February in New Orleans

Mardi Gras Day is February 17, 2026

February is host to a number of events, celebrations, and holidays. Valentine's Day, Black History Month, and Vietnamese New Year are just a few of the things we celebrate this month. While February proves to be eventful city to city, New Orleans sets itself apart in a very special way: Mardi Gras Day! Find the parade schedule, costume ideas, and our Mardi Gras 101 Guide below. Everything you need to plan a memorable February in NOLA starts here.

Discover Major Events in February in New Orleans

While the rest of the country is thawing out, we're reveling in the streets and celebrating Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Day is February 17, 2026. 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 parades roll in February, from walking parades to superkrewes and everything in between. Find the Mardi Gras Parade Schedule here and our Mardi Gras 101 Guide here. Don't be afraid to dress up and do Mardi Gras like a local.

Cultural Celebrations in New Orleans in February

From Black History Month to Vietnamese New Year, celebrate these holidays in NOLA.

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 (Lunar) 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

Though Black history is celebrated year-long, citywide events, performances, showcases, and community service efforts take place in celebration of Black History Month. Take part in the planned events or create your own with our New Orleans Black History Itinerary. Read our Self-Guided Black-Owned Food Tour to support local Black-owned restaurants. View our Black-owned Business Guide here.

Valentine's Day in New Orleans

Celebrate with your loved one - or read our Heartbreaker's Guide to NOLA for more.

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. Check here for the latest V-day happenings.

And if you rebuke the holiday......well, you're certainly not alone. Our Heartbreaker's Guide to NOLA focuses on self-love and enjoying the city solo. Check into a boutique hotel, treat yourself to a decadent dining experience, and enjoy your trip to New Orleans just the way you like it. Read our Heartbreaker's Guide to NOLA here for more.

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, gloves, and a scarf. Luckily, February is one of our sunnier months, meaning 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. Load up on the sunscreen and bring a hat - that sun is no joke!

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-try 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. Locals look forward to the winter for peak crawfish season. Grab a pound or two at different eateries across the city. First timer? Don’t fret. Our 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. And for the not-so-faint of heart, try the best of both worlds with Bywater Bakery's Crawfish King Cake!

Oysters are another great food for the month of February. Try 'em raw on the half shell, charred on the grill, fried in a po-boy, or as a dressing. Read our Guide to Oysters here for how to get a taste.

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. Check out our top things to do this February here for more.