• The Old No. 77 Hotel

Let The Good Times Roll

Events

Experience the soul of Louisiana at The Old No. 77 Hotel, where iconic events come alive. Immerse yourself in the elegance of the White Linen Night, sway to the rhythms of Jazz Fest, embrace the revelry of Mardi Gras, dance through the vibrant streets of the French Quarter Fest, and celebrate culture at Essence Fest. Your stay here isn't just a visit; it's an invitation to be part of the heart and soul of New Orleans.

White Linen Night

Each year on the first Saturday of August, White Linen Night shuts down the 300-700 blocks of Julia Street and offers folks the chance to enjoy creativity, culture, and community in true New Orleans Art District block party style. Everyone don’s white linen (to stay cool and to look cool) while galleries open their doors up and offer visitors the chance to wander through amazing selections of local art. All free of charge.

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  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel

White Linen Night

Celebrate one of summer's coolest art events, literally.

Enjoy creativity, culture, and community at this unapparelled New Orleans Art District block party. On the first Saturday of August, White Linen Night shuts down the 300-700 blocks of Julia Street to benefit the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans, which is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to the presentation, production, and promotion of art.  

Started in 1994 by a burgeoning arts community of galleries and museums, White Linen Night was crucial for economic growth and brought much needed attention to the area. Now, the annual event attracts tens of thousands of attendees and has hosted incredible exhibitions including “Building Blocks: The Culture of Architecture in New Orleans”, “For the Sake of Order” by Leonard Galmon, and “Local Colors” by John Turner.  

At the event, visitors can revel in an array of installations and entertainment, while indulging in amazing bites and drinks from dozens of local restaurants. Just a couple blocks away, the Old 77 Hotel also welcomes guests to enjoy live music, drinks, and art curated from our partners’, Where Y’art.  

In addition, works created as a part of our summer Artist in Residence program will be on display. The program gives student artists the chance to stay at the hotel and soak up inspiration for the entire month of July. Their selected pieces are on display within the hotel’s Chandlery during White Linen Night.  

Jazz Fest

Dive into a one-of-a-kind musical gathering that combines the fervor of a gospel hymn with the joy of a jazz parade. Here, you’ll find some of the most iconic artists from New Orleans and around the world during this multi-day festival.

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  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
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  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel

Jazz Fest, New Orleans

Let’s get groovy.

Dive into a musical gathering that combines the fervor of a gospel hymn with the joy of a jazz parade, bringing together some of the most iconic artists from New Orleans and around the world. Founded in 1970 by George Wein, Quint Davis and Allison Miner, Jazz Fest gathers an average of half a million fans every year who come to see performances by the likes of Leah Chase, Carole King and the Neville Brothers. This year, the Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will run from April 28 through May 7, and features a line-up nothing short of legendary with performers including Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons, Kane Brown and more!

Set less than 20 minutes away from the Old No. 77 Hotel, this even is a must-see for any NOLA visitor and offers a true taste of the city. Get more information about the event and lineup here as well as live updates via Instagram.

Mardi Gras

As one of the city’s most famed celebrations, Mardi Gras (which culminates on Fat Tuesday) dates back thousands of years and is still one of the most magical time to experience New Orleans. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it continues to be an epic convergence of incredible parades, parties and celebrations over the course of several weeks. From the all-women's Krewe of Muses to the giggly Krewe of Forty Funny Fellows, fête-ing to your hearts content is as easy as a biting into a piece of King Cake.

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  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
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  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel

Mardi Gras, New Orleans

Calling all party people.

As one of New Orlean’s most famed celebrations, Mardi Gras (AKA Fat Tuesday) dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. From tiny, plastic good luck charm babies hidden in King Cakes to beads, feathers and parades, the traditions surrounding Mardi Gras are rich with history. One of our dear friends and illuminators, Voodoo Queen Kalindah Laveaux, also offers a deeper understanding of the past and present importance of Creole culture.  

Check out some Mardi Gras tips:  

  1. The Festivities Begin: “Krewe of Forty Funny Fellows is my personal kick-off to Carnival. Everyone gathers around the streetcar barn on Willow St.  in Carrollton to wave them off on their annual streetcar ride down St. Charles avenue announcing the start of the parade season for Carnival.”   
  2. On to the Next Krewe: “Krewe du Vieux rolls through the French Quarter and the Marigny in the evening, made up of timely, creative political satire - some of the most brilliant you’ll ever see. Pro Tip: Grab a drink to go, bars will be jam-packed.”   
  3. Daytime Parades: “I love watching the daytime parades like Krewe of Pontchartrain and Choctaw in Uptown, around St. Charles and Napoleon.  Keep in mind parades roll downtown, but the uptown side of the street is open for pedestrians.”   
  4. Neighborhood Parades: Head to the French Quarter for the most loveable of all our parades, Krewe of Barkus, and wave in the costumed pups. Or head to the Garden District to catch King Arthur. One of my favorite parades, the Krewe of Muses, an all-women’s Krewe, throw fabulously decorated purses if you’re lucky enough to catch one.”   
  5. The Krewe of Endymion: “Most of New Orleans will head to The Krewe of Endymion, a true Super Krewe and one of the biggest and flashiest parades of the carnival season.”   
  6. Krewe of Bacchus: “One of the most exciting nights of Mardi Gras is the Krewe of Bacchus! I like watching it right near the hotel on Tchoupitoulas, as it passes right in front of The Old No. 77 Hotel. The Bacchagator and King Kong are iconic floats and the laser show are spectacular.”   
  7. Lundi Gras: “My absolute favorite night of carnival, bar none. I head Uptown to St. Charles and Napoleon to catch the Krewe of Proteus and Harry Connick Jr.’s Krewe of Orpheus. Proteus is the third oldest krewe in Mardi Gras, founded in 1882 and it is dazzling. Pro Tip: make your way to the neutral ground on Napoleon for these parades – the view down the avenue of the flambeaux, and the famous Smoky Mary train is pure New Orleans Mardi Gras magic.”   
  8. It’s Mardi Gras: “Prepare to get up really early to catch the Zulu Parade and their famed coconut throws. Then head over to the Rex Parade, which is the culmination of the big parades.” 

Once you’ve fête-ed to your hearts content, come back home to the Old No. 77 Hotel for some comforting grub and refreshing cocktails from Compère Lapin before crashing onto your bed for a night of much needed rest and Mardi Gras dreams. And if you happen to need a little hair of the dog the next morning, the Bottomless Brunch Punch will fix you up in no time.

French Quarter Fest

The French Quarter Festival was started back in 1984 as a way to bring folks back to the revitalized neighborhood and it quickly became the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world. Over 20 stages are erected throughout the area, each celebrating different genres of locally inspired music.

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  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
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  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel
  • The Old No. 77 Hotel

French Quarter Fest

The Past, Present and Future of French Quarter Fest.

Made possible by thousands of dedicated volunteers and sponsors like JAMNOLA, the French Quarter Festival was started back in 1984 as a way to bring folks back to the revitalized neighborhood and it quickly became the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world. Over 20 stages are erected throughout the area, each celebrating different genres of locally inspired music. From contemporary jazz, R&B, New Orleans funk and brass bands to folk, gospel and cabaret, there’s something for every style of listener to groove to. A few of the heavy hitting performers teed up for this year include Rebirth Brass Band, Papa Mali, and Lost Bayou Ramblers

With an unparalleled culinary lineup to pair with the tunes, it’s no surprise the event has been voted ‘favorite food festival’ by locals and visitors alike. From sweet treats including;Crêpes à la Cart to savory creations like Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse and everything in between, no tastebuds will be left disappointed.

Crash at the Old No. 77 Hotel after experiencing this one-of-a-kind festival, trust us – you'll sleep like a baby after days of great music, incredible food and the lively spirit of New Orleans.

Details:

  • French Quarter Fest 2022: Apr 21 – Apr 24
  • French Quarter Fest 2023: Apr 13 – Apr 16

Essence Festival

Held every Fourth of July weekend, Essence Fest is an annual music and cultural festival celebrating African-American and Black music, art and culture. Along with music-filled days of hip-hop, R&B and other genres from a star-filled roster of local and bigger acts, Essence Fest is also a place to gather, learn and grow, offering educational talks from influential leaders and luminaries across a variety of industries and fields, as well as seminars and workshops. From diverse artwork to lively performances, Essence Fest is a truly New Orleans experience of joyful celebration and community connection.

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Essence Fest

A Party with a Purpose

What started as a one-time event has turned into an annual celebration of African-American culture and music that’s one of New Orleans’ biggest parties of the year. The Essence Festival first started in 1995, when it was intended to be stand-alone event marking the 25th anniversary of Essence, a beloved lifestyle magazine for Black and African-American women. The event was a smash hit and became Essence Fest, an annual music festival that is now the biggest African-American music and cultural celebration in the United States. 

The multi-day festival features spectacular line-ups for local, national and international artists and days full of live music in a wide variety of genres from jazz to hip hop to R&B to funk. Attendees can also shop clothing, jewelry and artwork from vendors, attend workshops and seminars on topics like beauty and finance and much more.  

Along with being a fun-filled, joyous event, Essence Fest is also called “a party with a purpose.” While it is a party, it’s also a chance to celebrate and uplift the African-American and Black community and culture, as well as encourage conversation and education with inspirational talks and lectures, debates and more.