Originally Posted by Zarcero
I must agree, I don't care for NOLA during MardiGras or JazzFest [aka DrunkFest]. In fact I think the city is best explored in the off-season. All the music and the restaurants are still there.
Z
So the key to enjoying these events is knowing how the locals do it....I recommend Mardi Gras for everyone....it is a very big family event if done the right way. Mardi Gras is a season and culminates in about 16 days of continuous parades at least 2-3 per night on the weekdays and then more on the weekend...my suggestion is to come TWO weekends before the big day OR come the weekdays between the two Mardi Gras weekends....also go Uptown on St Charles in the Garden District or further up. Its much less crowded, very interactive and fun for the whole family. You'll be amazed at how much you get into catching plastic beads.....also there are some unique parades such as Barkus the very last dog parade through the French Quarter in which the pets and owners must come in costume....
Jazzfest is great but French Quarter Fest a few weekend beforehand is much better and FREE.....
And yes, NOLA is great off season as well....