Kick Off Carnival Season in New Orleans with Fun Things to Do Every Weekend
Plus, there’s a burlesque festival and the opportunity to read quietly.
It’s Carnival time, y’all! Just when you thought the holiday celebrations were over, Twelfth Night rolls around. This month in New Orleans features the first parades of the season, early Carnival balls, and, of course, all the king cake you can eat. But that’s not all—some national tours are coming through town, as well as the Fan Expo and a burlesque festival. You can tour the city’s top Insta-worthy immersive art exhibit, sample beers from local homebrewers, or just curl up with a good book. Restaurants and bars around the city are preparing for peak Carnival, and you’ll find plenty of purple, green, and gold specials on the menus. With all that going on, it’s time to get into the spirit of Carnival, but remember—it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and there’s plenty more fun things to do in New Orleans as we get closer to the big day.
Mardi Gras Events in New Orleans This Month
Now through January 31
Bywater; $24.24
This immersive, experiential celebration of New Orleans is kicking off the new year by getting into the Mardi Gras spirit with special pricing for the month of January. Snag a ticket for just $24.24 to check out the Carnival-themed exhibits including The Bead Goes On, Costume Closet, the Mardi Gras Arch, All on a Mardi Gras Day, and more. Listen for the new Mardi Gras-inspired playlist—curated by JAMNOLA music ambassador Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph—as you meander through the exhibits.
Friday, January 5
CBD; Prices vary
Kick off Carnival season in style with a special Friday brunch at Virgin Hotel’s Commons Club. Enjoy an array of Mardi Gras-themed dishes in addition to brunch faves like shrimp and grits or a sweet potato buttermilk drop doughnut with marshmallow fluff brûlee. Sip on bottomless mimosas or king cake-inspired cocktails with king cake baby ice cubes. Local vendors will be on site with Carnival essentials from costumes to jewelry, and DJ Dreamer will provide live entertainment.
Friday, January 5
Mid-City; Free
King Cake Hub at Zony Mash is hosting a countdown to the start of Carnival, signifying when it’s officially OK to eat king cake. There will be music, beer, food, a Drag Queen Pageant, the official crowning of the next Mardi Gras Monarch, and, of course, lots of king cake. Be sure to stop by the King Cake Hub at Zony Mash throughout the Carnival season to pick up king cakes from bakeries across the city—all in one spot.
Saturday, January 6
Uptown/French Quarter; Free
It’s officially Carnival! After you’ve had your king cake, kick off the revelry with the first parades of the season. The Phunny Phorty Phellows rides the St. Charles streetcar line, followed by the Funky Uptown Krewe (with DJ Mannie Fresh aboard). The Krewe of Joan of Arc marches through the French Quarter, and the Société Des Champs Elysée will ride a makeshift streetcar (the real one’s return is still delayed) along the Rampart-St. Claude Avenue streetcar line from the Marigny to Canal Street.
Saturday, January 6
CBD; Free
After the Twelfth Night parades, roll into the Ace Hotel where Flagboy Giz of the Wild Tchoupitoulas and DJ Raj Smoove will get the Carnival party started with a live show at Three Keys. The sounds of the season have never been hotter.
Saturday, January 13
Warehouse District; $75-$125
The 610 Stompers blaze into the Carnival season with their 13th Annual Debutante Ball—Pop Stars: The Errors Tour—at The Fillmore. You’ll mingle and party with the Extraordinary Men themselves and be the first to see their new dance moves for 2024. Pop star costumes are encouraged. Tickets include an open bar, late night pizza, and music by Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes.
Saturday, January 20
Warehouse District; $20-$80
After the Chewbacchus parade, head to The Fillmore for the best party in the galaxy. The nerds, aliens, geeks, and weirdos from the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus will lead the celebration. The music lineup is TBA, but it’s sure to feature hot grooves to keep the party going all night.
Friday, January 26 – Sunday, January 28
French Quarter/Marigny; Free
The last weekend of January features the season’s beloved walking krewes. On Friday, Krewe Bohème marches through the Quarter. Krewe du Vieux brings its raunchy revelry to the Quarter on Saturday. On Sunday, tiny ‘tit Rex rolls through the Marigny and krewedelusion proceeds through the Quarter. For full-size parade fun, head out to the East for Krewe of Nefertiti.
Festivals and Cultural Events in New Orleans This Month
Friday, January 5 –Sunday, January 7
Warehouse District; $38-$119
This three-day event is packed with appearances by celebs and industry professionals. Join thousands of fans at the Convention Center to celebrate the best in pop culture, from movies and comics to cosplay, video games, TV, collectibles, and more. Enjoy live entertainment, exclusive Q&A sessions, screenings, and your chance to meet the likes of Rose McGowan, the original Hobbits, Linda Hamilton, Sean Gunn, Robert Patrick, and others.
Friday, January 12
Uptown; Free
In need of some quiet time after the holidays and before the Mardi Gras onslaught, but still want to be around people? Join the Silent Book Club at Blue Cypress Books. Participants meet monthly at different locations to silently read together. Bring comfy items like a pillow and blanket to up the coziness. Refreshments will be available on a pay-what-you-can basis, and attendees will receive a 10% discount off all purchases.
Saturday, January 13
Mid-City; $40
Join the Crescent City Homebrewers at Deutsches Haus to sample more than 40 beers, from classic styles and historic recreations to experimental brews. There will be live music as well as authentic German fare for purchase. Admission includes membership to the Crescent City Homebrewers.
Thursday, January 18 –Sunday, January 21
Various; Tickets start at $25
This four-day festival features the best burlesque performers from New Orleans and beyond alongside music, food, cocktails, and plenty of revelry. Showcases and events take place at Hotel Saint Vincent, The Orpheum, and Jolie. Headliners include Frankie Fictitious, Raquel Reed, Loulou la Duchesse Derriere, and more.
Concerts in New Orleans This Month
Saturday, January 6
Central City; $20
Funkify your Twelfth Night at The Rabbit Hole when the legendary George Porter, Jr. takes the stage with his Runnin’ Pardners. Get ready to groove your way into Carnival season with one of the funkiest cats in town.
Sunday, January 14
French Quarter, $39-$89
The English alternative rock band The Charlatans have been making music since the early days of Britpop and they’re still going strong. Their latest tour makes a stop at the House of Blues. Pioneering shoegaze band Ride opens the show.
Friday, January 19
Marigny; $25
Critically-acclaimed recording artist and performer Dan Deacon is known for his innovative electronic recordings, soundtracks, contemporary classical work, and energetic live shows that often include audience participation and interaction. Catch him at Siberia with opener STEEF.
Comedy Shows in New Orleans This Month
Sunday, January 14
Downtown; $45-$65
One of the most respected comedians around, Brian Regan has been on the scene for more than 30 years. Fresh off a third season of Loudermilk and a Netflix stand-up special, the funnyman swings by the Orpheum Theater on his latest nationwide tour.