Springtime Magic in New Orleans
March, April & May at Hotel Provincial
Spring is one of the most spectacular times of year in New Orleans, and there’s no better home base for the season than Hotel Provincial in the heart of the French Quarter. From March through May, the city bursts into bloom with jasmine-scented air, sun-drenched courtyards, and that perfect sweet spot of warm days and breezy evenings. It’s weather made for crawfish boils, strolling historic streets, lingering over café au lait, and enjoying festivals nearly every weekend. Spring offers an unbeatable combination of color, culture, and celebration.
Photo credit: experienceneworleans.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parades, March 14–17
New Orleans celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with signature flair — think marching clubs, Irish pride, and throws that include cabbages, carrots, and potatoes for an Irish stew, along with Mardi Gras-style beads. Several parades roll across the metro area, including the beloved Irish Channel parade (March 14), the Metairie Road parade (March 15), and festivities on St. Patrick’s Day itself (March 17). Visitors staying in the French Quarter can also easily catch Irish-themed celebrations in local bars, spilling out onto the streets. For routes, times, and tips, visit stpatricksdayneworleans.com.
Photo credit: experienceneworleans.com
Super Sunday with the Mardi Gras Indians, March 15
Few cultural experiences are as rich in authenticity as Super Sunday, when the Mardi Gras Indians gather to parade in full regalia. Feathered suits, intricate beadwork, chanting, and drumming transform the streets into a living work of art rooted in centuries of Black and Indigenous tradition. The Downtown Super Sunday typically begins near A.L. Davis Park and winds through Central City. It’s an unforgettable glimpse into one of the city’s most sacred cultural traditions.
Photo credit: mardigrasneworleans.com
Eastertime
The French Quarter is a lovely spot to celebrate Easter. The Cathedral bells chime and three parades roll, including the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade, the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade, and the Gay Easter Parade. Food-wise you have your your pick of world-famous brunch spots or you can take a riverboat cruise on the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen. The Crescent City Classic 10K is also the Saturday before Easter. It’s famous for it’s after party in City Park.
Photo credit: Steamboat Natchez
French Quarter Festival, April 16–19
Just steps from Hotel Provincial, this beloved four-day celebration showcases the very best of Louisiana music, food, and community spirit. Spanning the French Quarter riverfront and nearby streets, French Quarter Festival features hundreds of local musicians across multiple stages–from jazz and brass bands to zydeco and funk–alongside dishes from the city’s most iconic restaurants. It’s free, festive, and deeply local, making it a favorite among residents and visitors alike.
Photo credit: Missy Fields Dalton
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 23–May 3
Known worldwide simply as “Jazz Fest,” this legendary event blends international headliners with the cultural traditions that define Louisiana. Held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, the festival celebrates not just music but also regional cuisine, crafts, and heritage. Expect everything from gospel and jazz to rock, R&B, Cajun, and beyond — plus unforgettable food like crawfish bread and mango freeze. Many visitors plan their entire New Orleans trip around these two weekends. Buses depart from the French Quarter making the to and fros easy.
Photo credit: experienceneworleans.com
Bayou Boogaloo, May 15–17
Mid-May brings Bayou Boogaloo, a laid-back neighborhood festival along the banks of Bayou St. John. Locals float in the water while listening to live music from the shore, browse art vendors, and savor delicious food from regional favorites. It’s casual, colorful, and quintessentially New Orleans.
Photo credit: Bayou Boogaloo
Why Spring Stays at Hotel Provincial Are So Special
After a day of parades, music, and exploration, returning to Hotel Provincial feels like stepping into a tranquil oasis. The hotel offers quiet courtyards, classic Creole charm, and easy access to everything that makes spring in New Orleans unforgettable.
Whether you come for Irish revelry, cultural traditions, world-class music, or simply the joy of wandering flower-filled streets beneath wrought-iron balconies, spring in New Orleans delivers magic at every turn–and Hotel Provincial places you right at the center of it all. Book now.