deals, live music, and beverage sampling.

Beignet Festival
October 5
This annual extravaganza returns for its fourth year. The free, daylong party will give you an opportunity to sample over 30 renditions of the beloved beignet, from traditional sweet treats swimming in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood and cheese. There will be vegan and gluten-free beignets to accommodate every diet, and awards will be given in four “Best of” categories once again. Don’t forget to vote for your pick!

Tremé Fall Festival
October 5
This local fave throws a serious party in the blocks connecting Henriette Delille, Tremé and Gov. Nicholls Streets in one the nation’s first African American neighborhoods during the first weekend of October, just as the weather is getting nice. Most of the action is centered in front of the historic St. Augustine Church on the 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street. Expect entertainment from New Orleans musical royalty and food trucks and vendors from some of New Orleans’ best eateries. The festival is donation-based.

Carnaval Latino
October 12
The vibrant celebration of the National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) wraps up with the annual free festival organized by the Hispanic American Musicians and Artists Cultural Association, Inc. (HAMACA) and will have Latin music from different parts of the world, food and drink, art, and a parade. Parade of the Americas, or “Desfile De Las Americas,” kicks off at 2 p.m. in the Washington Square Park in the Marigny, weaving its way through the French Quarter to the Warehouse District with about 20 floats. Krewe of Quetzal is accompanied by marching folkloric groups and bands, all featuring costumes that celebrate national roots of various Latin countries.

Mac n’ Cheese Fest
October 12
This free annual fest is held at the Louis Armstrong Park and keeps expanding to accommodate its growing popularity. This year, it will feature a judged competition among the dozens of mac ‘n’ cheese dishes from Louisiana restaurants, pop-ups and food catering businesses, an artist market, and an eating competition.

New Orleans Film Festival
October 16-23
The New Orleans Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the South and is the longest-running one festival of its kind in the state. The festival has grown to the point of attracting thousands of attendees and industry insiders, plus more than 400 filmmakers and over 200 films annually. It’s one of the few film festivals in the nation that showcases Oscar-qualifying films drawn from all three Academy-accredited categories: Narrative Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short. Venues include Broad, Orpheum and Prytania theaters, and the festival’s hub, the Contemporary Arts Center.

Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival
October 18-20
This free fest happens every year in the CBD, in Lafayette Square. Join the fun for two stages of music, a dozen of the best barbecue vendors in the region, and a large art market.

Krewe of Boo
October 19
This lively affair has become the “official Halloween Parade” in New Orleans in 2007, and has been going strong since, only growing in popularity. The parade is brought to you by Kern Studios, so expect the usual 3-D fiberglass and papier-mâché extravaganza, plus all of your favorite spooky characters. All the monsters on the floats are PG-13 and not too scary even for the youngest kids. Parade-goers are encouraged to come in costume. Expect plush toys, candy and unique, eco-conscious throws.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
October 25-27
A mammoth outdoor music festival that takes over City Park around every Halloween, Voodoo attracts thousands of costumed revelers without fail with national headliners, art installations, and a weekend of great music among the oaks.

Halloween
Second half of October; October 31
New Orleans puts its own spin on the Halloween fun with a slew of balls, costume parties, a parade, haunted tours, and a huge block party on Frenchmen Street. The city knows how to do Halloween in a family-friendly style too. We are thankful for the variety, and hope you’ll find plenty of entertainment in the couple of weeks leading up to the holiday as well as on the day of Halloween itself.

NOVEMBER
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
November 3
There’s a po-boy for every budget and palate in New Orleans, and at this festival dedicated to the beloved New Orleans staple you can sample over 50 varieties. Dozens of vendors also compete in several “Best of” categories.

Boudin, Bourbon & Beer
November 8
Every November celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse invites scores of top local and national chefs to join him for his one-night fundraiser to benefit the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, featuring a specially curated, Louisiana-inspired menu, live music and open bar. Over 70 chefs participate at this outdoor festival held at the Champions Square, the plaza located adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Fête des Fromages
November 13-16
Who doesn’t like cheese? This relative newcomer has expanded from a one-day day to the weekend of cheese-eating opportunities at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. There you can taste more than 150 varieties of cheese, meet the cheesemakers from all over the world, and watch the chefs attempt to break down a giant slab of cheese in a cheese-wheel cracking competition. The cheese will come paired with wine, beer and cider, and a few cheese experts and local chefs will be on hand to present on the history of cheese.

Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
November 16-17
The annual Tremé Creole Gumbo festival serves up the perfect trifecta of gumbo, brass bands and cooler temps, returning to celebrate over a decade of existence at the Louis Armstrong Park. This year, the free fest is joining forces with another popular local event, the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, adding more music, and featuring two art markets and two food courts.

Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course
November 28
Per a long-standing New Orleans tradition, it’s customary to turn out at the track on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting cocktails and some seriously fabulous hats. The first race starts at 11 a.m., and the racetrack also serves a sumptuous holiday buffet, plus a fancy dinner with all the holiday trimmings at the Clubhouse.

Bayou Classic
November 29-30
Each November the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries. Over the years, this has become much more than a football game, drawing more than 200,000 visitors to New Orleans. The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade, battle of the bands, and, of course, the big game at the Superdome.

Celebration in the Oaks
November 29 – January 1
This beloved New Orleans tradition is celebrating over three decades of existence, selling out quickly for the past few years. Celebration in the Oaks is a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of the City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Stroll through the magical grounds swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, take a train ride or a holiday picture by the iconic Mr. Bingle, listen to the caroling, do some holiday shopping, or ride the historic carousel.

What’s on Conti Street – Prince Conti Hotel New Orleans

Conti Street - Bombay Club
Photo courtesy of The Bombay Club on Facebook

Stroll through the French Quarter, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the colorful history of one of the nation’s oldest neighborhoods. The stories of the Vieux Carré are told by its architecture, its people and even its street names. Take Conti Street, for example. Connecting the Mississippi River and Rampart Street, it’s named for French royalty, a prince in the Bourbon family. Conti Street is a nod to the city’s multicultural history, and today, it’s home to numerous restaurants, bars and other attractions. Here are just a few to check out, starting from N. Rampart St. to the Mississippi River.

Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture (1010 Conti St.)

The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture is located between N. Rampart and Burgundy streets in the French Quarter and features the private collection of its owner, Carl Mack, a costumer and entertainer known as The Xylophone Man. It’s one of the largest personal collections of Mardi Gras costumes in the city. The costumes on display include those worn by the Kings and Queens of various krewes, including Irma Thomas and Al “Carnival Time” Johnson. The museum’s gallery features four exhibits a year and hosts special events. You can also experience Mardi Gras for yourself by playing dress-up in the museum’s vast costume closet. Admission is $12; tours available.

Irish Cultural Museum (933 Conti St.)

The free Irish Cultural Museum explores the rich history of the city’s Irish residents dating back to the 1700s. The collection includes maps, photographs, genealogy resources, a documentary, and interactive kiosks. The historic building features a balcony and a courtyard. There’s a coffee and whiskey bar on-site, St. Patrick’s Coffee House, which doles out homemade ginger tea and Irish coffee.

Deja Vu Bar & Grill (400 Dauphine St.)

You’ll find this 24-hour burger and breakfast joint at the corner of Conti and Dauphine streets. It’s home to some quintessential New Orleans characters and a long menu of comfort food (including breakfast all day). Plus, there are surprisingly few places to grab a bite at 4 a.m. For those times when hunger strikes, Deja Vu is a quick, easy solution.

Cuñada (833 Conti St.)

This Mexican Grill and Agave Bar is a family-owned, colorful destination with a rotating menu of Agave-based margaritas plus house-made tortillas locally and traditional Mexican dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Cuñada (that means “sister-in-law” in Spanish) is open till 4 a.m., which makes it a perfect stop for a late-night bite.

Prince Conti Hotel (830 Conti St.)

The namesake of our hotel should be obvious to you now — and it should also make the address easy to remember. High ceilings, antique decor and courtyards contribute to the vintage New Orleans flavor, and the central French Quarter location makes it a great stepping-off point to any destination in the French Quarter and beyond. Don’t forget to stop in the adjoined Bombay Club for a classic martini, a perfectly cooked steak and live jazz (more on that below).

Café Conti (830 Conti St.)

The on-site Cafe Conti at the Prince Conti Hotel has a casual breakfast and lunch menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a focus on French and Creole cuisines. There you’ll find sweet and savory crepes, eggs Benedict, and local favorites like breakfast po-boy, shrimp and grits, and Croque Madame. Ask about the daily specials, including the Benedict of the day.

The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

Tucked away down the carriageway at the back of the Prince Conti Hotel, the Bombay Club & Martini Bistro has more than 50 specialty cocktails on the menu. It specializes in martinis but also has an extensive selection of single malt scotches, ports, reserved bourbons, and premium cigars. You’ll find that its happy hour is popular with the visitors and the locals alike, with $4 beer, $5 wine and $6 cocktails. The $5 small plates are fresh takes on Cajun and European comfort food: Boudin Rangoons, Cajun Poutine with pimento, and pork belly tacos. The Bombay Club is also a popular choice for the nightly local live music, including jazz and cabaret performances.

Broussard’s (819 Conti St.)

This grande dame of Creole dining has been delighting New Orleanians with oysters Rockefeller, shrimp remoulade, trout almandine, and other local delicacies since 1920. Don’t miss the weekend jazz brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. It’s a true taste of history.

Erin Rose (811 Conti St.)

A stone’s throw from the Irish Cultural Museum, you’ll find this dim, dog-friendly destination with Guinness on tap and the best frozen Irish coffee this side of Jackson Square. (The second-best Irish coffee is served at Molly’s at the Market, which is Erin Rose’s sister location.) If hunger strikes, be sure to hit up Killer Po-Boys, a po-boy pop-up situated in the rear of the bar.

Oceana Grill (739 Conti St.)

Fresh Gulf seafood, Louisiana fare, a charming courtyard, and a kitchen that’s open till 1 a.m. and offers delivery — these are just a few reasons to try Oceana Grill. It’s fine dining-caliber food without the pretension.

Latrobe’s (403 Royal St.)

Formerly the Louisiana State Bank — with the heavy safe, stonework and whisper dome to prove it — Latrobe’s is now a stunning events venue at the corner of Conti and Royal streets. It was built in 1822 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who also was the architect for the U.S. Capitol. Don’t pass by without taking a peek inside!

Kingfish (375 Chartres St.)

Located on the corner of Chartres and Conti streets, this popular restaurant and cocktail bar tips its hat to the Huey P. Long era. The menu is a locally sourced embodiment of traditional New Orleans cuisine with some modern twists. The standouts include the seared “Hook and Line” Gulf fish, boudin balls, and chicken and sausage gumbo. Kingfish is also very serious about its cocktails, so it’s a great place to try both the classics like the Sazerac and the signature concoctions, especially during the very generous happy hour (referred to as “Governor Hours”).

Prince Conti Hotel’s Guide to Summer in the French Quarter

New Orleans is home to many delicious restaurants, famous landmarks, exciting festivals, rich history, and unique entertainment for all ages. It doesn’t come as a surprise that people travel from all over to New Orleans to experience its unique local flavor. Summer is a good time to visit despite the soaring temps, as the city’s party schedule is jam-packed with festivals and other events unique to New Orleans, and there are fewer crowds than, say, during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or the cooler months in general.

Take Advantage of the Summer Deals

Plus, the city’s local restaurants and cultural destinations sweeten the deal by the citywide promotions like the Museum Month or COOLinary, both in August, when you can visit a number of local museums for the price of the annual membership for just one of them, or have a three-course dinner in a top restaurant for as little as $39. The one-time admission fee to some local museums can run over $20, so this is a great opportunity to explore on the budget. The fees for the smaller museums are probably the best deal, ranging from $30 to $35 annually. (You can buy a membership upon arrival.)

With COOLinary, there’s no better time to try out an award-winning restaurant during your visit, or revisit an old favorite. For the month of August, this dining program offers discounted dining deals at participating restaurants located all over the city. Over 100 of participating local restaurants run the gamut from the iconic to the smaller, more casual ones.

The extraordinary summer dining deals don’t end with COOLinary in August. Behold the Restaurant Week (September 9-15), with more and more restaurants participating every year. For one week in September, dozens of local restaurants will be dishing out prix fixe lunches, brunches and dinners — averaging at $20 for lunch and not exceeding $39 for brunch and dinner. Just like COOLinary, Restaurant Week is a citywide promotion designed to lure diners, both local and visiting, to increase patronage at restaurants across the city. Cross an iconic white-tablecloth establishment off your bucket list, or discover a new fave in the neighborhood!

Family-Friendly New Orleans

New Orleans is more than a romp on Bourbon Street (though we recommend that too). There is entertainment for people of all ages all year round, but, with fewer people out on the streets, you can really take the time to explore the city at your own pace in the summer. Bring your family to the Aquarium of the Americas, or the incredible World War II Museum. Grab a warm and fresh beignet at the famous Café Du Monde, or go shopping at the Riverwalk outlet mall or the French Market open-air mall, where you will find a flea market, local arts and crafts, and edible souvenirs like pralines and every kind of hot sauce under the sun. Want something special to bring home as a gift? Check out our top recommendations for the unique New Orleans gifts you can get near the Prince Conti Hotel.

Then, of course, there are the stunning St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square to explore, plus dozens of other important landmarks, all located within walking distance in the historic French Quarter. Both the Presbytère and the Cabildo that flank the cathedral have excellent museums worth exploring by the whole family.

A convenient way to check out countless New Orleans attractions is on the City Sightseeing double-decker tour bus. With a pickup location at Basin Street Station, close to the hotel, the City Sightseeing tour is very flexible and allows you to see many famous destinations in the city at your own pace by hopping on and hopping off the bus whenever you desire. This system allows you to stay as long as you would like at each destination, since a bus comes every 30 minutes and runs seven days a week for your convenience.

Another option is to take your family on a historic cruise to Chalmette battlefield, on the Creole Queen. This beautiful paddlewheeler also offers dinner jazz cruiser that will keep you cool and entertained.

So Many Festivals and Celebrations

This year’s Independence Day weekend is shaping up to be spectacular as usual, filled with special events, fireworks, and — this being New Orleans — great food and music. Kick off the festivities with Go 4th on the River celebration, a free Dueling Barges fireworks show over the Mississippi River at the Riverfront.

Gear up for the best in R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and blues with ESSENCE Festival (July 5-7), held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Convention Center. Beyond the concerts held each night of the fest at the Superdome, the free daytime activities at the Convention Center include motivational seminars, beauty and style presentations, celebrity interviews, cooking demonstrations with top chefs, and lots more. The always-impressive music lineup this year includes Brandy, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and more. Former First Lady and best-selling author Michelle Obama will make an appearance too, her first at the fest, to discuss her recently published memoir.

Running of the Bulls brings Encierro to New Orleans on July 12-14, except the bulls are the Big Easy Rollergirls. San Fermin in Nueva Orleans pays annual homage to the world-famous Encierro of Pamplona, Spain, running through the CBD starting at the Sugar Mill.

Celebrate the French National Day in America’s most French city during the annual Bastille Day Fête at the New Orleans Museum of Art (June 12-14), and at the block party on Saturday, July 13 in the 3100 block of Ponce de Leon Street in the city’s historic Faubourg St. John neighborhood, adjacent to Esplanade Avenue. Live music and kid-friendly events abound, while dozens of local vendors present their food and drinks, many with a French flavor.

Some of the best restaurants and bars in town celebrate Tales of the Cocktail on July 16-21. Since 2002 the festival has grown from an annual walking tour of historic New Orleans cocktail bars into a series of dinners, tastings, seminars, and more. This year will be its 17th, with Royal Sonesta as the new hotel host and the Highball as the official festival drink. Expect over 300 events crammed into six days, including the always-popular “best of” Spirited Awards and many cocktail-themed parties.

Satchmo SummerFest (August 2-4), named so after one of Louis Armstrong’s nicknames, started as a tribute in 2001, on Armstrong’s 100th birthday. It has been traditionally held on the first week of August and marked by strong attendance. The three-day festival is held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint at the foot of Esplanade Avenue., and will have music all weekend on its two outdoor, tented stages. Other events will include a Sunday morning Jazz Mass at the historic St. Augustine Church in Tremé, seminars and film screenings, kid’s activities, and a second-line parade.

Browse the galleries on the White Linen Night on Saturday, August 3 (or its cheeky cousin, the Dirty Linen Night). In its 25th year, White Linen Night is a block party and an open house for galleries on the 300-700 blocks of Julia Street in the Warehouse District, with three stages for live music and dozens of food and drink stands. About 20 galleries on and around Julia St. will be open to the public, with an after-party traditionally held at the Contemporary Arts Center.

The Dirty Linen Night (Saturday, August 10) usually follows the White Linen Night on the second Saturday in August. It’s similar in format, though looser in structure and spanning more territory. Although Dirty Linen Night does riff off White Linen Night, it wasn’t created to compete with the Warehouse District event but to promote the many galleries and shops of Royal Street. The multi-block party takes over the 200-1000 blocks of Royal Street and some cross streets and adjoining areas in the French Quarter, including Jackson Square and Dutch Alley. About 40 galleries are expected to participate again this year, plus a number of shops and restaurants.

The Red Dress Run (also on Saturday, August 10) isn’t exclusive to New Orleans, but the local participants take it up a notch by costuming on top of wearing their best and/or most outlandish red dress, regardless of gender. This is an annual fundraiser run for local charities organized by hashing groups (adults-only, non-competitive social running clubs) all over the world. They call themselves “drinking clubs with a running problem” and the local group is no exception. Any adult can participate with registration, and the run traditionally starts at Crescent Park, though the route will not be publicized until the day of the run.

The incomparable Southern Decadence festival (August 29 – September 2) is traditionally held on the Labor Day weekend. It started as a going-away party in the early 70s but now considered the fifth largest event in New Orleans. This massive four-day festival celebrates LGBT culture and attracts participants from all over the world. Just like every year, most activities will be centered in and around the French Quarter, with lots of block parties and dance parties at bars and clubs on Bourbon Street, plus two parades.

The Nightlife, Of Course

 It is no secret that New Orleans is known for its nightlife scene, and the Prince Conti Hotel puts you right by many incredible New Orleans nightlife spots, such as the bustling Harrah’s, Pat O’Brien’s, House of Blues, the legendary music spots on Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, and many more. But, really, you don’t need us to tell you that whatever floats your boat, from the dives with local beer on tap to the chef-driven destinations with exquisitely crafted cocktails served alongside small plates, you’re bound to find it in the French Quarter and nearby. (But if you do want recommendations, here are some picks for the best bars, best live music clubs, and your best-bet late-night eats in the French Quarter.)

Cooling Off in the French Quarter

Then there are these chilled-out destinations offer a refreshing refuge from the summer heat along with a shot of New Orleans flavor. The first rule of dealing with NOLA heat: Never walk anywhere without a cool beverage in hand. So, how about a daiquiri? These frozen drinks are seriously the next best thing to a portable A.C. unit. Options run the gamut from classic (the piña colada-flavored daiquiri at Big Easy Daiquiris) to craft (Cane and Table’s inspired creations), but your best bet for the beat-the-heat drinks are St. Lawrence’s seasonal versions. Past offerings include Pimm’s Cup and Peach Bellini versions. Grab a daiq and be restored!

Take the edge off with a classic martini and cool, free live jazz at The Bombay Club

— there’s a different local act each night. Best of all, you don’t have to venture outside and brave the heat to experience The Bombay Club’s unique ambiance — it’s actually attached to the Prince Conti Hotel’s back carriageway.

The Country Club requires you to venture outside the French Quarter (it’s about two miles from the Prince Conti Hotel), but it’s well worth the effort. The Bywater neighborhood standby is located in a lushly landscaped Italianate raised center-hall cottage. Enter through the breezy, fern-hung front porch to find a dining area and granite-topped bar. Beyond that lies a saltwater pool, cabana bar, hot tub, sauna, and shower area accessible via a day pass, which ranges from $10 to $15. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. (P.S. If it’s raining, it’s happy hour at The Country Club.)

Staying at the Prince Conti Hotel This Summer

If you are planning a trip to New Orleans this summer, make sure you book your stay at a hotel with great summer rates and close to all of the action, the Prince Conti Hotel. The Prince Conti Hotel provides you with all of the luxurious and convenient amenities you want during your stay in New Orleans, and its prime location in the French Quarter simply cannot be beat. The Prince Conti Hotel is just minutes from many great local attractions and famous sights, such as Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and more. See you this summer!

Running of the Bulls Brings Excitement to New Orleans this July

Photo: Some rights reserved by Infrogmation

You haven’t seen it all until you’ve witnessed New Orleans’ eccentric version of Running of the Bulls. This wild festival, known as San Fermin in Nueva Orleans, is fashioned after the traditional event that takes place in Pamplona, Spain, each year. But instead of the wild beasts running in the streets goring people, the Big Easy Rollergirls dress up like bulls and skate after runners, attempting to whack them with wiffle ball bats. This fest is sure to get your blood pumping!

The runners are encouraged to wear all white with red accents like sashes and kerchiefs (following the style of the traditional Spanish festival). The bulls sport black and red, and the horned helmets. Both the runners and the bulls are known to get creative with their costuming, so you’ll have the chance to see some pretty eccentric creations out there.

This year, the festival will be held over the weekend of July 12-14. The Encierro (the run) itself is always held on Saturday, and the partying starts early. Around 6:30 a.m. people will start gathering around the Sugar Mill (1021 Convention Center Blvd.) in the Central Business District in downtown New Orleans, enjoying live music, food trucks, and sangria. After the procession and the invocation honoring San Fermin, patron saint of Pamplona, the run begins at 8 a.m., making its way through the CBD and Warehouse District on a near mile-long route.

Although you will get some exercise while running from the Derby Girls, Running of the Bulls is just as much about the food and drinks as it is about the “running.” Many participants stick around after the run is done, at approximately 11:30 a.m., to continue with the bar-crawling in the area. Another option is to attend a live music show back at the Sugar Mill (the route begins and ends there). After that, you can also check out the after-party, La Fiesta de Pantalones, held this year at the Rusty Nail (1100 Constance St.) starting at 11:30 a.m.

The festival’s opening party on Friday is an annual ticketed fundraiser with an open bar, an auction, and delicious food provided by Commander’s Palace, SoBou, Tavolino, and Atchafalaya. The closing party on Sunday, called El Pobre de Mi (“Poor Me”), will wrap things up at Lula Restaurant Distillery (1532 St. Charles Ave.), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This will be your chance to recover from the run with burlesque, cocktails, and a Papa Hemingway look-alike contest (yes, the party is Ernest Hemingway-themed).

The events happening on Friday and Saturday are ticketed (tickets are $30-$95), while the Sunday closing party is pay-as-you-go. Proceeds go to Beth’s Friends Forever, a charity named after Nola Bulls cofounder Beth Hanning, which raises money for local women fighting cancer; and the Big Easy Animal Rescue.

Come run with the bulls this summer at San Fermin in Nueva Orleans, and stay at the historic New Orleans hotel close by, the Prince Conti Hotel. Conveniently located in the French Quarter, the Prince Conti Hotel has all of the new amenities and conveniences you want, without sacrificing any of the old-world charm.

Kick Off Your Summer With Essence Festival in New Orleans

Summer has arrived, and now is the time to embark on exciting adventures with family and friends. There is no better way to kick off your summer than with ESSENCE Festival this July in New Orleans. This massive event features a host of famous musical performers, guest speakers, delectable local cuisine, fashion, beauty, and much more. Between four days, multiple stages, and a multitude of great musical artists, there is an incredible lineup of chart toppers, influencers, celebrity wellness experts, and world-famous personalities.

ESSENCE will be held over the Independence Day weekend (July 4-7) mostly at the two New Orleans venues: the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the evening performances and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the daytime activities. Some of the daytime events including the conferences and the exhibits will also be held at the Contemporary Arts Center. New this year, the Wellness House experience will be held in the Arts District downtown at the Lighthouse Glass Gallery (743 Camp St.).

You can get your tickets a la carte (for the evening concerts at the Superdome and for the ESSENCE After Dark) or in bundled day and VIP packages, online. The headliners sell out fast, so don’t wait till the last minute! All the events held at the Convention Center during the day are free and open to all (registration is required for everyone over 18).


Photo courtesy of Essence Festival on Facebook

A Music Lover’s Dream

Music fans from all over simply can’t go wrong with all the incredible names in this year’s lineup. You will have the chance to see live performances from renowned musical artists like Brandy, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Nas, New Orleans’ own Big Freedia, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and many more. The traditional Sunday Gospel Celebration at the Convention center will feature the greatest gospel hits, and ESSENCE After Dark, a series of late-night jam sessions, comedy shows, underground performances, live podcast recordings, and more, is returning to the Superdome.

ESSENCE is Much More Than Music

Besides the stellar music lineup, the festival is jam-packed with conferences, keynote events, and other experiences. One of the highlights of this year’s keynote events is the chance to see Michelle Obama on the Superdome mainstage on Saturday, July 6. A slew of exciting conferences, exhibitions, roundtables, and other experiences is also scheduled, including a series of keynotes with Rev. Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, and Pharrell Williams. The Beauty Carnival and Wellness House experiences will feature celebrity beauty influencers and wellness experts, and the popular ESSENCE Eats will once again have cooking demos and the food court with the vendors from all over the South offering a wide range of classic New Orleans food, world cuisine, vegan and vegetarian fare, desserts, and beyond.

Stay Close to All of the ESSENCE Action

 Don’t wait — grab your tickets to ESSENCE Festival and then book your stay nearby at the Prince Conti Hotel. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, it’s minutes away from many popular New Orleans bars, restaurants, landmarks, and destinations — including the Superdome and the Convention Center. This elegant hotel is a nice calming change of scenery from the bustling city that awaits outside, offering the old-world New Orleans charm along with all the modern-day amenities.

Nightlife Near the Prince Conti


Photo by Cheryl Gerber

Want to dive into New Orleans’ storied nightlife? You’ve got a head start at the Prince Conti Hotel. The Bombay Club, the hotel’s swank in-house bar and restaurant, is just steps away from your room.

Start your evening at one of the club’s nightly music showcases, where you can sip a perfect martini from the largest martini selection in town while listening to the smooth jazz stylings of Banu Gibson or the lively Latin beats of Tres Amigos. The musical menu changes nightly, so the Bombay is always a good launching pad for hitting the streets at other legendary New Orleans venues.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (626 Frenchmen St.)

Jazz mavens make a beeline for Snug, the city’s premier showcase for contemporary jazz. Nightly shows at 8 and 10 feature New Orleans icons like Ellis Marsalis, patriarch of the city’s first family of jazz, whose son Delfeayo also draws big crowds for his weekly Uptown Jazz Orchestra gig. Other regulars include master keyboardist David Torkanowsky and the always-inventive Astral Project, along with world-class visiting artists like the Mahmoud Chouki International String Trio.

Balcony Music Club (1331 Decatur)

You never know what kind of music you’ll find at BMC, as the locals call it, and that’s all part of the fun. Creole Funk, Legends Brass, and Dapper Dandies are among the dozens of bands featured nightly, when as many as five acts play. And since there’s never a cover, you can always dip in and dip out, after fortifying yourself with the daily drink and shot specials. Conveniently located on the Esplanade edge of the Quarter, it’s a good pit stop before or after hitting the lively Frenchmen St. scene.

 Chris Owens Club & Balcony (500 Bourbon St.)

Bourbon St. isn’t all loud cover bands and lethal Hurricanes. The seemingly ageless Chris Owens, a French Quarter legend, is an only-in-New-Orleans phenom who truly must be seen to be believed. She’s a high voltage perpetual motion machine who belts out songs, dances like everyone’s watching and makes the audience part of her show. You might just find yourself sharing the spotlight with her onstage at one of her two weekly 9 p.m. shows, which happen most Friday and Saturday nights. Go for it!

Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen St.)

Hailed as the “premiere live music venue in the city” by Where Y’at magazine, the Blue Nile hosts a stellar roster of New Orleans artists every night on both the main stage and in the club’s upstairs Balcony Room, from Cyril Neville and Big Sam’s Funky Nation to Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers. It’s also a must-stop venue for national touring acts. Shows start early and go late, so it’s a great place to cap off the night in a high-energy environment where the collective force field can be contagious.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon St.)

Ready to wind down but don’t want to go to bed? Lafitte’s is just what the doctor ordered. Founded in the early 18th century, and housed in a historic building reputed to have served as the New Orleans headquarters for the infamous pirate and smuggler Jean Lafitte, the candlelit bar exudes exactly the kind of spooky ambiance you’d expect to find in New Orleans. Piano man Dave Hood, the latest in a series of keyboard legends, plays classics like “Marie Laveau” deep into the wee hours at Lafitte’s, which serves a potent menu of nightcaps.

Best Things to Do/See in Nearby Neighborhoods


Photo by Trevor Mark

Just outside the Quarter, not far from the Prince Conti, you’ll find a wealth of nearby neighborhoods with their own distinctive character. Ready, set, explore!

Feast Your Eyes and Fine Dine in the Arts District

New Orleans is steeped in history. But modernism takes center stage in the Arts District, where old warehouses find new life as contemporary art galleries and nouvelle cuisine restaurants. Home to more than a dozen world-class galleries, Julia Street invites the public to view their latest exhibits at lively wine-fueled receptions the first Saturday of every month. Feast your eyes on art, then delight your palate with cuisine from some of the city’s most creative chefs at Herbsaint and Cochon (Donald Link), Compere Lapin (Nina Compton), and the man who started it all:  Emeril’s.

Bar-Hop to Live Music in the Marigny

Once known only to locals, Frenchmen Street now rivals Bourbon Street as a tourist destination. Live music bars line the street, where top New Orleans musicians start playing long before dark at small clubs like the Spotted Cat and continue well past the wee hours at marquee venues like Blue Nile. But don’t stop at Frenchmen. Hit three hotspots right next to the Elysian Fields streetcar stop: Siberia, the Allways Lounge & Cabaret and the Hi-Ho Lounge. All offer an eclectic range of terrific music from both local and touring bands, along with a colorful grab bag of homegrown entertainment, from the Bluegrass Pickin’ Party at the Hi-Ho to Drag Queen Bingo at the Allways.

Spend the Day Exploring Bywater

If you’re feeling outdoorsy, walk or bike along the Mississippi from Marigny to Bywater through Crescent Park, a lovely 1.4-mile stretch of native landscaping. Cross the “rusty rainbow bridge” over the tracks to Piety Street, where you can grab a slice at Pizza Delicious and browse bins of collectible vinyl at Euclid Records. Junk hounds can rummage through found objects at Bywater Bargain Center (3200 Dauphine St.), while vintage mavens will love the retro styles at Independence St. NOLA. Whet your whistle at Bud Rip’s, the locals’ favorite dive bar, and take a dip in the pool at the Country Club. Then swing by Bacchanaal, grab a bottle of wine and take it out to the open air courtyard, where you can feast on upscale bar food like bacon-wrapped dates and braised pork shoulder while listening to young jazzbos. Dreamy!

 Discover the Heart of African-American Culture in Tremé

The living, breathing heart of New Orleans culture is the African-American community of Tremé, where free people of color once proudly brought their own property and where many generations of black residents continue to live today. Second-line parades and Mardi Gras Indians emerged from these streets, which nurtured countless jazz greats. Get a crash course in Tremé history at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, and catch its current incarnation at the Candlelight Lounge, where live brass bands perform nightly. Tremé also abounds in the city’s signature Creole cuisine. Known for its world-famous fried chicken, Willa Mae’s Scotch House serves “food for your soul,” while Dooky Chase’s menu is a rich sampler of Creole faves like Shrimp Clemenceau and Gumbo Z’Herbes. Both have been justly honored by James Beard awards. Dig in, and enjoy!

Getting Around as a Guest of the Prince Conti Hotel

You can pretty much walk to all of your destinations in the French Quarter from the hotel as the terrain is flat, the area is just 78 square blocks, and the street layout makes sense and is easy to navigate. The next best thing would be to bike or hail a pedicab (check out Blue Bikes). If you want to go outside the Quarter, try a cab or rideshare, or a streetcar.

Taxicab and ride-share services

The ride-share options in New Orleans include Uber and Lyft. We also recommend United Cabs, Inc. (504-522-9771). Use the United Cabs Passenger app to book.

Bus and streetcar

 The city buses run every 30 minutes on average on weekdays (less often on weekends) and have special schedules on holidays. It costs $1.25 one-way (a transfer costs 25 cents), and you can see the maps and the schedules here. To pay the fare on the bus, you must have exact change, but you can also buy passes via the GoMobile app, online, and at the ticket machines.

Another option is the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus tours by City Sightseeing. They run every 30 minutes on a two-hour loop; the unlimited one-day pass is $39 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. To hop on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, walk to Canal and Carondelet streets (directly across Canal from Bourbon St. in the French Quarter) and look for the iconic green car.

Eat, Drink, Work: Co-Working in the French Quarter


Photo Courtesy of The Bombay Club

Traveling purely for pleasure is delightful. But if you need to work remotely on the road, New Orleans is one of the best places on the planet to mix business with pleasure. Many charming spots in the Quarter near the Prince Conti are co-working meccas with blazing WiFi, where you can soak up local ambiance along with cafe au lait, craft cocktails, and gourmet New Orleans cuisine.

The Bombay Club (Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St.)
You could work in your room at the Prince Conti. But what fun is that? Wander down to The Bombay Club during happy hour, and graze on $4 small bites like Pork Belly Tacos and Cajun Poutine while imbibing great specials on beer, wine and house cocktails. 4pm–7pm Mon–Fri; 3pm–7pm Sat–Sun. Contact restaurant for updates.

French Truck Coffee (217 Chartres St.)
Need a jolt of caffeine to get down to business? French Truck boasts some of the city’s best locally-roasted coffee, prepares espresso to perfection, and puts a unique spin on mocha with hints of cayenne and cinnamon. Contact restaurant for updates.

Kingfish (337 Chartres St. at Conti)
Known for its award-winning craft cocktails, the Kingish is another great happy hour co-working spot. Sip Prohibition Punch and other signature drinks for just $6, enjoy half-price beer and wine, and sample hearty $5 small-plate specials like Fried Boudin Balls and Chicken and Smoked Andouille Gumbo. Daily from 3:30-6pm. Contact restaurant for updates.

Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe (308 Decatur St.)
One of the few coffee shops in the city that serves shots of booze in their coffee, Envie has it all: steaming cups of java, scrumptious pastries and breakfasts, and a full-service bar.

Celebrating Easter Sunday in the French Quarter

Celebrating Easter Sunday in the French Quarter

As a historically Catholic city, New Orleans takes Lent seriously. New Orleans also loves a good parade. Naturally, breaking the 40-plus days of fasting and the arrival of spring are great reasons to catch a parade, show off your bonnet, and feast on some Gulf seafood.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying in the French Quarter for Easter weekend, you can celebrate the end of Lent with three parades, Catholic masses, special Easter brunches, and an Easter Bonnet contest. Here’s a quick rundown of the things you can do on Easter Sunday, April 16, in the French Quarter.

The Parades

Three groups parade annually through the French Quarter and downtown on Easter Sunday. The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade leaves from Antoine’s Restaurant at 9:45 a.m. and proceeds to St. Louis Cathedral for 11 a.m. Mass. The riders, clad in their best Easter attire, ride in convertibles and carriages, handing out stuffed Easter bunnies, candy and other theme-appropriate throws along the way. After Mass the parade slowly weaves its way back to Antoine’s.

The French Quarter Easter Parade rolls at 1 p.m. from St. Louis and Royal streets. The one and only Chris Owens traditionally helms the parade as the Grand Duchess. Expect colorful floats, marching bands, whimsical bonnets, and plenty of throws.

The annual Gay Easter Parade celebrates the city’s LGBTQ community and benefits the Food for Friends charity. It starts at 4:30 p.m. on N. Rampart St. by the Armstrong Park arch and continues to St. Ann, Bourbon, and Esplanade. With stops at some bars along the way, the parade makes it back to N. Rampart for the after-party at GrandPre’s.

The Easter Bonnet Contest at Good Friends Bar at the corner of Dauphine and St. Ann streets is open to all participants, and spectators decide on the winners. A tall order every year, as the entries are often fabulous and wildly creative.

Brunch

What’s better than marking the end of Lent with a multi-course Cajun/Creole brunch? Many French Quarter restaurants offer a special Easter menu buffet-style or as a sit-down prix fixe option.

Since it’s a family tradition for many, reservations are highly recommended. (You can check the list of participating restaurants and make a reservation here.)

Here are our five top recommendations.

The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.; 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; a la carte menu)

Start your Easter Sunday right with a cocktail and Eggs Sardou in this elegant restaurant located at the back of the Prince Conti Hotel. The extensive Easter brunch menu runs the gamut from lighter fare like roasted beets and strawberry salad to the more substantial steak and eggs, and lamb grillades. Other options are traditional New Orleans: BBQ shrimp, shrimp and grits, pain perdu, and Croque Madame. Or try the “Heavenly” Hash: crispy boudin cake with poached egg.

Antoine’s (713 St. Louis St.; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $51 prix fixe)

Antoine’s holiday brunch menu will render you speechless with its baked oysters, Gulf shrimp with chef’s special Regua sauce, duck a l’Orange, and broiled Louisiana drum stuffed with crabmeat. Top it off with either pecan bread pudding or strawberry mousse. Brunch includes one complimentary Mimosa.

Arnaud’s (813 Bienville St.; Easter menu available all day; $55 prix fixe)

This four-course feast offers smoked duck, andouille and oyster gumbo for starters, and roasted leg of lamb among its three entree choices. Appetizer offerings include the signature Shrimp Arnaud: Gulf shrimp marinated in Creole remoulade. And how about Creole cream cheese peanut butter pie for dessert?

Red Fish Grill (115 Bourbon St.; 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; prix fixe buffet: adults $59, children 12 and under $19, 6 and under free)

You’ll find a family-style Easter buffet with alligator sausage and seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, Creole potato salad, BBQ shrimp, oysters, pickled crawfish, and a carving station (just to name a few options). The kids’ buffet offers child-friendly versions of the above and a sundae bar.

Steamboat Natchez Easter Jazz Brunch Cruise (Toulouse St./boardwalk; 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m.; adults $44, children 6-12 $22, children 2-5 $9)

The two-hour Mississippi River cruise with live music by The Steamboat Stompers includes a buffet and reserved seating. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny aboard the steamboat!

Mass

Church services on Easter Sunday start early and continue throughout the day. You can see this year’s schedule for the city here. For a truly unique experience, consider a stroll to Jackson Square to hear the bells of St. Louis Cathedral and to mingle with the revelers in their Easter finery.

St. Louis Cathedral has mass that day at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and remains open between services. The majestic Our Lady of Guadalupe (411 N. Rampart St.) also offers Easter mass at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (in Spanish), and 6 p.m.