timing a spring visit between fests 2026

Question

Hello, I am trying to get the best of both worlds of seeing NOLA in spring but avoiding major crowds/prices. Next year Mardi Gras is early Feb 17th so I was hoping I could get a visit in after Mardi Gras but before the FQF and jazz fest. My husband and I will be 50 years and want to see WWII museum, swamp tour, garden district mansions and of coarse partake in the special food and drink. Unfortunately I have to chose my work vacation days ASAP before I know the prices etc for accommodations. I'm hoping to stay at Hotel Place d'Armes or something similar. Anyways my question is whether I should be aiming for March or early April. How big of a bump does St Pats and Easter make to price/crowds? I appreciate any advice from locals or from those who've visited after an early Mardi Gras.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a wonderful trip to New Orleans, and timing it just right will help you get the most out of the city while avoiding the major crowds and price hikes that come with the festivals. Based on your interests, here's some advice on the timing of your visit and how to avoid the peak crowd times while still experiencing the best of what the city has to offer.

### Best Timing: March vs. Early April

Since Mardi Gras is early in 2026 (February 17th), your best bet for avoiding major crowds would be late March or early April, right after Mardi Gras and before the major festivals like the French Quarter Festival (FQF) and Jazz Fest. Here's a breakdown of how each time frame might work:

March: This is a great time to visit because it falls right after Mardi Gras (which ends February 17th in 2026) and before the French Quarter Festival (FQF) in mid-April and the Jazz Festival at the end of April. The weather is pleasant, the crowds are more manageable, and the prices tend to be lower than during the festival-packed April months. However, keep in mind that St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) does bring some crowds, especially around the Irish Channel area where there are parades, parties, and celebrations. But it’s not as overwhelming as Mardi Gras or the big festival weekends.
Early April: Early April is also a good time to visit, but you might see a slight increase in prices and crowds, especially as the city gears up for the French Quarter Festival (which usually happens in mid-April). While the weather is still lovely and the city is less crowded than during the major festivals like Jazz Fest, you may encounter some spring break visitors as well as early preparations for the upcoming festivals. The prices might rise a little more than in March, but it will still be a great time for sightseeing.

### Impact of St. Patrick’s Day and Easter

Both St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) and Easter (April 5th in 2026) can have an impact on both prices and crowds, though not as much as Mardi Gras or the peak festival periods.

St. Patrick's Day: While New Orleans has a famous Irish heritage and St. Patrick's Day is celebrated with parades, particularly in the Irish Channel, it doesn’t compare in size or scope to Mardi Gras. Expect some fun events, particularly around the Irish Channel and Downtown, but the overall impact on hotel prices and crowds isn’t huge. You may see a slight bump in accommodation prices around this time due to the parades and festivities, but nothing like the peak Mardi Gras or festival periods.
Easter: Easter falls on April 5th in 2026, and it can affect both the crowd levels and accommodation prices, though this will be more noticeable the week leading up to Easter weekend. Many families visit New Orleans for the holiday, and you might encounter more tourists than in early March. Restaurants and hotels may also raise their prices for Easter weekend. However, it's still not as crowded as Jazz Fest or French Quarter Fest weekends.

### Recommendations for Your Visit

Given your interests—WWII museum, swamp tours, Garden District mansions, and delicious food and drink—both March and early April are great times to visit, but late March would be your best option to avoid crowds and higher prices while still enjoying excellent weather. By this time, the city is calmer, and you'll still have access to the major attractions without the large crowds that come with the festivals. It will also be easier to get reservations for popular restaurants without the rush of spring break and the upcoming festivals.

### Where to Stay

Hotel Place d'Armes is a fantastic choice, as it’s in the heart of the French Quarter, within walking distance of many of the major attractions. It’s a charming boutique hotel with great service and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for your needs. While prices can vary depending on the time of year, booking early can help you secure a good rate. Other options in the area include:

The Royal Sonesta – A beautiful historic hotel with a great location and pool, though it might be a bit more expensive.
The Dauphine Orleans Hotel – A quieter, charming option in the French Quarter with a more relaxed vibe.
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans – For a luxury experience with easy access to the French Quarter.

### Key Attractions to Explore

The National WWII Museum: A must-see for history lovers. It’s an immersive and world-class museum, perfect for your visit.
Swamp Tour: Take a guided tour through the swamps and wetlands outside the city for a unique New Orleans experience. Many tour companies offer convenient pick-ups from French Quarter hotels.
The Garden District: Explore the iconic mansions and beautiful architecture of the Garden District, just a short streetcar ride from the French Quarter.
Food and Drink: Indulge in classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, beignets, and, of course, crawfish. Check out the local favorite restaurants like Commander's Palace, Antoine’s, and Café du Monde.

Overall, late March is your best bet for a relaxing, enjoyable New Orleans experience. By visiting after Mardi Gras and before the festival crowds roll in, you'll be able to enjoy the city’s attractions, food, and culture without the heavy crowds and elevated prices. Happy planning!

timing a spring visit between fests 2026

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