Who doesn’t love a jaunt to New Orleans? This year, there are plenty of irresistible events to plan around, including the first Rockin’1000 held stateside, the Fifth Annual New Orleans Book Festival, the launch of the Sail250 tall ships flotilla, and the return of the Pastry World Cup and Bocuse d’Or. Here’s what you need to know:

On Jan. 31, 1,000 musicians and singers from around the globe will take to a single stage for one night to create Rockin’1000, effectively becoming the world’s largest rock band. The event takes on special significance because of the city’s recent global designation as a Creative City for Music by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Rockin’1000 will take place on the floor of Caesars Superdome in its first-ever U.S. concert.

Tulane University is set to host the annual New Orleans Book Festival, dubbed “Mardi Gras for the mind.” From March 12 to 15, authors, thought leaders and readers gather together to celebrate the art of storytelling. This year’s headliners include Stacey Abrams, Ken Burns, Anderson Cooper, Roxane Gay, Walter Isaacson, Salman Rushdie, Clint Smith and many others.

As a bonus, a series of culinary conversations will take place, featuring Edgar “Dook” Chase IV, John Currence, Kelly Jacques, Emeril Lagasse, E.J. Lagasse, Ian McNulty, Jordan Salcito, Alon Shaya, Cathy Whims and more.

The Port of New Orleans will become a celebration seascape of canvas sails from May 28 to June 1, when the city welcomes the world’s tall ships on the first stop of a nationwide event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The flotilla will sail along the Mississippi River in a colorful spectacle, augmented with festivities and events including fireworks, a seafood cook- off in the Delacroix/Spanish Plaza, a Blessing of the Ships and public ship tours.

Later in the summer, the Pastry World Cup and Bocuse d’Or return to the city from July 25 to 26. Held at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, these competitions are dedicated to the celebration of technical mastery, innovation and cultural gastronomy. Regarded as the world’s most prestigious culinary competition, Bocuse d’Or was founded in 1987 by famed Chef Paul Bocuse; while the Pastry World Cup was created in 1989 by Gabriel Paillasson. Participants in these two beloved cookery duels will vie for a spot in the Grand Finale, held in Lyon, France, in 2027.