Yes, one can bicycle throughout most of the park. Especially in the front section of the park, closest to City Park Ave, there is lots of shade too.

Not sure about a festival, but there’s some free music evenings included on the New Orleans City Park website on their events calendar (called “Evenings with Enrique”)

No problem finding parking

Left side of Lelong Drive and in NOLA Museum of Art. But the Park has also many atractions to see. Have good time!

You should be able to bring your dog on a leash. Enjoy!

Plan to give yourself an hour or more if you want to stop for refreshments or rides.

About 2 hours from the time you arrive ... In addition to the lights in the botanical garden area you may want to explore the stage areas for Karaoke, Local groups/choirs singing, a stop in their cafe (try the gumbo!) and Storyland (great for kids of all ages) the kid's amusement park which included the Flying Horses (Carousel) and the optional train ride under the stars, oaks and lights. Parking is limited, so plan a little extra time to get to and from your vehicle. Some tour companies offer bus transportation which drops you right at the main entrance.

Yes. Remember for safety and others, the law mandates that dogs are leashed at all times. Enjoy.

Yes

I don’t know, but if it helps, the park is at the end of one of the streetcar lines that runs the length of canal street, so it is not hard to get to from the hotels located in the french quarter and downtown area.