10 Things to Do in February in New Orleans

February is Black History Month, and New Orleans is one of the best places to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans past and present. Our Black history itinerary takes you to Black-owned restaurants and businesses, historically Black neighborhoods, and museums dedicated to the Black experience. Celebrate Black History Month this month and every month in New Orleans. 

February is prime time for attending Mardi Gras parades. The month starts off strong with the kooky, miniature 'tit Rəx on February 1. After that, catch the all-women Krewe of Muses on February 12, and much more! Check out our parade schedule here and plan your picks.

New Orleans is home to a substantial Vietnamese population, and Tết Fest celebrations are a highlight on our calendar every year. Held at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, Tết Fest celebrations typically include authentic food, music, children’s activities, and fun for the whole family. Enjoy the free fest from February 20-22.

Every local in NOLA knows that king cake is a seasonal treat, and that the season lasts only a short time - less than two months, to be exact. February is prime time for getting in the last bites of the cinnamon-filled, icing-topped delicacy (this year, king cake season is January 6 - February 17). Stick to traditional or try a new version – just be sure to have at least one slice this month. Find our Ultimate Guide to King Cake here for all the traditional, creative, and sippable concoctions. Some bakeries offer national and international shipping so that everyone can enjoy a king cake from New Orleans. 

Lundi Gras is the day before Mardi Gras Day, so this year it falls on February 16. It’s the one day of the year where several walking krewes parade during the day and a super-krewe rolls at night, so you’ve got the best of both worlds. The Krewe of Red Beans, Dead Beans, and Feijao parades are processions through different areas of the city paying homage to the unique aspects of New Orleans culture. Down at Woldenberg Park, the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival and nearby Riverwalk’s annual Lundi Gras celebration are two family-friendly events with lots of food, live music, and history. Then, the  Krewe of Proteus kicks off an evening of events before the musically themed super-krewe  Orpheus rolls. There are live music shows across the city stretching into the wee hours of Mardi Gras Day—see if you can stay up through the night.  

February is a great month to check out live theater. "Water for Elephants" stops at the Saenger Theatre from February 3-8 and tells the story of young love and the circus. In "Fire Shut Up in my Bones," The New Orleans Opera brings us a tale of Charles confronting the shadows of his past. Find more theater in our 2026 Winter Theater Guide here. 

Sports are in full swing this February in New Orleans. The Pelicans have several home games on the schedule for this month, and both men and women’s college basketball are in full swing for any fans out there.