Weekend Picks is your source for the best weekend activities in New Orleans. From live music to festivals, there’s plenty to do. 

This weekend in New Orleans, enjoy the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade, a home Pelicans game, Friday Night Fights, and more. Check out our picks for the weekend below. 

Tet Festival 

Held from January 27-29 at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church (14011 Dwyer Blvd.), Tet Festival celebrates the Vietnamese Lunar New Year with traditional food, drink, and dancing. The home-style cooking will include pho, banh mi, and an array of dessert and drink options. A dragon dance will kick festivities off on Friday night, with entertainment throughout the weekend. Visit the free festival from 6-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday. 

The Color Purple 

Based on the novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple takes place in the 20th century American South and spans the life of Celie as she dreams of escaping her husband’s control and reuniting with her loved ones. Catch the show at Le Petit Theatre this January 12-February 5. Purchase tickets here.  

Jazz & Heritage Concert Series 

Enjoy two evenings of performances at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center this weekend. Khari Allen Lee will hit the stage on Friday, Jan. 27, while Firm Roots ft. Peter Harris & more perform on Saturday, Jan. 28. For both performances, doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $10. Purchase tickets here.  

Friday Night Fights 

Hosted by Friday Night Fights Gym/HQ. and Freret Street Boxing Gym, Friday Night Fights hosts its next exciting installment January 27. More than just a boxing match, Friday Night Fights is a block party featuring DJs, drag queens, and crowd contests. The show kicks off at. 7 p.m. 

Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus 

Experience this walking parade comprised of delightfully nerdy sub-krewes in the theme “Let the Wookiee Win!” The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus rolls on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. Starting at Franklin and St. Claude Avenue, the parade winds its way down Elysian Fields and into the French Quarter; find more info here.  

Pelicans vs. Washington Wizards 

Catch the Pelicans in a home game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday, Jan. 28. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. inside the Blender. 

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo 

Part ballet, but mostly physical comedy, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo returns to New Orleans for a one-night-only performance. This all-male ballet company performs parodies of traditional ballets, like Swan Lake, with a hilarious twist. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Jan. 28. 

Little Flea Market – Mardi Gras Edition 

Hotel Saint Vincent welcomes back Little Flea NOLA for a special Mardi Gras Market featuring a selection of antiques, vintage furniture, and clothing, along with a selection of vendors featuring Mardi Gras-themed vintage costumes, decorative headpieces, and more. Admission is free and the market begins at 11 a.m. 

Krewe of Nefertiti Family Day Parade 

Rolling through New Orleans East at 1 p.m., the Krewe of Nefertiti returns for another year of parading on Sunday, Jan. 29. This all-female krewe works hard to put on a family-friendly parade in the East. Learn more here.  

Cherry, A Comedy Show Hosted by Ryan Rogers 

Enjoy a comedy show hosted by New Orleans-based comedian Ryan Rogers at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 29. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and includes comedians Akeyla Aluko, Jeff D, Roman Ellis, Maggie Shipley, and Ryan Rogers. Space is limited and seating is first-come, first-served. Reserve your seats here.