Volunteer
Local Attractions
New Orleans is one of the oldest and most culturally-rich cities of the United States, with thousands of interesting destinations and attractions. When done volunteering for the day, groups often head out in the evening to explore and learn more about the history and culture that make New Orleans and the Gulf Coast so unique.
Check out New Orleans’ Special Events, Year-Round Attractions and Staff Restaurant Picks below!
2010 Special Events
July 2 - 4
Essence Festival
The greatest sounds in R&B, urban contemporary, soul, hip hop, jazz and more as three dozen internationally and locally renowned singers and musicians take the stage during the three-day festival.
July 4
Go 4th On the River
“Dueling Barges” is an exciting fireworks show to the tune of patriotic music – it’s a world renown, one-of-a-kind spectacle!
August 5 - 8
SatchmoFest
Satchmo SummerFest has evolved into what one visiting music writer called “a mini-JazzFest.” With three days of outdoor concerts, music history seminars, jazz exhibits, a jazz mass, a second-line parade and plenty of local food delicacies and drinks, the festival has become a travelers’, as well as a local, favorite. Nearly all of the participating musicians are New Orleans-based.
August 7
White Linen Night
Those who get into the spirit of the occasion wear white outfits and some even wear white hats as they leisurely stroll through the art galleries along Julia Street and adjacent side streets. There are also be samplings of New Orleans’ world-famous cuisine from local restaurants and cool drinks to sip on as you gallery hop. The outdoor celebration includes stages and live entertainment provided by some of New Orleans’ most eclectic and talented musicians.
August 21 - 23
Louisiana Tailgate and BBQ Festival
Food. Music. Football. Family. Fun! This fest is for every sports fan, outdoorsman and foodie in the region! Join 1000s of screaming football fans, Dozens of famous competitive BBQ teams from around the country, 8 great New Orleans bands, Competition for one crown: The Louisiana Tailgate State Champion.
October 10
Art for Arts Sake
With hundreds of fabulous galleries and shops open on Julia Street, the historic Warehouse Arts District and Magazine Street, Art for Arts’ Sake is an annual tradition that opens this city’s exciting art season.
October 29-31
VooDoo Fest
For three whole days, this music festival takes over City Park with two main stages and several smaller stages not to mention countless local food and beverage vendors. Fun for the entire family and anyone who loves live music!
October 14 - 21
New Orleans Film Festival
The New Orleans Film Festival provides an opportunity for new and established filmmakers to premiere their latest works. These works most commonly include full-length features, shorts and animation, as well as music videos.
October 16 - 17
Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival
This free fall fete celebrates the essence of Southern soul with two stages of music, locally made art and crafts and some of the best barbecue in the South.
October 22 - 24
Audubon’s Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo features games, fun activities, candy, decorations and entertainment.
November 6 - 7
Audubon’s Louisiana Swamp Fest
Hear some of your favorite Cajun, Zydeco and Country performers. Chow down on Cajun jambalaya and gumbo, fried alligator, boudin, crab cakes with crawfish sauce, catfish po-boys, crawfish bread, and cracklins from some of the best restaurants and caterers in Southern Louisiana. Also, bring a piece of Louisiana’s heritage home with unique Cajun creations.
November 14
Congo Square Rhythms Festival
Celebration of African music, dance, food and the historic role of Congo Square in the development of American culture features top funk, hip-hop, R&B and jazz performers.
November 21
New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Fest
A great opportunity to enjoy arts and crafts, live music and the creations of some of the best po-boy makers in the city.
November 26 - 28
Bayou Classic
Every year, the Southern University Jaguars battle it out with the Grambling State University Tigers in one of the most exciting events in college football.
2011 Special Events
March 3 - 8
Mardi Gras 2011
Carnival season includes parades, parties, and fun for the whole family all around the New Orleans area!
March 12
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Marchers and riders in the parade will have plenty of green beads, doubloons and a parade goer may catch a coveted potato or head of cabbage. The tuxedo-clad marchers also hand out paper flowers in exchange for a kiss on the hand or cheek.
April 8 - 10
French Quarter Fest 2011
More than a dozen stages make this Louisiana’s largest FREE music festival.
April 29 - May 8
Jazz Fest 2011
An endless amount of music, succulent local and regional delicacies, one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts, second line parades and so much more!
Note that the Fest will not be held the first weekend of May, as normal, due to Easter weekend conflict.
Year Round Attractions
Jackson Square
Cafe Du Monde
New Orleans Riverwalk
Mardi Gras Museum
Audubon Aquarium
Audubon Insectarium
Audubon Zoo
Preservation Hall
Ride the Streetcar
National World War II Museum
New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans Art District
Magazine Street Shopping
Frenchmen Street
New Orleans Sno Balls
Staff Picks of Where to Eat
New Orleans East (Where Camp Restore is!)
Deanie’s on Hayne
Serves mostly seafood and has a variety of specials including crawfish bisque, steak, and breaded porkchops. Only open for lunch.
Price Range: Under $12
7350 Hayne Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 248-6700
We Never Close
Despite the fact they do close (at 9:00), they serve huge po-boys along with fried chicken and jambalaya.
Price Range: Under $10
10240 Chef Menteur Hwy
New Orleans, LA
(504) 246-1042
Castnet
Typical New Orleans po-boy shop that serves seafood, po-boys, roast beef, and featured daily Specials.
Price Range: Under $12
10826 Hayne Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70127-1410
(504) 244-8446
French Quarter
Remoulade Bistro
Famous Shrimp Arnaud, red beans and rice, oysters on the half shell and po-boys share the menu with 8-oz. specialty burgers, grilled all-beef hot dogs and thin-crust pizza.
Price Range: $12-$16
309 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-0377
Gumbo Shop
Traditional and contemporary Creole cuisine in the casual elegance of a restored 1794 cottage with muraled walls and a garden patio.
Price Range: $12-$18
630 St. Peter St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-1486
Cafe Maspero
Sandwiches/Po-Boys, Cajun/Creole/Louisiana. Great for large groups.
Price Range: Under $12
601 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-6250
St. Bernard Parish
Tony’s Po-Boy Restaurant
Family Owned & Operated Since 1972. Huge portions of reasonable priced seafood, steaks and Italian fare.
Price Range: Under $12
434 East Judge Perez Dr.
Chalmette, LA 70043
(504) 271-5211
Par-3
Classic St. Bernard Diner has a wide variety of homestyle New Orleans food. They are famous for Po-boys, pastas, seafood and their one of a kind Hotsy Burger.
Price Range: Under $10
1530 East Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA
(866) 905-3697
Today’s Ketch
Fresh seafood, Po-Boys & Dinners, Fresh Stuffed Artichokes and Artichoke Bread
Price Range: Market Price for seafood; Under $10 for lunch/dinners
2110 East Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
(504) 279-6639
Uptown
Franky and Johnny’s
Order anything from hot and spicy, award winning boiled crawfish to roast beef po-boys, an Italian muffuletta or homeade bread pudding.
Price Range: Under $12
321 Arabella Street
New Orleans, LA. 70115
(504) 899-9146
Joey K’s
Red Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, Po-Boys and Catfish
Price Range: $12-$18
3001 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA
504-891-0997
Camellia Grill
A New Orleans landmark since 1946, they serve everything from omelets to burgers right at the countertop. Right on the street car line!
Price Range: Under $10
626 South Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 309-2679
Mid-City
Parkway Bakery and Tavern
A huge variety of Sandwiches/Po-Boys but they are especially known for their fried oyster po-boy and the roast beef po-boy. Try the sweet potato fries, too!
Great for large groups but they get really busy during peak hours. Closed on Tuesdays
Price Range: Under $12
538 Hagan Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 482-3047
Fellini’s Cafe
Mixed green salads with lamb, shrimp and chicken, hummus, portobello and lavash bread. Fellini’s has gourmet pizzas and pasta.
Price Range: Under $12
900 N. Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 488-2155
Liuzza’s
A neighborhood tradition since 1947. Favored by locals for Italian, Seafood, and Cajun cuisine.
Price Range: Under $12
3636 Bienville St.
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 482-9120
Metairie
R & O’s
Creole-Italian—Olive salads, thin-crust pizzas and po-boys
Price Range: Under $12
216 Metairie Hammond Highway
Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 831-1248
The Rivershack Tavern
Sits across the levee from the Mighty Mississip. Serves pretty much everything including seafood, po-boys and burgers.
Price Range: Under $10
3449 River Road
Jefferson, LA 70121
504-834-4938
Upper 9th
Jack Dempsey’s
Seafood, Steak, Lobster and Po-Boys
Price Range: Under $12 for lunch
738 Poland Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117-4724
(504) 943-9914
The Joint
Award Winning BBQ…always smokin’
Price Range: Under $12
801 Poland Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 949-3232