New Orleans January 2025

New Orleans January 2025 Events

New Orleans January 2025 Events

Celebrate the New Year this January in New Orleans

Average temperature low and high: 45°-64°
If there's one city that knows how to party, it's New Orleans. Bustling with jazz music, festivals, and succulent beignets, the "Crescent City" offers plenty to do, even in January. Explore pop culture at the Fan Expo, enjoy theatre productions like "& Juliet" and "Mama Mia," or attend Fan Expo New Orleans. Check back here for February's list of New Orleans events.

January Event Calendar

Potted Potter

A pair of clever writers have taken the ultimate Muggle challenge: condense all seven Harry Potter books into seventy hilarious, magical minutes of lunacy with the Olivier Award-nominated Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff. Time Out London calls Potted Potter, “gloriously irreverent." Grab your robe, wand, and broom and discover the magic of Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner's Potted Potter. Tickets are on sale now.   

Joan of Arc Parade

Joan of Arc Parade

Join the crowds honoring Joan of Arc, "The Maid of Orleans," and celebrate the city's French cultural heritage. The parade is on Friday, Saturday 6th, at 7:00 PM and ends around 8:30 PM. The route begins at the corner of Bienville and N. Front Street. The procession makes its way to Decatur, pausing at the Joan of Arc statue to sing "Happy Birthday." The parade ends in Oscar Dunn Park With the crowning of the king and the King Cake ceremony. Follow the Joan of Arc Parade online here

Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night

In New Orleans, January 6 of each year marks the end of the holiday season and the start of the carnival season! Get a taste of Mardi Gras following the Joan of Arc parade through the Quarter, devour a scrumptious King Cake, and don't forget to catch your beads from "The Not So Secret Society of the Elysian Fields," which rolls on the Rampart-St. Claude Streetcar line. Don't miss the kick-off to Mardi Gras. Visit New Orleans online for updates and guidebook

Carnival With Phunny Phorty Phellows

Carnival With Phunny Phorty Phellows

The Krewe of the Phunny Phorty Phellows kicks of the Carnival Season with their annual satirical parade on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Willow Street Car Barn. The Phunny Phorty Phellows board the streetcar at 7 pm for their traditional ride to "Herald the Arrival of Carnival" down the St. Charles Ave. Streetcar Line. Join the Storyville Stompers and crowds and watch, cheer, and catch the first beads of Mardi Gras. Catch the Phunny Phorty Phellows at their website for more.

Fan Expo

Fan Expo

If you consider yourself a super fan, NOLA's Fan Expo is the event for you. City-wide events for 3 days straight turn the city of New Orleans into a playground filled with cosplay, anime, horror, and gaming. There will also be huge celebrities in attendance, including Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson for a special evening with the cast of Back to the Future, plus many more. Some main events include meet and greets with legendary comics creators, autograph and photo opportunities, an artists' alley for attendees to show their work, panels, Q & As, and more. Tickets range from $28 - $299. Reserve yours now

School of Rock Winter Music Fest

School of Rock Winter Music Fest

School of Rock Metairie/New Orleans presents its fifth annual Winter Music Fest on January 11th and January 12th, 2025. The two-day event features performances by the Rock 101 groups and the venue's famed House Band. The Rock 101 groups play tribute to everyone from the Foo Fighters, to the Rolling Stones, Metallica, Michael Jackson, and more. Tickets are $10 for general admission.   

Pardi-Gras 2025

Pardi-Gras 2025

Known as "the ultimate French Quarter party," Pardi-Gras celebrating its 28th year, the event brings four days of the best live "Trop Rock" (i.e., Jimmy Buffet or Kenney Chesney) NOLA can handle. Stroll around the French Quarter, enjoy Mardi Gras, and partake in the coolest party in the Big Easy. The event is open to anyone and only requires registration for a $130 ticket​.

Teaser Fest

Teaser Fest

Teaser Festival is a four-day celebration of Burlesque and New Orleans' unbelievable food, creative craft cocktails, and live entertainment. Attendees can expect dazzling international burlesque performers, like previous headliners Frankie Fictitious, Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière, and Elle Dorado. Don't miss Teaser Fest when it returns to NOLA January 16 - 19, 2025. 

New Orleans Boat & RV Show

Head down to the Pontchartrain Center to see hundreds of boats under one roof for the biggest boat show in the region. Experts, professionals, and enthusiasts will gather for a unique 3-day interactive experience. Attendees will be able to discover new models of boats, motors, and trailers from around the country, learn about trends in the market and discuss the latest developments in the industry. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-12, and free for kids under 5.

New Orleans Events in January

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in New Orleans

Things to Do in New Orleans in January

Grab beignets and coffee

Grab beignets and coffee
There are certain foods you shouldn't leave New Orleans without sampling, and the beignet is at the top of the list. It is best described as a deep-fried, hole-less doughnut loaded with powdered sugar, paired perfectly with coffee. This sweet treat dates back to the 18th century and was introduced by the French-Creole colonists. Visit Café Du Monde in the French Quarter, a 24-hour beignet shop founded in 1862 that doubles as a historical landmark. Although Café Du Monde is the most iconic place to grab beignets and coffee, there are plenty of NOLA cafés to get your fix!

Go on a food tour

Go on a food tour
It's no secret that New Orleans is famous for its delicious food. With so many different flavors and "have-to-try" dishes, picking the right restaurants can get overwhelming. From gumbo to etouffee, and everything in between, embarking upon a New Orleans food tour is the perfect way to get a taste of the finest the Big Easy has to offer. Bon appetit.