Is New Orleans in March nuts?

February 8, 2013 1:22 PM

I'm considering going to New Orleans with my girlfriend for vacation the third week of March, and wondering if it gets crazy enough with spring breakers to make that a bad idea.

I've read the other New Orleans-related questions, but if there's any bonus information/suggestions you have, they'd of course be welcome in addition to the main question.

posted by transient to Travel & Transportation around New Orleans, LA (12 answers total)

Best answer: No. New Orleans gets crazy during Mardi Gras and Halloween. It might be a little busier than in, say, July, but it won't be particularly packed.
posted by a hat out of hell at 1:29 PM on February 8, 2013

Best answer: I was there with my family around that time last year (Easter weekend, maybe?) and it was not crazy.
posted by naturalog at 1:41 PM on February 8, 2013

Best answer: I was there at that exact time two years ago and it seemed fine to me.
posted by something something at 1:41 PM on February 8, 2013

Best answer: I'm pretty sure the crazy people are there now. You'll be okay by then.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 1:52 PM on February 8, 2013

Best answer: it can always be kind of crazy, but unlike right now, finding a bathroom in March won't be a life altering ordeal. If you really want to avoid crowds, just make sure there isn't some big event going on that weekend (super bowl/final 4/jazzfest/etc).
posted by yeahyeahyeahwhoo at 2:11 PM on February 8, 2013

Best answer: Just stay off Bourbon street if you don't enjoy a fratty crowd. Otherwise you'll be fine.
posted by Sara C. at 2:29 PM on February 8, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks. I welcome a certain amount of crazy so it sounds like we'll be fine!
posted by transient at 2:53 PM on February 8, 2013

Last year I went down there, all innocent, and discovered it was the NCAA Final Four that weekend. (On the bright side, we got beads with NCAA medallions on them. You know, for the kids!)

So I encourage you to check into what big events may be scheduled there that aren't on your radar of personal interests.
posted by wenestvedt at 3:47 PM on February 8, 2013

I went during my spring break senior year in 1991; Mardi Gras had been a few weeks earlier.

I had a good time, but I wish I'd known I could say "back off!" when the occasion called for it.
posted by brujita at 4:03 PM on February 8, 2013

St. Paddy's day is actually a pretty fun time to go, and there are some parades but it's not as nearly as crazy as Mardi Gras.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 4:38 PM on February 8, 2013

I will be there the weekend of the 22nd for the Big Easy Weekender Scooter Rally! If you see a hundred scooters drive by, you'll know there's a Mefite somewhere in there.
posted by raisingsand at 9:17 PM on February 8, 2013

If you're there for St. Patty's day there are a few fun parades but it's nothing like Mardi Gras. Mostly people are still kinda exhausted from Mardi Gras and festival season doesn't really kick in until April, although there are probably a few random festivals in March because, well, something is always happening there.
posted by radioamy at 1:09 AM on February 9, 2013