February 13, 2026
Spring in the French Quarter announces itself with music in the air and a calendar that refuses to slow down. As the weather turns warms up, festival season takes hold, transforming the neighborhood into a nonstop celebration of sound, flavor, and culture. It begins with St. Patrick’s Day when a sea of men in green tuxedos and kilts flood the streets. April 16-19th is French Quarter Fest when local musicians fill stages tucked along the river and through hidden courtyards, reminding everyone why the city’s music scene is unmatched. Four days later, Jazz Fest draws the world to New Orleans, with days spent at the Fair Grounds and nights flowing back into the Quarter for late shows, cocktails, and after-hours revelry. By the time Cinco de Mayo arrives, the party feels effortless! Margaritas clink in candlelit bars, street corners buzz with laughter, and the French Quarter proves once again that spring is not just a season here, but a state of mind.
Pat O’Brien’s
718 St. Peter Street
patobriens.com
If you’re looking for an unforgettable spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans, Pat O’Brien’s is a fantastic choice. This legendary bar isn’t just a place to grab a drink, it’s an institution deeply woven into the city’s cultural fabric. Founded in 1933 and housed in a historic French Quarter building, Pat O’Brien’s is known for its lively atmosphere, rich history, and signature experiences like the flaming fountain in the courtyard and the famous Hurricane cocktail. Its open-air patio and iconic dueling piano bar create a festive backdrop that naturally complements the energy of St. Patrick’s festivities.
On St. Patrick’s Day, Pat O’Brien’s embraces the spirit of the holiday with themed drink and food specials, live music, and a party vibe. The bar features special offerings including Irish-inspired drinks like the playful Fuzzy Leprechaun blending vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and Blue Curacao. For those looking for a refreshing and light drink, the Mint Julep fills the bill with bourbon and simple syrup muddled with fresh mint. Their Bloody Mary is the perfect spring festival day drink. It has Pat O' Brien's Bloody Mary Mix and vodka topped with spiced green beans, an olive, and a lime. It’s the breakfast of champions! Outdoor entertainment keeps the celebration going from early afternoon into the evening. Whether you’re enjoying the courtyard by the flaming fountain, singing along with dueling pianos, or simply raising a glass with friends, Pat O’Brien’s blends New Orleans charm with Irish holiday cheer in a way that’s hard to beat.
Kerry Irish Pub
331 Decatur Street
Visiting Kerry Irish Pub on St. Patrick’s Day is an unforgettable experience that blends Irish cheer with classic Louisiana revelry. On March 17th, this lively pub fills up early with locals and visitors eager to raise a proper pint of Guinness and soak up the festive atmosphere and non-stop energy throughout the day. The Kerry emphasizes quality pours and good times, making it a great stop if you’re hopping between events, pubs, and the Downtown Irish Club Parade route through the Quarter. A stop at The Kerry captures a spirited slice of Irish-American culture right in the heart of the Quarter. Laughter echoes over toasts and clinking glasses and conversations stretch into the evening. Whether you’re stopping in before the Downtown Irish Club parade or just winding down, celebrating here feels authentically New Orleans... easygoing, inclusive, and a bit mischievous. Live music is offered Thursday through Sunday year-round. On St. Patrick’s Day, they feature live Irish music from 12:30pm until the wee hours. The Downtown Irish Parade passes right in front of The Kerry! Put on your dancing shoes and raise the best pint of Guinness in the French Quarter. It’s expertly poured slowly; good to the last drop! Their Irish Mule is made with Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and ginger beer garnished with a lime. Refreshingly delicious! Their Irish Coffee is a great pick-me-up made with Irish Whiskey, a dash of sugar and piled high with whipped cream. Slainte!
Boondock Saint
731 Saint Peter Street
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Boondock Saint feels like a natural extension of the city’s love for revelry, ritual, and a good pint raised in good company. With its laid-back neighborhood vibe and unmistakable Irish spirit, Boondock Saint becomes a gathering place where locals and visitors mingle easily, dressed in shades of green and ready to toast the day. The bar’s unpretentious atmosphere, friendly staff, and steady flow of Irish whiskey, beer, and classic pub cocktails create the perfect backdrop for a holiday that’s as much about community as it is about celebration.
Boondock Saint is known for Guinness expertly poured. In fact, they recently won the annual New Orleans Perfect Pour contest! Try the Irish Coffee with hot coffee, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, and whipped cream on top. Or if you prefer, the Snakebite has a half pint of Magner’s Irish Cider and a half pint of Guinness Stout!
The Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta
300 Bourbon Street
thejazzplayhouse.com
If you’re here for French Quarter Fest or Jazz Fest, stopping by The Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta is a fantastic way to keep the music flowing. It offers an intimate Art Deco inspired setting where you can enjoy live jazz every night. The venue has been recognized locally as one of the city’s top jazz clubs, showcasing both stellar local musicians and touring performers in a space that feels classic yet lively, perfect for soaking in our rich musical culture. When the whole city buzzes with melodies, The Jazz Playhouse blends world-class music with a welcoming atmosphere. With handcrafted cocktails, small bites, and plush seating that puts you close to the stage, it’s a great place to unwind and hear some of the best jazz the city has to offer. The intimate acoustics help every note and solo shine making it a memorable complement to the festival’s energy.
Try their Hot Brass cocktail with Patron Reposado, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, lime juice, grapefruit juice, Allspice Dram, and vanilla syrup. The Basin Street Bramble has a perfect blend of Oxbow Rhum Louisiane Agricole, Giffard Crème de Mure, lime juice, and pure cane syrup. The Velvet Swing combines Remy Martin 1738, Julliette Peach Liqueur, and chai tea. You can’t go wrong at The Jazz Playhouse… their excellent service, impeccable cocktails and bites, and smooth jazz in a comfy setting are a perfect complement to a day at a festival.
Manolito
508 Dumaine Street
manolitonola.com
Cinco de Mayo at Manolito feels like a love letter to classic Cuban cocktail culture, delivered with New Orleans flair. Tucked just off Bourbon Street, the intimate bar hums with energy as bartenders in crisp guayaberas shake and stir with precision. The menu leans into tradition with perfectly balanced daiquiris, expertly made mojitos, and spirit-forward classics. Each cocktail showcases fresh ingredients and a respect for time-honored techniques. On Cinco de Mayo, the room buzzes with celebration, yet Manolito never loses its cool, offering a refined escape from the chaos just outside its doors. Sipping cocktails here on Cinco de Mayo is less about excess and more about savoring the moment and letting the celebration unfold sip by sip. In a city known for its parties, Manolito stands out by making Cinco de Mayo feel both festive and effortlessly sophisticated. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 5pm with 25% off blended cocktails, beer, and wine including their Margarita which rivals the best in the city.
Try El Presidente, Cuba's answer to the Manhattan when whiskey was not available on the island during WWII. It features their house rum blend, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Alessio Bianco Vermouth, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, and house grenadine. It is thrown from tin to tin, a technique that has maintained popularity through Spain, Italy, and Latin America. Manolito’s Daiquiri Natural is the classic or shaken daiquiri created in the small mining town of Daiquiri, Cuba. This simple yet elegant sour features white rum, fresh lime juice, and a little sugar. Their Floridita Daiquiri is perfect for warm weather; it’s the original frozen daiquiri from 1929, named after the bar behind which it was created. This cocktail features the same ingredients as the classic daiquiri, but substitutes the sugar for Luxardo Maraschino liqueur.
Espíritu
520 Capdeville Street
espiritunola.com
Visiting Espíritu on Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant way to celebrate the holiday with a uniquely flavorful twist. This cozy mezcaleria and Mexican bar offers one of the city’s best agave-forward cocktail programs, with expert bartenders crafting inventive drinks featuring over 80 types of mezcal and tequila, perfect for savoring festive margaritas, mezcal cocktails, or creative seasonal libations as you toast the day. Paired with authentic small plates and snacks that highlight fresh ingredients, your Cinco de Mayo at Espíritu is both a lively and delicious way to enjoy Mexican culture and spirits.
Mezcal is an acquired taste, but a taste worth acquiring! Pechuga mezcales are ceremonial and used to mark important dates. "Pechuga" literally means "poultry breast" and this type of mezcal is specially produced with an additional distillation in which fruits, nuts, spices, and often meat is added to the still! Because the mezcal is distilled with these things, it remains clear but takes on a subtle hint of flavor and a rich texture. It's completely different from a "flavored" spirit! Pechuga Minero is distilled in ancestral clay pot stills with crabapples, plaintains, pineapple, almonds, raisins, prunes, rice, anise, orange peels, and a chicken breast. Try a pechuga in your favorite cocktail for a novel taste treat. Their El Mojito Dragones is a dragon fruit mojito made with pure real dragon fruit, fresh mint, citrus-mint oleo sacchrum, fresh pressed lime, and most importantly it’s from Jalisco!
There are many great choices when choosing a place to wind down at the end of a long day. An evening on nearby Frenchmen Street unfolds like a perfectly improvised set, moving from one intimate lounge to the next, each with its own genre and spirit. At Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, the experience feels reverent with a classic cocktail in hand while world-class musicians deliver finely tuned jazz. Just steps away, DBA and The Spotted Cat pulse with raw New Orleans energy where jazz, swing, funk, and blues spill out onto the sidewalk. Three Muses adds a playful twist, pairing inventive cocktails and small plates with eclectic live performances that range from jazz to burlesque-tinged cabaret, while The Maison keeps the night moving late with upbeat sets and a lively upstairs crowd. Together, these stops create a quintessential Frenchmen Street crawl where cocktails, music, and the city’s soul flows seamlessly from door to door.
Pat O’Brien’s
718 St. Peter Street
patobriens.com
If you’re looking for an unforgettable spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans, Pat O’Brien’s is a fantastic choice. This legendary bar isn’t just a place to grab a drink, it’s an institution deeply woven into the city’s cultural fabric. Founded in 1933 and housed in a historic French Quarter building, Pat O’Brien’s is known for its lively atmosphere, rich history, and signature experiences like the flaming fountain in the courtyard and the famous Hurricane cocktail. Its open-air patio and iconic dueling piano bar create a festive backdrop that naturally complements the energy of St. Patrick’s festivities.
On St. Patrick’s Day, Pat O’Brien’s embraces the spirit of the holiday with themed drink and food specials, live music, and a party vibe. The bar features special offerings including Irish-inspired drinks like the playful Fuzzy Leprechaun blending vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and Blue Curacao. For those looking for a refreshing and light drink, the Mint Julep fills the bill with bourbon and simple syrup muddled with fresh mint. Their Bloody Mary is the perfect spring festival day drink. It has Pat O' Brien's Bloody Mary Mix and vodka topped with spiced green beans, an olive, and a lime. It’s the breakfast of champions! Outdoor entertainment keeps the celebration going from early afternoon into the evening. Whether you’re enjoying the courtyard by the flaming fountain, singing along with dueling pianos, or simply raising a glass with friends, Pat O’Brien’s blends New Orleans charm with Irish holiday cheer in a way that’s hard to beat.
Kerry Irish Pub
331 Decatur Street
Visiting Kerry Irish Pub on St. Patrick’s Day is an unforgettable experience that blends Irish cheer with classic Louisiana revelry. On March 17th, this lively pub fills up early with locals and visitors eager to raise a proper pint of Guinness and soak up the festive atmosphere and non-stop energy throughout the day. The Kerry emphasizes quality pours and good times, making it a great stop if you’re hopping between events, pubs, and the Downtown Irish Club Parade route through the Quarter. A stop at The Kerry captures a spirited slice of Irish-American culture right in the heart of the Quarter. Laughter echoes over toasts and clinking glasses and conversations stretch into the evening. Whether you’re stopping in before the Downtown Irish Club parade or just winding down, celebrating here feels authentically New Orleans... easygoing, inclusive, and a bit mischievous. Live music is offered Thursday through Sunday year-round. On St. Patrick’s Day, they feature live Irish music from 12:30pm until the wee hours. The Downtown Irish Parade passes right in front of The Kerry! Put on your dancing shoes and raise the best pint of Guinness in the French Quarter. It’s expertly poured slowly; good to the last drop! Their Irish Mule is made with Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and ginger beer garnished with a lime. Refreshingly delicious! Their Irish Coffee is a great pick-me-up made with Irish Whiskey, a dash of sugar and piled high with whipped cream. Slainte!
Boondock Saint
731 Saint Peter Street
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Boondock Saint feels like a natural extension of the city’s love for revelry, ritual, and a good pint raised in good company. With its laid-back neighborhood vibe and unmistakable Irish spirit, Boondock Saint becomes a gathering place where locals and visitors mingle easily, dressed in shades of green and ready to toast the day. The bar’s unpretentious atmosphere, friendly staff, and steady flow of Irish whiskey, beer, and classic pub cocktails create the perfect backdrop for a holiday that’s as much about community as it is about celebration.
Boondock Saint is known for Guinness expertly poured. In fact, they recently won the annual New Orleans Perfect Pour contest! Try the Irish Coffee with hot coffee, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, and whipped cream on top. Or if you prefer, the Snakebite has a half pint of Magner’s Irish Cider and a half pint of Guinness Stout!
The Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta
300 Bourbon Street
thejazzplayhouse.com
If you’re here for French Quarter Fest or Jazz Fest, stopping by The Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta is a fantastic way to keep the music flowing. It offers an intimate Art Deco inspired setting where you can enjoy live jazz every night. The venue has been recognized locally as one of the city’s top jazz clubs, showcasing both stellar local musicians and touring performers in a space that feels classic yet lively, perfect for soaking in our rich musical culture. When the whole city buzzes with melodies, The Jazz Playhouse blends world-class music with a welcoming atmosphere. With handcrafted cocktails, small bites, and plush seating that puts you close to the stage, it’s a great place to unwind and hear some of the best jazz the city has to offer. The intimate acoustics help every note and solo shine making it a memorable complement to the festival’s energy.
Try their Hot Brass cocktail with Patron Reposado, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, lime juice, grapefruit juice, Allspice Dram, and vanilla syrup. The Basin Street Bramble has a perfect blend of Oxbow Rhum Louisiane Agricole, Giffard Crème de Mure, lime juice, and pure cane syrup. The Velvet Swing combines Remy Martin 1738, Julliette Peach Liqueur, and chai tea. You can’t go wrong at The Jazz Playhouse… their excellent service, impeccable cocktails and bites, and smooth jazz in a comfy setting are a perfect complement to a day at a festival.
Manolito
508 Dumaine Street
manolitonola.com
Cinco de Mayo at Manolito feels like a love letter to classic Cuban cocktail culture, delivered with New Orleans flair. Tucked just off Bourbon Street, the intimate bar hums with energy as bartenders in crisp guayaberas shake and stir with precision. The menu leans into tradition with perfectly balanced daiquiris, expertly made mojitos, and spirit-forward classics. Each cocktail showcases fresh ingredients and a respect for time-honored techniques. On Cinco de Mayo, the room buzzes with celebration, yet Manolito never loses its cool, offering a refined escape from the chaos just outside its doors. Sipping cocktails here on Cinco de Mayo is less about excess and more about savoring the moment and letting the celebration unfold sip by sip. In a city known for its parties, Manolito stands out by making Cinco de Mayo feel both festive and effortlessly sophisticated. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 5pm with 25% off blended cocktails, beer, and wine including their Margarita which rivals the best in the city.
Try El Presidente, Cuba's answer to the Manhattan when whiskey was not available on the island during WWII. It features their house rum blend, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Alessio Bianco Vermouth, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, and house grenadine. It is thrown from tin to tin, a technique that has maintained popularity through Spain, Italy, and Latin America. Manolito’s Daiquiri Natural is the classic or shaken daiquiri created in the small mining town of Daiquiri, Cuba. This simple yet elegant sour features white rum, fresh lime juice, and a little sugar. Their Floridita Daiquiri is perfect for warm weather; it’s the original frozen daiquiri from 1929, named after the bar behind which it was created. This cocktail features the same ingredients as the classic daiquiri, but substitutes the sugar for Luxardo Maraschino liqueur.
Espíritu
520 Capdeville Street
espiritunola.com
Visiting Espíritu on Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant way to celebrate the holiday with a uniquely flavorful twist. This cozy mezcaleria and Mexican bar offers one of the city’s best agave-forward cocktail programs, with expert bartenders crafting inventive drinks featuring over 80 types of mezcal and tequila, perfect for savoring festive margaritas, mezcal cocktails, or creative seasonal libations as you toast the day. Paired with authentic small plates and snacks that highlight fresh ingredients, your Cinco de Mayo at Espíritu is both a lively and delicious way to enjoy Mexican culture and spirits.
Mezcal is an acquired taste, but a taste worth acquiring! Pechuga mezcales are ceremonial and used to mark important dates. "Pechuga" literally means "poultry breast" and this type of mezcal is specially produced with an additional distillation in which fruits, nuts, spices, and often meat is added to the still! Because the mezcal is distilled with these things, it remains clear but takes on a subtle hint of flavor and a rich texture. It's completely different from a "flavored" spirit! Pechuga Minero is distilled in ancestral clay pot stills with crabapples, plaintains, pineapple, almonds, raisins, prunes, rice, anise, orange peels, and a chicken breast. Try a pechuga in your favorite cocktail for a novel taste treat. Their El Mojito Dragones is a dragon fruit mojito made with pure real dragon fruit, fresh mint, citrus-mint oleo sacchrum, fresh pressed lime, and most importantly it’s from Jalisco!
There are many great choices when choosing a place to wind down at the end of a long day. An evening on nearby Frenchmen Street unfolds like a perfectly improvised set, moving from one intimate lounge to the next, each with its own genre and spirit. At Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, the experience feels reverent with a classic cocktail in hand while world-class musicians deliver finely tuned jazz. Just steps away, DBA and The Spotted Cat pulse with raw New Orleans energy where jazz, swing, funk, and blues spill out onto the sidewalk. Three Muses adds a playful twist, pairing inventive cocktails and small plates with eclectic live performances that range from jazz to burlesque-tinged cabaret, while The Maison keeps the night moving late with upbeat sets and a lively upstairs crowd. Together, these stops create a quintessential Frenchmen Street crawl where cocktails, music, and the city’s soul flows seamlessly from door to door.
