Red Bus Route
Seasonal activities are plentiful in New Orleans. While these activities may not be what have drawn you to visit New Orleans they are certainly worth checking out if you happen to be in the Crescent City while they are taking place. Seasonal activities in New Orleans include but are not limited to; festivals, Christmas and New Years activities, history reenactments and more. You can be sure that as I continue to explore New Orleans and find them I will add them to this page.
Battle of New Orleans Reenactment at Chalmette Battlefield
The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815 and was the final major battle of the War of 1812. If you are going to be visiting New Orleans during the month of January you don�t want to miss the Battle of New Orleans reenactment. One weekend in January more than 100 history experts dressed as soldiers and civilians arrive in force at the Chalmette Battlefield to commemorate the January 1815 Battle of New Orleans. During the event the re enactors walk the walk and talk the talk of those brave individuals who defended New Orleans during the War of 1812 against the mighty British Empire. You will be able witness military drills, cannon firings, small arms firings, exhibits of authentic armaments, tents, campfire cooking utensils and camp life in 1815. For more information, call (504) 589-2636, extension 1. The Chalmette Battlefield is located downriver, about a five mile drive from the French Quarter, at 8606 West St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette.
Oak Alley Plantation Spring Arts and Crafts Festival
What better way to spend a day than at the Oak Alley Plantation Spring Arts and Crafts Festival located right on the beautiful grounds of Oak Alley Plantation. This festival is one weekend in March. Shop the more than 170 booths of artists and crafters from around the United States. Items on display feature original and handmade creations such as jewelry, furniture, clothing, home accessories, paintings and prints, pottery, wooden crafts, and toys. There are also activities for kids, including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and a crafts area. If you get hungry you will also find a vast array of food booths offering traditional festival favorites such as po'boys, hamburgers, chicken tenders, funnel cakes, ice cream and snowballs. Along with our local favorites of seafood pasta, fried fish, soft shell crabs, gumbo and much, much more!
Louisiana Swamp Festival * Audubon Zoo New Orleans
On the first weekend in November the Louisiana Swamp Festival is held at the New Orleans Audubon Zoo. This swamp festival celebrates Louisiana Cajun culture and heritage with music, food, crafts and Louisiana Swamp Exhibits. You will find top Cajun and Zydeco Bands while you taste the local flavor of Cajun favorites such as Cajun jambalaya, gumbo, fried alligator, boudin, po-boys, cracklin and much more. Swamp Fest is free with Zoo admission. So come on down, see your favorite swamp critters: enjoy some Cajun food; dance to your favorite Cajun music and shop for some Cajun homemade jams, jewelry and other unique swamp treasures. You can get to the zoo by taking the St Charles streetcar and getting off at Audubon Park, however it is a 20 minute walk through the park to get to the Zoo entrance. 
Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival
The Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival is one of the best. This award winning event is hosted one weekend in November on the plantation grounds. The festival is a popular event for those who love Louisiana foods, crafts and music. Louisiana foods are plentiful at the festival. Lots of entertainment is on hand, with live musical entertainment throughout the weekend. For more information, call (985) 764-9315 or 1-877-453-2095 or visit the web site at www.DestrehanPlantation.org
Don't miss Celebration in the Oaks * New Orleans City Park
If you are visiting New Orleans between Nov 25th and Jan 1st check out Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park. This festival features lights, amusement rides, music and food. Celebration in the Oaks remains one of the most beautiful Christmas light exhibits in the country, recognized nationally for its elaborate lighting displays. Gates open at 6pm and admission is $7 (children under three FREE!). With admission you get to walk through the 12-acre site that includes the Botanical Garden, Storyland, a children's theme park, and Carousel Gardens, an amusement ride area aglow with holiday magic at every turn! Nightly musical entertainment and a full service cafe featuring our famous hot-buttered rum! Visit the Celebration in the Oaks website for additional information, tickets, and other activities at the celebration in City Park.
* New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise aboard the Creole Queen *
If you are going to be visiting New Orleans over New Year's Eve then I recommend that you hop aboard the Authentic and Award Winning Paddle wheeler Creole Queen for the "Best Seat in the House" during the New Orleans Fireworks Celebration! Boarding: is from 10pm - 11pm at the RiverWalk Dock (next to N.O. Hilton Riverside Hilton Hotel). Cruising Time: is from 11pm - 1am. Fireworks at mid-night. Cruise includes:
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Late Night Buffet:
- Celebration Salad
- Crawfish Monica & Pasta Primavera
- Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
- Steamship round carving station
- Bread Pudding
- Open Call Brand Bar
- DJ Entertainment
- Champagne Toast & Festive Party Favors!
