As spring blossoms into summer, New Orleans’ nightlife scene is bursting with vibrant energy and endless possibilities for a fun night out. From hilarious comedy sessions to spectacular theatre productions, May brings an electrifying mix of entertainment that captures the essence of our beloved city.
Whether you're a nightlife novice or a seasoned night owl, these curated experiences promise to bring the unique energy that only New Orleans can deliver for the perfect night out.
JUMP TO: BURLESQUE | THEATER | STAND-UP COMEDY | DANCING | CALENDAR
BURLESQUE
Psychedelic Speakeasy
When: May 9 at 10:00 p.m.
Where: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret
Tickets: $25-45
Age Restrictions: 21+
Step into a surreal evening of burlesque and performance art at the Psychedelic Speakeasy! The Twilight Room at Allways Lounge transforms into a kaleidoscope of wild sensations and outrageous acts. Each month brings a fresh cast and show, with doors opening at 10pm and the spectacle beginning at 10:30pm. Colorful and neon attire highly encouraged! VIP group seating available with advance reservation.
Le Vampyre Cabaret
When: May 10 at 10:30 p.m
Where: Allways Lounge
Tickets: $20-50
Age Restrictions: 21+
A carnivorous coven of undead thespians brings vampire-themed burlesque, live music, and storytelling to the French Quarter. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime, hosted by Madame Tsarina Hellfire and Monsieur Stanley Roy. Each show features a rotating cast of performers. Seating is first come, first served. Full bar available. Valid ID required.
Sincerely, Fantasy!
When: May 11 7:30 p.m.
Where: AllWays Lounge
Tickets: $20-30
Age Restrictions: 21+
A whimsical collective of performance artists presents a fairytale-inspired variety show featuring live music, storytelling, burlesque and sideshow acts. Doors open at 7:00pm with the show starting at 7:30pm. VIP seating available with advance reservation. General admission first come, first served. Fantasy attire encouraged.
Night Moves: Burlesque You Can Savor
When: May 15 at 10:00 p.m.
Where: AllWays Lounge
Tickets: $25-35
Age Restrictions: 21+
Award-winning burlesque performer Vivacious Miss Audacious presents a seductive evening of longform performances set to epic musical selections. Doors open at 9:30pm with the show starting at 10:00pm. VIP seating available with advance reservation. General admission first come, first served. Fabulous attire suggested, tipping highly encouraged.
KAPOW: Burlesque, Drag & Variety with a BANG!
When: May 31 at 10:00 p.m.
Where: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret
Tickets: $25-45
Age Restrictions: 21+
Experience an explosive night of entertainment at KAPOW! This monthly powerhouse showcase features a rotating cast of the city's most dynamic burlesque performers, drag artists, and variety acts. Doors open at 10:00pm with the show starting at 10:45pm. VIP group seating available with advance reservation (must purchase under one name). General admission is first come, first served. RSVP required, no refunds.
THEATER
Greetings from Queer Mountain
When: May 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: Allways Lounge
Tickets: $10
Age Restrictions: 21+
A monthly queer storytelling show featuring local performers sharing their authentic experiences.
Whodunit!? Interactive Murder Mystery
When: May 14 at 7 p.m.
Where: AllWays Lounge
Tickets: $20-40
Age Restrictions: 21+
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of mystery, comedy, and cabaret at Whodunit!? This interactive dinner theater experience brings a new themed murder mystery each month, where YOU decide the culprit! Watch as a rotating cast of suspects performs their alibis through various acts, then vote with your tip dollars for who you think committed the crime. May's theme "Turmoil at the Boil" promises a distinctly New Orleans twist on the classic whodunit format. The performer with the most votes gives a special encore performance. GA+ and VIP tickets include a themed dinner plate served at intermission.
The Wiz
When: May 13-18, at various times
Where: Saenger Theatre
Tickets: $36-157
Age Restrictions: All ages welcome
A groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines The Wizard of Oz with soul, gospel, and 70s funk. Doors open one hour before showtime. Multiple showtimes available including matinees and evening performances. Seating is assigned. Box office and will call open 2 hours before curtain. Note: Everyone needs a ticket regardless of age.
COMEDY
Wait, What? The Stand-up Comedy Drinking Game
When: May 1st at 8 p.m.
Where: Sports Drink
Tickets: $15-70
Age Restrictions: 21+
Hosted by comedians Isaac Kozell and Geoffrey Gauchet, this unique show turns stand-up comedy into an interactive drinking game where audience members drink when performers hit specific cues.
Piss Yo' Pants Comedy Night
When: Weekly on Sundays
Where: The Howlin' Wolf
Tickets: $15-20
Age Restrictions: 18+
New Orleans comedy veteran Mark Caesar hosts this weekly showcase featuring the best local and touring comedians.
Toledano Street Comedy Festival
When: May 8 - May 11, 2025
Where: Multiple Uptown Venues
Tickets: $75-200
Get ready to laugh until it hurts at the Toledano Street Comedy Festival! This four-day comedy extravaganza brings together over 70 comedians performing across unique Uptown venues, including Sports Drink, F45 gym space, Banh Mi Boys, and Daily Beet. With multiple shows daily from 1 PM to 9 PM, comedy fans can enjoy everything from stand-up to improv. Choose from single-day passes or go all-in with a VIP festival pass for access to exclusive meet-and-greets and premium seating. All venues are within walking distance, making it easy to venue-hop and catch multiple shows throughout the festival.
DANCING
Her Haus: The Giver
When: May 2 at 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Bourbon Pub & Parade
Tickets: $10 at door
Age Restrictions: 21+
Are you Hot To Go to the Pink Pony Pub? It's a place where boys and girls can all be queens! So if Chappell Roan's music makes you squeal with glee, then grab your best "Giver" attire and make your way to Bourbon Pub. You might find yourself asking, "Is it casual now?" but one thing's for sure—you won't be Naked in Manhattan. Prepare for the Femininonmenon!
Above the Grid Rooftop DJ Series
When: Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Where: NOPSI Hotel
Tickets: Free admission
Age Restrictions: 21+
Join us for New Orleans' premier rooftop experience featuring local DJs spinning the best beats with stunning cityscape views. Friday nights 7-10pm, Saturday afternoon pool parties 2-6pm and evening sessions 7-10pm, Sunday pool parties 2-6pm.
Jazz Fest After Dark
When: May 1 – May 4
Where: Various Locations
Tickets: Various
Age Restrictions: 18+
When the sun sets on the Fair Grounds, the music keeps flowing throughout the city with our incredible Jazz Fest After Dark lineup. From legendary venues like Tipitina's hosting the Lost Bayou Ramblers & Sweet Crude to intimate shows at the Toulouse Theatre featuring Stanton Moore & Friends, the nights are just as vibrant as the days. Experience special performances at the Maple Leaf Bar with Johnny Vidacovich and Erica Falls, or catch the spectacular.
Dew Drop Nights ft. PJ Morton
When: May 1, 2025 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge
Tickets: $69 GA, VIP Packages Available
Age Restrictions: 21+
Grammy-award winning R&B artist, producer and New Orleans native PJ Morton brings his soulful sounds to an intimate evening performance. Doors open at 8:00pm with the show starting at 9:30pm.
Galantis
When: Friday, May 2nd at 10:00 p.m.
Where: The Metropolitan
Tickets: $35-45
Age Restrictions: 18+
Swedish electronic music producer Christian Karlsson brings his high-energy dance music project Galantis to New Orleans. Doors open at 9:00 PM with the show starting at 10:00 PM. VIP sections available. Support acts to be announced.
A few final tips:
1. Stay hydrated! Drink water between drinks and take regular breaks.
2. Take care of your community - look out for one another and stick with your group.
3. If you see something concerning, say something to venue staff or security.
4. Tip your performers generously! Bring cash in various denominations.
5. Respect boundaries and consent - this applies to performers and fellow attendees.
6. Don't pocket or keep items that belong to performers or the venue.
7. Know your limits and listen to your body - it's okay to step outside for fresh air.
8. Share your experience on social media and tag the venues/performers - but always ask before taking photos of others.