Discover the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival, Riverwalk Lundi Gras, Instigation Festival, and more exciting events happening in New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
Zulu Lundi Gras Festival: A Royally Fun Event in New Orleans
( Credit to: Nola )
Experience the excitement of the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival in New Orleans. This annual event, hosted by the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, showcases the introduction of their royalty and elected characters. With a lineup of live music, delicious food vendors, and a dedicated kids entertainment stage, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The festival kicks off with the announcement of characters every hour, starting with Mr. Big Stuff at 11 a.m. The highlight of the day is the arrival of King Zulu at 5 p.m. and his meeting with Rex at 6 p.m. at Spanish Plaza. Don't miss out on this 30th annual event on Monday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Riverwalk Lundi Gras: A Festive Prelude to Fat Tuesday
Join the celebration at Riverwalk Lundi Gras, where Rex and King Zulu arrive to herald the arrival of Fat Tuesday. Enjoy live music performances by talented artists such as Ashlin Parker and Trumpet Mafia, Brass-A-Holics, Kevin Gullage & The Blues Groovers, and more.
The highlight of the evening is the second line salute led by the Hot 8 Brass Band. The festivities culminate with the meeting of Rex and King Zulu at 6 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Mississippi River. Be sure to catch all the excitement on Monday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Instigation Festival: A Fusion of Musical Innovation
Immerse yourself in the world of improvised music at the Instigation Festival. Now in its ninth year, this festival brings together innovative musicians from New Orleans and Chicago for a series of captivating collaborations.
Headlined by drummer Mike Reed's project, The Separatist Party, each member of the Chicago-based group will also perform sets with local musicians before coming together for an unforgettable finale. Don't miss out on this unique musical experience from Feb. 5-7 at the Broadside and Rabbit Hole venues.
BAAB: The Sinfully Fun ABBA Tribute Band
Indulge in the world's best pop music with a twist at the BAAB dance party. This delightfully sinful ABBA tribute band infuses sludge-metal into their performances, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.
Get ready to unleash your inner dancing queen at the infernal costumed dance party on Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Joy Theater. With additional performances by Anareta and Solid Gold, this is a night you won't want to miss.
Ball of the Wild: A Night of Spectacular Performances
Step into a world of revelry and entertainment at Ball of the Wild by Circ'lesque. This extraordinary event at Cafe Istanbul features aerial performances, fire dancing, acrobatics, burlesque, carnival games, fortune tellers, and more.
With live music by Bon Bon Vivant and Portland's High Step Society, this is a night that promises to be unforgettable. Join the festivities on Monday, Feb. 12, starting at 9 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $40.
Pure Way Ball: A Mad Maxian Dance Party
Get ready for a post-apocalyptic dance party at the Pure Way Ball Vol. 3. Hosted by DJ dynamic duo Dr. Romance, this event at the Toulouse Theatre will transport you to a Mad Maxian wasteland.
Featuring a lineup of talented DJs including Merger, Q Baby, and Mardi Mayhem, this night of music and themed installations is not to be missed. Join the party on Friday, Feb. 9, at 10 p.m. Tickets are available for $50 (general admission) and $70 (VIP).
Rory Danger: A Playful Rockabilly Supergroup
Experience the infectious energy of Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers at BJ's Lounge. Led by Aurora Nealand's alter ego, this nine-piece rockabilly supergroup combines pop-infused melodies with theatrical performances.
With members from Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Misfit Power, and Debauche, this lively performance on Sunday, Feb. 9, promises to be a night of fun and excitement. Tickets are available for $20 at the door.
Morning 40 Federation: Rocking the Stage Early
Start your day with the rowdy rockers of Morning 40 Federation at Rabbit Hole. Known for their energetic performances, this geezer rock band will entertain you with their signature sound and new tunes.
Join the party on Saturday, Feb. 10, for an early bird special show. Tickets are available for $25. Don't miss out on the chance to rock out with Morning 40 Federation!
Freedia Gras: A Night of Music and Celebration
Join the Queen Diva, Big Freedia, for a night of music and celebration at Freedia Gras. This concert at Tipitina's will feature electrifying performances by HaSizzle and Anjelika 'Jelly' Joseph.
Let loose and dance the night away on Thursday, Feb. 8, starting at 10 p.m. Tickets are available for $30. Get ready for an unforgettable night of bounce music and Mardi Gras festivities.
Deep Gras: A Late-Night Dance Party
Keep the party going from Lundi Gras until Fat Tuesday at Deep Gras. Okay Bar presents a late-night dance party featuring a lineup of talented DJs, including BabyDaddy, Spinelli, Sean Straynge, and more.
From 1 a.m. until the sun is about to come up, dance the night away with the vibrant sounds of New Orleans. Don't miss out on this unforgettable night of celebration.
Big Chief Juan Pardo Mardi Gras Morning: A Memorable Start to Fat Tuesday
Start your Fat Tuesday with a bang at Big Chief Juan Pardo Mardi Gras Morning. As most Black Masking Indians are getting ready for their neighborhood gatherings, join Big Chief Juan Pardo and the Golden Comanches for an early morning performance at Tipitina's.
Guitarist Billy Iuso will also be performing, adding to the excitement of the morning. Don't miss this unique and memorable start to Fat Tuesday at 5:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Admission is free.
International Clash Day: A Tribute to Punk Icons
Celebrate the British punk icons, The Clash, at Chickie Wah Wah's International Clash Day. This second annual tribute night features the Radio Clash Allstars, led by Papa Mali, performing a night of Clash music.
Special guests including CC Adcock, Quintron, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Lynn Drury, and Ben Jaffe will join the Allstars for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy special DJ sets and immerse yourself in the punk rock spirit. Join the celebration on Monday, Feb. 5, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are available for $50 in advance and $60 at the door.
Not So Super Super Hero Ball: A Mardi Gras Ball for B-Team Heroes
Not everyone can be a superhero, but that doesn't mean they can't have their own Mardi Gras ball. Join the 21st annual Not So Super Super Hero Party at the Rabbit Hole for a night of music and fun.
Groove to the tunes of Gov't Majik and DJ Brice Nice on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 9 p.m. Embrace your inner B-team hero and enjoy a night of celebration with fellow misfits. Presale tickets are available for $10.
Renaissance: A Beyonce Dance Party Like No Other
Get ready to dance the night away at Renaissance, a Beyonce-themed dance party hosted by DJ Kelly Green. This event celebrates Beyonce's album 'Renaissance' and the influences that shaped her Grammy-winning music.
Immerse yourself in the ballroom scenes, disco, and electronic dance music that inspired Beyonce's iconic album. Join the party on Friday, Feb. 9, at 9 p.m. at Siberia. Tickets are available for $18.61. Don't miss out on this unforgettable night of Beyonce-inspired fun!
Quintron and Miss Pussycat Lundi Gras: A Night of Quirky Entertainment
Join Quintron and Miss Pussycat for their traditional Lundi Gras throwdown at the Toulouse Theatre. This quirky duo, accompanied by Mongo and DJ C'est Funk, will entertain you with their unique blend of music and performance art.
Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind Lundi Gras experience on Monday, Feb. 12, starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are available for $22. Get ready for a night of eccentric entertainment and unforgettable memories.