The Fesival is an annual four day celebration held in late March which showcases local and regional scholars, writers, and performing artists.  Progarms include panel discussions, theartical performances, a one-act play competiton, public lectures by noted speakers, literary walking tours, musical performances, and a bookfair.  Festival attendance has grown  from 500 in 1987 to 6200 in 1996.

    Fesival activities are centered at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, 616 St. Peter Street.  With the growth of the Fesitval in recent years, activities have expanded to nearby sites, including the Cabildo of the Louisiana State Museum, the Historic New Orleans Collection, the Palm Court Jazz Cafe, and Maxwell's Toulouse Theatre.