New Year's Eve in New Orleans

Ring in 2026 with Music and Magic in New Orleans

CELEBRATIONS

Get ready for the biggest party in the city at Woldenberg Park! The French Quarter is bursting with festive partygoers, eagerly counting down the seconds until the New Year arrives with New Orleans Eve. This free, open-air concert features live music from DJ Captain Charles, Sweet Crude, and Dumpstaphunk, plus fireworks and more festivities.

For a different vantage point of the fireworks, hop aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen or Steamboat NATCHEZ. Both offer festive parties featuring live music and lots of food and drink.

LIVE MUSIC

Craving live music? Discover the hottest shows in town! New Year's Eve concerts are more than just performances. Legendary venues are known for throwing unforgettable festivities, like The Revivalists: New Year’s Eve Ball at the Orpheum Theater or Galactic New Year's Eve ft. Jelly Joseph at Tipitina's. At the National WWII Museum, join the Victory Swing Orchestra to close out the quarter-century and ring in 2026 at Dine & Dance: New Year's Eve Bash!

Frenchmen Street is a must-visit destination for dancing the night away, with clubs offering New Year's Eve shows. When planning your trip, make sure to check out the lineup and availability of tickets, as some venues may sell out before the big night.

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL

College football fans descending on New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl will kick off their celebration early with the Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade. Starting at 2 p.m. in the French Quarter, the parade features marching bands, floats, and dance groups as they wind through historic downtown. The parade sets the perfect tone for both the evening's New Year's Eve festivities and the championship matchup at Caesars Superdome on January 1.

LGBTQ EVENTS

For an unforgettable NYE experience filled with dancing, DJs, laser shows, and drag cabaret, head to the 800 block of Bourbon Street for the LGBTQ parties. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, Mag's 940 and The Friendly Bar are excellent options.

FAMILY FUN

Looking for a celebration that the whole family can enjoy? There are plenty of fun options for kids – and the young at heart. The Louisiana Children's Museum hosts an annual Noon Year's Eve featuring games, entertainment, and a New Year's Eve countdown complete with balloon and confetti drops, as well as a soda-pop toast. Festive hats and noisemakers are provided to make this daytime celebration extra special.

Whether you prefer fancy cocktail attire or comfy blue jeans, celebrating with your closest friends and relatives or mingling in a crowd of new faces, the perfect evening awaits you in New Orleans.