Reasons to Visit NOLA in May
10 Reasons to Visit NOLA This May Besides Jazz Fest.
It’s embarrassing really – that one city should have so many great things to do just in one month. Seriously, one or two of these festivals should move to Ohio or something. Still, since it is what it is, you owe it to yourself to get out there this May and soak up your share of the splendor. If the lineup for the second weekend of Jazz Fest (May 4-7) doesn’t get you to NOLA, here are some other events that ought to sweeten the gumbo pot.
NOLA Crawfish Festival (May 1-3)
The second annual NOLA Crawfish Festival at Central City Barbecue is the quintessential New Orleans experience. The line-up includes George Porter Jr., John Medeski, Eric Krasno, Luther Dickinson, Jon Cleary, Ivan Neville, and more in various unique supergroup formations. Learn more.
40th Annual Whitney Zoo-To-Do (May 5)
A wild time is guaranteed at the Whitney Zoo-To-Do. This year, the event will celebrate the expansion of Jaguar Jungle at the Audubon Zoo. Headline entertainment is Jessie’s Girls, and more than 70 renown New Orleans restaurants will be on hand to make sure your tummy doesn’t growl louder than the jaguar. Find out more.
Crawfish Mambo (May 13)
Join us at the University of New Orleans for the city’s largest crawfish cook-off, featuring all you can eat mudbugs and non-stop entertainment by Parish Avenue, Category Six, Dash Rip Rock, the Top Cats, and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Learn more.
Mother’s Day Brunch (May 14)
Give mom what she really wants this year: Brunch with you. If there’s any day of the year when she shouldn’t have to cook, this is it. Visit NewOrleansRestaurants.com for great ideas all over town.
HNOC Concert in the Courtyard (May 19)
This month, The Historic New Orleans Collection’s monthly Concert in the Courtyard features a live outdoor performance by the Sweet Olive String Band. For nonmembers, admission is $10 and includes complimentary beverages (beer or white wine). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more.
Bayou Boogaloo (May 19-21)
This free festival is as NOLA as it gets with live music, food and arts. This year’s lineup features Cupid, Jon Cleary& the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Cracker, Tank & the Bangas, Chris Thomas King, New Breed Brass Band, Marco Benevento and more. Check out the festival website: http://www.thebayouboogaloo.com/
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (May 25-28)
At the end of the month, foodies, wine aficionados, art connoisseurs, and music lovers will head down to NOLA for the 25th New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. Hundreds of wineries and restaurants will be cooking up a good time at various venues throughout the French Quarter. Learn more here.
Greek Fest (May 26-28)
Get your opa going on Bayou St. John! Enjoy homemade Greek wine, food and desserts galore; traditional Greek dancing, and a live Greek band. Tour the beautiful Cathedral, visit the kids’ area and much more. Get details here.
Tremé/7th Ward Arts & Culture Festival (May 27-29)
The inaugural Tremé/7th Ward Arts & Culture Festival will celebrate Memorial Day Weekend “Under the Bridge” with live music, seminars and even a “Baby Doll Pub Crawl.” Learn more.
Bayou Country Superfest (May 26-28)
Put on your cowboy hat and head over to the Superdome to see Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Brooks and Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Hank Williams, Jr. and more. The three-day Superfest kicks off with a free evening concert in Champions Square. Find out more.