New Orleans is a city with many names, including the Crescent City, NOLA, and the Big Easy. Another nickname that deserves to be on the list is Festival Capital of the World. With over 130 New Orleans festivals throughout the year, that’s about one every three days!

That’s not just New Orleanians tooting their own horn, either. Travel & Leisure actually named NOLA the best city for festivals in the United States. New York may be the City That Never Sleeps, but New Orleans is the City That Never Stops Partying.

While New Orleans is most well-known for its raucous Mardi Gras celebration, there are tons of other awesome festivals to experience here. Whether you’re into music, food, literature, art, or booze, there’s a festival for you in the Big Easy.

I absolutely love festivals. In fact, I skipped my senior prom to go to my first music festival. Oh yeah, and I met my wife at one as well! Of all the cities I’ve traveled to for festivals, nobody does it quite like New Orleans. 

With so many excellent New Orleans events to choose from, there’s likely to be something cool going on in the city when you visit. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best New Orleans festivals to help you plan the perfect trip.  

1. Mardi Gras: New Orleans Carnival Celebration

Of course, we have to start with the granddaddy of them all — Mardi Gras! This is definitely the most famous of all the New Orleans festivals, bringing in over 10 million people to the city each year.

The name Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, which is the common name for the final day before the start of Lent. On this day, many people eat rich and fatty foods before the fasting of Lent begins. Mardi Gras in New Orleans lasts for far longer than one day, though!

Once the 12 days of Christmas are finished, the Mardi Gras celebrations begin. The first parades kick off on January 6th, which is also known as Three Kings’ Day. That means the party lasts for several weeks, so you have lots of options for including Mardi Gras on your list of things to do in New Orleans. 

Mardi Gras came to the region way back in 1699 when a French Canadian explorer landed about 60 miles downriver from New Orleans and named it “Ponte du Mardi Gras” (Fat Tuesday Point) when he realized it was the day of the holiday. The parades started in the 1830s, and Mardi Gras has been an integral part of the culture here ever since.

Mardi Gras season in New Orleans basically means a ton of parades, interesting costumes, colorful beads, and King Cakes. There’s a lot of eating, drinking, dancing, and just general merriment. Be sure you wear the official colors of Mardi Gras – purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power). 

For 2020, Mardi Gras falls on February 25th. This is the last day of the New Orleans Carnival season, so most people try to get to the city a few days before for an extended weekend. Make sure you plan ahead and book accommodation well in advance, as this is the most popular time to visit the Big Easy.

If you don’t want to deal with the crowds, consider traveling to New Orleans a few weeks before Mardi Gras. There’s still plenty going on, but it’s far less chaotic and you’ll get a better deal on accommodation.

2. French Quarter Festival

The French Quarter Festival started back in 1984 as a way to draw locals back to the area after construction of the World’s Fair finished up. It’s a celebration of New Orleans food, music, and culture that lasts for four days every April. If you’re looking for a good New Orleans music festival, this is a solid choice.

Best of all, the French Quarter Festival is totally free! It’s actually the largest free music festival in the country, with an estimated 1,700 Louisiana musicians playing across 23 different stages. You’ll hear many different genres of music here, from funk to jazz to zydeco. 

In addition to all the great local music, you can expect plenty of delicious cuisine being cooked, and typical New Orleans cocktails being mixed. There are over 60 booths set up around the French Quarter serving up classics like po’ boys and Hurricanes.

The event is highlighted by the world’s largest jazz brunch, which takes place in Jackson Square and the Riverfront Park. For more information, be sure to check their website.

3. New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

There’s no doubt that the Big Easy is one of the best cities in the US for eating and drinking. You could plan your entire trip here around what you want to eat and drink, and there would be absolutely nothing wrong with that!

When it comes to New Orleans festivals, the Wine and Food Experience is definitely one of the best. Foodies and winos will love this 5-day celebration of the finer things in life. With over 250 wineries and 100 restaurants taking part, you’ve got plenty of options.

During the festival, wineries and restaurants team up to offer special menus with wine pairings. There are also grand tastings and seminars throughout the festival where you can learn more about the fantastic food and wine on offer. The highlight of the festival is the Royal Street Stroll, a parade led by the Krewe of Cork.

One of the best parts about supporting this festival is that it’s for a great cause. The NOWFE donates all of its proceeds minus costs to benefit the arts, careers in wine and hospitality, and charitable organizations. They’ve contributed over $1 million so far, so you’re eating and drinking for a good cause here!

If you want to take part in the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, head on over to their website to learn more.

4. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

In a city known as the birthplace of jazz, it should come as no surprise that there’s a jazz festival in the Big Easy! The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (or Jazz Fest for short) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and is a major part of the local culture.

This famous New Orleans music festival goes down at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Here you can catch over 100 artists across several stages playing every style of music associated with Louisiana, which is basically everything! In addition to jazz, you can get down to blues, gospel, rap, country, bluegrass, and so much more. 

Jazz Fest wouldn’t be one of the best New Orleans festivals without plenty of local food to enjoy. Jazz Fest has a policy of “no carnival food” meaning you won’t get overpriced corn dogs and cotton candy here. Instead, you can munch on local classics like boiled crawfish or red beans & rice. There are also plenty of booths around the festival selling local crafts.

While the music at the festival only goes until 7:00 PM, the party doesn’t stop then. One of the best parts about experiencing Jazz Fest is checking out some of the amazing late-night shows that go on across the city. The hardest part about going to this fun New Orleans music festival is getting any sleep!

Jazz Fest is actually so big now that it takes place over two weekends. If you want to experience one of the best New Orleans festivals, plan to be in the city for the last weekend of April or first of May, or both if you want to go big. For more information on Jazz Fest, check out their website.

5. White Linen Night/Dirty Linen Night

Of all the unique New Orleans festivals, these two definitely stand out. At the very least, they certainly have the most interesting names – White Linen Night and Dirty Linen Night. 

While you can zip around the Big Easy in a nice air-conditioned cab these days, this was not the case back in the day. Since summers are so hot and muggy in the New Orleans, people preferred to wear white linen when going out. Merchants in the city’s Warehouse District decided to have a little flashback party and started White Linen Night in 1994.

The idea for this event is simple. You just put on some fresh, white linen and come out to Julia Street to peruse the art galleries. Of course, there’s also live music and plenty of food & drink to keep the party going. White wine is the drink of choice at this fancy soirée! 

New Orleans festivals are all about having a good time. That’s why the party extends to the next weekend with Dirty Linen Night. You’re encouraged to wear the same outfit that you did the previous weekend now that it’s nice and dirty. This party takes place in the French Quarter on Royal Street. Dirty Martinis are the drink of choice, and some shops even give away Dirty Rice.

Taking place over back-to-back weekends in the summer, these are art-centered block parties that are free to attend. White Linen Night takes place on the first Saturday in August, while Dirty Linen Night happens the following weekend.

6. Essence Festival

Known as the “party with a purpose,” the Essence Festival was originally planned as a one-off event back in 1995. This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the festival, which is now known as the biggest event celebrating African-American culture in the entire United States.

Essence is basically two festivals rolled into one. During the day, there are panels and workshops in the Ernest Morial Convention Center. These are open to the public and are totally free, but registration is required.

The action moves to the Superdome in the evenings for an impressive lineup of hip-hop, funk, soul, R&B, and gospel music. You can purchase tickets for concerts individually or go for a weekend pass. This is one New Orleans music festival you won’t want to miss! 

They’re pulling out all the stops for the big milestone this year (2019). Former First Lady Michelle Obama will headline the festivities in a special keynote conversation. The musical lineup is stacked as well, with Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliot, NAS, Pharrell Williams, and more. Check their website for more information.

7. Tales of the Cocktail

There are several classic New Orleans cocktails, and there’s even an entire festival dedicated to adult beverages. Tales of the Cocktail dates back to 2002 when it started out as a walking tour of local bars. The next year, it turned into a small gathering of cocktail aficionados and professionals, and it has grown every year since.

Over the course of five days, the cocktail community descends upon New Orleans for seminars, workshops, competitions, tastings, and much more. There are even field trips out to local distilleries, which can be a lot of fun. 

For this festival, you can just purchase tickets to the events individually. If you buy tickets up to a value of $150, you can get free access to all the tasting rooms. Here you’ll find great events like “Craft Your Own Perfect Bloody Mary” and “Hecho in Mexico: All Things Agave.” 

Whether you’re a part of the industry or just interested in mixology, this is definitely one of the coolest New Orleans events. You can find all the info you need over on their website.

8. Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

In a city famous for its music and food, one of the best New Orleans festivals to check out is Crescent City Blues & BBQ. Just as the weather starts to cool down a bit, this festival heats things right back up in downtown New Orleans.

This New Orleans music festival started after Hurricane Katrina as a way to bring tourists back to the city and create jobs for locals. It’s been a huge hit ever since and will be having its 14th edition this year.

The festival takes place in Lafayette Square Park in the city’s Central Business District. There are two different stages set up where you can enjoy some amazing blues music and another smaller stage where artists tell stories and host Q&A events.

As far as the food goes, you can expect plenty of mouth-watering Louisiana barbecue here. Take your pick between brisket, lamb chops, and of course a wide variety of sausages. They have vegetarian and vegan options available as well. 

Admission is free, but there are VIP packages available if you’re interested. You can read more about the festival on their website.

9. Voodoo Music & Arts Experience

Voodoo has been an important part of the local culture in New Orleans for centuries. It came here with slaves from West Africa, who soon merged their rituals and beliefs with Catholicism. Not only is there a Voodoo Museum in New Orleans, but there’s even a festival.

Every October on the weekend around Halloween, the Voodoo Music & Arts Experience takes over City Park. With catchphrases like “join the ritual” and “worship the music,” this New Orleans music festival embraces the city’s history with voodoo. 

The first edition of Voodoo happened back in 1999 as a single-day event. It has grown considerably since then and is now a massive 3-day festival with an impressive lineup. Headliners include Guns N’ Roses, Post Malone, and Beck. 

In addition to all the music, there are some pretty mind-blowing art installations here. There’s even an interactive graveyard that makes for some spooky photo ops. Add in thousands of costumed people and you’ve got a recipe for an awesome Halloween weekend. You can find out more about Voodoo and pick up tickets on their website.

LUNA Fete

One of the most unique New Orleans festivals is LUNA Fete, which stands for Light Up NOLA Arts. That’s precisely what this amazing festival of light, art, and technology does to the historic buildings of the Big Easy. 

This festival started in 2014 with a single installation at Gallier Hall featuring a stunning projection of light and video. Created by the Arts Council of New Orleans, the idea is to shine a light on the city and show how art can transform communities.

What you’ll see if you experience LUNA Fete is so much more than images being projected onto a building. It’s a very interactive display of motion graphics and sound using the latest in video mapping technology. It truly is an awe-inspiring sight.

LUNA Fete takes place over a few nights in early December to kick off the holiday season in New Orleans. There are nightly projections along with some other interesting art installations. There’s also a large marketplace here with plenty of art and food vendors as well as live entertainment. It’s the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit and fun for the whole family. Click here to learn more.

Ready for New Orleans Festivals?

As you can see, the action really doesn’t stop when it comes to New Orleans events. Just a few days after ringing in the New Year with huge parties all over the city, the Mardi Gras parades start and last for several weeks. 

There’s barely enough time to clean up all the beads off of Bourbon Street before the city turns its focus towards its legendary spring festivals. In addition to the French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest, there are also tons of New Orleans festivals in the spring just for crawfish! 

The tasty food festivals of the Big Easy continue on through the rest of the year. There are festivals here dedicated to fried chicken, po’ boys, gumbo, beignets, and even one just for tomatoes. You’ll need something to wash all that down with, and New Orleans has you covered with wine, beer, and cocktail festivals. 

With so many festivals going on, New Orleans just might take the (King) Cake for the most fun city in the USA. When one party ends, another is just beginning in the Big Easy. That’s why the city’s motto is “Laissez Le Bons Temps Roulez” – Let the Good Times Roll!

Have you traveled to New Orleans for one of these festivals, or do you have another great recommendation? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Note: Some images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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The beach town of Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. Located in the region known as the Riviera Maya and right on the Caribbean, it’s home to plenty of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Thankfully it’s very easy to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, making this beachfront destination very accessible. 

The Cancun International Airport is a major hub, with tons of options for direct flights. You can fly directly here from all over North and South America and some places in Europe. It’s a super convenient place to travel to and also very close to Playa del Carmen, which is just 68 km (42 miles) down the road.

Best of all, Cancun airport transportation runs like a well-oiled machine. It’s very easy to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — and all of the resorts in between. 

I’ve made the trip from Cancun to Playa del Carmen a few times now and can speak from experience that it’s a breeze. Before you know it, you’ll be kicking back and relaxing with a margarita in your hand. As a matter of fact, you can even grab one of those as soon as you get out of the airport. Viva Mexico! 

In this detailed guide to Cancun airport transportation, I’ll go over all the best options to help you get down to Playa del Carmen so you can enjoy all that the town has to offer. From exploring nearby Mayan ruins, to chilling out at beach clubs, to snorkeling in cenotes, there are plenty of awesome things to do in Playa del Carmen once you get there.

Cancun Airport Transportation Info

You’ve just landed in Cancun and you’re headed to Playa del Carmen. What are the transport options? As it turns out, you’ve got quite a few choices for how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. 

First of all, I should mention that the Cancun International Airport is actually south of Cancun proper. It’s located in between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, so you don’t even have to go to Cancun if it’s not on your itinerary. You can just head straight from the airport to Playa del Carmen, which usually takes around an hour.

Before we get into the details of each option, let me tell you what NOT to do.

Under no circumstances should you accept a ride from a random person in the arrivals hall. They are not legit taxi drivers and they will at the very least rip you off.

To be honest, I wouldn’t even bother with taxis at all. Sure, you can definitely get a taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. It’s just really expensive and will most certainly involve some haggling. In my humble opinion, it’s best to just forget about taxis altogether for this trip.

Now that you know to avoid taxis, let’s get on with the Cancun airport transportation guide.

Here are your best options on getting from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, including info on prices and times. 

Cancun to Playa del Carmen By Private Transfer

The first option on our list is a private transfer. This is the best for those who want to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen as quickly, safely and comfortably as possible. 

The price of a private transfer depends on the type of vehicle and the number of people in your group.

The cheapest option is a Toyota Hiace van or a similar vehicle. For 1-3 people, the cost is $60 one way or $110 round trip. The price for 4-6 people is $70 one way, or $120 round trip, and for 7-9 people it costs $85 one way or $135 round trip.

As you can see, this is actually a great deal, especially if you have a big group. Buying a round trip private transfer with a group of 7 ends up costing even less than the local ADO bus! If you’re flying solo, it’ll be more expensive for you, but if you want to get to the beach ASAP, it’s still a good option. 

You also have the option of booking a luxury vehicle (Suburban or similar) for your private transfer. These fit 1-6 people and cost $99 one way or $175 round trip. For the same price, you could also get a 16-seat Sprinter van if you have a really big group.

If you really want to splash out on your trip from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, it’s even possible to book a limo. The Chrysler is $299 one way or $525 round trip and fits up to 11 people. The upgraded Suburban holds 14 and costs $375/$599. If you’re here for a special occasion, this may be the way to go!

SEE PRICES & DEALS FOR PRIVATE TRANSFER

I should note that these prices are only available when you book online in advance. To book your trip, click here to check out the various options I described above. 

When you factor in the cost of getting from the bus station in Playa del Carmen to your accommodation, a private transfer really is a great deal, especially for a group. Even if it costs a little more, it’s worth a few bucks to not have to deal with those con artist cab drivers that hang around the bus station. 

Cancun To Playa del Carmen By Bus

The main company running this route is ADO, and they also travel to several other destinations in Mexico.

There are now four terminals in the Cancun airport. They only use Terminal 1 for charter flights, and most international travelers arrive at either Terminal 3 or the shiny new Terminal 4. You can catch the ADO bus headed to Playa del Carmen at all of them except for T1.

The ADO bus runs from Cancun to Playa del Carmen every 20-30 minutes from 8AM until around midnight. There are also two different buses in the middle of the night if you have a late arrival. You can check their website to find exact times here.

You can buy tickets for the ADO bus inside the airport right after you go through immigration and customs. They have a stand near where all the rental car companies and tour operators are set up. Alternatively, you can just get yourself out to the bus stop and grab a ticket from the stand there. 

A one-way ticket from Cancun to Playa del Carmen on the ADO bus costs 208 pesos (about $11) as of June 2019. You can pay in cash with either USD or pesos, but you won’t get a great exchange rate if paying in dollars. Most of the stands also accept cards unless their machine is down. 

The ADO buses are usually very punctual, but sometimes traffic causes delays. Unless you arrive in Cancun at 4AM, you should never have to wait too long for a bus. Both international terminals have a little bar near the bus station where you can sit down and grab a snack and a drink while you wait.

One thing to consider if you choose to take the bus is that you might also need transportation to your hotel from the bus station in Playa. The taxi drivers that wait outside the bus station there charge some ridiculous rates to tourists, so just be prepared. It’s honestly worth it to walk a few blocks and just hail a cab on the road unless you have a ton of luggage.

There are plenty of excellent Playa del Carmen hotels that are located within a few blocks of the ADO station. Be sure to check the location of yours before choosing how you’ll get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

Cancun to Playa del Carmen By Rental Car

If you like having your own wheels, there are plenty of rental car companies at the Cancun airport. Rental cars in Mexico are very affordable and allow you to be in control of your trip.

Renting a car is a great option for those who plan to take a lot of day trips from Playa del Carmen. Within a few hours of the city, you can visit ruins, cenotes, adventure parks, colonial towns, and so much more. Sitting around waiting on buses or haggling with cab drivers can take up a lot of time and effort. It’s so much easier to just jump in the car and go.

First of all, you’re probably wondering if it’s safe to drive in this part of Mexico. While it’s definitely true that there are some parts of Mexico you probably don’t want to be driving in, the Riviera Maya isn’t one of them. This area is very heavily policed and is generally a safe place to travel around.

As long as you stick to main roads and drive mostly during the day, you should be just fine driving here. Just make sure you always roll up the windows, lock the doors, and don’t leave valuables in plain sight when the car is parked. 

The drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is a straight shot down Highway 307 and is quite easy. Your accommodation in Playa del Carmen may include free parking, but if it doesn’t there are plenty of places to park in town.

Of course, you always have to worry about insurance, and in Goats On The Road’s experience, they had to pay a mandatory fee/insurance when they rented a car for a month in Manzanillo — which really added to the rental cost.

Some rentals include liability insurance but many of them don’t. You’ll need to be sure to read the fine print of the agreement to see what is and isn’t covered. If you decline the insurance, you’ll have to put a large hold on a credit card.

Whatever you decide to do with insurance, be sure you check the car carefully for any dents and scratches. Take pictures if you spot anything and be sure the company marks them down. The last thing you want is to be charged for something you didn’t even do.

Almost all rental cars in Mexico are automatic. They drive on the right side of the road here, so it’ll be familiar for those from the US and Canada. One thing that may shock you here is the driving style, as some seem to think they’re racecar drivers on the highway from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

One thing to be aware of when driving in this part of Mexico is the gas scam. You don’t fill up your own tank here, but rather have workers at the gas station do it. Unfortunately, many of them try to take advantage of tourists by not starting the meter from zero or by swapping out larger bills for smaller ones. Just be very alert when filling up the tank so you don’t get conned.

Another thing to take into consideration is the extra cost you’ll incur from tolls and parking. If you plan to travel to places like Tulum and Chichen Itza, you’ll definitely end up spending some extra money on both of these. Be sure to keep cash (Mexican pesos, not USD) on you for these expenses. 

Transportation From Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport

Sadly, all vacations come to an end at some point. When you have to get back to the Cancun airport, you can use the same options I listed above. 

Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Private Transfer

If you’re going to go this route, you might as well buy a round trip ticket in advance. As I mentioned earlier, you get a pretty good discount when buying round trip tickets from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Or, if you didn’t purchase a private transfer on your way to PdC, but you want one on the way out, you can just purchase a one-way ticket. 

The only reason I would say not to buy a round trip ticket is if you have an open-ended trip and you’re not exactly sure of your departure date.

Or perhaps you’re planning on moving around and not coming and going from the same place. Many people like to visit other towns like Tulum or Valladolid when traveling in this part of Mexico, which I highly recommend if you have the time!

Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Bus

Just as it is when traveling from the airport to town, the ADO bus has a few options in the middle of the night. It starts running regularly at 7AM with buses leaving every 20-30 minutes.

On the way out of town, you can catch the bus at either the main tourist terminal near 5th Avenue or the other one on 20th. Buses leave from the first one and make a quick stop at the other. Just choose whichever one is closest to your hotel. 

There’s no discount for buying round trip tickets on the ADO bus, so you might as well just buy a one way in both directions. You don’t even need to buy the ticket in advance as buses run so frequently. Just show up at the station and get on the next bus.

Be sure to leave nice and early, though, as you never know what traffic is going to be like on the way to the airport. The ADO bus stops at Terminal 4 first and then goes to T3 and T2, so take that into consideration. 

Renting a Car

If you rented a car for your trip, you’ll want to be sure to head back to the airport nice and early. You’ll have to return the car and make sure there are no surprises with your bill before flying out. 

Personally, I’ve never rented a car in Mexico (but, Goats On The Road, Nick and Dariece have). I just don’t find it necessary since public transportation is so good here.

That being said, I’ve had several friends rent a car from the Cancun airport to explore the Riviera Maya, and none of them have had any problems with false charges or anything like that. Just make sure you go over the car with the company to ensure there are no damages that you’re responsible for. 

Conclusion

How you choose to travel between Cancun and Playa del Carmen all depends on your group and preferences. Do you want to get to your accommodation as soon as possible? Do you want a more comfortable ride? Are you travelling on a strict budget? The type of transport you choose will depend on your personal circumstances. 

A private transfer is the best option if you’re on a shorter vacation and want to maximize your time in Mexico. It’s also a great option for those who aren’t on a tight budget, want door-to-door service or are in a group. The bigger your group, the better deal you’ll get.

It might even work out to be about the same price as the bus depending on how many people you have. It’s also nice having the peace of mind that someone will be waiting for you as opposed to the other way around.

Plus, if you’re staying at a resort that’s actually a 15-20 minute drive from the bus station in Playa del Carmen, you’ll end up spending about the same as you would on a private transfer after you factor in cabs to and from the bus station.

For those traveling in a group, a private transfer is definitely a solid choice. 

If you’re a solo traveller on a budget, or if you don’t mind waiting around and sorting out transfers from the bus to your accommodation, then taking the ADO bus is a good option for you. 

If you really want to rent a car, you can wait until you get to town and sort it out there. You’ll most likely find a better deal on rental cars on the ground than you would if you booked online. Plus, renting from the airport is always more costly.

I hope this guide helped you figure out your Cancun airport transportation. However you decide to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, I hope you have an awesome trip there. Chill out on the beach, stroll along 5th Avenue, feast on street tacos, dance the night away in the clubs, and enjoy your holiday! 

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