Things to Do in New Orleans This February
Photo by David Fary
Mardi Gras comes on March 4, 2025, and there is a steady stream of events and entertainment leading up to it. February is not only packed with Carnival-related festivities though — let’s not forget the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day — plus there are a few low-key local annual events you might enjoy. Here are some upcoming highlights to make the most of this short but event-packed month.
Attend the Super Bowl
New Orleans is proud to host the 2025 Super Bowl, which will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome, home of the Saints. The NFL, Roc Nation and Apple Music announced that 17-time Grammy award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will be this year’s halftime performer (maybe with special guests?). Even if you don’t attend the game itself, expect to find yourself part of one huge, citywide party.
Go See the Mardi Gras Parades
One of the best parties in the world is here! The Carnival season kicked off on January 6, known as Twelfth Night, or the Epiphany, with three parades, and will culminate as usual on Mardi Gras Day. A ton of parades will roll in February in the French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, and Uptown. Do consider venturing outside the city too, if you can, as parts of the metro New Orleans, like Metairie, Covington, Slidell, and the West Bank have some of the most fascinating, fun parades of the Carnival season. You can’t catch them all, but you can try! See the full parade schedule here and read our Mardi Gras weekend guide to get the rundown of the Carnival festivities.
Eat King Cake
For those who aren’t aware, King Cake is a traditional cake typically served during Mardi Gras festivities. It’s socially acceptable to stuff your face with it anytime between January 6, when the Carnival season starts, and until Ash Wednesday. Also, per tradition, whoever finds a plastic baby in their slice has to throw the next party, or at least buy the next King Cake.
King Cake comes with many fillings although the traditionalists insist on the old-school rendition without any. It also comes in the Carnival colors of purple, gold and green, but then again you might see the “Who Dat?” versions in black and gold during the football season, honoring the Saints.
King Cake is a beloved Mardi Gras staple, and New Orleanians tend to have strong opinions about who makes the best King Cake in the city. One thing is for sure: Everywhere you go during Mardi Gras, from a grocery store to a parade party to a dive bar, King Cake will be there for the eating.
Take in the Art at First Saturdays
Head downtown to the Arts District to discover some of the city’s best galleries during this free event. First Saturday Gallery Openings are held every first Saturday of the month, down and around Julia Street, 6 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate Vietnamese New Year at Tet Fest
Tet Fest is held over the weekend at the Mary Queen of Vietnam Church at 14011 Dwyer Blvd. in New Orleans East. It’s a free celebration of Vietnamese New Year with live music, traditional dance performances, fireworks, kid-friendly activities, and an amazing variety of authentic Vietnamese food. The date changes annually, falling anywhere between mid-January and late February.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in One of the Most Romantic Cities
To be fair, this is a worldwide holiday. But Valentine’s Day (Friday, February 14, 2025) in New Orleans — with her wrought-iron balconies, historical buildings, and the possibility of music on every corner — is a special kind of unique. Check out our guide to “How to Spend Valentine’s Day in the French Quarter” for some ideas.
Celebrate Black History Month
Every year, citywide events of all kinds, including performances, are happening during February in celebration of Black History Month. Check the local listing as February approaches.
Explore the French Quarter
Whether you’re here with your sweetheart to celebrate Valentine’s Day or visiting with family or friends (or alone) for any other reason, Carnival season is one of the best times to explore the French Quarter. The spirit of revelry permeates the streets, and there are parades and block parties to stumble upon. Not to mention that many of the French Quarter’s facades, porches and balconies are decked in dazzling decorations, sporting purple, green and gold.
Plus, the winter temps are usually mild here, and pleasant enough to stroll down Royal Street to visit the galleries and the antique shops, for example. You can also take in a brass band performance at Jackson Square; visit the French Market to get a po-boy and some oysters; or scarf down some beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Take a tour, or just walk around and stare.
Are you planning to visit New Orleans this winter? We’ve got a fabulous lineup of events that celebrate the Crescent City’s unique culture. Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel that will put you right in the center of all of the action and within walking distance of many of New Orleans’ bars, restaurants and entertainment spots.
Happy February! Happy Mardi Gras!
