The "Other" Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
The holidays are over but the fun is just beginning in New Orleans. January kicks off the Carnival (Mardi Gras) season down here which means it's the beginning of King Cake Season, baby! Make sure you book your hotel early.
Allstate Sugar Bowl, January 1
On New Year’s Day, college football fans come down to New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The game, played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, is the second-oldest bowl game in the country (since 1935). Since it’s in New Orleans, it’s definitely the most fun!
Phunny Phorty Phellows Parade, January 6
Every Twelfth Night, the Phunny Phorty Phellows rattle through the city on the St. Charles Streetcar, drinking champagne, eating king cake, and throwing the first beads of the season. Known for their satirical costumes inspired by current events, the Phellows first took to the streets in 1878 (with a long break that lasted from 1898 until 1981). They will be followed on the route by the Funky Uptown Krewe.
Krewe of Joan of Arc Parade, January 6
This annual walking parade honors the patron saint of France. It is inspired by Joan of Arc’s time in France in the 1400s, where she liberated the citizens of Orleans from British siege. Parade goers can be found dressed in gold, and there’s always plenty of king cake to go around.
The Societé des Champs Elysée, January 6
While the collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel has forced the cancellation of The Societé des Champs Elysée streetcar parade on Rampart Street this year, the krewe will be having a “stroll” with a brass band playing through the neighborhoods, leading revelers to the annual ball. Learn more.
Reenactment of the Battle of New Orleans, January 8, 10 & 11
Come see actors reenact the events of the final battle of the War of 1812 at Chalmette Battlefield, just outside of New Orleans. The experience includes period music, storytelling, and cannon and musket firings. The events take place over three days and it is free to attend. Learn more.
Something Rotten! At Le Petit Theatre, premiers January 17
Who’s up for a comedy? Spend an evening at Something Rotten!, a play about two brothers in 16th century London, struggling to make it in the theatrical world.
Miss Saigon at the Saenger Theater, January 21-26
This Broadway hit was based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly. Come shed a few tears as you watch this the moving love story between an American G.I. and a young Vietnamese woman right before the fall of Saigon. Learn more.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 20
Celebrates MLK Day at a communal block party or participate in MLK Day of Service activities. As more information becomes available, we’ll post it here.
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