Between screenings or shows
A two- to four-hour gap: something close by.
- Half-dayCooking class
- EatCafé du Monde
Mardi Gras 2027 in New Orleans: weekend guide and things to do
29 January to 9 February 2027 · ExpectedNew Orleans, United StatesTwo weeks of parades
Mardi Gras leaves gaps between screenings, shows and events, and companions without a pass have whole days in New Orleans. This guide fills them.
Know before you go
- The biggest parades are on the last weekend and Fat Tuesday.
- Uptown on St. Charles Avenue is more family-friendly than the French Quarter.
Airport to St. Charles Avenue and the French Quarter
Louis Armstrong (MSY) is 25 minutes from the French Quarter; flat taxi fare to the CBD.
Streetcars stop running on parade routes; walk.
Public transport directions to St. Charles Avenue and the French Quarter
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Mid-City | Streetcar to the Quarter. |
| Mid-range | Warehouse District and CBD | Walk to the Quarter. |
| Splurge | French Quarter | Historic hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: The Quisby
- Mid-range: Ace Hotel New Orleans
- Splurge: Hotel Monteleone
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual festival stay schedule for 29 January to 9 February 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
A free day
For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.
- Full dayPlantation tour
Evenings
After the last show of the day.
Rainy day
Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backupNational WWII Museum.
- FreeFrenchmen Street music.
Family-friendly picks
- Audubon Aquarium.
- Audubon Zoo.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Frenchmen Street.
6 tours worth booking for Mardi Gras
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Plantation tour | Full day | Everyone |
| Cooking class | Half day | Food lovers, Bad weather |
| Swamp boat tour | Half day | Families |
| French Quarter food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Jazz cruise on the Steamboat Natchez | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls, Food lovers |
| Ghost and voodoo tour | Evening | Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- National WWII Museum.
- New Orleans Museum of Art.
Getting around on event days
- Streetcars and the RTA app; parade days close most of Uptown and the CBD.
Day trips from New Orleans
- Swamps: 45 minutes
- Baton Rouge: 1.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Mardi Gras.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Mardi Gras 2027?
The next edition is 29 January to 9 February 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to St. Charles Avenue and the French Quarter?
Louis Armstrong (MSY) is 25 minutes from the French Quarter; flat taxi fare to the CBD. Streetcars stop running on parade routes; walk.
Where should I stay for Mardi Gras?
For most visitors the best base is Warehouse District and CBD: Walk to the Quarter.
What can we do between sessions at Mardi Gras?
Good short outings in New Orleans include Swamp boat tour, French Quarter food tour, Cooking class. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Mardi Gras?
Family-friendly picks: Swamp boat tour. Audubon Aquarium.
How far is St. Charles Avenue and the French Quarter from New Orleans centre?
About 1 km in a straight line. Streetcars stop running on parade routes; walk.
More events in New Orleans
29 Apr 2027*New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
New Orleans, United StatesFestival15 May 2027*Tulane University Commencement
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New Orleans, United StatesGraduation
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