Unforgettable New Year’s Celebrations in the Heart of New Orleans

Searching for enjoyable methods to welcome the New Year in New Orleans? Whether you’re celebrating alone or with friends and family, there are numerous activities to engage in on New Year’s Eve and Day. Here are 21 options to usher in the new year, encompassing live music, rooftop gatherings, and more.

Family-oriented activities

Noon Year’s Eve: The Louisiana Children’s Museum is hosting its yearly Noon Year’s Eve festivities on Tuesday, Dec. 31, featuring an exciting countdown to noon with confetti, bubbles, music, dancing, face painting, and games. Tickets are priced at $15 for members, $25 for non-members, and $8 for Museums for All participants.

Jackson Square

Complimentary event: Celebrate the New Year with live performances by Tank and the Bangas, Bonerama, and DJ RQ Away, alongside fireworks and the Fleur de Lis drop — an alternative to a ball drop — at midnight. Many attendees arrive at the park around 9 p.m. Feel free to bring your own food, beverages, and seating.

Pub crawls

New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl: The event is set to occur regardless of weather conditions, with no refunds offered. Tickets begin at $17.50. Participants must be at least 21 years old to join. Further details, including venue information, will be provided shortly.

New Year’s Day Pub Crawl: Attendees will tour four bars in the French Quarter, gaining access to balconies along with drink promotions, complimentary shots, and photo opportunities. The crawl ($29-$49) commences at Coyote Ugly Saloon, 225 North Peters Street, at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Rooftop and balcony gatherings

Mambo’s (411 Bourbon Street): Mambo’s will host a New Year’s Eve balcony bash. Tickets are priced at $250. Guests can indulge in an open bar accompanied by an all-you-can-eat New Orleans cuisine buffet and enjoy access to their rooftop and private balcony overlooking Bourbon Street.

Virgin Hotels (550 Baronne Street): Say goodbye to 2024 at the hotel’s “Bubbles & Bling” festivity. The “Dreamboat” experience starts at $199 and provides guests with skyline views, a four-hour open bar, and entry to the rooftop gathering. The “Pool Club Rooftop” experience features festive cocktails, photo opportunities, and live music by Pellow Talk, among others.

Additional parties and events

Burlesque with a BANG: Usher in the New Year with renowned burlesque talents. A midnight toast will precede an after party. Tickets range from $35 to $75.

The Columns Hotel: Dance your way into the new year at this disco-themed gathering. Savor exquisite champagnes, craft cocktails, and an extravagant seafood buffet. Expect fire performances, a champagne fountain, disco fish, live painting, among other attractions. Tickets commence at $250.

Finn McCool’s: Each year, this Irish pub celebrates New Year’s Eve twice, welcoming the Irish New Year at 6 p.m. to align with midnight in Ireland.

HEATWAVE! Dance Party: DJs will spin a blend of local and rare dance tracks from 1957 to 1974. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and partake in a simulated Times Square Ball drop on the dance floor. No cover charge applies.

NOPSI NYE Party: Delight in an evening filled with live performances, dancing, beverages, and more. The event starts at 6 p.m. and concludes at midnight. Ticket prices range from $50 to $150.

NYE Speed Dating: Witness the ball drop alongside other singles and celebrate into the new year. This event is for those aged 21+, aimed at individuals seeking heterosexual connections. Tickets are priced at $20, inclusive of a $10 drink ticket. Paddlewheeler Creole Queen: Ring in New Year’s Eve aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, appetizers, a buffet, open bar, live music, and a champagne toast. Tickets are available for $239.

Live performances

Big Night New Orleans: The annual celebration will occur at the Fillmore, adjacent to Caesars Casino, featuring performances by Trina, Yung Joc, Brass-A-Holics, Inferno Burlesque, DJ Kelly Green, DJ Rozay, and a midnight countdown with former New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Champion WR Robert Meachem. Tickets start at $59.99.

Billy Strings at UNO Lakefront Arena: The bluegrass artist will return to Lakefront Arena for a three-night New Year’s Eve engagement on Dec. 29, 30, and 31. Ticket prices begin at $39.50.

DJ Soul Sister’s Jackpot Discotheque: Celebrate the New Year with funky sounds by DJ Soul Sister. This is a 21+ event. Tickets are available for $49.61.

Galactic at Tipitina’s: The New Orleans quintet will perform at Tipitina’s with special guest Big Chief Juan Pardo’s Tribal Gold. Tickets cost between $81 and $225.

Hot 8 Brass Band at The Rabbit Hole: This venue is showcasing a NYE event featuring the Grammy award-winning Hot 8 Brass Band. Attendees can enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. An open bar service will be available. Tickets range from $12.50 to $85.

Flow Tribe at Blue Nile: The funk band, which recently premiered their new single “Keep Pushing”, is hosting a NYE celebration at the Frenchmen Street hotspot. Advanced tickets are priced at $38.75.

Juvenile and Mannie Fresh: New Orleans locals Juvenile and Mannie Fresh and The 400 Degreez Band will return to Saenger Theatre to showcase their greatest hits. It marks the final stop on Juvenile’s 25th Anniversary “Back That Azz Up” tour. Tickets begin at $59.

Sierra Green & The Giants: The soul vocalist and her band will perform at the Spotted Cat on New Year’s Eve. VIP tickets are set at $150.