The dates when New Orleans hotels fill up and prices jump: Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, the Sugar Bowl, Essence Fest and big Saints weekends. Check here before you pick your travel dates.
Fri Jan 29 – Tue Feb 9Mardi Gras 2027 · Big event Two weeks of free parades building to Fat Tuesday, Feb 9: the big krewes (Endymion, Bacchus, Zulu, Rex) roll the final weekend.
April 2027
Thu Apr 22 – Sun May 2New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2027 · Big event Jazz Fest: two long weekends of jazz, blues, gospel, funk and Louisiana food on a dozen stages at the Fair Grounds race track.
December 2027
Thu Dec 30 – Sat Jan 1New Year's Eve · Holiday One of the busiest nights of the year downtown; book rooms early.
Questions and answers
When are New Orleans hotels most expensive?
During Mardi Gras weekend above all, then the two Jazz Fest weekends, New Year's Eve with the Sugar Bowl, French Quarter Fest and Essence Fest in July.
How do I find a cheaper week in New Orleans?
Avoid the dates on this page, and prefer Sunday to Thursday nights; weekends cost more almost every week of the year.
Dates come from the organizers; we check them regularly.
