Fall in the French Quarter and Beyond
New Orleans is always enchanting, but when the first cool front finally arrives, banishing the subtropical heat and ushering in six months of moderate weather, the Crescent City really feels too good to be true. Fall also heralds the start of high tourist season, which runs from October through May and coincides with a bevy of fun activities.
In short, fall is a time when New Orleans awakens from its heat-induced hibernation — and emerges ready to play. Here are a few reasons why fall is the best time to visit New Orleans.
The weather is perfect: sunny and cool
In October, the average high drops to a pleasant 80 degrees, meaning the temperatures linger in the 70s most days. With lows hovering in the 60s, it’s just cool enough to slip on a hoodie at night — which is great, because nothing says fall like cozy layers.
Fall months are also the driest months in New Orleans, averaging about 3.5 inches of rain. So you won’t need to cover up your costume in a plastic poncho when you hit the Quarter for Halloween. And speaking of…
Halloween in New Orleans is a not-to-be-missed spectacle
Trick-or-treating is a nationwide tradition, but in the home of Mardi Gras, costuming isn’t just for kids — it’s a citywide pastime. New Orleanians seize on any opportunity to dress up, and they go all-out for Halloween. You’ll see costumes on the days leading up to All Hallows’ Eve, and on October 31, creatively costumed revelers hit Frenchmen Street en masse for a brass-band and go-cup-fueled block party that rages all night.
There’s a fest for every foodie and music lover
Do you love fried chicken? Po-boys? Gumbo? Beignets? Whatever your nosh of choice, there’s a fest for that in October. Because nothing’s better than catching some local music and chowing down on delicious food in a park on a sunny afternoon.
You can catch a Carnival-caliber parade
Going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is definitely a bucket-list item, but what most people don’t know is that you can catch a Carnival-caliber parade in October, when the crowds aren’t quite as intense. The renowned Kern family, who builds floats for some of the city’s most prominent Mardi Gras krewes, is also behind the spooky Krewe of BOO!
Starting in the Marigny and winding its way through the French Quarter before ending in the Arts District, this Halloween parade features 3D fiberglass and papier-mache floats. Best of all, many of the throws are edible: candy corn, pralinettes, coffee packs, and Chee-Wees make the Krewe of Boo a real treat. It rolls at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024, from Elysian Fields and Chartres St.
Fall event highlights
While we didn’t include every single one in this list, here’s a fall roster that we recommend you consider attending (between September and November):
NOLAXNOLA – September 26-October 6, 2024
NOLA Coffee Festival – September 27-28, 2024
Art for Art’s Sake – October 5, 2024
National Fried Chicken Festival – October 5-6, 2024
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival – October 11-13, 2024
Oktoberfest – October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2024
35th New Orleans Film Festival – October 16-22, 2024
NOLA FUNK FEST – October 18-20, 2024
Krewe of BOO! – October 19, 2024
Top Taco – October 24, 2024
Treme Fall Fest – October 26, 2024
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival – October 27, 2024
Halloween – October 31, 2024
Bayou Bacchanal – November 1-2, 2024
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival – November 9-10, 2024
LUNA Fête – November 14-17, 2024
Beignet Fest – November 16, 2024
Celebration in the Oaks – November 28, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Thanksgiving – November 28, 2024
Bayou Classic – November 30, 2024
If you’re planning to visit New Orleans in the fall, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.
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What to Do in New Orleans This August
August in the French Quarter brings the promise of a series of festivals, parties and holidays — official and unofficial — that seem to pack every weekend. Truth be told, the month’s calendar gets so busy, we have to wonder why spring gets to carry the label of “festival season.”
As the days reach their maximum length and the nights get sultry and sweaty, remember that the best means of keeping yourself close to the action in the French Quarter is booking a hotel that’s within walking distance of all the action. Speaking of — here are some of our favorite summer events popping off in the Vieux Carre during August.
COOLinary
Thursday, August 1 – Sunday, September 15, 2024
The premise of COOLinary is simple: Dozens of area restaurants offer prix fixe menus to customers at a discount. Sometimes, a significant discount — this is a New Orleans event that’s as popular with the locals as tourists, and many city residents take advantage of Coolinary to engage in a bit of gastronomic splurging.
Interested? Check out the COOLinary website and see what restaurants are participating (and for which meals; some spots, for example, only offer a COOLinary menu during lunch). You don’t have to do anything else but show up and get fed; usually, the Coolinary menu is included as a special insert or addition to the regular menu.
Museum Month
Thursday, August 1 – Saturday, August 31, 2024
If you’re in town this August, be sure to take advantage of the Museum Month deal. During the month of August, museum members have the opportunity to visit all participating institutions, FREE OF CHARGE, using their current membership throughout the month of August.
You must be a member of a local museum to take advantage of this deal. This is a great opportunity to explore on the budget. In the past, participating museums in (and near) the French Quarter include the Beauregard-Keyes House, Audubon Insectarium, Contemporary Arts Center, The National WWII Museum, Old Ursuline Convent Museum, New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
Fidelity Bank White Linen Night
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Back in the days before air conditioning, New Orleanians kept cool and looked fresh in the face of August swelter by wearing light-colored linen clothing. Back in the days before White Linen Night, local art galleries felt the pinch of the August tourism slowdown.
In order to combat said slowdown, and to showcase local summer fashion, White Linen Night was created. Art galleries and restaurants on the 300-600 blocks of Julia Street in the Warehouse District throw their doors open for a night of wine, art perusing, dining, and more wine — plus modeling of, naturally, the latest in white linen fashion.
Satchmo SummerFest
Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2024
An initiative from the folks at French Quarter Festivals, Satchmo Summer Fest is a celebration of the city’s most famous musical son (Louis Armstrong, nicknamed “Satchmo”) and New Orleans music in general. As New Orleans festivals go, this one is pretty beloved — it’s family-friendly, kicks off within the French Quarter with a popular parade, the lineup is truly local, and it’s free. More than almost any other festival we mention, this one feels like a New Orleans street party (again, for families), and it definitely should not be missed if you’re in town.
Red Dress Run
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Probably the last thing any sane human being wants to do in the midst of a New Orleans August is run, but then again, the folks involved with the New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3) have always been a little crazy. The Red Dress Run is your chance to see a bunch of locals of all genders don red frocks and go careening through the city on a madcap 2-3 mile course.
Said route is kept secret until the day of the run, but racers always pass through the Quarter. Come out, wear crimson, have a beer (many of the runners will be joining in with you), and enjoy the show.
Dirty Linen Night
Saturday, August 10, 2024
The more rebellious sibling to White Linen Night, Dirty Linen is a similar gallery evening, but in this case, the galleries are located in the Quarter along 300-1100 blocks of Royal Street, and the vibe is a little more counterculture. Peruse food trucks, galleries, and bars, help yourself to the wine the gallery owners brought along with them, and enjoy an unbridled celebration of the creativity of the city.
Southern Decadence
Thursday, August 29 – Monday, September 2, 2024
New Orleans’ largest LGBTQI+ event is a citywide party that celebrates the huge impact the local gay and lesbian community has on the city at large. Almost a week’s worth of partying will kick off within the Quarter, spreading across New Orleans as more and more guests swoop into town for several days of… well, as the title says, decadence.
Coming to New Orleans in August?
Check out our guide to where to stay in the French Quarter, and be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels. Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.
For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
Happy August!
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French Quarter Tours du Jour
While the French Quarter is a fascinating place to simply sit and watch the world go by, it becomes ever more so when you learn a bit about its history, quirks, and secrets. Dozens of guided tours are available to address all manner of subjects specific to the French Quarter and a knowledgeable, enthusiastic tour guide can peel back the wrappings and allow you to see what’s really inside. French Quarter tours are quick crash courses that take the form of everything from polite, informative walking tours to pub crawls, paddlewheeler sojourns, horse-drawn carriage rides, and nocturnal romps in search of ghosts and vampires.
Some tour guides work independently and offer their services almost as a “friend in New Orleans” — for hire. Some of them are highly specialized and offer a microscopic look at one area of interest. Others touch on a little bit of everything, like City Sightseeing New Orleans — New Orleans’ Hop-On Hop-Off tour that traverses four distinct neighborhoods in classic red open-top double-decker buses.
At the other end of the spectrum is Gray Line Tours, a comprehensive one-stop shopping service on the tourism front with numerous tour options available. The company offers investigative tours of the French Quarter and Garden District as well as a sweeping look at the entire city. Specialty tours include cocktail tours, swamp and bayou tours, plantation tours, seasonal tours (Thanksgiving, Christmas), and ghosts and spirits tours.
Highlighted below are a few of the many tours available. Some are noted for their outstanding reputations, and others for the unique nature of their offerings.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
For French Quarter tours and beyond, a tour that offers a few days of sightseeing is a great option for exploring. City Sightseeing New Orleans is New Orleans’ most flexible tour, with options for one-day, two-day, and three-day unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing. Visitors can view New Orleans from a red, open-top double-decker bus while enjoying live narration from a guide. These tours also include walking tours throughout the city for those who want to Hop-Off and enjoy its many attractions.
Walking Tours
This is the very best way to familiarize yourself with the French Quarter. Get a comfortable pair of shoes, some sunscreen, and a hat for the walk.
Friends of the Cabildo French Quarter Walking Tours — Two hours long and led by highly trained volunteers with the Louisiana State Museum system who educate on architecture and historical facts. The tour visits the 1850 House Museum.
NOLA Tour Guy — Offers a free “pay what you feel” tour experience of the French Quarter, the cemeteries, and the Garden District. There are also voodoo and ghost tours available, plus cocktail and jazz tours. NOLA Tour Guy is well-known and respected by both locals and repeat visitors to the city and has been in operation since 2012.
City Sightseeing New Orleans — The company boasts several walking tours along its route. Learn about the French Quarter’s history and see some of its most popular attractions, then hop back on the tour bus to explore beyond the French Quarter!
Gray Line French Quarter Walking Tours — These tours include food and drinks tours and haunted city and cemetery tours. There are also specialty holiday tours like the Christmas Eve bonfire tour.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! For all walking tours New Orleans has to offer please check out this guide from the New Orleans Tourism Office.
Carriage Tours
Every day from about 8 a.m. to midnight, mule-drawn carriages line up on Decatur Street in front of Jackson Square. These tours are a staple in New Orleans tourism. Some carriages hold four people, others hold six. They roll through the French Quarter, rain or shine, pointing out all of the expected sites. For something more substantial than the standard nickel tour, carriage drivers can be engaged for private tours of the city.
Riverboat Tours
See the city from the body of water that made it all possible.
Steamboat Natchez Cruises — Riding the last steamboat on the Mississippi River recalls an era when steamboats were the main source of transportation, communication, and commerce. It cruises downriver to Chalmette (7.5 miles) and back twice daily, and once in the evening for a Dinner Jazz Cruise. During the day there is live jazz and optional food and beverage in addition to the historic and port narration. Special seasonal tours are also available, like Sailing With Santa and Christmas Eve cruise.
Creole Queen Cruises — This beautiful paddlewheeler straight out of Mark Twain’s era offers jazz dinner cruises, historical and weekend jazz brunch tours, plus a slew of specialty holiday tours: Thanksgiving cruise with a traditional feast, Cajun Holiday Tea With Papa Noel, Christmas and New Year’s Eve tours, and more.
Cemetery, Voodoo, Vampire, and Haunted Places Tours
These tours range from highly educational and informative, such as those offered by the reputable Save our Cemeteries, to absolutely ridiculous to the point of insult. Due to their popularity, there are so many vampire, voodoo and whatnot tours currently available that over-competitive guides have been known to engage in battle over customers in Jackson Square. Note that due to vandalism issues, only approved docents who are registered with the Archdiocese of New Orleans can lead tours into St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.
Gray Line Ghost & Spirits Walking Tour — This tour includes several ghost tour operators, which means no two tours are exactly alike. While the sites you visit will vary, expect to take in destinations including haunted hotels.
Voodoo/Treme/Storyville Walking Tour — The guides at the Historic New Orleans Walking Tours have a talent for sprinkling just enough intrigue and mystery over the facts to keep them compelling.
Save Our Cemeteries — This outstanding non-profit group works to preserve the city’s fragile, crumbling burial places. The tours are led by Save Our Cemeteries-trained volunteers who unveil the mysteries of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs) in the Garden District as well as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is adjacent to the French Quarter. The folks at Save Our Cemeteries are wise to the reality that these places are compelling enough without the mythical embellishments some others place on the Cities of the Dead.
Bike Tours
Flat, warm New Orleans is a perfect city for casual cycling.
Confederacy of Cruisers — The original godfathers of the local cycling tour scene, the folks at Confederacy Cruisers offer several wryly funny tours of the city’s iconic neighborhoods (including the Quarter). Some rides take in the city’s distinctive architecture, and some focus on Creole culture – any way you slice it, you’ll bike away happy.
FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours & Rentals — Established in 2010 and highly rated since, FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours & Rentals is a veteran- and family-owned company that specializes in guided and self-guided bike tours. It also does electric and pedal bike, and scooter rentals.
Music Tours
Learn serious facts about the history of jazz or bang your head at a nightclub. The offerings are diverse.
New Orleans Music Tour — Offered by NOLA Historic Tours, the New Orleans Music Tour is an all-ages daytime walking tour that will take you around the French Quarter and nearby and will cover many of the greatest musical and historical moments, from Storyville to the Old French Opera House, and much more.
New Orleans Music & Heritage Tour — Brought to you by Abel Tours and with Keith Abel as your tour guide (Abel has spent decades in the music business so you’ll be in very capable, knowledgeable hands), this walking tour begins at the Louisiana Music Factory on the cusp of the Marigny (421 Frenchmen Street) and proceeds to visit the boyhood home of Danny Barker, Preservation Jazz Hall, Bourbon Street to hear Pete Fountain, and J&M Studios. The tour also makes a stop at Armstrong Park’s legendary Congo Square, and touches upon over three centuries of music that helped share New Orleans.
Photo courtesy of Pearl River Swamp Tours on Facebook
Swamp Tours
Though there are days when the French Quarter may feel like a swamp, to really see one you have to leave the neighborhood. Several of the numerous swamp tour companies distinguish themselves for their quality while others merely ride along on bits of pseudo-Cajun folklore and pantomimed accents, which people seem to eat up.
The Louisiana bayous and swampland are stunning, majestic and mysterious. In summer, when the heat can be brutal, a morning tour is recommended. Insect repellent and sunscreen are a must. Reservations are required. These tours offer transport from many French Quarter hotels.
Pearl River Swamp Tours — While swamp tours may be numerous, this one, located 45-50 minutes from downtown New Orleans, distinguishes itself in a number of ways. The folkloric approach is avoided in favor of a learning adventure that is richly informative and exciting in its own right. The tour, which heads deep into the Honey Island Swamp, has become a favorite for its intelligent focus and quality experience. The company’s motto alone should persuade you to book a tour: “We work in the swamp, we live in the swamp, we play in the swamp… We are the swamp!
Gray Line Swamp & Bayou Tour — After a short motorcoach ride across the Mississippi River, take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana swamps and bayous. Experience the timeless beauty of South Louisiana in a custom-built, all-weather swamp boat. Local guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and the Cajun joie de vivre. Hear how the Cajuns turned soup into gumbo, the washboard into a musical instrument, and the swamps of Louisiana into a paradise. Alligators! Observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. Some wildlife are more numerous during the warmer months of the year. Also, you will be treated to a Bayou Nature Wildlife Show by a local naturalist. Snakes, alligator snapping turtles, raccoons, and nutria will be among the animal guests.
Whitney Plantation by Michael McCarthy
Plantation Tours
Gray Line’s Whitney Plantation Tour — Gray Line’s bus will provide round-trip transportation to the Whitney Plantation. The ticket price also includes an admission fee, but this is a self-guided tour. Besides being a fine example of Creole architecture, Whitney Plantation is one of the few plantation museums in the state that focuses on the history of slavery.
Laura Plantation Tour — This guided tour is unique in a way that it includes the tour of the slave cabins, and also because the plantation was owned by several generations of Creoles. The grounds have a beautiful garden, and the tour is informative and honest about presenting the stories of enslaved people in Creole Louisiana.
Are You Visiting New Orleans Soon?
We’d love for you to stay at one of our Valentino hotels! And if you do, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
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Reveillon Dinners: Awakening the Holiday Spirit One Feast at a Time
Every Reveillon dinner is a feast to reawaken the senses and celebrate the joys of the season
It’s hard to picture a city that takes culinary tradition more seriously than New Orleans, where old dining customs and iconic dishes contribute so much to the distinctive local cuisine. But even here traditions are open to change and evolve.
One delicious example is the Reveillon dinner, the reincarnation of an old New Orleans holiday custom updated for modern tastes and lifestyles. What began as a family tradition enjoyed at home is now an extravaganza of good food and festive spirits available for anyone to partake in at dozens of local restaurants.
The History of Reveillon Dinners
Derived from the French word for “awakening,” Reveillon originally was a meal served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Early New Orleans was almost entirely Catholic, and virtually the entire community would participate in these ceremonies. Families would return from the late-night service famished and set upon a feast prepared in advance and laid out on the table or sideboard.
A typical early Reveillon menu looked very much like breakfast — with egg dishes, breads and puddings, but could also include turtle soup, oysters, and grillades of veal. Naturally, families accompanied these rich repasts with wines, cordials and other fortified drinks. The dinners could last for many hours, and by some accounts even until dawn.
Through the 19th century, American holiday conventions like Christmas trees, gifts for children and shopping frenzies began gradually to establish themselves in New Orleans. By the turn of the century, Reveillon dinners could be found only in very traditional homes, and by the 1940s the custom was all but extinct.
Reawakening the Reveillon
In the 1990s, however, the Reveillon tradition was “reawakened” and transformed. The organization French Quarter Festivals Inc., interested in attracting travelers to New Orleans during the perennial holiday season lull in convention bookings, approached local restaurants with an idea to offer and promote special holiday menus. Restaurants eagerly embraced the idea, and soon so did their local regulars and out-of-town visitors.
Modern Reveillon Dinners
The restaurants offering Reveillon menus every holiday season run the gamut from old-line Creole to the most contemporary and modern. For instance, Tujague’s Restaurant (429 Decatur St.), established in 1856, typically sets out a Reveillon of its traditional specialties like oysters and Gulf fish Almandine.
Other Reveillon menus are accentuated by dining rooms that seem to invoke holiday traditions at this time of year. The old-world ambiance of The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.), in the Prince Conti Hotel, with its dark wood wainscoting, walls lined with bookshelves, and thickly-padded furniture, fits perfectly with a Reveillon menu.
Some New Orleanians look upon Reveillon dinners as an opportunity to sample restaurants they may not often visit, while another appeal of these dinners is the remarkable bargain many of them offer. The menus are prix fixe and give diners three or more courses at some of the city’s finest restaurants for prices that would not be possible if ordering à la carte from their regular menus.
We highly recommend considering checking out Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St.) and Muriel’s Jackson Square (801 Chartres St.), located next door to Place d’Armes Hotel. For a complete list of this year’s Reveillon dinners, including menus and dates on which the meals will be available, please visit HolidayNewOrleans.com.
While couples or travelers visiting New Orleans solo can have memorable Reveillon dinner experiences, the tradition is best enjoyed with a group of family or friends gathered around a large table or taking over one of those small private dining rooms found in many old French Quarter restaurants. The format of the Reveillon dinner may be different from the early days, but the resultant feelings of togetherness and holiday cheer is much the same.
Many of the restaurants that participate in these promos are located in the French Quarter or downtown, within walking distance from many historic hotels. So, book a hotel, make a reservation, and get out there and enjoy the culinary gems New Orleans has to offer!
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Things to Do in New Orleans This March
With March upon us, expect a good slate of early-spring activities in the Crescent City. Also, the weather is warmer — hopefully just pleasantly warmer — the kind of spring sunshine that equals t-shirts and jeans, if not shorts.
Mainly, we consider this time of year an awesome window when the Carnival wraps up (or, depending on the year, is over) and the festival season is yet to begin. This is that rare time when the city settles for a very slight breather between its biggest parties and still means there’s a ton of stuff to do. Here are the highlights.
Mardi Gras Weekend
Saturday-Tuesday, March 1-4, 2025
Mardi Gras Day falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, but a few days preceding the main event are also filled to the brim with parades and parties. Check out our guide to the Mardi Gras weekend parades and the activities on the big day itself. Also, check out our recommendations on How to Experience New Orleans Mardi Gras Like a Local, How to Dress for Mardi Gras, and Parade Rules and Tips.
Wednesday at the Square
Wednesdays, March 19 and 26, 2025
Unwind with a cold beverage on any given Wednesday at the Square, a free concert music series held in the spring in Lafayette Park (located one block off of Poydras Street, between St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street in the heart of the Central Business District) every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. From March through May (March 19 – May 7, 2025) these outdoor concerts feature a variety of jazz, rock, swam pop, brass, Latin rhythms, and more.
Bring a chair or a blanket, or head to the front of the stage to partake in some dancing. You can bring your dog, and there are vendor booths surrounding the park where you can buy food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (no outside food or beverages, please).
Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival
Wednesday-Sunday, March 19-23, 2025
The Danny Barker Banjo + Guitar Festival pays homage to New Orleanian musician, writer, instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and lyricist Danny Barker. The five-day festival features a mixture of programming including live music performances, panel discussions and workshops, special events and outings, second lines, and more. It will be held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week
Monday-Saturday, March 24-29, 2025
The New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) kicks off six days of speeches, speaker sessions and networking events on March 24, 2025. New this year, Loyola University’s College of Business will co-produce this annual event with The Idea Village. Idea Village’s annual IDEApitch competition, which showcases growth-stage companies competing for an investment prize, is also back this year. NOEW is now in its 14th year and has attracted 5,400 attendees in 2024. For this year’s keynote speakers and more info, check out the event’s website.
The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane
Thursday-Saturday, March 27-29, 2025
The New Orleans Book Festival features both fiction and non-fiction and readings, panel discussions, symposia, and keynote speeches. It also provides an opportunity for outlets, authors and readers to interact with each other. Saturday is Family Day, so bring your kids to the Tulane campus for some fun. Previous year’s notable authors and speakers on the impressive roster included Andy Borowitz, Richard Campanella, Maureen Dowd, and many more — so expect A-list greatness this year as well. The festival is free and open to the public.
St. Patrick’s Day
Monday, March 17, 2025
It often comes as a surprise to first-time visitors to New Orleans that this city has a deep Irish heritage, which traces back to its history as a Catholic port of call that was one of the main entry points for the USA. There’s an entire neighborhood in this town called the Irish Channel, plus a plethora of fantastic pubs that eschew cheesy emerald-green Irish stereotypes for rough-hewn hospitality (Finn McCool’s and Erin Rose come to mind, plus a selection of our favorite Irish pubs in the French Quarter).
As such, there are plenty of Irish in this town, and thus, the weekend closest to St. Patrick’s Day is an important one for the city of New Orleans. Numerous parades kick off, including the massive Irish Channel parade (on Saturday, March 15, 2025), where float riders pass cabbages to the screaming crowds.
The Downtown Irish Club Parade rolls on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from the Bywater to the French Quarter, making several pit stops on its way to Bourbon Street.
How much you enjoy all of the above is linked to your tolerance for public drinking and green beer. St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans is not quite as kid-friendly as the Carnival — you’ll still see families, but these parades are more aimed at adults.
Super Sunday
Sunday, March 16, 2025
The annual gathering of the Mardi Gras Indian tribes is perhaps the most open means of accessing this unique element of New Orleans backstreet culture. The tribes will be out in large numbers on Super Sunday, which usually falls on the third Sunday of March.
While the Mardi Gras Indians have their set routes and parade areas, no one event packs the tribes into one public space like Super Sunday. In this case, said public spaces are A.L. Davis Park, at the corner of Washington and LaSalle streets; and Bayou St. John in Mid-City, at the intersection of Orleans and Moss streets, on the bayou’s banks and the Orleans Street bridge. The Indian procession usually leaves the gathering spot around 1 p.m.
We can’t stress this enough: Be respectful if you go. Take pictures at a distance, and don’t get in the way of marching Indians or their friends, family and attached bands. Super Sunday has been overrun with spectators in the past years, so please do your part to enjoy this amazing cultural event responsibly.
Some background: The Mardi Gras Indians are the most vibrant, visible and conversely mysterious expressions of African-American New Orleans culture. To distill them into an extremely simplistic sentence: Mardi Gras Indians are African-American New Orleanians who dress up (or in local lingo, ”mask”) as stylized Native Americans.
They take to the streets in fantastic costumes made of beads, feathers, and sequins that cost thousands of dollars, weigh hundreds of pounds, and require hundreds of days of painstaking labor; no element of costume creation is automated.
On Mardi Gras Day, Super Sunday, St. Joseph’s Day, and a select few other special occasions, the “chiefs” and their tribes parade through the city, chanting, shouting and challenging each other to determine who is “the prettiest.”
There’s a ton more background on this fascinating subject at the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the historic Tremé neighborhood.
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
Wednesday-Sunday, March 26-30, 2025
Writers have always been drawn to New Orleans. Few cities in America (or the world, really), can match this town for its atmosphere, sense of place, or penchant for fun and pathos (all good elements of a writing life).
The Tennessee Williams Literary Festival celebrates this city’s love affair with the written word, as well as writers’ love affair with New Orleans. Notable authors will be in attendance, hosting seminars, workshops, and lectures.
Plus, this being the Tennessee Williams Festival, there is, of course, a “Stella” shouting contest, which involves folks screaming out the iconic scene from A Streetcar Named Desire to appreciative crowds on Jackson Square. The program will also include a scholar conference, walking tours, masterclasses, theater, and more.
Note that on Friday-Sunday, March 28-30, 2025, the city will also host the Saints & Sinners Literary Festival, an alternative literary event that celebrates LGBTQ+ authors. The three-day festival will include panel discussions and a fair amount of networking opportunities between authors, editors, and publishers.
Congo Square Rhythms Festival
Saturday-Sunday, 2025 dates TBA
The musical heritage of New Orleans follows a line that can be traced all the way back to Africa, where the black diaspora begins. The music of that continent evolved here and in the Caribbean, influenced by Europe and indigenous music, into the forms and traditions that are the core of today’s New Orleans sound.
This vital legacy is celebrated in Armstrong Park, on the grounds of Congo Square, where local slaves were once permitted to practice the musical traditions of Africa and the Caribbean. Congo Square Rhythms Festival is a celebration of global and local music, and offers both amazing food and a fantastic lineup of music. The festival kickoff concert is held typically on Friday.
Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the festival features Mardi Gras Indians, African dance, brass bands, soul-funk, as well as indigenous music of Honduras, and highlife from West Africa. The large art market and a Soul Food Court complete the experience.
Don’t miss one of the fest’s highlights, the Mardi Gras Indian “battle” — when the tribes gather in the center of the square, plus the festival’s largest to date assemblage of New Orleans-based African dance troupes (they typically perform on Sunday).
Are you visiting New Orleans this spring?
We’d love for you to stay at one of our Valentino hotels! And if you do, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
Happy Spring!
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Holiday Cocktails in the French Quarter and Nearby
New Orleans is rife with culinary traditions — over 300 years’ worth of them. One of those wonderful traditions is Reveillon. For a few years now an increasing number of restaurants is participating in bringing special Reveillon menus to the table.
Alongside the turtle soups, the oysters, and the foie gras some of the best restaurants in the city are also happily serving festive cocktails. Each year local bartenders create both classic and original cocktails to celebrate the Reveillon with holiday-themed sippers. Some of those are offered as lagniappe on the Reveillon menus, others can be enjoyed as a standalone. The annual extravaganza is called Reveillon on the Rocks.
Here are the highlights of the most enticing concoctions for the holiday season in and around the French Quarter.
Holiday sippers for Reveillon
A handful of local restaurants that offer a multi-course, prix fixe Reveillon menu throw in a holiday-themed specialty cocktail as lagniappe. Those typically include holiday favorites like Poinsettia, a sparkling wine cranberry cocktail, or café brûlot, the always exciting crowd-pleaser.
Standalone standouts
These holiday cocktails aren’t part of the Reveillon menu and can all be enjoyed as a standalone treat. Stop by anytime at The Bombay Club for its classic and delicious brandy milk punch. Galatoire’s 33 Bar and Steak’s past years’ offering called Juniper Tree cannot get more refreshingly festive with gin, grenadine, orange bitters, and lime juice.
Another special, called Wreath of Holly, is a delicious concoction of brandy, milk punch and crème de menthe. To fight the chill, such as it is in New Orleans, the traditional aged Creole eggnog is just the thing.
Many of the restaurants and bars that participate in these promos are located in the French Quarter or downtown, within walking distance from many historic hotels. So, book a hotel, make a reservation, and get out there and enjoy the culinary gems New Orleans has to offer!
Happy holiday sipping!
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How to Spend St. Patrick’s Day in the Quarter
Photo courtesy of Erin Rose
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering New Orleans’ deep Irish heritage, that the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day (Monday, March 17, 2025) is one of the biggest parades and party times in the city (outside of the Carnival and Halloween). The city’s connection traces back to its history as a Catholic port of call that was one of the main entry points for the country. There’s an entire neighborhood called the Irish Channel, which, as the name implies, was originally settled largely by immigrants from Ireland in the early 19th century. To this day, many locals have roots on the Emerald Isle.
Thanks to this connection the weekend closest to St. Patrick’s Day is filled with parades, pub crawls, and block parties. While the biggest event, the Irish Channel Parade, plus the most massive block parties, are happening Uptown, there’s plenty to see, do, and drink in the French Quarter. There are some fantastic Irish pubs we recommend, many of which will be hosting their own St. Patrick’s Day parties, plus a parade that rolls through the Quarter.
Here’s how you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — all without leaving the French Quarter.
The Parade
Downtown Irish Club Parade
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 7 p.m.
This parade rolls from the Bywater to the French Quarter, making several pit stops on its way to Bourbon Street. It begins on the corner of Burgundy and Piety streets in the Bywater, proceeds up Royal Street, across Esplanade Avenue to Decatur Street, and up Canal Street to Bourbon Street. The parade makes several stops at the various bars in the Marigny and the French Quarter on its way to Bourbon Street.
The Bars
These are all fair game during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, whether you want a relatively quiet stopover for some Guinness and a game of pool or an epic party with live music and an Irish buffet. Several of these bars serve as the stops for the parades, so we can assure you — they’ll be partying.
Erin Rose
811 Conti St.
Just a few doors away from Bourbon Street, Erin Rose is a low-key watering hole favored by the locals. On St. Patrick’s Day (or make that the weekend), you can head to Erin Rose in confidence — there’s going to be a party there. While you mingle, check the memorabilia galore and try the bar’s excellent frozen Irish coffee or a Bloody Mary (made with the house secret recipe). Of course, there’s Guinness on tap plus a selection of local brews. The bar is also home to the popular Killer Poboys (look for the takeout window in the back). Everything on the small but mighty menu is delicious.
Fahy’s Irish Pub
540 Burgundy St.
Fahy’s keeps it pretty traditional as far as Irish pubs go, with inexpensive drinks, a horseshoe-shaped bar, pool tables, darts, framed photos, and a laid-back ambiance. There are some Irish beers on tap, but you should try the bar’s specialty called Mind Eraser. It’s made with vodka and Kahlua, and it’s meant to be shared with friends by everyone sticking straws into the drink at the same time and racing to the bottom. For St. Patrick’s Day, Fahy’s has been known to put out an Irish buffet with traditional offerings like corned beef and cabbage.
Finnegan’s Easy
717 St. Peter St.
Another low-key Irish bar on the same block as the Boondock Saints, Finnegan’s Easy is long, narrow, and more crowded, but with ample capacity to handle it thanks to its spacious courtyard. You could tell it caters more to the visitors as it serves as a stop on some of the walking tours in the French Quarter. Finnegan’s features sports on TV and cheerfully serves Irish grub along with more American fare like wings. The drink menu also varies from the local beer on tap to Mai Tais and Hurricanes.
Kerry Irish Pub
331 Decatur St.
Kerry packs the house for St. Patrick’s every year with live bands performing back to back, with the doors opening as early as 8 a.m. in the years past. You may not find green beer at Kerry but you are guaranteed a proper pint of Guinness.
Molly’s Irish Pub
732 Toulouse St.
Not to be mistaken for Molly’s at the Market, this Molly’s is close to Bourbon Street geographically but might as well be miles away for its understated charm and low-key vibe. Housed in an old Creole cottage, Molly’s is all brick and dark wood. You won’t find an epic party there (although things will definitely liven up during the St. Patrick’s weekend), but if you want a bar with Guinness on tap, a pool table and a great jukebox, this local favorite is it.
Pat O’Brien’s
718 St. Peter St.
As you might have guessed from its name, this iconic French Quarter bar was founded by an Irishman. What’s more, the invention of one of New Orleans’ most famous cocktails, the Hurricane, is credited to him too. Every year on St. Patrick’s Day weekend the bar participates in the festivities with drink and food specials and live music. Also, check out the flaming fountain on the bar’s patio (it’s a water fountain with fire emerging from its center, as crazy as it sounds).
Ryan’s Irish Pub
241 Decatur St.
Just down the street from the Kerry and next to House of Blues, Ryan’s is another stop for the St. Patrick’s Day parades/pub crawls that go through the Quarter. Cozy booths, a beautiful antique bar, and plenty of local brews on tap draw a mix of local regulars and visitors.
The Boondock Saint
731 St. Peter St.
Tucked into a brick hideaway between Royal and Bourbon streets across from Preservation Hall, this intimate Irish pub was named after a movie that runs on the loop on the TV inside the bar (don’t worry, there’s a good jukebox too). The famously friendly bartenders serve Guinness and local beer on tap, as well as Irish car bombs. The prices are very, very good — so think of Boondock Saint as your perfect getaway from the 24/7 party happening just steps away on Bourbon Street.
Balcony Viewing Parties
For some traditional French Quarter-style partying, be on the lookout for balcony bashes at the bars located all up and down Bourbon Street. A balcony bash is pretty much that — you’ll pay a cover and be allowed to plant yourself on a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the street below. Since the parade that rolls in the French Quarter hits Bourbon Street, prepare for much (green) bead tossing and catching.
Are you visiting New Orleans this spring?
We’d love for you to stay at one of our Valentino hotels! And if you do, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
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New Orleans Super Bowl Guide
Photo courtesy of Caleb Woods on Unsplash
New Orleans is one of the most iconic cities to host a Super Bowl, famed for its electric atmosphere, unique local culture, and rich history. For Super Bowl fans, New Orleans offers a blend of world-class sporting events and captivating local experiences. Here’s your guide to making the most of the Super Bowl weekend in the Crescent City.
What You Should Know About Super Bowl 2025
But first, here’s some Super Bowl 2025 information:
When: New Orleans hosts its record-tying 11th NFL Championship game, Super Bowl LIX, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Super Bowl LIX will be the eighth time the Superdome will host, a record for hosting the most Super Bowls!
Where: Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Where to get tickets: You have several options, including On Location and StubHub. Currently, the cheapest Super Bowl tickets in 2025 cost about $5,500.
Halftime show headliner: Kendrick Lamar, who has 17 Grammys and three albums reach No. 1 in the U.S.
Best place to tailgate: Champions Square, a 60,000-square-foot outdoor plaza right outside the Superdome and across from the Smoothie King Center that can accommodate as many as 8,000 fans.
Parking: There are seven parking garages and two surface lots around the Caesars Superdome that can be used by visitors. You might have to purchase a parking permit. There are also “first come, first serve” parking lots along Loyola Avenue, S. Rampart Street, and several side streets in the vicinity of the Superdome. The rate will likely be higher than usual, and reservations may be required for buses, campers and RVs.
Clear bag policy: Caesars Superdome enforces the NFL’s clear bag policy (details here).
You should also know:
The NFL uses mobile tickets for all events. Guests must display their passes on mobile phones to enter. Screenshots and printouts of the ticket will not be scanned and accepted.
Re-entry is not allowed at Caesars Superdome unless a guest is permitted due to special circumstances. This includes medical emergencies or for the care of a service animal.
Caesars Superdome is a cashless stadium. Only credit and debit cards are accepted at concessions. Visitors may convert their cash to a Visa Card at guest service locations around the venue.
Don’t have a ticket but want to watch the game close to the action, or have pre- or post-game drinks? There are many bars near the Smoothie King Center and Superdome, including Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar, Walk-On’s, The Rusty Nail, Baroness on Baronne, and more. To eat nearby, try Willa Jean, Copper Vine, Headquarters by NGN (it stands for “Nice Guys NOLA”), or Devil Moon BBQ.
What to Do
New Orleans offers an array of activities for every visitor, from sports fans to culture enthusiasts. Here’s how to fill your itinerary beyond the Super Bowl itself:
Explore the French Quarter
Take a leisurely walk through the French Quarter’s cobblestone streets, where you’ll find iconic sites like Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market. Don’t miss the lively sounds of Bourbon Street in the evening. For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
Catch Some Live Music
Music is at the heart of New Orleans culture. You can catch live jazz and blues performances across the city, especially along Frenchmen Street in the Marigny. Snug Harbor and The Spotted Cat are popular spots to experience world-class performances from local talent.
Visit the Garden District
If you’re craving a scenic stroll, head to the Garden District, where you’ll find grand mansions, historic homes, and beautiful oak-lined streets. Magazine Street, running through the district, has some of the best shopping and dining in the city.
Join a Second Line Parade
Second Line parades are lively, impromptu street celebrations led by a brass band. They’re a unique tradition that’s often organized for weddings and special events, but around Super Bowl weekend, you’re likely to spot a few throughout the city. Feel free to jump in and dance along as locals celebrate in style!
Join a Ghost or Voodoo Tour
New Orleans is often called America’s most haunted city, and ghost or voodoo tours are a popular activity for visitors. Led by local guides who share spine-chilling tales of ghosts and folklore, these tours explore some of the Quarter’s most haunted locations. You’ll visit old cemeteries, haunted mansions, and historic sites while learning about the city’s deep-rooted fascination with the supernatural. Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.
Take a Riverboat Cruise
Experience the Mississippi River aboard a traditional paddlewheeler, like the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen. Many cruises feature live jazz performances, Creole dining, and beautiful views of the city’s skyline. The cruise offers a unique perspective of New Orleans, taking you back in time as you enjoy the leisurely pace of river life.
Enjoy Live Jazz at Preservation Hall
A trip to New Orleans would be incomplete without a night of live jazz, and Preservation Hall is one of the best places to experience it. This legendary venue offers intimate jazz performances in an old, no-frills space that’s been part of New Orleans’ jazz history for generations. Shows are held nightly, and tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s worth booking in advance.
Indulge in Cajun and Creole Cuisine
The French Quarter is packed with renowned eateries that capture the essence of New Orleans cuisine. Try the gumbo at the Gumbo Shop, the jambalaya at Coop’s Place, or the fresh seafood at Oceana Grill. If you’re craving something sweet, beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde are a French Quarter staple.
What to See
Jackson Square
One of the French Quarter’s most picturesque spots, Jackson Square, is framed by the historic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America. This bustling square is a magnet for artists, musicians, and street performers who entertain visitors against a stunning backdrop of 18th-century French architecture. Visit the nearby Presbytère and Cabildo, two historic buildings housing exhibits on New Orleans history and culture, from Mardi Gras costumes to artifacts from the city’s colonial days.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is legendary for its nightlife, and it’s a must-see for first-time visitors. With neon lights, bustling bars, live jazz clubs, and unique souvenirs, it’s the beating heart of the French Quarter. Be sure to pop into a jazz bar or piano lounge for some authentic New Orleans music or simply stroll along the street to experience the energy and spectacle that defines this iconic stretch.
French Market
Dating back to 1791, the French Market is a vibrant open-air space offering everything from local foods to arts and crafts. Sample beignets from Cafe Du Monde, taste local spices, or browse through stalls of handmade jewelry and crafts. This market brings together locals and tourists alike, making it a perfect spot to get a sense of the city’s vibrant culture and artisanal heritage.
Historic Voodoo Landmarks
New Orleans’ history is deeply intertwined with voodoo culture. Visit the Voodoo Museum to learn about the origins of voodoo in the city, or Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, dedicated to the famous voodoo queen, where you’ll find altars, artifacts, and readings by practicing voodooists. For those interested in a more hands-on experience, many tours in the French Quarter explore the neighborhood’s eerie folklore and supernatural legends.
Royal Street
For a calmer, more scenic experience, take a stroll down Royal Street, known for its galleries, antique shops, and charming architecture. With musicians playing on the street and beautifully preserved Creole townhouses adorned with cast-iron balconies, Royal Street offers a more relaxed side of the Quarter. The galleries here showcase a blend of contemporary and classic art, perfect for those interested in bringing home a unique piece of New Orleans.
Game Day Tips
When game day arrives, it’s best to be prepared for the excitement and crowds. Here are a few key tips for Super Bowl fans:
Arrive Early: The Superdome will be bustling on game day, so arrive early to find your seat, explore the stadium, and grab some snacks before kickoff.
Dress Comfortably: New Orleans’ weather can vary in February, so check the forecast and layer up if necessary. Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to walk around the stadium and the downtown area.
Plan Transportation: Parking can be limited around the Superdome on game day, so consider public transportation or a rideshare service. Some hotels may also offer shuttles.
Get Ready for a Night Out: Once the game wraps up, hit Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street to keep the energy going with fellow fans, live music, and local food.
Are you planning to visit New Orleans for the Super Bowl? Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel that will put you right in the center of all of the action and within walking distance of many of New Orleans’ bars, restaurants and entertainment spots. If you prefer to stay our of the French Quarter, the Alder Hotel, located Uptown, is a great option.
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The Rules of Mardi Gras
Photo by Lee Curran
We are approaching peak Carnival Time! There’s a whole slate of parades to watch in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday (March 4, 2025), and things to keep in mind while gearing up for the revelry.
Here we list both informal guidelines as well as a few actual rules — i.e. ordinances related to Mardi Gras. The laws are meant to keep everyone safe and give everyone a fair chance of catching some good throws. Knowing them will also help you avoid getting arrested or fined, having to move your setup during the parade, and being (rightfully) judged by fellow revelers.
Personal Effects Must Be 6 Feet From the Curb
It’s totally OK to bring a backpack or cooler to a parade, but remember to store them a little off the curb. Those first few feet of grass or sidewalk are meant for everyone trying to enjoy the parade and catch beads. Also, occasionally, the parade floats have been known to jump the curb; your personal effects could be damaged in the event this happens. This rule also applies to ladders.
No “Saving” Spots
Some parade-goers stake out “their spot” along the parade route with chairs, trash cans, sofas, rope, yellow tape, spray paint — whatever comes in handy (have you heard of Krewe of Chad?). Not only this is very uncool and frowned upon but there’s an actual ban on roping off territory if you are in the public right of way.
The curb and the neutral ground are fair game to all who attend the parades. If you want to have a good spot, you’ll have to come early and wait in the spot to keep it. Seasoned revelers usually show up at least two hours before the parade rolls (and much earlier for the most popular parades like the Muses, Endymion and Bacchus).
Don’t Move Other People’s Stuff
Please do not move unoccupied chairs and ladders, as well as unattended coolers and personal belongings along the parade route to carve your own spot. We can guarantee that someone is watching this space and will be right back. Plus, families tend to use the same spots year after year. And they might also have little kids or seniors, or disabled persons in their group and need the space to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Don’t Interfere With the Parade
Running along with the moving float for a short while, begging for a Muses shoe or a Zulu coconut, is socially acceptable, but don’t run into the street between the floats to pick up a covetable throw. Floats are massive and can’t just stop quickly. You can get seriously hurt or worse (it has happened in the past few years).
Also, getting in a band’s way, hanging on a float, joining the parade by marching along, acting aggressively toward anyone in the parade, or jumping over the barricade are all surefire ways to get yourself arrested.
No Nudity
You’ve probably seen or heard about the way some people come by beads. Police officers might be somewhat lenient about that sort of behavior on Bourbon Street, but it isn’t tolerated along the parade routes. Keep all your clothes on!
Contrary to popular belief outside of New Orleans, Carnival is overwhelmingly family-friendly. Many New Orleanians take their kids to parades, and a good rule to apply here is, if you wouldn’t do something in front of kids in your hometown, you shouldn’t do it here (exceptions to this rule include screaming, dancing and waving your arms to score beads). Plus, in this day and age you will probably end up on the Internet, and not in a good way. We can’t stress this enough: Do NOT flash for beads.
No Glass Containers
As the night (or day) progresses, trash from the parades tends to pile up on the streets and curbs around the route. Glass bottles and even cans are potentially dangerous when discarded on the ground, although the official ban only applies to glass. You can always pour your drink into a plastic cup, or order one to go from one of the many bars you will find along the parade route.
Plan Wisely for Transportation and Parking
During Mardi Gras, and during the parades especially, parking violations are vigorously enforced. Parking on Napoleon and St. Charles is prohibited on both sides of the neutral ground, not just the parade side, starting two hours before the parade. This rule is strictly enforced, and you will be towed. Also, do not double-park or park in driveways, in front of water hydrants, within 15 feet of curb corners, or too far from the curb.
The French Quarter is closed to vehicular traffic during Mardi Gras weekend (the weekend leading up to Fat Tuesday) except for residents and hotel guests with special parking passes. You won’t get past the police barricades.
Please also remember that parking lots fill up fast during parades and tend to charge more than usual. Bus and streetcar routes and schedules also often change during Carnival season. And cabs and rideshares might be delayed due to the demand and traffic congestion, so plan ahead or consider walking or biking, if it’s feasible.
Respect the Authority
The local police are consummate pros at handling all kinds of behavior during the Carnival and had seen it all. They are also amazing at controlling the crowds and tolerating all that goes on as long as it doesn’t involve breaking the law.
So, as you enjoy the festivities please do remember that the rules like no glass, no public urination, and the drinking age will be enforced. You will get arrested if you act obnoxiously, threaten anyone, act overly intoxicated, or break the law in any other way. The police presence is very robust at the parades and in the French Quarter during the Mardi Gras weekend.
Finally, if you’re out and about enjoying the parades and the parties on Mardi Gras Day, don’t be surprised when midnight strikes and you’re asked to clear off the street. Mardi Gras is officially over and the street cleanup begins, though you are of course free to continue partying indoors.
“Ain’t No Place…”
One of the most famous Mardi Gras songs is the Benny Grunch classic, “Ain’t No Place to Pee on Mardi Gras Day.” As the saying goes, it’s funny because it’s true — or at least it can feel that way. There are some public restrooms along the parade routes — the most prominent ones are around Lafayette Square near St. Charles Ave. and Poydras St. You might think that you can sneak into a hotel or a restaurant, but those places usually strictly reserve their restrooms for guests or paying customers.
If you don’t want to wait in long lines, some restaurants, bars, churches, or other businesses offer single-use or day-long bathroom passes. Doing your business in public is a definite no-no, as you will get in trouble if the police catch you (also, it’s gross). And, this is an official rule: There can be no private portable toilets on the neutral ground or other public property.
Parade Etiquette
The cops won’t come for you if you break these unofficial “rules,” but if you want to keep the peace with fellow parade-goers, it’s a good idea to maintain good Mardi Gras etiquette.
Bead Rule No. 1
This is one of the spoken rules — don’t pick up beads that have fallen on the street or ground. There are a couple of safety issues involved with this rule. Picking up a bead or throw from the street puts you in direct line with the tires of the tractors or the floats. Also, the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras can get… Well, let’s just say “unsanitary.” Do yourself a favor and wait until you catch something in the air. There’s plenty to go around.
Bead Rule No. 2
For the “good throws” — most often signature beads, but also stuffed animals, sparkly Muses shoes, anything that lights up from Bacchus, etc. — you should never get in the way of someone else’s catch. If the rider wants to throw you something from the float, they’ll make eye contact with you, usually make an exaggerated “I’m looking at you” sign, and throw in your direction. The good part, if someone else catches a throw destined for you, unless they’re clueless, they will respectfully give it up and hand it to you.
The Optional Bead Rule
This one is more good-natured than the first two bead rules. As the parade progresses, you should wear all of the beads that you catch. You’ll look silly at the end of the night, but it will also be a mark of pride. The people with the most beads must’ve worked really hard to get all of them, right?
The Family Rule
As we keep saying, Mardi Gras is a family event. Many people make a day of big parades and their whole family, kids included. There are some places that are unofficially yet almost exclusively “Family Zones,” usually located near the beginning of parade routes, but children are welcome everywhere. So, try your best to remain on something like good behavior — there might be kids nearby. Also, never reach over a kid to catch a throw — that’s just mean.
And, the Number 1 Rule of Mardi Gras, above any official and unofficial rules, is to have fun! Costumes are encouraged throughout the season of Mardi Gras. Put on your fanciest wig and glitteriest outfit, and go out there!
Book a stay at a historic French Quarter boutique hotel at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels, right in the epicenter of all of the action!
Also, check out our guide to the Mardi Gras Weekend, Experiencing Mardi Gras Like a Local, and our tips and recommendations on How to Dress for Mardi Gras.
Happy Carnival!
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All On a Mardi Gras Weekend
Photo by David Fary
This is it. The weekend when the city of New Orleans says, “Goodbye reality!” and “Hello, Mardi Gras.” This is the greatest six days of the year to be in New Orleans, hands down, and if you’re here on vacation — well, all we can say is lucky you.
The greater New Orleans area is hosting about 80 parades every year, each with its own krewe rites and related festivities. For the unfamiliar, a “krewe” is a New Orleans carnival society. Krewes can be loose affiliations of friends or massive organized entities with hierarchies and financial dues. The oldest and largest krewes in the city “roll” in parades in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras.
Since no one can get to every activity going on the weekend preceding Fat Tuesday and leading up to Ash Wednesday (seriously, it’s not physically possible), here are some that offer the best and weirdest of Mardi Gras this parade season. Remember to pace yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
By the way, when we mention “throws” that just means something a float rider tosses to the parade audience. Throws can range from beads to toys to more individualized souvenirs. Note that all parades follow a set route; you can pick a spot anywhere along said route to watch the show, including the ticketed grandstands in the CBD and Warehouse District. For a schedule of parades, check here.
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Parades: Knights of Babylon, Knights of Chaos, Krewe of Muses (Uptown)
The Knights of Babylon go back to 1939 and honor the Carnival traditions by using the flambeaux and the floats with the same designs as decades ago. The king’s float is still drawn by a mule. Babylon’s 200 knights are led by their king, Sargon, whose identity is not revealed to the public. Babylon’s theme is also kept secret till the day of the parade.
According to Greek mythology, Chaos was the void out of which the universe and all its gods were created. In 2000, the Knights of Chaos filled the void created when the Knights of Momus stopped parading in 1992 after 100 years. The 225-member all-male krewe parades on the Thursday before Fat Tuesday (traditionally known as “Momus Thursday.”) Like Momus, Chaos presents a satirical parade. They never reveal the king’s identity or the parade theme ahead of time.
The Krewe of Muses is one of Carnival’s most popular parades thanks to its dazzling floats, top-notch marching bands, and bitingly humorous themes. The cup throw bears the design of the annual contest winner among the local school children. The winner also gets to ride as a guest of the krewe. Look for the iconic shoe float with this year’s honorary muse. And see if you can catch one of the most coveted throws of the Carnival season, the hand-decorated Muses shoe. Each shoe is a one-of-a-kind piece of art, and some parade-goers would stop at very little to score one.
Friday, February 28, 2025
Greasing of the Poles
French Quarter, 300 Bourbon Street
Every year, folks at the Royal Sonesta Hotel hold a ceremony wherein the building’s support poles are greased to keep folks from climbing onto the balcony. Hint: People still try, with hilarious results. The event is free; plan to show up early because it gets crowded.
Parades: Krewe of Bosom Buddies & Breast Friends (French Quarter), Hermes, followed by d’Etat and Morpheus (Uptown)
The Krewe of Bosom Buddies & Breast Friends is a walking krewe that parades in the French Quarter on the Friday before Mardi Gras. The parade starts and ends on Bourbon Street, and the krewe is usually dressed in tutus, bras and hats that reflect that year’s theme. The signature throw is a hand-decorated bra. The parade is raucous fun for sure, so we won’t call it 100% kid-friendly.
The Knights of Hermes has been around since the Great Depression and was one of the first parades to mobilize after Katrina. About 700 male riders are led by their captain clad in full regalia and riding a white horse.
The satirical Le Krewe d’Etat traditionally follows Hermes with 21 floats plus its Captain and officers on horseback. The theme is secret until parade day. Look for members of the krewe dressed as walking skeletons handing out the D’Etat Gazette and wooden doubloons. The Gazette has illustrations and descriptions of the floats and is only available during the parade. Another covetable throw is the blinking logo skull bead.
The Krewe of Morpheus parade is a jaw-dropping spectacle with about 500 riders and beautifully illuminated floats.
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Parades: Iris, followed by Tucks (Uptown)
Endymion (Mid-City, Downtown)
Amazingly, the Krewe of Iris has been around since 1917, making it the oldest female Carnival organization for women. Iris’ 1,500 members wear white gloves and masks, and the parade features such unique throws as king cake babies and hand-decorated sunglasses.
The Krewe of Tucks was started in 1969 by a group of Loyola students and is named after the now-gone Uptown pub. Tucks is known for satirical floats and irreverence (one of the signature floats, for example, is a giant toilet).
These days Krewe of Endymion is the only super krewe parade that graces Mid-City, and people camp out for days in advance staking their spots (heard of Krewe of Chad?). While we won’t comment on that, we certainly understand the reasons for the parade’s immense popularity. With a whopping 3,100 riders and 37 floats (many are tandem units with up to nine sections!), plus celebrity guests and big-name bands, Endymion is an amazing spectacle. It also helps that the riders are notoriously generous with beads (the krewe’s motto is “Throw ’til It Hurts”), and the event kicks off at noon with a huge block party on Orleans Avenue, Samedi Gras.
From Mid-City the parade makes its way to Lee Circle, ending up at the Champions Square and finally inside the Superdome for some serious partying at the Endymion Extravaganza.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Parades: Okeanos, followed by Mid-City and Thoth, then Bacchus (Uptown)
Founded in 1949, the Krewe of Okeanos was originally a neighborhood parade on St. Claude Avenue but eventually moved to a traditional Uptown/Downtown route on St. Charles Avenue. Okeanos has about 250 male and female riders. Notably, instead of the traditional bal masque the krewe hosts a coronation ball where the king is presented and the queen is selected by random draw.
The Krewe of Mid-City also dates back a while, to 1933, and consists of 300 all-male members. The parade has a unique look featuring tinfoil as well as animation, and is known to rock themes irresistible to children. The king and queen are kids selected each year from the local Ronald McDonald House.
Thoth, founded in 1947, had been following its own parade route designed to pass several healthcare institutions that care for people with disabilities and illnesses (thus bringing the Carnival to those who otherwise wouldn’t be likely to see the parades rolling elsewhere). The krewe is known to throw generously and has 1,600 riders on its 50 floats. It’s one of the highlights of the Carnival.
Box of Wine is a walking parade that rolls between Thoth and Bacchus, whenever the police escort gives a green light, from a secret location that changes every year. It follows the Bacchus route but you won’t mistake it for any other Uptown parade. It is decidedly its own animal, in all its artsy, bohemian glory. Satire and the god of wine rule; and the joyful, rowdy procession of revelers clad in some of the most creative costumes you’ll see during the Carnival generously pours from boxes of wine for the onlookers lined up to see Bacchus — into cups, or straight from the box into the mouths.
The last treat of the Sunday before Mardi Gras is the unmatched super-krewe parade, Bacchus. Bacchus was the first parade to invite a celebrity king to lead the parade, breaking with the Carnival tradition. Expect spectacular animated super-floats and covetable throws. Look for the Bacchus’ signature floats like its Kong Family and the Baccha-gator. The massive parade ends at the Convention Center for its annual black-tie Rendezvous party.
Monday, March 3, 2025 (Lundi Gras)
Parades: Proteus, followed by Orpheus (Uptown)
Red Beans/Dead Beans (Marigny/Bayou St. John, Tremé)
The Krewe of Proteus is the second-oldest krewe in Carnival history, founded in 1882. Unbelievably, the floats still use the original chassis. The identity of the king of the parade is never revealed to the public. The kings traditionally ride in a giant seashell float; throws include pearl bead necklaces and plastic tridents.
Krewe of Orpheus was co-founded by musician/actor Harry Connick, Jr. and his father, Harry Connick, Sr., former New Orleans district attorney. It was the first super krewe to include both male and female riders, and it’s considered one of the most beautiful parades of the season.
The floats are elaborately designed and decorated with oversized flowers and fiber optic lighting. Covetable throws include light-up medallion beads and stuffed dragons. Like Bacchus, Orpheus ends at the Convention Center for its black-tie ball, and invites celebrities to reign as parade royalty.
A family-friendly, quirky Red Beans parade of revelers clad in costumes that are decorated with (and sometimes, made of) dried red beans started in 2008 and traditionally rolls on Lundi Gras. There’s also a slew of outfits that celebrate Louisiana folklore and food. This highly participatory walking parade of about 150 members winds from the Marigny into the Tremé, where it meets up with the newcomer Dead Beans. Formed in 2018 as a Red Beans spin-off, Dead Beans walks from the Bayou St. John neighborhood in Mid-City.
Woldenberg Park
The annual Lundi Gras Festival provides a unique glimpse at the Zulu characters that make an appearance each year at the Zulu parade on Mardi Gras Day: the Big Shot, Witch Doctor, Ambassador, Mayor, Governor, Mr. Big Stuff, and more. The free festival is hosted by the members of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club on the Riverfront and has three stages of music plus food and activities for the kids.
It’s also a Carnival tradition for Rex, the King of the Rex parade, the King of Zulu parade, and their entourage to meet on Lundi Gras on the Riverfront, and for the Mayor of New Orleans to salute the two monarchs and turn over symbolic control of the city for the following day. Don’t miss this highlight!
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (Mardi Gras Day)
Parades: Zulu (Uptown, Tremé)
Rex, followed by Elks, and Crescent City (Uptown)
Society of St. Ann/Society of St. Cecilia (Bywater/Marigny/French Quarter)
The Krewe of Zulu parade begins bright and early on Mardi Gras Day at S. Claiborne and Jackson avenues, weaving its way down St. Charles Avenue to Lee Circle, then to Canal Street, and ending up at Broad and Orleans streets. It’s probably best to watch it towards the end of the parade, in Tremé.
Wherever you end up, however, Zulu is not to be missed. One of the oldest Carnival parades in the city, Zulu dates back to the early 1900s. Louis Armstrong reigned as its King in 1949.
Zulu’s traditional honor guard, the Soulful Warriors, has a roster of characters that make an appearance each year, including Big Shot, Witch Doctor, Ambassador, Mayor, Province Prince, Governor, and Mr. Big Stuff. One of the most covetable throws of the Carnival is Zulu’s hand-painted, glitzed-up coconut. The parade is preceded by the coronation ball, typically on the weekend before Mardi Gras, at the Convention Center.
Rex, the King of Carnival, is the mothership of many Mardi Gras traditions, like doubloon throws and even the official Carnival colors of purple, green and gold. The parade was founded in 1872, apparently to impress the visiting Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia.
Today the parade traditionally follows Zulu on Fat Tuesday and consists of about 600 riders. The king’s identity is kept secret until Lundi Gras, and it’s usually a civic leader and an important citizen of New Orleans. Traditionally, the city mayor hands Rex a symbolic key to the city on Lundi Gras, and Rex royalty meets the Zulu royalty.
The Krewe of Elks-Orleans, the oldest and largest of all the truck float krewes, follows Rex down St. Charles Ave with 50 individually designed truck floats carrying about 4,600 male and female riders.
The last parade of the Carnival, the Krewe of Crescent City, is also a truck parade. It follows Elks, signaling the beginning of the end of the Carnival.
If you want to see some very impressive costumes look for the Society of St Anne walking parade. The members gather in the Bywater around Piety St. and Burgundy St., and usually roll around 9 a.m. or so, through the Marigny and the Quarter to the Mississippi River, with many stops on the way. The route isn’t set in stone but you can look for them around 10 a.m. in the Marigny by the R Bar.
Since the parade’s inception in the late 1960s, the members would pay tribute to those who had passed away in the preceding year at the river, by depositing their ashes in the water, making offerings, and so on.
Along the lines of the St. Anne Society, the Society of St. Cecilia, which started marching in 2007, also walks from the Bywater around the same time to the river. The two processions inevitably merge at some point, then scatter, and are organically joined by fellow revelers. Both parades are a fabulous sight and are among some of the best things about Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The Backstreet Cultural Museum
Mardi Gras Day morning
If you want to see Mardi Gras Indians on the march, the fantastically evocative costumes of the North Side Skull & Bones Gang, and the dazzling performances of the Baby Dolls, head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, where all of these elements, which draw on cultural traditions that speak to New Orleans’ deep African and Native American roots, swirl into a heady brew. Trust us: It’s one of the most powerful sights you’ll see in this country at any time of the year.
The North Side Skull & Bones Gang leaves the Backstreet Cultural Museum before dawn, according to the tradition started in the 1800s, to wake up the neighborhood on Fat Tuesday. You never know when the Mardi Indians show up and where, but the Museum is a reliable spot to catch them. You can also try looking under the Claiborne Bridge and at Orleans Avenue and N. Claiborne Avenue on the earlier side of the day.
Frenchmen Street Party
All of Mardi Gras Day (till midnight for the outside activities)
The few blocks of Frenchmen Street starting at the foot of Esplanade by Decatur, and the adjacent Washington Square, are the places to be on Mardi Gras Day as the crowds merge and meander, forming a massive, all-day-long street party. It’s perfect for people-watching and showing off your own costume, running into people you know, and just dancing in the street. Come midnight, when you’ll have to clear off, there are plenty of bars along Frenchmen and nearby to duck into.
Are you coming to New Orleans for the Carnival? We’re jam-packed with parades and parties, and the temps are perfectly mild! Browse our top recommendations for historic hotels in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect spot.
Also, check out our recommendations on How to Experience New Orleans Mardi Gras Like a Local, How to Dress for Mardi Gras, and Parade Rules and Tips.
Happy Mardi Gras!
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How to Dress for Mardi Gras
Costumes are to the Carnival season as peanut butter is to jelly — indispensable. We encourage you to consider wearing one, or at least accessorize with a sparkly headdress and some feathers. At the very least, wear something in the Carnival colors — purple, green and gold. Not only will it get you into the Mardi Gras spirit but you will fit right in. Here are our tips on how to dress for the Carnival and where to get the best costumes and costume-making supplies.
Practical Tips
- Think about what you want to wear while visiting New Orleans during the Carnival before you pack your bags. There’s no dress code unless you’re attending some Mardi Gras balls or certain parties, and pretty much anything goes. Thinking ahead will ensure that you’re comfortable but also feeling good about what you’re wearing during your visit.
- Also, think ahead about transporting your costume if you’re bringing one. Will the headdress fit into the suitcase? How do you pack your mask so that it makes it to New Orleans in one piece?
- No costume? No problem! You can pick up one up here, rent one, or make one. New Orleans is a costuming city, with plenty of options (see our shopping recommendations below).
- If you want to really enjoy Mardi Gras, dress comfortably. It’s a long party and you’ll likely be doing a lot of moving around, attending multiple events in one day, and spending a lot of time outside.
- You will likely also be standing on your feet for hours during parades, so bring comfortable shoes. And expect to walk a lot if you are watching any parades. The streets on and near the parade routes will be closed off, traffic will be congested, and cabs might be hard to come by.
- Do pack some heels though if you plan to attend any formal events.
- The only thing predictable about New Orleans weather is that it’s unpredictable. February temperatures have ranged from 48° to 65°. Dressing in layers would be wise. Carnival takes place at the end of winter, and some Fat Tuesdays have been really cold while others were positively balmy.
- Also, check the weather. If there’s any chance of rain, be sure to pack a raincoat, rain ponchos, umbrellas, and rain boots. Mardi Gras muck is a thing, especially if it rains, so rain boots will save your shoes from being ruined by the festive mix of mud, parade debris, and thousands of feet.
- Choose a bag that fits your needs. You’ll need to carry your essentials like your phone, your wallet and your phone charger, of course, plus a bag for throws if you’re attending a parade. But also consider packing water, an umbrella, and things you’ll need throughout the day without returning to your hotel. Snacks and beverages along parade routes are available, but you may not want to leave your spot or wait in line.
Costume Tips
- If you want your costume to stand out it will have to be truly fabulous. The bar is very, very high in New Orleans, and people here take costuming very seriously. A costume will be a must if you’re riding or walking in any parades.
- This doesn’t mean your costume shouldn’t be comfortable, of course. Mardi Gras is a marathon, and a lot of it is spent in the streets and getting yourself from point A to point B for another parade, party or ball. Choose a costume that will allow you to fit into the doorways, use a public restroom, won’t fall apart at the end of the day or cause scrutiny (the bar for the latter is very low in New Orleans though — only truly offensive and outrageous costumes would get any kind of negative attention — pretty much anything else goes, the crazier the better).
- Accessorize wisely. Don’t let the accessories weigh you down. You have some serious partying to do, for long stretches of time.
- Consider wearing a mask. You’ll notice that a lot of people wear masks, especially on Fat Tuesday. If you aren’t making one, there are plenty of places in New Orleans where you can buy one, from an inexpensive mass-produced one to an exquisite thing of beauty made by a local artist. See our suggestions below and happy masking!
- Finally, don’t feel like you need to conform. The point is to be yourself and feel good about wearing your costume. This is the perfect time to live in the moment and be free.
Where to Shop
French Quarter
Multiple locations
If you want a simple, inexpensive mask in the traditional Carnival colors check out the souvenir shops that pepper Decatur Street. They also carry festive hats, feather boas, and shirts in purple, green and gold. It’s an easy way to throw on some dazzle without breaking the bank or going all out on an elaborate costume.
Carl Mack Presents
1010 Conti St.
Not feeling like putting together a costume yourself? The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture, located between N. Rampart and Burgundy streets in the French Quarter, features the private collection of its owner, Carl Mack, a costumer and entertainer known as The Xylophone Man.
It’s one the largest personal collections of Mardi Gras costumes in the city, and it tells the story of the walking clubs, masquerade balls, Mardi Gras Indians, krewe royalty, Social Aid and Pleasure clubs, and Cajun Mardi Gras. The museum’s costume closet is massive, and it does rentals, with prices starting as low as $75.
934 Royal St.
A funky-glam French Quarter institution with a very impressive collection of wigs (that you’ll get to try under the guidance of one of the shop’s helpful employees), plus costume accessories and makeup. Be warned though, this is THE wig stop for many, so expect a line in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday.
1235 N. Peters St.
The historic French Market has a vast daily flea market brimming with mass-produced Carnival accessories like masks and boas but also wearable works of art made by local artisans (masks, headpieces, fascinators, and more). Prices start low, so it’s a good spot to shop for some last-minute Carnival gear.
940 Decatur St.
This is a funky novelty store that sells collectibles, toys, accessories, and clothes.
805 Royal St.
Just steps from Jackson Square, Maskarade can meet all of your masking needs with its vast selection of handmade Italian masks (Venetian style) as well as a collection of masks done by local and national artists.
Nikki’s French Quarter Halloween Store
107 Chartres St.
The shop’s name mentions Halloween, but don’t let it deter you as it carries accessories, novelties, masks, makeup, body paint, and wigs that come in handy for other occasions.
414 N. Peters St.
Does this giant makeup chain even need an introduction? Sure enough, it’s conveniently located in the heart of the Quarter, and will meet all of your makeup needs come Carnival time.
629 Chartres St.
The Stitch is made by and for those who are obsessed with knitting, but there’s more to it than yarn. It’s also a great spot for almost any kind of arts and crafts supplies, so check it out if you’re attempting a DIY Mardi Gras costume.
Bywater
The Bargain Center
3200 Dauphine St.
If you don’t mind rummaging through an overwhelming inventory of oddities, vintage accessories and thrift-store fare this treasure trove is for you. There’s an occasional traditional costume that belonged to a float rider, or a unique, locally made creation on consignment. Also, check out the amazing Mardi Gras Indian headdresses mounted on the walls.
Piety Market at Hotel Peter & Paul
2317 Burgundy St.
This bustling neighborhood market is as New Orleans as it gets. This is a unique opportunity to grab a fabulous creation made by some of the best artists the city has to offer (the extensive vendor list is basically a who-is-who of artistic New Orleans).
Some of the most beautiful headdresses you will admire on Fat Tuesday probably came from Piety. The prices are beyond reasonable, and several vendors are usually on hand selling vintage and secondhand costumes and accessories. Try some delicious pop-up food while you shop, too.
Mid-City
2737 Canal St.
Despite its name, this shop doesn’t carry costumes but is a solid choice if you want to make one. There you’ll find all kinds of supplies, from trim to sequins to beads and feathers.
127 S. Solomon St.
Brought to you in 2018 by three Muses, NOLA Craft Culture is a dream come true for costume-makers who had trouble finding specific craft supplies like micro-glitter, hot glue in different colors or fine-point glue guns. The shop is packed to the gills with feathers, sequins, rhinestones, appliqués, and lots and lots of glitter.
There are also umbrellas, confetti, 5-foot-long ropes of hot glue, and locally sourced glitter makeup and lashes. Muses shoes grace the space. What makes this women-owned and operated shop truly unique is that it aims to become a space for classes, workshops and community crafting.
Anyone who makes a purchase can also complete their projects on-site in the downstairs craft room. If you ever tried to de-glitter your home after completing a project you will understand how brilliant this is.
Uptown
3127 Magazine St.
Come Mardi Gras this resale boutique is your destination for seasonal gear like vintage ballgowns and eclectic accessories.
Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes
4204 Magazine St.
Small but mighty, Miss Claudia’s is a goldmine filled with majorette boots, funky vintage costumes, dazzling accessories, and other Mardi Gras essentials.
4326 Magazine St.
This compact yet comprehensive store offers costumes, dancewear and accessories like wigs and hats.
Are you planning to be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel that will put you right in the center of all of the action and within walking distance of many of the Carnival parade routes, bars, restaurants, and entertainment spots.
Also, check out our guide to the Mardi Gras Weekend, our recommendations on How to Experience New Orleans Mardi Gras Like a Local, and Parade Rules and Tips.
Happy Carnival!
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Experience New Orleans Mardi Gras Like a Local
If you’re a true Mardi Gras fan like us, you started counting down the days until Carnival as the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve. While Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, known as Carnival season, make Mardi Gras one of the best times to experience the Big Easy.
Packed with parties, parades, king cakes galore, and fun for the entire family, Carnival season lasts more than a month and ramps up on the Thursday before Mardi Gras. If you want to be in the midst of all the action, Mardi Gras weekend is the best time to stay. So, start planning your trip now to make sure you don’t miss a thing this Mardi Gras season.
Book a New Orleans Mardi Gras Hotel
When it comes to experiencing New Orleans Mardi Gras like a local, it’s all about location. Since the majority of the action is just steps from the parade routes, the ideal New Orleans hotels are located in the French Quarter and downtown.
If you’re looking for historic French Quarter hotels that capture the timeless beauty of New Orleans and are located in the heart of Mardi Gras activities, Place d’Armes Hotel, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, and French Market Inn are perfect places to stay. But you’ve got to plan ahead because the best Mardi Gras hotels book up quickly. So, make your New Orleans room reservations today to secure your spot!
Create a Mardi Gras Parade Plan
With more than 80 parades on the 2025 Mardi Gras parade schedule, you’ll want to plan ahead. There are many different types of parades, so find out about each krewe and its theme before you make your list.
Must-See New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades
- Druids and Alla on Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- Babylon, Chaos, and Muses on Thursday, February 27, 2025
- Hermes, d’Etat, and Morpheus on Friday, February 28, 2025
- Iris, Tucks and Endymion on Saturday, March 1, 2025
- Okeanos, Mid-City, Thoth, and Bacchus on Sunday, March 2, 2025
- Proteus and Orpheus on Monday, March 3, 2025
- Zulu and Rex on Tuesday, March 4, 2025
There are Mardi Gras parades that start as early as the Twelfth Night (January 6, the annual start of the Carnival season), and things pick up towards the end of January. So, you won’t have any trouble finding excitement at various locations across New Orleans during Carnival time.
French Quarter Mardi Gras Parades
- Chewbacchus on Saturday, February 1, 2025
- Krewe du Vieux on Saturday, February 15, 2025 (Note: This parade is very risque and may not be suitable for children)
- Mystic Krewe of Barkus on Sunday, February 23, 2025 (dogs!)
How to Experience Mardi Gras
Photo by David Fary on Flickr
Most people will likely be standing to see the parades, but there is an option for reserved seating. Companies offer grandstand seating on the parade route, some with amenities such as easy access to restrooms, nearby parking, food packages, and more. If you’ve never experienced Mardi Gras before, this could be a great option for you.
Many Mardi Gras goers with children and people who don’t want to or can’t stand for extended periods of time enjoy the comfort and convenience of Mardi Gras grandstand seating. You will have an excellent view of all of the Mardi Gras parades without having to lug around ladders and chairs. All you have to do is bring a “bead bag” for all of your beads and catches.
Grandstand seating is limited, so we recommend booking as soon as you’ve made your travel plans. On NewOrleansParadeTickets.com, choose between their Place St. Charles grandstand (located directly on St. Charles Avenue near Canal Street), and their Lafayette Hotel grandstand (located on the opposite side of St. Charles Avenue between Lee Circle and Poydras Street, adjacent to Lafayette Square). Either location will be great, and if you will be enjoying multiple parades, you might try switching up your location to experience different views.
More Activities to Enjoy During Mardi Gras Season
Mardi Gras parades and parties are undoubtedly the main event but remember to check out other fascinating attractions while you’re in the French Quarter this February. Take a break from catching beads and take the family to see the sights around historic Jackson Square, such as the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral.
If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s culture, stop by the Basin St. Station and learn more about the different walking tours you can take, including the St. Louis Cemetery #1 Tour — one of the most popular New Orleans cemetery tours. Then, head over to Bourbon Street to visit some of the top New Orleans live music venues.
Tour the city in an open-top, double-decker bus when you hop on a City Sightseeing Tour Bus. With 18 stops along the route and a new bus arriving every 30 minutes, this is the best way to explore New Orleans. Tickets start at $46.
What to Eat and Drink During Mardi Gras
Photo by Patrick on Flickr
Beignets and Brunch
Of course, you’ll want to indulge in the world-famous beignets at Cafe Du Monde (various locations) and enjoy the one-of-a-kind Louisiana cuisine at renowned French Quarter restaurants. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or brunch, late-night cravings, and basically any time of the day.
Coffee and Cocktails
If you need coffee to start your day, delight your senses with a searing hot macchiato or Americano from PJ’s Coffee (501 Decatur Street).
With a selection that features several types of whiskey, cognac, tequila, mezcal, rum, gin, and more, even the most discriminating drinker is bound to find something they will love at The Bombay Club (830 Conti Street).
Po-Boys
Killer PoBoys (219 Dauphine Street and in the back of the Erin Rose Bar, 811 Conti Street) pushes the envelope with some of its unique po-boys, and if you love shrimp and breaking from the traditional, you have to try their seared Gulf shrimp po-boy that features Sriracha aioli, herbs, daikon radish, pickled carrots, and cucumbers (the menu changes).
For more ideas on where to find the best po-boys in the Quarter, read New Orleans’ Po-Boy Is a Rich Food Tradition.
King Cake
Widely considered the official dessert of Mardi Gras, this is an absolute must-try if you’re in town for Carnival.
Choose from several different types of king cake at the Bywater Bakery (3624 Dauphine Street). The flavors may change, but in the past years, there were pecan praline, cream cheese, strawberry, custard, and cinnamon apple stuffed cakes featured.
If you ask New Orleans natives and long-time transplants, a large percentage of them will count Manny Randazzo King Cakes (3515 N. Hullen Street) on the top of their list, and you would have to trek to Metairie to get your hands on these cakes and they might sell out.
More Mardi Gras
- Mardi Gras in the French Quarter
- Here are all the can’t-miss events happening on Mardi Gras weekend
- The Rules of Mardi Gras — guidelines and official laws
- How to Dress for Mardi Gras
- Traveling with kids for Mardi Gras? Read our guide to exploring the French Quarter with kids
Are you planning to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras? We’ve got a fabulous lineup of events that celebrate the Crescent City’s unique culture. Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel that will put you right in the center of all of the action and within walking distance of many of New Orleans’ bars, restaurants and entertainment spots.
Happy Mardi Gras!
