New Orleans will be the first stop as America welcomes the tall ships of the world to the Port of New Orleans for a nationwide celebration of America's 250th anniversary! Between May 27 and June 1, 2026, we will celebrate America's Sestercentennial with the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world creating a majestic nautical spectacle along the historic Mississippi River. Along with the majestic tall ships flotilla, a diverse array of events, festivities and celebrations will be held across the entire region to educate, entertain and engage audiences from across the country and across all communities. Join us in 2026 for this unforgettable once-in-a-generation event.

Mark your calendars, music lovers! The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival returns April 23 - May 3, 2026, and I'm here to help you navigate one of the world's greatest music celebrations from my home base at Jean Lafitte House, right on the edge of the French Quarter.

Easter in New Orleans is not a single event. It is a full day of layered celebration, rooted in centuries of Catholic tradition, refracted through the city's irrepressible love of parade, pageantry, and the pleasures of the table.

The short-term rental landscape in New Orleans has dramatically shifted as over 1,000 unlicensed Airbnb properties were recently removed from the platform following the city's enforcement of rigorous new permitting regulations. This massive purge, which began in August 2025, represents one of the most significant changes to New Orleans tourism accommodations in years, leaving many travelers scrambling to find alternative lodging options for their French Quarter visits.

New Orleans in the early 1800s was a city where empires collided, fortunes were won and lost with the turn of a card, and men like Jean Lafitte could transform from outlaws to patriots overnight. It was an era when the Mississippi River carried more than cargo – it carried the dreams and ambitions of a rapidly expanding nation, while the narrow streets of what would become the French Quarter witnessed negotiations between pirates and presidents, smugglers and statesmen. 3 exceptional History Channel productions have recently showcased the dramatic events, larger-than-life personalities, and pivotal moments that shaped New Orleans during this extraordinary period.

Connecting these water-divided communities are some of America's most impressive and historically significant bridges. Everyday the Big Easy welcomes guests who arrive via these engineering marvels, each with its own story to tell. Whether you're driving across the state or approaching from neighboring regions, understanding these bridges helps you appreciate both the journey and the destination.

Planning your first visit to the Big Easy? New Orleans can feel overwhelming with its rich history, unique culture, and endless entertainment options. At Jean Lafitte House, we've welcomed countless first-time visitors to our historic French Quarter property, and we've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your inaugural New Orleans experience.

New Orleans' relationship with American independence is complex. When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the city was under Spanish rule. It wasn't until 1803 – a full 27 years after the Declaration of Independence – that New Orleans became American through the Louisiana Purchase. This unique history created New Orleans' distinctive approach to celebrating American independence.