New Orleans prepares for its most celebrated musical pilgrimage—the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For two magical weekends spanning April 24-27 and May 1-4, 2025, the Fair Grounds Race Course will transform into a cultural epicenter where music, cuisine, crafts, and heritage converge in a celebration that has defined Louisiana's cultural identity for over five decades.

Anticipation builds for the 2025 French Quarter Festival, scheduled for April 10-13. The coming celebration promises to transform the Quarter into a maze of melodies, with over 20 stages scattered throughout the historic district like jewels in an elaborate crown.

New Orleans, often whispered about as "the northernmost Caribbean city," is a mesmerizing cultural archipelago on the mainland—where Creole traditions, Caribbean rhythms, island flavors, and colonial architecture blend seamlessly with Southern hospitality, creating an intoxicating destination that offers the best of both worlds.

From the famed Irish Channel parades to neighborhood block parties, New Orleans celebrates the Irish holiday with a distinctive local flair. Here is what you can expect to experience when celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Big Easy:

The Orpheum Theatre, a magnificent Beaux Arts landmark just steps from our hotel, has been enchanting New Orleans audiences since 1918. Originally designed for vaudeville by architect G. Albert Lansburgh, this architectural masterpiece features intricate plasterwork, a domed ceiling, and renowned acoustics that have made it a favorite venue for performers and audiences alike.

Music Month in New Orleans is a vibrant, month-long music extravaganza in October, showcasing the city's rich and diverse sounds. From jazz to blues, funk to zydeco, New Orleans pulses with live performances, parades, and street festivals throughout the month.

Are you planning your first trip to the Big Easy? Good call! To help you make the most of your inaugural visit, we've compiled a list of must-do experiences that capture the essence of our beloved city.

Just steps away from Maison Pierre Lafitte stands one of New Orleans' most beloved cultural landmarks: the magnificent Orpheum Theater. This architectural marvel has been captivating audiences for over a century, hosting world-class performances and adding to the rich tapestry of our city's artistic heritage. Built in 1918, the Orpheum Theater began its life as a vaudeville house, showcasing the era's top variety acts.

A Legacy of Culture and Empowerment, The Essence Festival, often called "the party with a purpose," has been a cornerstone of Black culture and empowerment since its inception in 1995. What started as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine has grown into the largest African American culture and music festival in the United States.

In a city renowned for its musical heritage, few events capture the spirit of New Orleans quite like the Jazz and Heritage Festival. And when two musical titans like the Rolling Stones and Irma Thomas share the stage, magic is bound to happen. At the 2024 edition of the festival, these iconic artists came together for a historic performance that left audiences spellbound and reaffirmed New Orleans' status as the soulful heart of American music.

In the heart of the vibrant city of New Orleans lies an extraordinary event that captures the essence of the city's cultural tapestry—the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For over fifty years, this iconic celebration has been a beacon for travelers from all corners of the globe, inviting them to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and vibrant energy of the Big Easy.

Originating in 1984, the festival was conceived by a group of local business owners and music enthusiasts with a simple yet ambitious goal—to showcase the rich musical heritage of New Orleans and celebrate the unique culture of the French Quarter. What began as a modest event featuring a handful of musical performances has since blossomed into one of the largest free music festivals in the South, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year.

In the heart of New Orleans lies a cultural mosaic unlike any other, shaped by centuries of history, tradition, and diversity. At the core of this vibrant tapestry is Creole culture—a fusion of African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences that has left an indelible mark on the city's identity.

While the exact origin may be unclear, "The Big Easy" has become a beloved and widely accepted nickname for New Orleans, evoking a sense of the city's vibrant and leisurely atmosphere. The nickname reflects the rich cultural heritage, music scene, and the generally easygoing lifestyle that characterizes New Orleans.