Volunteer
Local Attractions
New Orleans is one of the oldest and most culturally-rich cities of the United States, with thousands of interesting destinations and attractions. When done volunteering for the day, groups often head out in the evening to explore and learn more about the history and culture that make New Orleans and the Gulf Coast so unique.
Check out New Orleans’ Special Events, Year-Round Attractions and Staff Restaurant Picks below!
Year Round Attractions
Jackson Square
Cafe Du Monde
New Orleans Riverwalk
Mardi Gras Museum
Audubon Aquarium
Audubon Insectarium
Audubon Zoo
Preservation Hall
Ride the Streetcar
National World War II Museum
New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans Art District
Magazine Street Shopping
Frenchmen Street
New Orleans Sno Balls
2012 Special Events
January
January 3 - 78th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl
January 6-8 - Battle of New Orleans Re-Enactment
Actual re-enactment is on Friday, January 6 at 7:00 PM
The Chalmette Battlefield is a historic site for two of the most significant wars in U.S. History, the War of 1812 and the American Civil War, both having major implications regarding the survival of the nation. Each year, in January there is a reenactment of the Battle of New Orleans by volunteers wearing authentic period uniforms, with exhibits of authentic armaments, tents, cooking utensils, and historical discussions about the battle.
February
February 5 - Super Bowl XLVI
Not taking place in New Orleans this year (it will be in 2013), but it’s important because we expect the Saints to come out on top again!
February 16-21 - Carnival / Mardi Gras 2012
Carnival season includes parades, parties, and fun for the whole family all around the New Orleans area! The first official parade kicks off on the evening of February 4th but from February 16th-21st is when the the tourists flock to New Orleans, locals take off of work and parades run nearly round the clock! For a full parade schedule check out http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/schedule.html
March
Date TBA - Soul Fest
Celebrating African-American food, music, crafts, arts and culture, the annual Soul Fest brings a touch of soul to the Audubon Zoo every March. Taking place under a shady canopy of Spanish-moss-draped oak trees, the family-oriented festival offers a chance to enjoy a relaxing weekend and to discover some of the zoo’s animals when they’re most active. Admission to the Fest is included in Audubon Zoo admission.
March 11 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This parade features 82 units, including: floats and truck-floats that give out traditional Mardi Gras throws, cabbages and other mixed vegetables, as well as marching clubs that hand out flowers and beads. This group has riders that are both adults and children.
Date TBA - Irish-Italian-Islenos Parade, St. Bernard
More than 1,600 riders on 44 floats throw produce and beads; the parade will begin at 11 a.m. with the men of the marching club handing out cane flowers throughout the route. The floats will follow at noon.
March 17 - Downtown Irish Club Parade
The annual downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade begins on the corner of Burgundy and Piety in the Bywater, proceeds roughly up Royal, across Esplanade to Decatur, up Bienville to Bourbon. The parade makes several “pit stops” on its way to Bourbon St.
March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Irish Channel
Marchers and riders in the parade will have plenty of green beads, doubloons and a parade-goer may catch a coveted potato or head of cabbage. The tuxedo-clad marchers also hand out paper flowers in exchange for a kiss on the hand or cheek.
March 18 - Super Sunday with Mardi Gras Indians
Around sundown on this day, the Mardi Gras Indians once again dress in their feathers and suits and take to the streets to meet other “gangs.” The daytime parades make the Indians accessible to the general public and allow visitors and locals alike to admire their amazing costumes, crowns, and accessories.
March 19 - St. Joseph’s Day Altars
March 19th marks the Catholic celebration of St. Josephs Day where Catholic New Orleanians construct elaborate altars in honor of this saint. The tradition, commemorating the relief St. Joseph provided during a famine in Sicily, began in the late 1800’s when Sicilian immigrants settled in New Orleans. Today, St. Joseph’s day is not just for Italian-Americans. Every year, this celebration offers New Orleans natives and visitors a chance to share food with others and for believers, a way to express gratitude for any sort of fortune in their lives
March 10 - Louisiana Oyster Jubilee
Join Louisiana’s chefs, restaurateurs, oyster aficionados and others as they celebrate Louisiana’s savory oysters. 300 Block of Bourbon Street. FREE admission!
March 28 through June 13 - Wednesdays at the Square
Every Wednesday, 5-7:30 PM, a free, 12-week concert series with food and drink for sale to benefit the Young Leadership Council. You and your team can head down to Lafayette Square in the Central Business District to listen to free, local music and purchase delicious, New Orleans food from local restaurants.
April
March 28 through June 13 - Wednesdays at the Square (see explanation above)
April 12-15 - French Quarter Fest
More than a dozen stages make this Louisiana’s largest FREE music festival.
April 27 - May 6 - Jazz Fest
Two weekends of an incredible amount of music, succulent local and regional delicacies, one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts, second line parades and so much more!
March 31 - April 1 - Old Algiers River Fest
Dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional jazz and other indigenous sounds that came of age along the banks of the Mississippi River. A FREE authentic New Orleans cultural experience that features performances by some of the top names in traditional jazz, Gospel choirs, brass bands and Mardi Gras Indians, RiverFest™ also offers local cuisine, local and regional arts and crafts and children’s activities.
May
March 28 through June 13 - Wednesdays at the Square (See explanation under March listings)
April 27 - May 6 - Jazz Fest
Two weekends of an incredible amount of music, succulent local and regional delicacies, one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts, second line parades and so much more!
May 18-20 - Bayou Boogaloo
A community music festival organized for the purpose of both providing a community-building experience and raising funds for charities supported by the Mothership Foundation. The festival is held annually on the banks of Bayou St. John in New Orleans.
May 22-26 - New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
More than 250 wineries are typically represented during the five-day festival, with more than 800 vintages poured at a series of indoor and outdoor events. More than 100 of the city’s fine restaurants take part.
May 25-27—Greek Festival
New Orleans Greek Festival, where dozens of unique food specialties are served up, including souvlaki, baklava, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita (spinach pie), and gyro sandwiches. $5 donation, children 12 under are free.
June
March 28 through June 13 - Wednesday at the Square (See explanation under March listings)
Dates TBD - New Orleans Oyster Festival
The New Orleans Oyster Festival will educate the country about the benefits of the Louisiana Gulf Oyster, honor and celebrate the restaurateurs and oyster farmers who have solidified the New Orleans French Quarters position as the Oyster Capital of America. Proceeds from the event will go to Local Coastal Communities.
July
July 4 - Independence Day French Quarter Fireworks
The “Dueling Barges” are an exciting fireworks show to the tune of patriotic music – it’s a world renown, one-of-a-kind spectacle! Spend the day exploring the French Quarter before settling down for the show, which usually starts around 9pm.
July 6-8 - Essence Music Festival
An annual music festival celebrating contemporary African American music and culture. It is the largest event celebrating African American culture and music in the United States.
July 25-29 - Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail is the world’s premier cocktail festival, bringing together the most respected minds on mixology for five days of cocktails, cuisine and culture. Held annually in New Orleans, this international event has something for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike with a spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where brands showcase their latest products.
August
August 2-5 - Satchmo SummerFest
The premier American jazz festival dedicated to the life, music and legacy of New Orleans’ native son, Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong. It’s FREE!
August 4 - White Linen Night
Before air conditioning in homes and vehicles, New Orleanians wore white linen clothing to help reflect heat and stay cool. The white linen tradition is revisited every summer in the city’s Warehouse Arts District on the first Saturday night in August during Whitney White Linen Night. Those who get into the spirit of the occasion wear white outfits and some even wear white hats as they leisurely stroll through the art galleries along Julia Street and adjacent side streets.
August 11 - Dirty Linen Night
An event to promote the art galleries and antique shops on Royal Street in the French Quarter. Given the name to satirize, yet cash in on the name and success of the annual art event in the Warehouse District known as “White Linen Night.” Art galleries, antique shops, jewelry stores and other specialty shops designated only by plain wooden signs, and featuring the work of local artisans and specialized craftspeople have been the street’s mainstay for many years.
August 25 - Krewe of OAK Mid-Summer Mardi Gras Parade
Instead of traditional Mardi Gras floats, which would be too big to pass along the Carrollton neighborhood’s narrow streets, OAKers instead parade in outlandishly decorated golf carts and on foot. The parade route is about a mile and a quarter in length and the marchers stop at several neighborhood bars along the way.
September
Dates TBA - New Orleans Seafood Festival
This FREE festival includes celebrity chef demonstrations, festival merchandise, fabulous music and, of course, great food!
October
October 6 - Art for Art’s Sake
More than 30,000 art lovers at one of the most chic street parties ever, held each fall at Art for Arts’ Sake. With hundreds of fabulous galleries and shops open on Julia Street, the historic Warehouse Arts District and Magazine Street, Art for Arts’ Sake is an annual tradition that opens this city’s exciting art season.
October 12-14 - BBQ and Blues Festival
New Orleans’ premier showcase of Southern blues and soul - with two stages of music, a dozen vendors of outstanding barbecue and a massive crafts fair featuring hand-made works by artisans from throughout the region. Admission is FREE!
October 26-28 - Voodoo Music Experience
A three-day Halloween weekend event featuring arena rockers, top indie bands, hip-hop acts, DJs and electronica, traditional New Orleans music and some offbeat local culture mixed in.
November
November 3-4 - Swamp Fest
See your favorite swamp critters; chow down on Cajun food and dance to your favorite Cajun and Zydeco music at the Audubon Institute’s annual Louisiana Swamp Festival, held the first weekend in November at the world-class Audubon Zoo. All ages are welcome and the festival is free with General Admission to the zoo.
Date TBA - Oak Street Po-Boy Fest
Three stages with live music, arts and crafts, a children’s section with games and prizes, panel discussions covering the history of the po-boy, and, of course, the best tasting po-boys in New Orleans.
November 23-24 - Bayou Classic Football game
Held in the Superdome, the Southern University Jaguars battle it out with the Grambling State University Tigers in one of the most exciting traditions in college football.
December
Month of December - Christmas New Orleans-Style
There’s no place like New Orleans for the holidays during Christmas New Orleans Style, a celebration of uniquely New Orleans holiday activities taking place throughout December.
December 31 - New Year’s Eve French Quarter Celebration & Fireworks
New Orleans counts down to the new year in Jackson Square during one of the nation’s largest street parties. Gather in the French Quarter for live music, the fleur-de-lis drop (New Orleans’ version of the ball) and a fireworks display to usher in the new year!
Staff Picks of Where to Eat
New Orleans East (Where Camp Restore is!)
Deanie’s on Hayne
Serves mostly seafood and has a variety of specials including crawfish bisque, steak, and breaded porkchops. Only open for lunch.
Price Range: Under $12
7350 Hayne Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 248-6700
We Never Close
Despite the fact they do close (at 9:00), they serve huge po-boys along with fried chicken and jambalaya.
Price Range: Under $10
10240 Chef Menteur Hwy
New Orleans, LA
(504) 246-1042
Castnet
Typical New Orleans po-boy shop that serves seafood, po-boys, roast beef, and featured daily Specials.
Price Range: Under $12
10826 Hayne Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70127-1410
(504) 244-8446
French Quarter
Remoulade Bistro
Famous Shrimp Arnaud, red beans and rice, oysters on the half shell and po-boys share the menu with 8-oz. specialty burgers, grilled all-beef hot dogs and thin-crust pizza.
Price Range: $12-$16
309 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-0377
Gumbo Shop
Traditional and contemporary Creole cuisine in the casual elegance of a restored 1794 cottage with muraled walls and a garden patio.
Price Range: $12-$18
630 St. Peter St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-1486
Cafe Maspero
Sandwiches/Po-Boys, Cajun/Creole/Louisiana. Great for large groups.
Price Range: Under $12
601 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-6250
St. Bernard Parish
Tony’s Po-Boy Restaurant
Family Owned & Operated Since 1972. Huge portions of reasonable priced seafood, steaks and Italian fare.
Price Range: Under $12
434 East Judge Perez Dr.
Chalmette, LA 70043
(504) 271-5211
Par-3
Classic St. Bernard Diner has a wide variety of homestyle New Orleans food. They are famous for Po-boys, pastas, seafood and their one of a kind Hotsy Burger.
Price Range: Under $10
1530 East Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA
(866) 905-3697
Today’s Ketch
Fresh seafood, Po-Boys & Dinners, Fresh Stuffed Artichokes and Artichoke Bread
Price Range: Market Price for seafood; Under $10 for lunch/dinners
2110 East Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
(504) 279-6639
Uptown
Franky and Johnny’s
Order anything from hot and spicy, award winning boiled crawfish to roast beef po-boys, an Italian muffuletta or homeade bread pudding.
Price Range: Under $12
321 Arabella Street
New Orleans, LA. 70115
(504) 899-9146
Joey K’s
Red Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, Po-Boys and Catfish
Price Range: $12-$18
3001 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA
504-891-0997
Camellia Grill
A New Orleans landmark since 1946, they serve everything from omelets to burgers right at the countertop. Right on the street car line!
Price Range: Under $10
626 South Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 309-2679
Mid-City
Parkway Bakery and Tavern
A huge variety of Sandwiches/Po-Boys but they are especially known for their fried oyster po-boy and the roast beef po-boy. Try the sweet potato fries, too!
Great for large groups but they get really busy during peak hours. Closed on Tuesdays
Price Range: Under $12
538 Hagan Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 482-3047
Fellini’s Cafe
Mixed green salads with lamb, shrimp and chicken, hummus, portobello and lavash bread. Fellini’s has gourmet pizzas and pasta.
Price Range: Under $12
900 N. Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 488-2155
Liuzza’s
A neighborhood tradition since 1947. Favored by locals for Italian, Seafood, and Cajun cuisine.
Price Range: Under $12
3636 Bienville St.
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 482-9120
Metairie
R & O’s
Creole-Italian—Olive salads, thin-crust pizzas and po-boys
Price Range: Under $12
216 Metairie Hammond Highway
Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 831-1248
The Rivershack Tavern
Sits across the levee from the Mighty Mississip. Serves pretty much everything including seafood, po-boys and burgers.
Price Range: Under $10
3449 River Road
Jefferson, LA 70121
504-834-4938
Upper 9th
Jack Dempsey’s
Seafood, Steak, Lobster and Po-Boys
Price Range: Under $12 for lunch
738 Poland Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117-4724
(504) 943-9914
The Joint
Award Winning BBQ…always smokin’
Price Range: Under $12
801 Poland Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 949-3232