Anyone who says the holidays are the most magical time of year hasn’t seen New Orleans in February. We’re counting down the days to Mardi Gras (February 13) with parades, king cake, and festivals all month long. Celebrate Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and more with our top ten things to do this February.

Celebrate Black History Month 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. 

Attend a Mardi Gras parade  

February is prime time for attending Mardi Gras parades. Two weekends before Mardi Gras Day, experience parade after parade rolling in Uptown and downtown New Orleans. The weekend before Mardi Gras Day starts on Wednesday, Feb. 7 with parades rolling each day until Fat Tuesday. Check out our parade schedule here and plan your picks.

Celebrate Vietnamese New Year at Tết Fest 

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. Tết Fest returns February 16-18, 2024.

Eat lots of king cake 

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 13). Stick to traditional or try a new version – just be sure to have at least one slice this month. Some bakeries offer national and international shipping so that everyone can enjoy a king cake from New Orleans. 

Plan a romantic adventure  

New Orleans is known for its romantic charm, whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or any day of the year. Browse our romantic itinerary for ideas on how to celebrate with that special someone here. Book a room night, dine at a romantic restaurant, have a picnic, or dance along the Mississippi all while enjoying perfect weather this February in NOLA. 

Enjoy special festivities on Lundi Gras Day  

Lundi Gras is the day before Mardi Gras Day, so this year it falls on February 12, 2024. 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 shows across the city stretching into the wee hours of Mardi Gras Day—see if you can stay up through the night. 

Celebrate Mardi Gras Day 

Here at last following nearly two months of parades, partying, and king cake consumption, Mardi Gras Day (February 13) marks the end of the season. But, before the festivities conclude at midnight, Fat Tuesday is a day for indulgence. The North Side Skull & Bone Gang kicks off Mardi Gras Day before sunrise in the Tremé. If you were too busy enjoying a tequila sunrise for that early of a wakeup call, you can catch the Krewe of Zulu at 8 a.m. Following that parade is the Krewe of Rex, plus truck parades throughout the day. The Bourbon Street Awards is a Mardi Gras Day tradition, a kind of costume contest for the ages. Enjoy traditional New Orleans food all day long, make a friend or two along the parade route, and let the good times roll.

Enjoy Broadway in New Orleans 

February is a great month to enjoy Broadway in New Orleans at the Saenger Theatre. From January 30 - February 4, enjoy the classic musical “Les Misérables.” From February 27 - March 3, catch “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.” Find more theater in New Orleans with our Winter Theater Guide here.

Cheer on your favorite sports team 

By February, football season may be over, but we’ve got plenty of other sports to flock to this month. 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. 

Enjoy the start of crawfish season 

Late February means crawfish season is on the horizon. Some even incorporate it into their Mardi Gras celebrations. New Orleans is full of seafood shops and restaurants that’ll satisfy all your cravings. Grab ‘em boiled, sautéed, baked, or fried, or get ‘em raw for a crawfish boil of your own.

For even more ways to experience New Orleans this February, see our Things to Do page here.