Hey there, music mavens and food fanatics! It’s officially spring here in New Orleans and while you may think the city is taking a much-needed rest following Mardi Gras, you’d be sorely mistaken. The excitement is just beginning. If you’re looking to spice up your spring, mark your calendar because New Orleans is about to turn up the heat with a double dose of festivities that’ll have you grooving and drooling in equal measure. If you’re a local you’ll be well aware that we’re talking about the legendary Jazz Festival and the finger-lickin’ good Crawfest, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a beat or a bite!
Crawfest: Tulane’s Ultimate Crawfish Throwdown (April 20th)
Kicking off the festivities on April 20th, right here on our very own Tulane University campus we’re set to host the annual Crawfest, a celebration of all things mudbug! As a 20,000-pound crawfish boil, Crawfest is anything but ordinary. Beginning in 2007 the event itself takes an extremely talented and dedicated group of people to come to fruition each year. You may now be asking yourself- who are these hard working and driven people? I’m very proud to say they’re all Tulane students! In fact, Crawfest has become one of the largest student-run events in the country.
From the admissions office our very own intern and Vice President of Tours, Kalil Mosquera, also wears the cap of Director of Finance for Crawfest. When asked about the event Kalil said, “I absolutely love working on the Crawfest Team. It’s 4 different departments with about 4-10 students in each. Crawfest planning usually begins over the summer in June and July, led by our Executive Director, with the bulk of planning starting in August. With us having such a large team, it allows for great discussions regarding band acts, themes, merchandise, etc. In my role as Director of Finance, I oversee our internal and external sponsorships, box office sales, and merchandise sales. Overall, Crawfest is such a fun organization to be a part of!!”
At Crawfest, it’s not just about the crawfish though – it’s also about the music that makes your heart sing, and your feet tap! This year’s lineup is set to sizzle with performances by some of the hottest musical acts around. Get ready to groove to the funky beats of The Main Squeeze, sway along to the soulful tunes of J & the Causeways and let the breezy melodies of Mapache whisk you away to musical bliss. And that’s just the beginning – with a lineup that promises a diverse range of sounds and styles, Crawfest is sure to be the ultimate soundtrack to your crawfish-filled day of fun.
So, picture this: sunny skies, lively tunes, and tables piled high with spicy, steamy crawfish. Whether you’re a seasoned crustacean connoisseur or a first-time pincher, Crawfest promises a shell-cracking good time. But that’s not all – alongside the main event, you’ll find an array of local eats and good ol’ Southern charm. So, grab your bibs and get ready to pinch, peel, and party like a true NOLA native!
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 25th – May 5th)
And just when you thought the fun couldn’t get any funkier, the iconic New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival swings into town from April 25th to May 5th, bringing with it a symphony of soulful sounds and mouthwatering flavors. Imagine: 10 days of non-stop music featuring jazz, blues, funk, and everything in between, performed by some of the biggest names in the business. From its beginning the festival has hosted historic artists, boasting memories of the smooth melodies of Miles Davis to the infectious rhythms of Louis Armstrong. Jazz Fest is a celebration of the rich musical tapestry that is New Orleans.
Get ready to be serenaded by the sweet sounds of an incredible 2024 roster, where the lineup reads like a who’s who of music royalty. From legendary icons like The Beach Boys and Earth, Wind & Fire to rock gods like Foo Fighters and soul-stirring crooners like Chris Stapleton, Jazz Fest has something for every musical palate. But that’s not all – with local favorites like Jon Batiste and The Revivalists taking the stage, you’ll also get a taste of the vibrant New Orleans music scene. Personally, I’m counting down the days until I can sway to the retro-rock vibes of Greta Van Fleet that make me feel like I was an 80s hairband teen and lose myself in the haunting melodies of Hozier. It’s all just too sweet for me. With such an incredible lineup, Jazz Fest promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music.
But it’s not just about the music – Jazz Fest is also a feast for the senses, celebrating the culture, and the spirit of New Orleans. With food vendors serving up a smorgasbord of Creole delicacies that’ll have your taste buds dancing in delight, from gumbo to jambalaya, po’boys to beignets, this is your chance to indulge in the flavors that make NOLA cuisine world-famous. While you’re perusing the seemingly endless options, keep an eye out for the infamous Crawfish Bread, as the perfect combination of both festivals makes its return!
And let’s not forget the vibrant arts and crafts market, where local artisans showcase their talents in everything from pottery to jewelry, offering the perfect opportunity to take home a piece of New Orleans’ unique culture.
So, whether you’re a seasoned jazz aficionado or a crawfish-craving newcomer, mark your calendars and get ready for a springtime celebration like no other. New Orleans is calling – are you ready to answer the call of the jazz and the crawfish? 
