Now that Mardi Gras is fading into memory, what's next for New Orleans and the city's hospitality industry?
New Orleans & Company President and CEO Walt Leger III says Carnival was just a warm up.
Here are just some of the big events on tap for 2026:
Irish Channel St. Patrick's Parade: March 14, 2026
St. Patrick Day Parade on Metairie Road: March 15, 2026
Uptown Super Sunday, Mardi Gras Indians Parade: March 15, 2026
Downtown Irish Club Parade: March 17, 2026
Irish-Italian Parade in Metairie: March 22, 2026
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival: March 25 - 29, 2026
Italian-American St. Joseph’s Parade (French Quarter): March 28, 2026
St. Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Parade: April 11, 2026
French Quarter Fest: April 16-19, 2026
Zurich Classic: April 23-26, 2026
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: April 23–26 and April 30–May 3, 2026
LIV Golf at Bayou Oaks at City Park: June 16 - 28, 2026
ESSENCE Festival of Culture: July 3 - 5, 2026
White Linen Night: August 1, 2026
Satchmo SummerFest: August 1-2, 2026
NOLAxNOLA: Dates TBD in September and October
Krewe of Boo Parade: October 24, 2026
Bayou Classic: November 26 - 28, 2026
Leger notes that the convention calendar looks strong too.
"Yeah, look, we've got a great year ahead of us," Leger told WWL's Newell Normand. "We've got nine major city-wide medical conferences this year, which is a lot."
Leger says that's more than just a bunch doctors coming to town.
"You've got exhibitors who are not only going to be at the convention center showing off their products and selling their products, but also hosting special events throughout the community with customers of theirs," Leger said.
And with spring approaching, Leger says we will soon be in the midst of festival season.