Despite what Punxsutawney Phil might have had you believing just one short week ago, spring is officially upon us here in New Orleans. Aside from the occasional cold and blustery day, the sun has officially decided to show itself once again and the temperatures have been increasingly rising in the past few weeks. It seems as if the perils of winter are behind us, and the perfection that is spring in New Orleans is finally here.
So as the days begin to get longer, many students here in New Orleans find themselves searching for fun things to do here in the city. Here are some ideas to help pass the time during some glorious spring weekends.
1. Mardi Gras (February 17 [and the week leading up to it])
This one, if you live in New Orleans, is obviously a given. Weeks before Mardi Gras even begins, the platforms are built and King Cakes begin to pop up in every local bakery and supermarket. The anticipation for the craziest week of the entire year builds up, until finally, we find Mardi Gras thrust upon us. As the age old New Orleans adage goes, “Remember, it’s not a sprint, its a marathon.”
2. Buku Music and Art Project (March 13-14)
Tucked right in the heart of New Orleans’ Warehouse District, Buku is a quirky art and musical festival that is not for the faint of heart. Offering music of the EDM, hip-hop and indie rock scene, the festival speaks to the eclectic nature of New Orleans and its inhabitants. From its signature graffiti wall to the countless food vendors, even if electronic and house music is not usually your scene, Buku is a fun weekend escape from reality. (If you can’t afford a ticket, they’re always looking for volunteers!)
3. French Quarter Festival (April 9-12)
French Quarter Festival, one of the smaller and lesser known festivals of the city, deserves no less recognition. A four-day affair, the festival showcases local musicians throughout the community, often scattered throughout the French Quarter. With over 20 stages and countless genres of music, the festival is guaranteed to cater to everyone (even your parents). So before the final(s) countdown sets in, grab a group of friends and head down to the quarter to enjoy good music and even better food.
4. Jazz Fest (April 24-May 3)
The infamous Jazz Fest is one of the spring events that New Orleans is best known for nationally. Capturing the historic and spunky culture of New Orleans, Jazz Fest boasts some of the best lineups in music history (um helloooo Elton John!). With thousands of musicians, food vendors, and craftspeople every year, the festival never fails to disappoint. Though it often aligns with finals, it never hurts to take a “quick” study break and head down to blow off some steam!
So though the spring semester can feel short and hectic, it never hurts to stop and enjoy some of the amazing things that New Orleans has to offer. Not many 20-something year olds can say that they go to school in one of the best cities in the world; The Crescent City, that is.
