The Bayou Bugaloo is a strictly Louisiana spectacle that takes place each year on the banks of the Bayou St. John and consists of all of the different aspects that make a festival work in new Orleans: food, music, art, dancing and a duck race. Wait, what? A duck race? Yes! The Rubber Duck Derby puts the “FUN” in fundraising! Benefiting the Second City Harvest Food Bank, the  derby sees thousands of bright yellow duckies floating down the Bayou. The ducks are adopted for $5 each. The winning ducky’s parent will win a car! The second, third and fourth place winners also get great prizes.

Along with the music and fun, the festival is proud of its sustainability efforts. By striving to be a zero-waste event and encouraging attendees to get to the festival in non-motorized means, the festival commits itself to the green effort.

You can hit both weekends of the festival and stay with us for 10 days at the 1896 O’Malley House.

The Jazz Fest is back again for 2012, and as always, we are looking forward to the music of New Orleans to fill the air and our ears. You might expect that as the offical name of the fest is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, you would only be treated to Jazz music. As wonderful as that sounds, you can also enjoy Gospel, Afro-Centric and World Music, Brass Bands and Cajun and Zydeco acts, truly representing the Big Easy in it’s musical tradition.

Don’t forget the food! What is a festival in N.O. without delicious offering from street vendors and fine restaurants? Surprise your tastebuds with such Louisiana delicacies as Cochon au Lait and Crawfish Monica. Think of the Po’Boys and the Etouffe- are you hungry yet? And if that is not enough, take in the cooking demonstrations on various stages throughout the festival.

After a full day of Jazz and food, come back to us at the 1896 O’Malley House for Southern Hospitality and comfortable rest.

The French Quarter Festival is one of New Orleans’ Premier Events. Held in it’s name-sake area of the city, local enjoy this festival over all others. Combine free admission, food, music, activities for kids and adults, warm days and cool nights, shopping, gallery exhibits and the great New Orleans hospitality and you’ve got a festival to appeal to fun-lovers of all ages.

1896 O’Malley House is conveniently located to the Canal Streetcar line, which will take you right to the doorstep of the festival. Stay with us, park your car and enjoy the event without the hassle of parking.

On Saturday, February 5th, 2012, get ready to get your Blues on at the fifth annual Big Easy Blues Festival at the University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena.

Get down with live performances by: Clarence Carter, Millie Jackson, Sir Charles Jones, Mel Waiters, and Jeff Floyd. The concert will also include stories and jokes from the artists, which is always a big hit with the audience.

Tickets are available for $45 at the UNO Box Office and Ticketmaster. This event is suitable for adults and older teenagers.