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LIVE: On Stage!

May 02, 2017

Bursting at the Seams

In many communities the final notes of Spring are indicators that residents will be heading out for vacations to the beach or the mountains, and that social activities in the town will be taking a break or ceasing completely.

As is this town’s style, New Orleans does not zig or zag on the same schedule as everyone else. The pace of festivals and theatrical presentations, in fact, only increases during the onset of summer.

Beyond the Quarter

by Ryan Tramonte

May 02, 2017

I love mayonnaise almost as much as Barry Manilow loves a weekend in New England.

I have never met a mayo I didn’t like, and I have never met a dish that didn’t benefit from knowing a spoonful of it. Mayo isn’t the only condiment my unsophisticated palette has warmed up to. In fact, I can’t imagine life without any of them: ketchup, mustard, sriracha, the Bywater! Wait, did I say the Bywater? Yes … yes, I did.

Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival

by French Quarterly

February 03, 2017

The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival returns to the historic French Quarter for its 31st annual gathering to celebrate the genius of Tennessee Williams, who once called New Orleans his “spiritual home,” joined by contemporary artists who are as honest and unflinching in their examination of the human condition as the Festival’s patron playwright. Founded in 1986 by a group of cultural enthusiasts, the Festival has grown from a small gathering of 500 to a five-day literary and multi-cultural event, which sees 11,000+ seats filled yearly.

Spring Flings, Festivals, and Fun!

by Kim Welsh

February 03, 2017

The “Greatest Show on Earth,” otherwise known as Mardi Gras will be celebrated this year on February 28th. The biggest free party thrown in North America always falls 46 days before Easter and is the city's most popular attraction. Visitors and locals alike love the party atmosphere, the crowds, costumed revelers, and the camaraderie.

Springtime for Theater Goers!

by Brenda Maitland

February 03, 2017

What a great time of the year! It’s a reawakening season after the annual winter’s nap. Suddenly nature decides that it’s time to bud forth once again, and social agendas pick up dramatically.

Our cultural and theatrical offerings are emerging in spectacular fashion after the Mardi Gras madness.

Holiday Shopping

by French Quarterly

October 31, 2016

It is no surprise that New Orleans is consistently ranked as one of the “Best Cities for Shopping” and during the holidays it is a real treat to be in the French Quarter where our thriving artists' community creates truly unique gifts. Window-shop and step inside as you stroll along the Vieux Carre’s scenic and historic streets while admiring the festive holiday décor and magnificent 18th century architecture.

Curtain Calls!

by Brenda Maitland

October 31, 2016

It’s Holiday Season in the Big Easy and that can only mean: 1.) the decorative lighting and seasonal spirits will be brighter, 2.) the holiday music and local traditional jazz will eventually blend into the Carnival craziness, 3.) residents and visitors alike may have some difficulty deciding on activities among the myriad of choices during this unique cavalcade of events.

Festive Holiday Happenings In and Around the Vieux Carre

by Kim Welsh

October 31, 2016

In New Orleans, holiday traditions are as thick as roux as we roll out the red (and green) carpet for visitors and locals alike. Exquisite sights, wonderful Creole food, long-treasured Creole traditions spiced with 21st-century fun, and jazz concerts abound. When Louis Armstrong put his gravelly vocals to smooth brass on the swinging 1955 recording of "Christmas in New Orleans," his voice was like New Orleans itself... a unique blend of rough edges and refinement. Our well-worn and mightily loved Crescent City is decked out in lights, bows, and sparkle, ready for the season's pageantry.

Royal Carriages Celebrates 75th Anniversary

by French Quarterly

August 01, 2016

Three generations ago, in 1941, Clem and Violet Lauga purchased a horse-drawn wagon from Aunt Sally’s Pralines, and thus began Royal Carriages. Scenic wagon rides throughout the cobblestone streets of the old French Quarter quickly evolved into entertaining narrated tours explaining the unique history and culture of New Orleans, and the small family owned business began to grow.

Voodoo and Restless Spirits of the Vieux Carre

by Kim Welsh

August 01, 2016

In the land of voodoo, vampires, and witchcraft, it’s no wonder that America’s most haunted city is rife with tales of restless spirits. Native Americans warned French settlers not to build a city on this “cursed land.” Louisiana Voodoo originated from the traditions of the African diaspora as a cultural form of the Afro-American religions that developed within the French, Spanish, and Creole speaking African American population of Louisiana. It is an African-based religion rooted in West African Vodun.

"We're Bringing Dirty Back," Dirty Linen Night Celebrating 15 years

by Thierry Dumont

August 01, 2016

The French Quarter has always been a place of celebration, street performers, musicians and artists. All this will be on display at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Quarter's fun and notorious Dirty Linen Night, which began as a reaffirmation of the Vieux Carre's status as the artistic center of New Orleans.