Freret Street Festival

Billed as the kickoff to the festival season, this Uptown neighborhood festival is the biggest block party you've ever been to. More than two hundred local vendors, live music on three 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. Free. neworleans.com/event/freret-street-festival/3266.