Weekend Picks is your source for the best weekend activities in New Orleans. From live music to festivals, there’s plenty to do.  

This weekend is jam-packed with springtime events involving live music, oysters, crawfish, and outdoor festivities. Check out our picks for the weekend below. 

New Orleans Entrepreneur Week  

New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) returns this March 27 – April 1, 2023. NOEW supports emerging entrepreneurs through discussions, debates, competition, and education. From March 30-April 1, experience NOEW Fest, a live music festival including performances from White Denim, Pell, Water Seed, and more. 

Hogs for the Cause  

Hogs for the Cause is back this March 31-April 1, and we couldn’t be more excited to pig out for a purpose. Nearly 100 teams will compete in the ultimate New Orleans barbecue competition while raising funds for families of children with pediatric brain cancer. Over 20 bands are scheduled to play three stages, including artists like St. Paul and the Broken Bones and The Devon Allman Project. Head to the New Orleans Lakefront for this family-friendly festival.  

Overlook Film Fest  

Overlook Film Festival celebrates all things horror in America's most haunted city. Experience feature length and short films from both experienced filmmakers and emerging artists this March 30 – April 2. Immersive experiences, parties, and Q&A sessions are also part of the festival. The full lineup can be found here.  

Shell-A-Bration 

Shell-A-Bration is a community event dedicated to raising awareness for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana's Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Join them on March 31 for a night of live music featuring Sweet Crude, fresh Louisiana oysters, cuisine from Audubon Nature Institute, local brews, a silent auction, and more. The event is from 7-10 p.m. at 6500 Magazine St. 

April Fools’ Market 

Enjoy handmade art, food vendors, vintage, ceramics, and more at Music Box Village on April 1. Los Crudos, Veggie Tamales, and Sittoo's Kitchen are the food vendors, and the bar will also be open. The event is free to attend and starts at noon. 

WYES Dooky Chase Tasting & Launch Party 

To highlight the new 26-part cooking series, THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH'S LEGACY, WYES will host an event open to the public on Saturday, April 1, also WYES’ 66th birthday.  

During the event guests will see the first episode before anyone else, enjoy a cooking demonstration, and sample dishes from the series. Some of the stars of the series will be on hand and series producer and director Terri Landry will share highlights from the series. Tickets are $45 per person and benefit WYES. Proceeds help support future local cooking series and documentaries. The event is from 2-4 p.m. at 916 Navarre Ave. 

New Orleans Ragtime Festival

Dedicated to the musical legacy of ragtime, this festival will feature a variety of performances at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Visitor Center in Dutch Alley on April 1 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will also be a performance from The New Leviathan Oriental Fox-Trot Orchestra on March 31 at the Marigny Opera House. See here for more details.

Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers 

As the Pels regular season wraps up, catch a game this Saturday, April 1 at the Smoothie King Center. The match against the Los Angeles Clippers kicks off at 7:30 p.m. 

Spring Fiesta Association Events 

The Spring Fiesta Association hosts events open to the public every spring. On April 1, enjoy a history and architecture walking tour and a home and courtyard tour of the Upper French Quarter. Find the full schedule of events here.   

MiNO Hospitali-Tea Party at Windsor Court: Benefit for Made in New Orleans 

On Sunday, April 2, enjoy a benefit tea party at the Windsor Court Hotel. This spring fundraiser for Made in New Orleans Foundation will begin with a champagne welcome at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., guests will have a choice of three teas and savories and sweets chosen for this special event with live music by Cassie Watson Francillon, visionary harpist and performer. Tickets are $75. 

NOLA Gold Rugby vs. Seattle Seawolves 

The NOLA Gold take on the Seattle Seawolves on Sunday, April 2 at 2 p.m. Head out to the Gold Mine on Airline to catch the game. 

Backwoods Barbies: A Tribute to Dolly Parton 

On Sunday, April 2, enjoy a show at the AllWays Lounge in tribute to Dolly Parton. Expect live music, drag, burlesque, and performances from Christopher Robin, Debbie with a D, Virginia Slimjim, and others. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. 

Crawfish Season 

Enjoy the best of crawfish season this spring in New Orleans. Various breweries host crawfish boils on the weekend, often complete with live music. Grab a few pounds to go and have your boil picnic-style at one of these parks.