Why New Orleans is the perfect destination for a joint bach party
Back in the day, bachelor and bachelorette parties were very separate matters. The girl would venture out with her best girlfriends, and guys with their guyfriends, for one last crazy single night. But, that whole idea seems so antiquated now. First, we don’t exclusively socialize with the same gender, and second, many couples have a shared friend group, not just “his” and “hers”. So, instead of making your friends choose which party to go to, why not throw a joint Bachelor/Bachelorette weekend? And, in case you were wondering…we’ve got just the place–New Orleans!
Forget Vegas, when it comes to Bach parties, there’s no better destination than NOLA. They’ve got it all–music, nightlife, food. And just think how fun it will be to share all those fun times with your entire group of besties. If you still want to keep some things separate, we recommend booking a few separate suites at the same hotel, that way you have space when you want it and have a place where you can all come together and hang out too. One group can relax at the hotel spa while the other goes on a food tour and then you can all meet up at the end of the night for a classic New Orleans ghost tour before a trip down Bourbon Street. Doesn’t it seriously sound like the best vacation ever?!
Another reason New Orleans is the perfect Bach party destination is because it’s home to a TON of incredible festivals. Festivals are a great way to ensure a weekend packed full of activities. And the best part? Someone made the itinerary for you. All you have to do is get tickets and show up. Here are a few of our favorite NOLA festivals…
MUSIC
new orleans jazz & heritage festival
With jazz, pop, funk, hip-hop, rock, zydeco, indie, and blues, Jazz Fest has live entertainment for everyone. The eight-day music festival is held at the end of April through the beginning of May at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course. If you want to view all the action up-close then the Krewe of Jazz Fest VIP is the package for you. With high-end folding seats along with private, upscale restroom facilities (a HUGE plus) and a dedicated beverage concession area, your squad can enjoy Jazz Fest right in front of the Festival Stage. Everyone can celebrate in style while watching their favorite musical superstars perform just feet away.
ESSENCE festival
Essence Festival is a celebration of contemporary black music and culture. You may recognize some of these past performers–Beyoncé, Charlie Wilson, Jill Scott, Frankie Beverly, and Maze. Spend your days front and center in the Superdome watching your favorites perform with the VIP Weekend Ticket package. You can also enjoy a more intimate performance with artists performing in the four, club-level, super lounges. Can you even imagine?
french quarter festival
Every April, the famous French Quarter comes together to celebrate local music and the festival is open to the public. There are over 20 stages that line the street and performers and performances that represent every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, cabaret, and international. We recommend scooping up some 4-Day Weekend VIP passes so you and your crew can enjoy exclusive perks like lounges, shaded elevated viewing areas, private bars, private restrooms, exclusive programming, and even get some free drinks.
FOOD
N.O. wine & food experience
So you’re here for the food and drinks? Say less. Each spring thousands of food and wine enthusiasts gather in the French Quarter for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. The festival showcases hundreds of wineries and restaurants that feature local flavor and innovative new creations. Top chefs from around the city come together for this four-day event to create culinary experiences like no other. Whether you’re a group of foodies or you’re just looking for a tasty time on the town, this festival has packages to please everyone in your party.
COOLinary
Cuisine is part of the fabric and culture of New Orleans. Each summer, restaurants across the Crescent City participate in a culinary extravaganza known as, "COOLinary New Orleans." Restaurants offer curated prix-fixe menus at unbeatable prices. Enjoy 2-course lunches for $28 or less, and 3-course dinners and brunches for $58 or less. Save $$$ and eat more–where do we sign up? COOLinary New Orleans runs from August 1 - September 15, make sure to make your reservations in advance, especially if there's going to be a lot of you.
tales of the cocktail
Shake things up for your co-ed celebration at this week-long festival! Each summer, the Tales of the Cocktail Festival fills the French Quarter with thousands of people and some of the country’s best mixologists and bartenders. You and your crew can also enjoy lectures, book signings, dinner pairings, cooking, and mixing demonstrations. Let the drinks and the good times roll!
CULTURE
mardi gras season
Probably the most famous celebration in all of the US, Mardi Gras is less of a festival than it is an entire season in New Orleans. Festivities run from January 6-March 4, 2025. That's 5 weekends to catch a parade and partake in all of the debauchery. If you are planning on celebrating your joint bach party in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season, make sure you book your hotels and flights well in advance because there will be a lot of "krewes" with the same idea. Speaking of your crew, pick a theme and make sure everyone has a costume, just trust us, it's part of the fun!
red dress run
Held annually on the second Saturday in August, the Red Dress Run brings crowds from near and far to participate in and watch this 2-mile run through the scenic Crescent Park. Whether you are running or not, yes a red dress is required–the photos are always epic! The run is hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, a local drinking club, so you know there will be plenty of "refreshments" before and after the run to keep the fun going. You'll need a ticket to participate in the run which you can register for here, and lunch and live music is included.
san fermin/ running of the bulls
If you don’t want to commit to a full weekend of activities, then let us recommend this little gem. Every July in New Orleans, the Annual Running of the Bulls thumps through the streets of downtown New Orleans. It pays homage to Encierro of Pamplona, the original “Running of the Bulls” held in Spain. Though, in this one, there are no actual bulls. Instead, you and your crew can run from the Big Easy Rollergirls 😂! For sporty crews, it’s a fun way to get your blood pumping and of course, there will be wine and spirits to get you in the “spirit” before and after the run.
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