February in New Orleans

Explore a festival, attend a parade, or enjoy Valentine's Day dinner this February

February is host to a number of events, celebrations, and holidays. The month is marked with the start of the Vietnamese New Year (also known as Tet), Valentine’s Day is celebrated by lovers across the country and communities nationwide honor and celebrate African American history and trailblazers throughout the month for Black History Month. While February proves to be eventful city to city, New Orleans sets itself apart in a very special way: Mardi Gras!

Everything you need to plan a memorable February in NOLA can be found below.

Krewe of Femme Fatale - Mardi Gras Parade

What to do in February in New Orleans?

Take a break from the typical Valentine's Day to-dos and ring in February in the Crescent City.

Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl LIX will be held in New Orleans, LA at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025. New Orleans is no stranger to hosting this special event. In fact, it will be the record-tying 11th time the city and state have hosted the game, and the eighth time the Superdome has hosted the game, extending its record for stadium to host the most Super Bowls. Read our Ultimate Guide here for everything you need to know, from where to stay to fan events, plus game day information.

Mardi Gras Parades

While the date fluctuates year by year, Mardi Gras Day is March 4, 2025. However, the days leading up to the most special Tuesday of the year are filled with parades all across the city. Some of the best to experience are the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, Krewe du Vieux, and Krewe of Muses, which will all be held in February this year! Browse the full list of Mardi Gras parades here and check for future Mardi Gras dates advance.

Tet Fest

Beyond the excitement of Mardi Gras and carnival season, there's plenty more to see and do in the Crescent City. The annual Tet Fest at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church celebrates the Vietnamese New Year in New Orleans East. The fest features traditional Vietnamese food, performances, music and activities all centered around New Orleans’ vibrant Vietnamese community.

Black History Month

Citywide events, performances, showcases, and community service efforts take place all month long in celebration of Black History Month. Take part in the planned events or create your own with our New Orleans Black History Itinerary.

Valentine’s Day

New Orleans is full of opportunities to sweep your special someone off their feet. Choose between romantic dining options, live music and performing arts, riverboat cruises, and much more. Check out our Valentine’s Day page or our romantic itinerary for inspiration and events centered around this celebration of love. And if you’d rather celebrate the friends in your life, we have a Galentine’s Day itinerary as well.

What is the Weather in February in New Orleans?

Like most other things in New Orleans, February weather can be unpredictable. One minute you're working up a sweat trying the catch beads along the parade route and the next minute you'll be wishing you had opted for long sleeves. Layers will be your best friend. Keep a light jacket that can easily be stowed away or tied around your waist in case the weather takes a turn.

Best practice for Mardi Gras attire is to wear shoes that are comfortable and that you don’t mind getting a little dirty, especially in the official Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. Check out our page on Mardi Gras costume ideas to find what works best for you and be sure to browse our list of costume shops and boutiques (particularly on Magazine Street) for all your Carnival gear needs.

What Foods Should I try in February in New Orleans

Your top two must-eat cuisine options for February are king cake and crawfish. King cake (and king cake flavored items) are abundant throughout Carnival season, and whether you’re a king cake aficionado or haven’t tried a slice, our Guide to King Cake has everything you need to find the dessert of your dreams. Although crawfish is available year-round, Mardi Gras and crawfish go together like peanut butter & jelly. Grab a pound or two at different eateries across the city. First timer? Don’t fret. This Guide to Crawfish has everything you need including where to get it, how to peel it and even where you can host your own crawfish boil.

Additional February Resources

The Crescent City has you covered this Valentine’s Day. From restaurants to tours, bars and even activities, New Orleans has everything you need to plan the perfect romantic getaway. If you’re putting romance on the backburner and visiting strictly for the culture, we have that too! Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year with this roundup of our favorite Vietnamese restaurants or immerse yourself in Black heritage with this itinerary and our list of Black-owned businesses for Black History Month and beyond.

However you choose to celebrate, know that there is plenty to do, see, and experience in the Crescent City during the month of February.

Happening in February

01/15/2025 - "Baldwin Lee"

01/15/2025 - "CURRENTS" 2024

01/15/2025 - French Quarter Galleries

01/15/2025 - Prospect.6 the future is present, the harbinger is home

01/15/2025 - “Crud Joy: From Waste to Wonder”

01/22/2025 - Bonsai Beginner Workshop at Parleaux Beer Lab

01/31/2025 - Tet Fest: Vietnamese New Year

02/01/2025 - A Celebration of Black Romance Writers

02/01/2025 - Ballet Hispánico CARMEN.maquia

02/01/2025 - Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus

02/01/2025 - Liverpool Legends "The Complete Beatles Experience'

02/01/2025 - Tulane Women's Basketball versus UAB

02/03/2025 - Super Bowl Opening Night Fueled by Gatorade at Caesars Superdome

02/05/2025 - Opera on the Bayou: Voices of New Orleans

02/05/2025 - Super Bowl Experience at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

02/05/2025 - Super Bowl Soulful Celebration at The Mahalia Jackson Theater

02/05/2025 - Women in Football Exhibit

02/05/2025 - Women in Football Exhibit: Opening Day

02/06/2025 - Art of Whiskey Big Game Whiskey Experience

02/07/2025 - Louisiana Culture Festival at the French Market

New Year's Day Incident