Visiting New Orleans In Spring

MARCH EVENTS

In March, New Orleans comes alive with early‑spring energy, blending rich cultural traditions, bold Creole flavors, lively parades, and mild, comfortable weather. As winter fades, the city’s streets and courtyards buzz with festivals, live music, and outdoor celebrations, creating the perfect setting to explore historic neighborhoods and soak up the season. From St. Patrick’s Day parades in the Irish Channel to live music in Lafayette Square and literary festivals across town, March is when locals and visitors alike take to the streets, patios, and parks. Expect great food, crawfish season in full swing, and weather that’s ideal for exploring historic neighborhoods on foot or by streetcar.  See below for the can’t‑miss events, eats, and experiences happening this March.

Women's History Month

From restaurants and tour companies to bars, boutiques, fitness studios, and spas, the Crescent City is home to an impressive range of businesses founded and led by women. Their menus, cocktails, experiences, and curated offerings earn the praise, but it is their creativity, resilience, and dedication beyond the storefront that truly set them apart.
For a closer look at the talent driving the city’s dining scene, explore this list of top female chefs or this list of femal owned businesses in New Orleans and taste firsthand just how confidently women lead the way.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

In New Orleans, St. Patrick’s Day is less about a single date and more about a shared sense of celebration that builds throughout the week. While March 17 marks the official holiday, the city leans into the moment early with parades, neighborhood gatherings, and a distinctly local brand of revelry. Expect lively street scenes, classic Irish traditions with a New Orleans twist, and crowds ready to celebrate from morning to night. By the time the weekend arrives, the city is fully in motion, turning St. Patrick’s Day into one of March’s most spirited traditions.

St. Patrick's Day Events

3/14/2026 - Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade
3/14/2026 - The Official Lucky's St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl - New Orleans
3/17/2026 - Downtown Irish Club St. Patrick's Day Parade
3/17/2026 - St. Patrick's Day Balcony Party

Crawfish Season is Here!

By March, crawfish take center stage across New Orleans, with seafood markets and restaurant menus leaning fully into the season. Whether you prefer them boiled and piled high, worked into classic dishes, or picked up raw for a backyard boil, options are everywhere and impossible to ignore. Fridays in March bring another local tradition into the mix, when neighborhood schools and churches serve up fish plates that turn a simple meal into a weekly ritual.

New Orleans Book Festival

March brings one of the city’s most anticipated literary gatherings back to Uptown as the New Orleans Book Festival returns to Tulane University from March 12 through 15. Over the course of four days, the campus will host a wide range of author talks, conversations, lectures, and special events designed for readers of all ages. A full family focused day will offer children’s readings along with complimentary book distributions. The 2026 roster features notable names including Stacey Abrams, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ken Burns, and more. All festival programming is free and open to the public.

Tennessee Williams + Saints & Sinners Literary Festivals

Late March brings two more celebrated literary gatherings to New Orleans, each offering its own take on storytelling and creative exchange. From March 25 through 29, the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival returns, marking its 40th year with a packed schedule of conversations, readings, performances, and social events inspired by the playwright’s legacy. Just days later, the Saints and Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival takes place March 27 through 29, creating an inclusive space for LGBTQ voices through panels, author readings, and community driven programming.