Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, New Orleans French Quarter, LA

Independence Day takes on an exciting spin in the Big Easy, where celebration's always front and center. Starting at...

Independence Day takes on an exciting spin in the Big Easy, where celebration's always front and center. Starting at noon, live bands and entertainers perform along the riverfront, and the festivities culminate with the dazzling Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza on the Mississippi at 9pm. Rated in the country's top five by American Pyrotechnic Association, this a show you can't miss!

Hours: Thu, Jul 4, 2013

Perhaps the biggest bash of the year for Crescent City's gay community, this flamboyant festival draws over 100,000...

Perhaps the biggest bash of the year for Crescent City's gay community, this flamboyant festival draws over 100,000 attendees each year. Parties and concerts are held in clubs and along the streets throughout the weekend, but the main attraction is Sunday's parade and related festivities. Held along Bourbon Street, this weekend offers 'round the clock fun. Buy weekend passes in advance!

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Wed, Aug 28, 2013 Thu, Aug 29, 2013 Fri, Aug 30, 2013 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 Sun, Sep 1, 2013 Mon, Sep 2, 2013

Drawing from the waters of N'awlins, this festival's THE place to find your pick of fresh seafood, seasoned with the...

Drawing from the waters of N'awlins, this festival's THE place to find your pick of fresh seafood, seasoned with the flavors of the region and prepared by Crescent City's top chefs. Patrons nosh on these yummy creations at foodbooths and marvel as they watch the exciting cooking demonstrations. There is also live music. A treat for anyone who loves to cook or eat!

Hours: Event times vary; call for details October 2013

A hallmark event for the local African American community, this football game between Southern University and Grambling...

A hallmark event for the local African American community, this football game between Southern University and Grambling State University draws zealous fans each year. Be sure to come for the whole weekend so you don't miss out on any of the festivities. The Battle of the Bands and Greek Festival is sure to be a hit, and the Fan Festival gets everyone fired up! The game will be held at 1pm on Saturday, and Battle of the Bands at 7pm Friday night. Check website for other events.

Hours: Fri, Nov 23, 2012: 7pm Sat, Nov 24, 2012: 1pm

Held the last Saturday of each month, this outdoor artist showcase serves up a great reason to visit the Carrollton...

Held the last Saturday of each month, this outdoor artist showcase serves up a great reason to visit the Carrollton section of Uptown. Stunning pieces of glasswork, jewelry, woodwork, paintings and ceramics are always on display at the market, and there's also live entertainment provided in the Musician's Tent and fun activities for the kids in the Children's Tent.

Hours: Sat, Nov 24, 2012: 10am - 4pm Sun, Nov 25, 2012: 10am - 4pm Sat, Dec 15, 2012: 10am - 4pm Sun, Dec 16, 2012: 10am - 4pm

No one knows how to celebrate quite like the crowds that frequent the streets of N'awlins ... especially on New Year's...

No one knows how to celebrate quite like the crowds that frequent the streets of N'awlins ... especially on New Year's Eve! Head to Jackson Square for this annual celebration, where the countdown ends with the dropping of the fleur de lis at Jax Brewery and an awesome fireworks show.

Hours: Mon, Dec 31, 2012

The first of January marks a landmark college gridiron battle -- The Sugar Bowl. Allstate sponsors the event, and...

The first of January marks a landmark college gridiron battle -- The Sugar Bowl. Allstate sponsors the event, and tourists flock to the Superdome to watch their favorite teams fight to the end! Tickets go on sale in March, so call ahead for exact dates and pricing information.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Wed, Jan 2, 2013

Eat, drink and be merry! This festival celebrates the art of the cocktail. Drinks in every flavor imaginable, from...

Eat, drink and be merry! This festival celebrates the art of the cocktail. Drinks in every flavor imaginable, from lemon-lime to cherry to mint allure taste buds, and events are hosted by a captivating group of experts, such as mixologists, chefs and authors. Dinners, cocktail parties, walking tours and seminars are among the annual festivities.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Wed, Jul 17, 2013 Thu, Jul 18, 2013 Fri, Jul 19, 2013 Sat, Jul 20, 2013 Sun, Jul 21, 2013

This month long event draws hundreds of spectators. To celebrate the season, Jackson Square fills with carolers, choirs...

This month long event draws hundreds of spectators. To celebrate the season, Jackson Square fills with carolers, choirs and musical artists who all joyfully sing at Christmas. There are candlelight processions, free concerts and the luminated beauty of Jackson Square and the French Quarter. Additional activities include guided candlelight tours of historical homes and private courtyards, as well as a number of events such as bonfires and holiday lights held across the city. Most events are free, but call ahead for listings and prices.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sat, Dec 1, 2012 Sun, Dec 2, 2012 Mon, Dec 3, 2012 Tue, Dec 4, 2012 Wed, Dec 5, 2012 Thu, Dec 6, 2012 Fri, Dec 7, 2012 Sat, Dec 8, 2012 Sun, Dec 9, 2012 Mon, Dec 10, 2012 Tue, Dec 11, 2012 Wed, Dec 12, 2012 Thu, Dec 13, 2012 Fri, Dec 14, 2012 Sat, Dec 15, 2012 Sun, Dec 16, 2012 Mon, Dec 17, 2012 Tue, Dec 18, 2012 Wed, Dec 19, 2012 Thu, Dec 20, 2012 Fri, Dec 21, 2012 Sat, Dec 22, 2012 Sun, Dec 23, 2012 Mon, Dec 24, 2012 Tue, Dec 25, 2012 Wed, Dec 26, 2012 Thu, Dec 27, 2012 Fri, Dec 28, 2012 Sat, Dec 29, 2012 Sun, Dec 30, 2012 Mon, Dec 31, 2012

This five day event features a champagne brunch, wine dinners and tastings, cooking demonstrations and seminars...

This five day event features a champagne brunch, wine dinners and tastings, cooking demonstrations and seminars conducted by premier chefs, vintners and wine consultants. At the Royal Street stroll, local galleries open their doors to pedestrians, who sip provided samples while browsing the collections, and live jazz bands provide street side entertainment. Past participants include the Food Network's Dave Lieberman and Wine Wednesday's radio host, Ziggy "the Wine Gal" Eschliman.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Tue, May 21, 2013 Wed, May 22, 2013 Thu, May 23, 2013 Fri, May 24, 2013 Sat, May 25, 2013