Holi Festival
A Day of Music, Food, and Color at Washington Square Park
Experience the Festival of Colors
After the parade, the celebration continues at Washington Square Park with live performances, delicious food, community activities, and the spectacular main color throw that makes Holi unforgettable!
Festival Highlights
Live Performances
Enjoy live music and dance performances from the local Indian community, featuring classical Indian dance, Bollywood performances, DJs spinning bhangra and fusion beats, and more!
Authentic Food
Savor delicious Indian cuisine from local food vendors. From samosas to biryani, gulab jamun to mango lassi, experience the flavors of India right here in New Orleans.
Massive Color Throws
The main event! Synchronized color throws create spectacular clouds of purple, green, and gold. Multiple throws throughout the day ensure everyone gets colorful.
Kids Activities
Family-friendly fun including face painting, henna artists, craft stations, and safe color play areas for children. A celebration for all ages!
Vendor Marketplace
Browse unique goods from local vendors. Discover handmade jewelry, traditional clothing, art, crafts, and Holi-themed merchandise.
Cultural Education
Learn about the history and significance of Holi through information booths, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations throughout the festival.
Entertainment
Throughout the day, our main stage features continuous entertainment showcasing the best of Indian culture and local talent. The performance schedule is announced closer to the event date.
Traditional Dance
Watch mesmerizing performances of classical Indian dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and folk dances from various regions of India.
Live DJ Sets
Dance to high-energy DJ sets mixing Bollywood hits, bhangra beats, and fusion tracks that blend Indian and New Orleans sounds.
Community Performers
Local dance groups, musicians, and performers from New Orleans' diverse Indian community share their talents on stage.
Food & Shopping
Food Vendors
Multiple food vendors serving authentic Indian cuisine, from street food favorites to traditional meals. Vegetarian and vegan options available!
Marketplace
Browse unique handmade goods, traditional clothing, jewelry, art, and festival merchandise from talented local and regional vendors.
Festival Tips
Dress Code
Wear white or old clothes you don't mind getting permanently colored. Colors will stain! Comfortable shoes are a must for dancing.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle. Water stations available throughout the festival grounds. March in New Orleans can be warm!
Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen before arriving (colors stick less to sunscreen). Bring hats and sunglasses you don't mind getting colorful.
Protect Electronics
Keep phones and cameras in sealed plastic bags or waterproof cases. Colors and moisture can damage electronics.
Bring Cash
While many vendors accept cards, having cash makes transactions faster and easier. ATMs available nearby.
Family Friendly
This is a family-friendly event! Kids' areas with gentler color activities available. Strollers welcome but can get messy!
Getting to the Festival
Washington Square Park
Address: 700 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Located in the Marigny neighborhood, adjacent to the French Quarter
Transportation Options
- Walk/Bike: If you're in the French Quarter or Marigny, walking or biking is easiest
- Streetcar: Take the Rampart-St. Claude Streetcar line
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft drop-off at Washington Square Park
- Parking: Limited street parking available; arrive early or use nearby paid lots
- Public Transit: RTA bus lines serve the area
Join Us at the Festival!
Whether you join the parade or come straight to the festival, Washington Square Park is where the magic happens. Bring your friends, family, and your spirit of celebration!