What to Do in the French Quarter in April

Don’t spread this around too much, but April might just be the best time to visit New Orleans. The city has recovered from its massive Mardi Gras hangover, crawfish season is in full, spicy swing, and the weather is just about as perfect as it gets, with average highs hovering in the mid-70s.

If that’s not incentive enough, April is a month packed with music, food, parades, festivals… You know, all the stuff that makes New Orleans so New Orleans. Best of all? You don’t have to venture outside the French Quarter to enjoy the best the city has to offer, and many of these events don’t cost a dime. Just bring a sense of joie de vivre and let the good times roll.

Note: We’ve included some April events we thought were important to mention, but they don’t all happen in the French Quarter.

Wednesday at the Square

Wednesdays, March 11 – May 6, 2026

Free music? Good weather? Food stalls? Good folks? All this and more at Wednesday at the Square in downtown New Orleans, which continues for 10 weeks. The concert series kicks off in Lafayette Square; music lasts from 5 to 8 p.m.

Crescent City Classic

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Yes, the Crescent City Classic is a 10k that attracts top athletes from around the world, but it’s so much more than a road race. Even if your idea of a workout is walking from Cafe du Monde to Pat O’Brien’s, you owe it to yourself to check out the race, festival, music, and people who have made the Crescent City Classic a New Orleans institution for several decades.

You can run, walk, dance, or push a stroller down all or part of its scenic route, which loops from the Superdome, through the Quarter, and up Esplanade Avenue before ending in a party in City Park. Or you can sit on the sidelines, cheer on the participants, and ask yourself how it’s possible for so many people to run while drinking and wearing full costumes. Either way, the Crescent City Classic is a spectacle not to be missed.

You do have to register to run; the cost is $70 ($50 if you run for a charity). The price increases after February 20, 2026.

Easter Parades

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Easter is a time for celebration, chocolate bunnies, and church services… but in New Orleans, it’s decidedly over the top. Wear your finest pastels, florals, seersucker, and hats (the bigger the better), and you’ll fit right in at the city’s three Easter parades.

They kick off at 11 a.m. when the French Quarter Easter Parade rolls from the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. After that, things take a turn for the campy with the Chris Owens French Quarter parade, which celebrates Bourbon Street’s late reigning queen. Because it is now prohibited to parade on Bourbon Street (due to the terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve in 2024), the parade route changed last year, and the details for 2026 are still being ironed out. The Gay Easter Parade closes down the celebrations, starting at 4:30 p.m., with floats, throws, and dancers galore. Celebrate good times, come on!

Hogs for the Cause

Friday-Saturday, April 10-11, 2026

Hogs for the Cause features more than 90 teams competing for the coveted BBQ Pork Grand Champion title. This signature festival blends live music, great food, and time with family and friends, all while supporting an extraordinary mission. The event is held at the UNO Lakefront Arena (6801 Franklin Ave.). Expect more than 20 bands (this year’s lineup), and all things BBQ.

In its 18th year, so far Hogs has given back more than $15 million, providing over 2,200 direct grants to families battling pediatric brain cancer and contributing millions more to hospital programs and on-campus housing at children’s hospitals. You can get tickets here.

French Quarter Festival

Thursday-Sunday, April 16-19, 2026

It’s the largest free music festival in the South, when more than 1,700 musicians take over 20-plus stages scattered throughout the Vieux Carre and commence to rock out. There’s a preponderance of jazz, zydeco, New Orleans funk, brass bands… pretty much every form of music native to Louisiana and the delta gets a chance to shine in front of thousands of attendees. Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking from stage to stage (not to mention dancing).

Despite a staggering number of acts and food vendors, the fest is fairly easy to navigate. Here’s our guide on how to get the most out of the French Quarter Festival if you feel overwhelmed.

Crawfest

Saturday, April 18, 2026

One of the surest signs of spring in New Orleans is the presence of crawfish on menus and at boils across the city, and one of the surest signs that crawfish are back in season is Crawfest. This annual party, sponsored by Tulane University, features some 20,000 pounds of crawfish, thousands of pounds of vegetables, two main stages, a bunch of bands, and a heavy student presence.

With that said, all are welcome — it costs $20 to get in, and kids 12 and under enter for free. (The fest is also free to Tulane students, with a wristband.) Crawfest kicks off on Tulane’s campus in Uptown, New Orleans.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Thursday-Sunday, April 23 – May 3, 2026

If you’re coming to New Orleans during the last weekend in April, you probably already know about the granddaddy of all music festivals, Jazz Fest. From contemporary arena-filling rock stars and rap gods to pop princesses and living legends, the festival covers every musical base as it takes over the Fair Grounds Race Course (1751 Gentilly Blvd.).

And of course, there’s a hearty assortment of Louisiana acts on the stages. Don’t leave without feasting on food as well as music: crawfish bread, po-boys, muffulettas, boiled seafood, red beans and rice, and more are all for sale. Pro tip: Rent a bike to cruise right up to the gates — it’s an easy 3.4-mile ride — and wear rubber boots and a poncho if it rains. (You’ll thank us when the dirt race tracks turn to knee-deep mud.)

For some tips on how to best navigate this massive event, check out our First-Timer’s Guide to the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Coming to New Orleans this spring?

Hotel St. Marie invites you to take advantage of exclusive seasonal savings on our room rates! Book today and experience the true New Orleans spirit with this French Quarter Hotel.

 

Mother’s Day in the French Quarter and Nearby

New Orleans and the French Quarter in particular are fantastic options for Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10, 2026), from the elegant perfection of jazz brunches and the relaxing stroll on the scenic Mississippi Riverfront to exploring the magnificent architecture of the centuries-old streets and shopping in the chic local boutiques. Show your appreciation for the mothers in your life with these suggestions, below. Just please remember to make your reservations in advance, as Mother’s Day is a popular time for brunching and dining.

Brunch

Brunch with Mom is one of New Orleans’ most popular Mother’s Day activities. Not only do the French Quarter and the adjacent Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods have some of the best restaurants in the country, but several have excellent Mother’s Day special brunch offers.

Broussard’s Mother’s Day jazz brunch is usually held in the courtyard and features the restaurant’s classic French Creole cuisine plus bottomless rosé or mimosas. (To make a reservation, call 504-581-3866 or book online.)

The classic Sunday jazz brunch at either Antoine’s or Arnaud’s is elegance personified and is a perfect way to give back to the women and mothers in your life.

The French Quarter has some of the best European-style patisseries in the country, so if you want a classic French croissant or quiche, head to Croissant D’Or Patisserie.

Outside the Quarter, if you’re up for a scenic walk or ride through the historic neighborhood of the Marigny, check out Ayu Bakehouse, a bright, quaint corner shop with a mellow vibe. There are savory pastries, crusty baguettes, sweet croissants, cookies, and buns, plus breakfast and lunch items like a frittata and seasonally rotated sandwiches.

Still further down, in the Bywater, you can hit The Country Club’s brunch of shrimp and grits or boudin boulettes in the restaurant, or just head to the pool that has its own poolside menu. There’s also a very popular drag brunch at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (it sells out quickly, so a reservation is a must).

Exploring the French Quarter on foot

Few cities in the world have as much easily accessible and well-preserved architecture as New Orleans. If your mom is up for walking, explore the centuries-old streets of the French Quarter and the nearby mostly residential Marigny to take in all the magnificent architectural elements they have to offer, with all their lush tropical courtyards with gurgling fountains, French doors, stucco exteriors, lacy Victorian ironwork, and vibrant Caribbean colors.

While you’re at it, you can stroll the mile-long Riverfront with its walkway called the Moonwalk, the scenic views of the Mississippi River, and Woldenberg Park.

Don’t miss the French Market across the street, from its food stands to the daily flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue. It’s a great stop to slurp a dozen raw oysters, or pick up pralines and a beignet mix to take home from any of the surrounding retail shops.

Just down the street is one of the most important national landmarks, the timeless Jackson Square, with Andrew Jackson’s bronze statue as the focal point of the square, surrounded by lush greenery. Come inside the St. Louis Cathedral that overlooks the square, to take in its stunning interior, or shop at the block-long rows of the Pontalba Buildings that flank the square in both directions.

Jackson Square also features an open-air artist market and performance space, with local art displayed along the fence. While there, browse the art, dance to a brass band, have your fortune told, or have a sketch done on the spot.

Taking a carriage ride

If your mom is not up for walking, unveiling the city’s colorful past is as easy as taking a mule-drawn carriage ride through the streets of the French Quarter. Just grab a first-come-first-serve French Quarter Mule Tour offered by Royal Carriages on Decatur Street right outside the Jackson Square gate, from 8 a.m. through midnight daily. Some tour packages stick to the Quarter only; others venture out to the Marigny or St. Louis Cemetery #1.

Shopping

Besides what the French Market and the shops surrounding Jackson Square have to offer, you can head down to the chic boutiques lining Chartres Street, branching off the square and leading to Canal Street.

One of the most popular destinations on the Chartres Street retail row is Hemline, which carries a well-curated shoe and women’s fashion collection from local and national brands. Also on Chartres, the well-hidden United Apparel Liquidators (UAL) is unsurpassed for hunting name brands with deep discounts (and even some haute couture). And, if you head to Canal Street, there’s a slew of upscale retailers at The Shops at Canal Place.

Dining

It’s going to be easy to impress your mom with dozens of stunning options in the French Quarter and nearby. You’ll be in good hands at the enchanting Sylvain on Chartres Street, with a candlelit bar and a lovely patio. The charming Bayona also offers a patio, along with a historic setting of a two-century-old Creole cottage on a quiet block of Dauphine Street.

If you want to go with the upscale Creole cuisine in unbeatable locations, then Tujague’s, Napoleon House, or Muriel’s Jackson Square won’t steer you wrong. For something less traditional but still sophisticated, head to Cane & Table for a top-notch cocktail and small plates, or hit the hole-in-the-wall Cuban gem, Manolito. Of course, the one and only Galatoire’s needs no introduction (where you’ll be lucky to get a table).

Finally, why not wrap up with a glass of bubbly and the world-famous Bananas Foster in a lush courtyard at Brennan’s, flambeed tableside? Giving back to your mom has never been easier.

Coming to New Orleans this spring?

We’d love for you to stay with us! Take advantage of our specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.

For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime, and your mom won’t have to do all this walking!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Last-Minute Essentials Near Hotel St. Marie

The French Quarter location of Rouses on Royal Street

The French Quarter is party central, but it’s also home to thousands of locals, who do what residents everywhere do: shop for groceries and do their laundry. Forgot your razor? Fancy a bottle of wine? You don’t have to wander far to find what you need, along with an only-in-New-Orleans ambiance.

CVS (620 Decatur St.)

As in many cities, CVS is positioned directly across the street from Walgreens, and stocks many of the same items as its competitor. But insiders also know CVS as one of the best places in town to score good deals on champagne, wine and spirits.

Mary’s Ace Hardware Store (732 N. Rampart St.)

Mary’s doesn’t just stock hammers and spray paint but lots of handy stuff for visitors, from bike-repair kits to umbrellas, and perks include free coffee and off-street parking. Venture “a step above” to the second-floor kitchen & bath emporium, where you’ll also find shelves laden with local gourmet foods.

Matassa’s Market (1001 Dauphine St.)

For more than 85 years, French Quarter residents have stocked up on staples like milk and paper products at Matassa’s. But the real draw is their famous fried chicken and other hot-plate specials. The best part? This full-service grocery, deli and liquor store delivers to your door – for free!

Rouses Market (701 Royal St.)

This family-owned supermarket chain puts a distinctly local spin on grocery store staples, from grab-and-go boiled crawfish (in season) to dozens of fiery hot sauces. Rouse’s also boasts an excellent selection of wine, beer and spirits, which you can pick up on the fly until 1 a.m.

Suds Dem Duds (1101 Bourbon St.)

Got a load of laundry to do? Fire up your laptop with free Wi-Fi while your clothes cycle through the coin-up machines. Or get the VIP service, and ask for a pickup. Suds Dem Duds returns your clean, folded laundry the same day.

Walgreens (619 Decatur St.)

It’s got everything you’d expect at your own local Walgreens, including sunscreen essentials for tropical weather. But the Decatur St. branch is housed in an art deco building, complete with neon arches, and boasts a trove of New Orleans souvenirs like pralines and Cafe du Monde coffee, priced lower than in Quarter tourist shops.

And yes, you can walk to all of these places from this hotel. Take advantage of the Hotel St. Marie specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous French Quarter cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

 

Men’s Shopping in the French Quarter and Nearby

Chart a more leisurely course in and around the Quarter, where you’ll discover world-class menswear shops unique to New Orleans, along with trendy hotspots for t-shirts and sneakers. The best part? There are plenty of watering holes along the way.

Rubensteins

Canal Street, corner of St. Charles Avenue

Founded in 1924, this classic old-school haberdashery was the first retail store on Canal Street to open after Katrina, less than two months later. Talk about staying power! Repeatedly cited as a gold standard store by Esquire magazine, Rubensteins is known for its outstanding made-to-measure service, which tailors suits and shirts to your exact build. It also stocks a fine selection of off-the-rack designer suits, sportcoats, shirts, sportswear, shoes, and accessories. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for sales events, when they serve up cocktails on the house.

Meyer the Hatter

120 St. Charles Avenue, just off Canal Street

Nothing puts a spring in a man’s step like a snappy Panama or fedora. Just down the block from Rubensteins is the largest and most renowned hat store in the South. Family-owned since 1894, Meyer the Hatter stocks everything from bowlers, top hats and safari hats to newsboy caps, and boasts an extensive collection of fine Panama straws. A splurge here won’t break the bank, either. Frequent sales abound, and everyday prices range from $20 to $100 for most styles, while top-tier toppers like the Stetson Aficionado Panama ($145) are under $200.

George Bass

201 St. Charles Avenue

Known for its carefully curated collection of fine menswear, George Bass is a relative newcomer to the Canal Street/St. Charles Avenue corridor. First opened in 1985, it caters to guys who dress with continental flair but like to relax on the weekends. You’ll also find a small but choice selection of luggage, accessories, and personal grooming products, including Aesop hydrating skin toners and Art of Shaving straight and safety razors.

Sneaker Politics

216 Chartres Street and 226 Decatur Street

The streetwise sneaks at Sneaker Politics are the coolest kicks in town. When the Lafayette, LA-based store opened its first French Quarter outpost across from House of Blues, a long line of fans waited in the rain to get first dibs on the latest releases from Nike, Converse, and Vans. Their patience was rewarded when New Orleans-born rapper Curren$y showed up and started pouring free champagne. How cool is that?

Remember, you can walk to all these stores from your hotel! Take advantage of the Hotel St. Marie specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous French Quarter cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Getting Fit in the French Quarter

Yoga at the Cabildo. Image courtesy of Yoga at the Cabildo on Facebook

New Orleans may be the city that care forgot but that doesn’t mean it has to be the city where your fitness regime is forgotten, too. Admittedly, it’s not always easy to stay disciplined, especially on vacation. Between beignets, jambalaya, eggs Benedict and bourbon milk punch, the Crescent City offers many delicious ways to fall off the wagon, diet-wise.

But what most people don’t know is that the French Quarter also is host to several fantastic gyms, running paths and group exercise classes. If all else fails, just walking the Vieux Carré’s slate-paved sidewalks is a great way to plow through calories — strap on a pedometer and watch the steps add up alongside your sightseeing.

Craving a more intense burn? Here are some fantastic workouts that’ll take you into the vibrant, bustling heart of the French Quarter itself.

Running the Riverwalk

More than 16 million gallons of water roll down the mighty Mississippi River every minute — and with this sunny riverside run you’ll be getting in the flow right alongside them. Looking for an energizing two-mile route? Make a right when you hit the river, jog through scenic Woldenberg Park until you approach the Aquarium of the Americas, then double back and run to the opposite end of the Moonwalk (a paved path named for former mayor Moon Landrieu).

For a more challenging, 5.5-mile route, tack on a jaunt down Crescent Park. You’ll exit the Moonwalk, make a right on Decatur Street, follow it to Esplanade Avenue, turn right on Esplanade, and follow the signs to a beautiful 1.4-mile linear park connecting the Bywater, Marigny and French Quarter. Run to the end and back, and by the time you return to your room, you’ll have racked up almost a 10K.

P.S. Forget to pack your sneakers? The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, where you can snag a pair of discount designer running shoes, is just steps away from this path.

New Orleans Athletic Club

A local staple since 1872, frequented by stars ranging from Tennessee Williams to Clark Gable, this opulent gym is worth a visit even if all you do is splash in the pool. (Where else will you find chandeliers, ballrooms, a library, and a full bar alongside top-of-the-line fitness equipment and weights?) The daily drop-in rate includes admission to yoga and group exercise classes, or come for free as a member’s guest.

Pole Perfect Fitness

Sure, you can schedule a group pole class or a bachelorette party with this fitness studio located at The Shops at Canal Place, but Pole Perfect Fitness also offers a more serious fare — though still with a fun vibe — such as pole classes, hooping, and Pilates.

The Sweat Social

For many, high-energy group exercise classes are a great motivator. (You’re not going to phone in your workout when an instructor is right there demanding more reps, right?) The Sweat Social is a group exercise class geared toward travelers, offering yoga, high-intensity interval training, mat Pilates, bodyweight strength exercises, kickboxing, and many other workouts for people of all fitness levels.

Best of all, instructors encourage participants to mingle with team-building exercises, icebreakers, and raffles — so who knows, you might find a new drinking buddy to grab cocktails with after class. Scheduled on demand, classes are held in central locations in the French Quarter. Pricing varies depending on the type of class and group size.

Yoga at the Cabildo

This elegant building housed the Spanish colonial building in the 1700s, and now it’s a venue for yoga classes (also, a museum). For a double dose of history and fitness all under one French mansard roof, check out Yoga at the Cabildo. Appropriate for all practice levels, classes take place in a sunny, high-ceilinged room overlooking Jackson Square on Saturdays at 9 a.m. They are $20, or $10 for Friends of the Cabildo members.

Remember, you can walk to all these venues from your hotel! Take advantage of the Hotel St. Marie specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous French Quarter cuisine and enjoying everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!