Live music is 24/7 in New Orleans, but we’ve cherry-picked a few can’t-miss shows for the month ahead. It’s officially Mardi Gras season, and there are plenty of shows both in the clubs and on the street. It’s Carnival time, y’all! 

Carnivoid 2023 @ The Joy 

Krewe du Void and the Joy Theater presents: Carnivoid: 2023, on Friday, Feb. 3. This one-night only Mardi Gras show features The Iceman Special, C’est Funk, and many more. Tickets are $25-$50 each.

Krewe du You and Krewe du Boo Hoo @ Republic  

Enjoy two Mardi Gras-themed shows at Republic this February. Krewe du You falls on Saturday, Feb. 4 after Krewe du Vieux and features DJ Kelly Green and others. Krewe du Boo Hoo is emo night on Saturday, Feb. 11. Tickets start at $5 and $6.  

Rebecca Todd
The Howlin' Wolf

Mardi Gras @ The Howlin Wolf 

Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Howlin’ Wolf with the Bacchus Post Parade Party W/ The Grammy Winning Hot 8 Brass Band on Sunday, Feb. 19 and Party Gras ft. Silk And Mortar, Kayzee Taylor, Toro Y Moi Y Ethan, and Mynthiaon on Monday, Feb. 20. Sunday’s show is $20 and Monday’s show is $10. 

Mardi Gras 2023 @ Tipitina’s 

You might as well block out the whole month for Tipitina’s Mardi Gras music madness. There are plenty of shows all month long, but the weekend before Mardi Gras Day is when the back-to-back shows begin. Big Freedia kicks it off on Thursday, Feb. 16 with Freedia Gras ft. Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph with TBC Brass Band. In the days following, catch Dumpstaphunk, Galactic, Anders Osborne's Bacchus Bash, Galactic Lundi Gras (FREE 5AM Mardi Gras Sunrise Set), and more. 

Andrea Bocelli and Anita Baker at the Smoothie King Center 

Catch two musical legends on their solo tours this February at the Blender. Andrea Bocelli will serenade thousands on Saturday, Feb. 11 with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Anita Baker brings her hits to the Smoothie King Center stage on Friday, Feb. 17 (Babyface opens). You won’t want to miss either one of these legends!  

Rebecca Todd
St. Augustine Marching 100

Mardi Gras parades

Honestly, the best place to hear live music this month is on the parade route. Bands made up of all ages and instruments will be front and center marching (or rolling, you never know) down the city streets in what we call “the greatest free show on Earth.” In addition to that, Mardi Gras balls are in full swing, with lots of live music at Orpheuscapade or Shorty Gras. Check out the parade schedule here for more information.

For even more live music, check out our calendar in partnership with WWOZ here.