About New Orleans
New Orleans is a classic city situated on the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana. It is known for its bustling nightlife, vibrant culture, and succulent seafood dishes — making it an attraction for visitors from all over the world. It's also home to iconic landmarks like Jackson Square and Preservation Hall, stunning architecture including classic French-influenced townhouses, and delicious eateries like Café Du Monde. Visitors to New Orleans enjoy taking part in the vibrant year-round festivities and celebrations which draw crowds throughout downtown streets.
The magical city is also renowned for having a multitude of outdoor venues thanks to its riverside location that produce a captivating atmosphere with uninterrupted views of the river. From lively live performances to inspiring art exhibitions, you can host any type of gathering while surrounded by some of nature’s finest sights.
Riverside Event Options in New Orleans
- Event Planner
An event planner is a professional who helps coordinate, plan, and manage all the details of an event. They will work with you to create a custom timeline for the event, help secure speakers, vendors, and suppliers, and can provide helpful advice and guidance on matters such as budgeting.
- Musicians
Music can be a big part of any event experience. Whether you need a DJ or live band performance, having professional musicians at your event can add the perfect atmosphere to your riverside occasion.
- Photography
Professional photography services can capture all of the highlights of a gathering. A photographer will be able to take high-quality images and videos that will last long after the event is over.
Riverside Event Vendors in New Orleans
- Mardi Gras Productions
Mardi Gras Productions has been a go-to place for special event planning in New Orleans since 1986. Floral design, consultation, props, artwork — no matter what you need to make your event special, MGP can help turn your vision into reality. For the last three decades, MGP has been responsible for organizing huge events for various Fortune 500 companies and other significant moments in history, such as the Pope John II visit to New Orleans, Super Bowl XLVII, and a National Republican Convention.
- Joe Simon Jazz
Joe Simon's Jazz Band has been a quintessential part of the New Orleans music scene for more than half a century. With a repertoire that specializes in traditional jazz and the beloved classics of their hometown, they quickly became favorites — not only among the local clubs and neighborhood venues but also performing at solemn events like Presidential inaugurations and Senate hearings. What's even more remarkable is that when Joe retired in 2014, Vic Shepherd and Chuck Brackman were passed the torch to keep the grandiose tradition alive. That speaks volumes to the incredible depth of talent possessed by these two masterful musicians who have kept this New Orleans staple going strong throughout generations.
- Chez Nous
For nearly forty years, Chez Nous has been delighting customers with its gourmet catering services. Founded in New Orleans in 1981, the company is renowned for its commitment to providing creative and delicious menus tailored to meet the unique requirements of each event. All of the food is prepared with the freshest local ingredients and every dish celebrates the flavor and culture of the wonderful city that serves as Chez Nous' home.
Pros and Cons of Riverside Events in New Orleans
New Orleans is known as one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, and it has a lot to offer when it comes to hosting events. Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of hosting events in Riverside Locations in New Orleans.
Advantages:
- Beautiful Scenery: The riverbanks of New Orleans provide amazing backdrops for any event. Guests will be able to enjoy gorgeous sunsets and lush greenery when gathering by the river.
- Historical Ambience: New Orleans has historically been an important port city, making Riverside locations especially attractive due to their rich history and culture.
- Accessible Location: The riverside location makes it easy for guests to get around town, whether they’re taking public transportation or simply hopping on a boat cruise down the Mississippi River.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Space: Depending on the size of your event, having a riverside location can limit how many people can attend due to space constraints.
- Bad Weather Conditions: The weather can be unpredictable when it comes to riverfront areas, so there is always the risk of rain or wind disrupting your event plans.
- Noise Pollution: With events that take place near large bodies of water come increased levels of noise pollution from motorboats or other vessels traveling through nearby waterways.
Tips on How to Organize Riverside Events in New Orleans
Planning a large-scale event in New Orleans's Riverside district can be intimidating. Thankfully, there are many tips and tricks to help make sure everything goes smoothly:
- Before anything else, make sure that the venue is acceptable. This can include verifying that there is enough space for the entire event, proper sound systems, and lighting fixtures, as well as any accessibility options needed for attendees.
- Careful consideration should also be made when choosing vendors like caterers or decorators in order to meet all of the expectations of attendees while still helping to keep within budget.
- Finally, build up hype around the event by marketing through social media outlets and local media channels to draw more interest in attendance.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street is an incredible three-block stretch in Faubourg Marigny with something for everyone. Music lovers love it for its reputation as the premier hotspot for live music in New Orleans; not to mention all of the famous jazz and blues clubs. Those seeking culture will be delighted to find Creole-style cottages, huts with tons of charm, and cultural stores that proudly display the city's heritage. If you want an alternative to the lively party scene at Bourbon Street but still want all the best parts of a true New Orleans experience while avoiding the crowds, Frenchmen Street offers it up on a three-block silver platter.
- National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum is one of the most iconic attractions in New Orleans. Spanning across six acres of land and originally opened in 2000, the museum was once the National D-Day Museum that focused solely on the incredible battles of Normandy. However, it has now grown to become a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and houses incredibly fascinating memorabilia from WWII. Those interested in learning more about this critical period in history will find an abundance of wonderful exhibits, interactive activities, and an additional observation deck to further explore military aircraft.
- New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
If you’re ever in New Orleans, don’t miss the chance to visit the unique New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Established in 1972 by Charles Massicot Gandolfo, this museum serves to honor, educate, and commemorate an ancient cultural and religious practice that hails from West Africa. The displays throughout the museum are composed of engaging exhibits as well as items and artifacts brought into the country by way of the African slave trade. Among these artifacts are those owned by Maria Laveau, who was known as the city’s first Queen of Voodoo. You can get your fortune read by local practitioners or purchase ritual objects like talismans, books, potions, and more. If you want to experience a piece of history while in New Orleans, then visiting the museum is a must!