EvENts Funky Festivals BUT WON’T WANT TO MISS! ruNNiNG oF tHE BuLLs ©Bryce Ell you might not have heard of ... Home to more than 130 festivals and events a year, New Orleans is a city known for its celebrations. While you might be familiar with the biggest ones, there are dozens of smaller festivals worth the trip. Here are a few of our favorites. RUNNING OF THE BULLS Every year in July, runners and “bulls” take to the streets of downtown New Orleans in the city’s version of Spain’s Encierro de Pamplona. Our running of the Bulls happens to feature “roller-bulls” on wheels equipped with plastic bats! Watch from a balcony or, if you’re brave, join in on the fun. A portion of the proceeds benefit charity. BEIGNET FEST New Orleans is no stranger to festivals named after food, so let us present ... Beignet Fest ! Enjoy both traditional and creative treats, like Oreo-stuffed beignets, and savory options like crawfish beignets. Funds raised go to support the Beignet Fest Foundation, which supports the autism community. GENTILLY FEST Music, food, and community are all the focus of Gentilly Fest , a neighborhood celebration held in Pontchartrain Park. Enjoy various vendors, live music, and activities for the kids on one weekend every October. This fest is free to attend, and the weather is usually perfect. 40 MAGAZINE STREET CHAMPAGNE STROLL An annual Mother’s Day Weekend tradition, the Magazine street Champagne stroll sees more than 100 businesses opening their doors to offer sparkling wine, special deals, promotional sales, live music, and art shows. Shops extend their hours and the event is free to the public. BEiGNEt FEst ©Laura Williams Photography
New Orleans Official Visitors Guide 2026 Winter/Spring: Page 40
