Crescent City Classic Returns to New Orleans Streets

Runners to sprint through NOLA, prompting road closures and parking restrictions

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:39pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting runners in motion, capturing the dynamic spirit of the Crescent City Classic 10K race in New Orleans.The Crescent City Classic's iconic 10K race brings a burst of energy and community spirit to the streets of New Orleans each Easter weekend.New Orleans Today

Nearly 20,000 runners will take part in the 48th annual Crescent City Classic 10K race in New Orleans on Easter weekend. The race route winds through downtown, the French Quarter, and City Park, leading to numerous road closures and parking restrictions across the city on race day.

Why it matters

The Crescent City Classic is a beloved annual tradition in New Orleans, drawing thousands of runners and spectators to the city's streets. However, the event also causes significant traffic disruptions, requiring careful planning and coordination by city officials to ensure public safety and minimize the impact on residents and businesses.

The details

The race begins at the Caesars Superdome and travels down Poydras Street toward Canal Street, through the French Quarter, and then along Esplanade Avenue into City Park, where the finish line is located near the New Orleans Museum of Art. Several major streets, including Poydras, Peters, Decatur, and Esplanade, will be closed to traffic during the event. Strict parking enforcement will also be in effect, with a no-parking period along the race route starting at 11:30 pm on April 3 and continuing until 12 pm on April 4.

  • The Crescent City Classic 10K race is held annually on Easter weekend.
  • This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Crescent City Classic

An annual 10-kilometer road race that has been held in New Orleans since 1978, drawing thousands of runners to the city's streets.

New Orleans City Officials

Local authorities responsible for coordinating the event, including managing road closures, parking restrictions, and public safety measures.

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What they’re saying

“The Crescent City Classic is a beloved tradition in New Orleans, and we're excited to welcome runners back to our streets this year.”

— Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans

What’s next

City officials have advised residents and visitors to plan ahead for the event, allowing extra time for travel and being aware of the road closures and parking restrictions in place.

The takeaway

The Crescent City Classic is a cherished annual event that brings the New Orleans community together, but it also requires significant logistical planning and coordination to ensure the safety and accessibility of the city's streets during the race.