This is my fourth year running the Jazz. Among the many Half's if ran this is one of my favorites…read more It starts and ends at Lafayette Square. Jazz music at the square with great food and beer at the end. The race benefits the children's hospital and this year they had an overwhelming response to both races the half and the 5K.

This race was featured in a running magazines and when my boyfriend and I saw that the race which…read moresupported a great charity landed on Halloween we thought that it was two good reasons to go to NOLA. First, this race is small and made up of mostly locals from what we could tell. We thought it would be bigger but oddly this did not appear to be a popular destination run. Second, the course is awesome. I'm not sure how it could be better as it takes you from the heart of downtown near the grand courthouses, through the gorgeous homes of the jaws dropping Garden District, in and through Audubon Park. There was at least one, maybe two, points where you are making a uturn so you see all the people ahead of you but that would be the only negative. Third, there was definitely less music along the course than I was expecting which is why I took off stars. I was really hoping for at least 5-6 jazz bands - hello "Jazz" is the race's namesake - but there wasn't so that was a little disappointing. There were 2 bands that I remember and a heavenly gospel choir singing on the steps of a church. That's all. Oh, and a radio was playing on one stop. One would think they could have gotten some high school bands to play or something but alas, there was not enough to make me want to run this race again.

Ok so I know a lot of people were mad about the seemingly last minute changes that were made to…read morethis event due to Covid, but I think Rock n Roll handled it well and we were still able to have a successful and fun event. I know the race was supposed to be run through downtown and French Quarter, and while that's also why I signed up, the location change to Lake Pontchartrain/University of New Orleans was also a pretty race course. Less potholes too! My only complaint was that the only shuttles available from downtown to the start line were at the Convention Center which is quite a hike from most French Quarter hotels. Maybe next time, if the race has to be moved again, we could have shuttles departing 2 or 3 different locations downtown? Otherwise many if us had to decide between walking 1 to 1.2 miles each way to/from the Convention Center vs a $40 Uber/Lyft each way!

My entry into Rock 'n' Roll Marathon New Orleans came after a few deferrals starting with 2020…read moreChicago, 2021 Nashville, and 2021 Seattle due to circumstances in those particular cities. The date of Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon New Orleans fit perfectly with my work schedule, plus a visit to New Orleans has been on my bucket list for a few years now. So, seeing it on my deferral list was an opportunity I could not pass up. The expo venue was at the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center within walking distance of my hotel. With all of the deferrals that came before me running New Orleans, the staff was very organized and took care of me during the process of registering. During the expo, I adored the New Orleans culture-themed outfits decorated on manikins along with the Rock 'n' Roll series displays. A huge shout out to all of the volunteers who gave the time to help out on course; it is very appreciated! There were a few water stations along the run course that were short-handed. It was to the point where many runners had to stop just to wait for drinks to be filled with water. On course, every mile was marked in spite of there being a 5k, 10k, and half marathon going on at once. It was easy staying on course being that there were signs that kept all three races on its course. And the course had medical support all throughout it; it warmed my heart seeing the 'Biofreeze' set-up going into the final mile of the course. I must say the rough part for me was the final three miles of the course. My body at that point was ready to check out, but my mind pushed me through every cruising step to the finish. The course had many spread-out rolling hills, but none that were brutal enough to make me walk up them. The dullest part of the course was from mile 10 to mile 12 because there was little support, given the fact that it was further out. The scenery was beautiful along this course which started on the University of New Orleans campus. I kept thinking to myself is this really New Orleans. Gorgeous! Oddly I had Huey Lewis And The News 'Stuck With You' stuck in my head, as I ran along the coast of Lake Pontchartrain which distracted me by taking my mind off how many more miles are left. I enjoyed the jazz bands along the course! Even though they were not rock bands, they were yet another reminder that this is the city of New Orleans. It was relieving to see the finish line which was followed by a tunnel where volunteers handed out medals, and there were tables that were filled with drinks and snacks. I loved the event shirt! It is yet a solid reminder not only of Rock n' Roll New Orleans, but the culture of the city. Very Mardi Gras like design as like the medal which is in the form of a Mardi Gras mask with necklace beads. You best believe I would do Rock n' Roll New Orleans again because it is an excuse to visit New Orleans as the city builds up for Mardi Gras. Doing it again I would plan wiser because I had planned for it starting at Lafayette Square. However, it ended up starting on the University of New Orleans campus which was five miles away from my hotel. After having dealt with so many deferrals, it feels good to be done with Rock 'n' Roll Running Series in the meantime. I was amazed at how responsive Rock 'n' Roll Running Series was with deferral replacements. For that, I ended this experience on a good note. ~Blessings~   Thomas G

Had a great time. Well organized. I did expect more entertainment and food on the race path which…read moreis my only reason for 4 stars. In the past I remember them handing out bananas or oranges on the path. I also remember people performing but it could have totally been local residents just making it a good time. The other gripe I had was once the race ended you had to walk to the opposite side of the after party field to get food. I guess this helped organizers spread the people out so I get it. Overall I will do it again. I do love this event and it's a great birthday celebration for me every year!! Get out there!!

2024 Crescent City Classic was one for the books! I arrived to help out with the corral around…read more6am. It was totally empty aside from many volunteers. I was able to watch the space fill in while the sun came up and before we knew it, tens of thousands of people were warming up and getting pumped to run the 10k. Once we got started energy was high. The route we took was scenic and we got to see the beautiful homes on Esplanade as we ran through. A huge reminder of just how beautiful the city can be. Making friends along the route was my favorite part. The finish line in City Park really made it worth it. The after party had some pretty good food and vendors. I really enjoyed the Classic. I'll definitely do it again next year.

This was my first time attending hogs for the cause and it definitely won't be my last. The…read morefestival was fun, and definitely family friendly. The variety of food options was amazing, I love the name play on anything and everything pork related. They also had non-pork options for those who stay away. The music was great. They had enough options so Lines were never long. What I love most of all is everything is priced so reasonably since this is a ticketed festival.

The best time!! This festival is so much fun and for such a great cause. There is a wide variety of…read morebbq items, and all of them are so good! The venue provides free parking, plenty of bathrooms, and good country music. It is a cashless event and you can bring chairs as well. This year Zach Top performed on the big stage! I will definitely be going again next year!

I hadn't been here in ages. The food options are not impressive. There's neon orange nacho cheese…read morefrom the can nachos, hot dogs, popcorn. Like bad concession stand food. I don't even remember the food being that aromatic and nothing I saw being eaten looked enticing. That's a bummer, because they've got captive appetites for the duration of the event. We eventually left a little early to eat elsewhere. Otherwise, the parking lot is very organized thanks to the friendly parking attendants. The ushers are very sweet, too. The price of tickets for our LSU vs. UNO women's basketball game were great for the location of our seats. Seating is good for a stadium, but if anyone was sitting next to me, I may have felt a bit cramped. For reference, I'm 5'4 and 200 lbs. There are ramps that everyone uses to lead into and out of the arena, but I can't speak to the accessibility of the seating.

Caught Bert Kreischer at UNO Lakefront Arena during Super Bowl weekend in NOLA--and the lineup was…read moreabsolute fire! Nonstop laughs from start to finish. The energy inside the arena was electric, and thankfully the show started a bit late, which helped since everyone was running behind. That being said...getting there was a nightmare. Only one way in and out, and the GPS took us to the wrong entrance. We got turned around, which made us even later. Total chaos in the parking lot, and no clear signage or direction from staff. Once we were inside though, it was worth it. Great venue acoustics, awesome crowd, and a night full of laughs. Just plan to leave early and pack your patience if you're driving in!

It was an absolute treat going to Greek Fest! It's held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox…read moreCathedral right next to the Bayou St John, so among the dancers, events, and music, you also have a fantastic view of the bayou. I tried a gyro and a baklava sundae, and it's my new favorite dessert. The combination of ice cream, nuts, cinnamon, and the flaky pastry was divine. There was music playing at almost every moment, and I got a glimpse of the performers as well (at least before I took cover from the rain). Besides all the tasty food and treats, they also had booths for t-shirts, gifts, and alcoholic drinks. It's a family friendly event too, and I'll definitely be back again next year!

I LOVE Greek Fest and I go every year. I do the race on Friday night and you get free beers, a…read moret-shirt, and free entry for the entire weekend for the price of your race entry which ends up being a great deal. I love the food, the music and most of all the fun people that are enjoying themselves to the maximum here. This is a great family event with activities for all ages. Beer, Wine, liquor are all in abundant supply and the pastries are decadently delicious so it is definitely a must do on the festival schedule. Friday night has always been the most fun for me but I go all three days! My video review of Greek Fest is here: https://youtu.be/tYPpHEbsmhk

Definitely get here early! Besides the tailgate parties. The…read moreDome has so much music entertainment, photo ops and giveaways! Free pics, free koozies, sunglasses, tequila samples, chopsticks, towels,football player cards, key chains,etc. Inside there are plenty of local food favorite s, alligator, jambalaya, poboys and i think i saw beignets. Great atmosphere! Great crowd participation activities! Very entertaining even though they are losing! I would definitely come back to see another game!

Built in 1975, this windowless domed stadium is in pretty good shape…read more Capacity of 73,208 for football, I saw my J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS lose to the Saints here last week. The temperature inside the dome is typically set around 70-74°F (21-23°C) for major events. Plenty of beer vendors on the 100 level to help you drown your sorrows. Be advised, women's purses must be clear see through.

I went to Mirliton Fest the year of its inception (2006) and was so pleased this year to see how…read moreit's grown. The crowds were great, the music tight, and the food booths were not the same old-same old. Plus each featured a mirliton dish! Yum. Wish their had been more crafts to see but I think they are making excellent use of their space.

Admittedly, I haven't been much of a mirliton eater since I was a kid. But on an absolute gorgeous…read moreday, my friend and I took our bikes out through the Quarter to the Bywater neighborhood for the 18th Annual Mirliton Festival at Markey Park. After paying admission and locking up the bikes, we bypassed the crafts area and did a once around of the food booths. I started with a Shrimp and Mirliton Stew with Cheddar Cheese Grits from Karma Kitchen. This dish was really tasty once properly seasoned with a little hot sauce. Next up was Pickled Mirliton Cole Slaw with Grilled Shrimp from Elizabeth's . Friggin' awesome! After a glass of wine from Bacchanal, I ended the afternoon with a Shrimp Stuffed Mirliton from Jack Dempsey's Restaurant. Good but not as good as the first two dishes. Elizabeth's was also serving up some other tasty looking dishes at their booth, so I might have to go check them out! The music was definitely local and happening. We met one of my dinner clubbers there and popped a squat and enjoyed the food, music, wine and weather... The crafts area had some interesting local items, including some brightly colored signs with local sayings and scenes, and some cool S&WB water main belt buckles that I will buy at the next Bywater Market. Turnout was pretty good and you can bet I'll be at next year's Mirliton Festival!

My favorite "race" of the year is this 2 mile New Orleans tradition…read more Nothing stresses me more than running late for an 8 am race due to a sluggish pre-teen, but this race kicks off in the late afternoon. The 3pm start time makes this a happy and healthy family activity! There are plenty of photo opportunities and fun to be had pre-race, so get there early. Santa is there so bring your camera! The true New Orleans spirit is on display during the costume contest. Nothing says Christmas in NOLA like a big group of life-sized elf on the shelf dolls! Just before 3pm, local health and fitness experts lead a group warm up. This race starts off slow and is geared more towards family fun than taking 1st place. You can jog, walk, crawl or roll your strollers- anything is game. After the 5mile turkey Day race, this one is a walk in the park! Hot chocolate is waiting for you at the finish line. It goes well with the traditional post race beer they offer as well. If you worked up an appetite, or need a snack to hold you over, red beans and rice and fresh fruits are provided. At dusk, race participants are granted free access to the Celebration in the Oaks light display BEFORE the general public. Add the commemorative long sleeve glow in the dark tshirt and you have gotten way more than your money's worth! Kids $20-25, Adults $25-30 (depends on date of registration)