Mardi Gras 2003!

Event Starts: Feb 14, 2003
Event Ends: Mar 4, 2003

Mardi Gras is New Orleans' legendary holiday. From colorful, freewheeling celebrations in the streets to formal masquerade balls, Mardi Gras is a magical time when Carnival royalty and merriment reign side by side. Parades begin early and continue past sundown.. Parade schedule will be posted as soon is available....

Black Heritage Festival

Event Starts: Mar 15, 2003
Event Ends: Mar 16, 2003

Armstrong Park comes alive when it becomes the site of a celebration of Black Heritage and the contributions made by African-Americans to the rich culture of Louisiana. Local music and culinary greats will be on hand to entertain visitors. Look for an array of artisans selling their most beautiful ethnic artifacts, and listen to the sounds of local gospel and jazz greats. Delicious cuisine including crawfish boats, shrimp pies and pita stuffed sandwiches will be available for purchase.

Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade

Event Starts: Mar 15, 2003
Event Starts: Mar 15, 2003

These folks toss more than just beads and doubloons. Cabbage, potatoes, and carrots are the most coveted throws at this Magazine Street parade.

St. Joseph's Day Festigamente

Event Starts: Mar 18, 2003
Event Starts: Mar 21, 2003

New Orleans celebrates its Italian heritage with—what else?—food, music, and parades. The St. Joseph's altars overflowing with lavish Italian delicacies are the highlight of the festivities.

Tennessee Williams Literary Festival

Event Starts: Mar 26, 2003
Event Starts: Mar 30, 2003

Area literati flock to the Quarter to commemorate the life and work of one of the city's most beloved artists-in-residence. There are theatrical productions, readings, lectures, literary walking tours—even a "Stella!" shouting contest. www.tennesseewilliams.net

French Quarter Festival 2003

Event Starts: Apr 10, 2003
Event Ends : Apr 13, 2003

This party began as a festival for locals and has grown to attract visitors from all over the country. Centered in and around Jackson Square, the festivities include tours of historic homes, riverfront music concerts, fun events, and great Creole food. www.frenchquarterfestivals.org

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Event Starts: Apr 25, 2003
Event Ends : May 4, 2003

The world's premier music event. The dates for Jazz Fest 2003 are Friday to Sunday, April 25-27 and Thursday to Sunday May 1-4. Bands are never announced until a few weeks beforehand, but the bands are usually the best in the country, so check back often for the latest performers scheduled to appear! www.nojazzfest.com

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

Event Starts: May 21, 2003
Event Ends : May 25, 2003

For obvious reasons, food-lovers really love New Orleans. If you're a wine buff, join them for tastings, symposia, and vintner dinners during the 12th annual NOWFE. www.nowfe.com

Greek Festival

Event Starts: May 23, 2003
Event Ends : May 25, 2003

A real local favorite, the annual festival near the Lakefront features Greek dancing, food, and music. www.greekfestnola.com

International Arts Festival

Event Starts: Jun 7, 2003
Event Ends : Jun 9, 2003

New Orleans is often called the Caribbean's northernmost city. If you're in City Park's Marconi Meadow during this celebration of the music and culture of the African Diaspora, you'll understand why.

Go 4th On The River: July 4

Event Starts: Jul 4, 2003
Event Ends : Jul 4, 2003

The annual July 4th extravaganza takes place on the Riverfront with outdoor concerts and a fireworks display.

Essence Music Festival: July 3-5

Event Starts: Jul 3, 2003
Event Ends : Jul 5, 2003

This festival, sponsored by Coca-Cola?, attracts some of the biggest R & B performers in the world to the Superdome and features nightly performances and a variety of daytime seminars. www.essence.com

Satchmo SummerFest

Event Starts: Aug 1, 2003
Event Ends : Aug 3, 2003

"What a Wonderful World" you'll discover during this weekend honoring Louis Armstrong, his music, and his life. Fest boasts a star-studded musical lineup, intimate seminars, a jazz Mass, a second-line parade, and children's activities. www.frenchquarterfestivals.org

Southern Decadence: August 27— September 1

Event Starts: Aug 27, 2003
Event Ends : Sep 1, 2003

This annual gathering of gay men and women has been in with the "out" crowd for more than 30 years. It's a delicious dance to the departing summer. www.southerndecadence.org

Swamp Festival
Event Starts: Oct 3, 2003
Event Ends : Oct 5, 2003

Cajun food, music, and crafts salute Louisiana's bayou country with events at Audubon Zoo and Woldenberg Riverfront Park. www.auduboninstitute.org or 1-866-ITS-A-ZOO.

New Orleans Film & Video Festival: (15th annual)

Event Starts: Oct 9, 2003
Event Ends : Oct 16, 2003

This week-long event features premieres and executive film screenings, an independent filmmaker's showcase, workshops, and receptions and parties for visiting industry professionals. www.neworleansfilmfest.com

Fresh Art Festival

Event Starts: Oct 17, 2003
Event Ends : Oct 19, 2003

A free public arts festival of the Arts Council of New Orleans, showcasing one-of-a-kind works by 70 artists, from paintings and sculpture to jewelry and furniture. Plus, there are hands-on activities for young children and art demonstrations to delight all ages. www.artscouncilofneworleans.org

Voodoo Music Experience

Event Starts: Nov 1, 2003
Event Ends : Nov 1, 2003

Only the latest, coolest rock acts take to the stage at this Halloween-themed music festival in City Park. This one is all about the music. www.voodoomusicfest.com

Christmas New Orleans Style: December

Event Starts: Dec 1, 2003
Event Ends : Dec 31, 2003

At this month-long celebration of the season and the senses, you can feast on sumptuous "Reveillon" dinners, enjoy free nightly concerts at the Cathedral, and ride a carriage through the ancient oaks during City Park's breathtaking light display. www.frenchquarterfestivals.org

Words and Music Festival

Event Starts: Dec 4, 2003
Event Ends : Dec 8, 2003

New Orleans honors William Faulkner for six days of enlightenment and entertainment with well-known authors, editors, agents, and entertainers. The cerebral feast is spiced with a blend of great local music and food. www.wordsandmusic.org

Louisiana Purchase Reenactment

Event Starts: Dec 20, 2003
Event Ends : Dec 20, 2003

National and international dignitaries will be on hand at the Louisiana State Museum's Cabildo in Jackson Square to reenact the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. (504) 568-6968