New Orleans Running of the Bulls Hits Downtown

2024 ushers in the 18th edition of New Orleans’ own special version of Spain’s famed Running of the Bulls. Each year, the French Quarter is packed with participants dressed in traditional garb running from members of the Big Easy Roller Derby.

Roller Derby members skate through the crowds wielding plastic bats that will playfully whack your backside. It’s a far cry from the danger of actual wild bulls running through the streets, and smiles abound from those “caught” by the “bulls”. Beyond the actual morning run, which is always the main event, there are multiple days of festivities.  The entire weekend has ticketed events with benefits going to Beth’s Friends Forever, a local charity that helps women dealing with breast cancer. In 2014, founder Mickey Hanning’s wife was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer. Her story and experience inspired the creation of Beth’s Friends Forever. Co-founder of the New Orleans Running of the Bulls, Andrew Ward, says, “If you love women and hate cancer, this is the way to show you have your priorities in order.”

Tickets to all events can be found at www.nolabulls.com and with multiple days of celebration on tap for the weekend, participants are encouraged to pace themselves while having fun. If you’d rather watch the NOLA Running of the Bulls from the sidelines without having to run, sidewalks are open for observation along the route. Children under 10 years old are encouraged to use the sidewalk for safety.