Freret Street Festival

Billed as the kick-off to festival season, this Uptown neighborhood festival is basically one huge block party. More than two hundred local vendors, live music on multiple stages, a kids' activity area, a second line and Mardi Gras Indian walk, and festival food are predictable New Orleanian fare, but it's the street-party vibe that gives the festival its edge. 11 am–6 pm between Napoleon and Valmont. Free. freretstreetfestival.org.