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New Orleans pulsates with a unique blend of French, African, Caribbean, and Southern influences, which makes it perfect for outdoor festivals. And 2024 is going to have plenty of them.
This cultural tapestry explodes in its festivals, with music, food, and costumes reflecting the city’s rich heritage and joie de vivre. From the brass bands of Jazz Fest to the elaborately costumed revelers of Mardi Gras, every festival is a vibrant immersion into the soul of New Orleans.
One thing about New Orleans events is that you know you can expect energetic crowds, great food and live music.
Here Are The Best Festivals In New Orleans For 2024
This year NOLA event organizers bring back the big-tent experience around the city. Want to know what New Orleans events you don’t want to miss?
French Quarter Festival – April 11-14
This year, the French Quarter Festival returns to the city on April 11-14. There will be live bands on several stages and it all kicks off with a parade. Learn more.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — April 25-May 5
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is set for Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 – Sunday, May 5, 2024. The event will take place at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. Learn more here.
NOLA Crawfish Fest — April 29-May 1
The fourth annual NOLA Crawfish Fest will occur over three days in New Orleans. The event will feature live music, beer, and some 6,000 pounds of boiled crawfish. the fun begins on April 29 through May 1 (3-10 p.m.).
Essence Festival — Friday, July 5—Sunday, July 7
Essence Festival is happening Friday, July 5—Sunday, July 7, 2024 in New Orleans, its perennial home. This year, the event will feature Kevin Hart, Nikki Minaj and more.
As always, you can expect tons of delicious food, great entertainment and some career advancement forums and workshops. Learn more.
San Fermin (Running With the Bulls) — July 8-10
The annual San Fermin celebration allows New Orleans residents to run with the bulls from July 8-10, 2022. Learn more.
Satchmo Summerfest — Aug 3-4, 2024
The Satchmo Festival is a homage to New Orleans’ musical elder statesman, Louis Armstrong. The festival runs from Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Beignet Fest
Who doesn’t love them some beignets? Come on out to Beignet Fest. The event will be held at City Park in New Orleans. Learn more.
National Fried Chicken Festival
The National Fried Chicken Festival is back again this year in New Orleans. The event is happening this fall on the Lake Front. Learn more.
NOLA Caribbean Experience
The NOLA Caribbean Experience will take place in October 2024 in downtown New Orleans. Learn more.
How Many Festivals Does New Orleans Have A Year?
As a top convention city, New Orleans draws more than 130 events a year, according to its Chamber of Commerce. Many of these events are conventions, but a good number are festivals as well.
What Is The Most Famous Festival In New Orleans?
Without a doubt, Mardi Gras is New Orleans’ top annual festival, drawing approximately 1.4 million people, excluding 2020 and 2021, which were pretty much affected by the pandemic.
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Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in a wildcard playoff game.
If you want to watch the Philadelphia vs. Tampa game, you have some TV and streaming options.
No cable needed! Eagles vs. Bucs is always a good game. You may be wondering you can watch it — for free. Keep reading.
How To Watch the Philadephia Eagles, Tampa Bay Bucs Game On TV/Streaming
You can also steam the game for free on FuboTV, which offers a 7-day trial at no charge.
If you live in Tampa or Philly, you can watch the game on your local TV affiliate via cable TV or TV antenna.
- Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills
- Time: Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Highmark Stadium — Orchard Park, New York
- Channel: CBS
- Streaming: FuboTV. or Paramount+
Watching the game for free on Fubo’s sports-centric live TV streaming service will give you practically every game during the NFL regular season and playoffs. This includes streaming every game broadcast nationally or on the NFL Network. Fubo also offers 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage and a seven-day free trial.
Final Word
The way to watch TV is by using the best streaming services for your particular device.
From gridiron battles to binge-worthy comedies, sports is something we all can enjoy, especially on an Atlanta weekend. Catch today’s Wild Card game is just one of many shows you can enjoy, from “Parks and Recreation,” Premier League soccer, and even WWE Wrestlemania.
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.
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Buying a camera can be an overwhelming task in these days and times. There’s so many options to choose from.
Cameras range from budget-friendly models to high-end professional options. Setting a realistic budget will help narrow down your choices.
Each type has its advantages and disadvantages:
- DSLRs: Excellent image quality, large variety of lenses, but bulky and can be expensive.
- Mirrorless: Smaller and lighter than DSLRs, often with good video features, but lens selection might be limited.
- Point-and-shoot: Compact and easy to use, ideal for casual photography, but image quality and features might be less advanced.
Taking pictures has been revolutionized by the cell phone, but that doesn’t mean standalone cameras are obselete. A quality camera to capture the sights of New Orleans, Louisiana, you’re going to love this. In this article, we’ll discuss some quality cameras you’ll need to get great shots.
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Chef Emeril Lagasse’s food empire on the New Orleans restaurant scene just continues to grow!
The Emeril Group has revealed plans to launch 34 Restaurant & Bar at 710 Baronne Street this spring, marking the company’s fifth active venture in the city.
Emeril Group To Open 34 Restaurant & Bar In New Orleans
This new establishment will join the ranks of Emeril’s and Meril, as well as Emeril’s Brasserie at Harrah’s and Emeril’s Table at the airport.
A spokesperson emphasized Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Portuguese heritage as a defining influence on the restaurant’s concept. Lagasse’s early culinary experiences with his mother, Hilda Mederios, have been instrumental in shaping his passion for cooking.
As he has been for the past few years, Lagasse’s son E.J., who serves as the chef patron at Emeril’s, will be right by his dad’s side for the new project.
The restaurant’s name, “34,” symbolizes the partnership between Emeril Lagasse the third and fourth generations.
According to a spokesperson for the Emeril Group, 34 will offer an immersive dining experience centered around tapas-style shared plates, a jamon bar, and a diverse selection of wines and cocktails with international flair.
The Emeril Group, established in 1990 with the opening of Emeril’s flagship restaurant in the Warehouse District, has since expanded to operate 20 restaurants across the country. Currently, the group manages active operations in New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Miramar Beach, Florida.
Final Bite
The new New Orleans restaurant from Emeril means instant brand recognition as the acclaimed chef has made numerous TV appearances and hosted over 2,000 shows on the Food Network. Additionally, Lagasse has been a guest judge on Bravo’s popular culinary competition, “Top Chef,” for four seasons.
New Orleans is a foodie paradise, and its festivals are no exception. Each event boasts a distinct culinary identity, from the spicy gumbo and po’boys of French Quarter Fest to the Creole and Cajun delicacies of the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival. Every bite is an explosion of flavor that complements the festive atmosphere.
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of those places that you wouldn’t know how fun it was unless you had a reason to visit. But visit you should, because the Louisiana capital city offers a vibrant mix of Southern charm, historical significance, and modern entertainment.
The city is a cool destination for diverse interests and has nearly perfect weather, even during hurricane season.
What To See And Do In Baton Rouge
Calling Baton Rouge? Here are some options to tantalize your taste buds:
If history is your thing, you don’t want to pass up a chance to visit these landmarks.
Old State Capitol
At the Old Louisiana State Capitol, you can explore the Pelican State’s antebellum past through the architectural structure, which is now a museum.
You can also get the opportunity to discover life before the Civil War through guided tours and stunning architecture.
Nearby is the Louisiana State Capitol: Witness the opulent castle-like architecture and delve into the state’s history through exhibits and tours.
USS Kidd
Climb aboard this WWII destroyer turned museum and immerse yourself in naval history through interactive exhibits and the preserved vessel.
Check Out The College Life
Visit Southern University
The largest historically black college/university system in America, Southern University A&M College boasts a massive view of the Mississippi River decorated with Spanish moss and an ever-present breeze.
SU’s claim to fame aside from its education is its 13 intercollegiate athletics teams known as the Jaguars. Its marching band, the Human Jukebox, puts on a show even on a weeknight practice. Catch them outside ion the fall.
Catch An LSU Football Game
Photo credit: LSU Football Few venues are as alive and electric as Tiger Stadium before, during and after a home game. The Fighting Tigers typically have a competitive basketball team, but the football team plays some of the most significant games in the country.
Go To Tigerland
On Friday and Saturday nights, Tigerland becomes the perfect place to dive into the lively bar scene on Government Street and Third Street. You can also head to Perkins Rowe for upscale dining and live music venues.
For the Thrill Seeker:
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Paddle through cypress swamps teeming with alligators, snakes, and diverse plant life on a guided kayak or canoe tour.
Rock Climbing
Baton Rouge boasts several indoor rock climbing gyms with varying difficulty levels for both beginners and advanced climbers.
For The Artsy Type
Baton Rouge has its share of museums and such for the culturally appreciative. Here’s where to go:
Shaw Center for the Arts
This contemporary complex hosts diverse exhibitions, performances, and educational programs showcasing visual and performing arts.
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Immerse yourself in a world of art, science, and history with permanent and rotating exhibits spanning diverse disciplines.
- Manship Theatre: Watch Broadway-caliber performances and concerts in this stunning performing arts venue.
- Art and murals: Admire the vibrant street art scene throughout the city, particularly in the Short North district and around LSU.
For the Nature Lover:
Mississippi Riverfront
Enjoy scenic walks or bike rides along the levee overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, soak in the sunset, or catch a concert at the amphitheater.
Baton Rouge Zoo
Observe diverse animal species from around the world in natural habitats and participate in educational programs.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Take a walk on the elevated boardwalk through the swamp and discover the unique ecosystem inhabited by diverse flora and fauna.
Baton Rouge Botanic Garden
Stroll through tranquil gardens showcasing native plants and enjoy seasonal festivals and events.
Final Word
With its varied attractions, Baton Rouge caters to different interests and promises an unforgettable experience. So, lace up your walking shoes.
No trip to Baton Rouge is complete without sampling the delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine. Indulge in gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and beignets, and wash it down with a local craft beer.
Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more, except done with a Baton Rouge twist.
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Food critic Keith Lee and social media influencer has released his rankings of the top U.S. food cities he visited in 2023. Lee, who embarked on his family food tour, which took five months to complete.
He said that he and his family went to eight different cities. New Orleans came in ranked #1. Atlanta was last on the list.
“My biggest issue with Atlanta is that it’s hard to get food,” he said, referring to the fact that it seemed like his status figured a bit too prominently for his tastes in Georgia’s largest city. “When he did eat, it was delicious.
And New Orleans Comes In Ranked As Number…
Here are the rankings of the 2023 Keith Lee Family Food Tour.
8. Atlanta
Lee and his family’s foray into Atlanta left much to be desired on both sides. Lee’s much publicized brush-up with The Real Milk & Honey restaurant was perhaps the largest incident in the city in 2023.
Things got so bad that Lee said his family received death threats — that’s not cool!
7. New York
In the Big Apple, Lee said that he tried his best to find the best places to eat, but wherever he went it never hit quite right despite his best efforts.
6. Detroit
Despite being from Motown, Lee said that his home city’slack of food diversity led to its ranking where it did.
5. Los Angeles
“Granted, we didn’t do a full food tour there, but he and his family traveled there “like, 20 times this year,” He said, the diverse food scene really made an impression on him.
4. Las Vegas
“Vegas opened the door for me when it came to different foods and different cultures.”
3. Chicago
Almost every spot in Chicago that Lee and his family went to had amazing food.
2. Houston
He said that he couldn’t think of one place in Houston where he didn’t enjoy the food.
1. New Orleans
“In my opinion, what set New Orleans apart — not by much — was the customer service. Everywhere we went, we felt like family. I’m talking about it felt like I was going to my cousin’s house. It didn’t feel like I was going to a restaurant. It didn’t feel like I was going to no established place. It felt like I was going to Auntie, Maw Maw, Paw Paw, whoever house you want to go to.”
With that said, make sure you check out the best restaurants in New Orleans. It also important to support the best black-owned restaurants in the Big Easy as well.
Final Word
New Orleans has one of the best restaurant scenes in the Southeast, and with state of Southern cooking and an emphasis on the culinary arts at an all-time high, that’s saying something.
When New Orleans’ food is mentioned on a national level, it somehow always reverts back to gumbo, which is the best around, although the city’s eateries certainly represent those dishes well, there’s so much more.
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Talk about the gift that keeps on giving. Instacart, the food delivery service, recently announced that it is giving all of its users a free Peacock subscription.
This is a great deal because Peacock is one of the best streaming services out there.
To be exact, Instacart is making Peacock Premium available to all Instacart+ members in the United States at no additional cost.
To celebrate the launch of this new benefit, Instacart and Peacock are premiering a custom spot, featuring iconic holiday scenes from Peacock properties across film and television including The Office, Parks & Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
How Much Does Instacart+ Cost?
Instacart+ costs $99/year or $9.99/month, and members enjoy unlimited free delivery on orders over $35 in as fast an hour, lower service fees, 5% credit back on eligible pickup orders, and the ability to create shared family accounts.
Now, with just a few taps, Instacart+ members can access Peacock and order their TV time treats, movie night essentials, spirits and more from Instacart’s more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners across the U.S. in as fast as an hour.
Peacock, the only streaming service included with Instacart’s same-day delivery subscription, affords viewers the very best in entertainment, sports, film, and news programming with more than 80,000 hours of content, including more than 8,000 hours of live sports each year.
Final Word
Upcoming titles on Peacock include exclusive NFL games on December 23 and January 13, Seth McFarlane’s Ted and Apples Never Fall starring Annette Bening and Sam Neill.
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The Heisman Trophy is annually awarded to America’s most valuable player. As is the case every year, the 2023 Heisman winner has some stiff competition.
When Is The Heisman Ceremony?
The Heisman ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
It would be hard to argue that LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is not Heisman-worthy or more for the Tigers, considering LSU’s schedule.
Who Is Favored To Win The Heisman In 2023?
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix has become the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy as the regular season wraps but Daniels has become the second-most favorite.
Washington signal caller Michael Penix Jr. is in third place.
You may be wondering how all three quarterbacks stack up against each other stat-wise.
When it comes to the amount of Point above average college football quarterbacks, here’s how the top signal callers rate:
- Jayden Daniels: 98.8
- Bo Nix: 73.1
- Dillon Gabriel: 69.5
- Kaidon Salter: 69.2
- Carson Beck: 66.6
- JJ McCarthy: 63.8
- Michael Penix: 62.7
Jayden Daniels: LSU Quarterback
Daniels has put up video game numbers against a tough SEC schedule but many feel he lacks a signature win.
In 53 games, Daniels is the only player in FBS history to pass for 12,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards.
Against Florida, Daniels passed for 372 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 234 and two more touchdowns in a 52-35 win. He accounted for 606 yards and became the first player in Football Bowl Subdivision history with 350 yards passing and 200 yards rushing.
Here are some Jayden Daniels highlights:
Bo Nix: Oregon Quarterback
For the season, Nix has thrown for 3539 passing yards and 35 passing TDs.
Above all though, it’s his efficiency — a 78% completion rate — that has him leading college football. His eight plays of 60 yards or more and 29-to-2 touchdown-to-interception rate doesn’t hurt either.
Nix went crazy in the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils, completing 24 of 29 passes for 404 yards and six touchdowns.
Let’s watch some Bo Nix highlights:
Michael Penix Jr.: Washington Quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for 3,695 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions this year.
Coming into the season, Penix was seen as the most talented quarterback in college football.
Last year, he once had a game (vs. Arizona) where he completed 81.8% — 36 of 44 passes — for 516 yards and four touchdowns.
This year he has been masterful as well in keeping the Huskies undefeated. He’s thrown for over 300 yards eight times this season, with season highs vs. Boise State (450 yards, 5 TDS) and four four-touchdown games, including against Oregon, Cal and Stanford.
Let’s watch some Michael Penix Jr. highlights:
Final Play
No matter who wins the Heisman, the NFL is going to get an elite class of quarterbacks next year, including USC’s Caleb Williams and more.
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The LSU Tigers have one last chance to reach 10 wins on the season, but they may have to do it without their best player.
LSU and Wisconsin officials have accepted their invitations to the ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly Outback Bowl).
The game is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. The 7-5 Badgers will face No. 13 LSU (9-3), led by Heisman candidate Jayden Daniels.
“We are excited for the opportunity to showcase our football program and represent our university in the ReliaQuest Bowl,” added LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward. ”Our student-athletes, staff, and fans will enjoy the chance to travel to Tampa Bay and compete in a New Year’s Day bowl against another program with great tradition and support.”
The game will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
LSU Coach Brian Kelly said at a Dec. 5 news conference that Daniels hasn’t decided on his participation.
“A SEC-Big Ten matchup always creates a lot of excitement, but facing a Wisconsin team led by a great coach in Luke Fickell makes this bowl game even more attractive,” Kelly said. “Wisconsin has a great tradition with a tremendous fan base. I know both teams are excited to be in Tampa during New Year’s to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”
The last encounter between LSU and Wisconsin was in the 2016 season opener, where Wisconsin upset No. 5 LSU 16-14 at Lambeau Field.
They also met in 2014, with No. 13 LSU beating No. 14 Wisconsin 28-24 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
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When it comes to food, it’s hard to leave Louisiana off any list. Esquire recently listed the year’s Best New Restaurants in America, an annual list of the most remarkable food destinations in the United States.
New Orleans placed two eateries on the list, which is
featured in the Winter 2023 issue, available on retailer shelved by December 5.Here’s what Esquire had to say about:
Dakar Nola
“A meal at Dakar Nola comes with stories. With each course of the tasting menu, chef Serigne Mbaye comes out of the kitchen to address the room. All of this happens in the front room of a traditional shotgun house, which makes the night feel like a dinner party that is as fun as it is enlightening.”
Hungry Eyes (New Orleans)
“Eating at 80s-themed Hungry Eyes feels like you’ve stepped into a music video by Duran Duran. The Patrick Nagel pop art on the walls, the pink neon glow from the mirror behind the bar—it’s lit. Literally. The team has cooked up a lively, stonery DIY dinner menu. Who are they? The same folks who brought you NOLA’s stoner darling, Turkey & the Wolf.”
Final Word
New Orleans has one of the best restaurant scenes in the Southeast, and with state of Southern cooking and an emphasis on the culinary arts at an all-time high, that’s saying something.
When New Orleans’ food is mentioned on a national level, it somehow always reverts back to gumbo, which is the best around, although the city’s eateries certainly represent those dishes well, there’s so much more.
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