In the Thick of an Early Carnival!

If you check out our new “On the Horizon” section at the top of our curated French Quarter events page, you’ll find all the magical walking parades that march through our neighborhood between now and Mardi Gras Day: eight of them!

There are lots of smaller ones too, with krewes that just costume and take to the streets – so you never know when you’ll run into something astonishing and joyful in the Quarter.

Throughout the year, remember that you’ll always find an amazing selection of happenings in and around the neighborhood on our fabulous French Quarter Events page. It’s stuffed with happenings we curate with our readers in mind and updated weekly, so check it out often!

Photo above: by George Long, from our 2025 story about this legendary Mardi Gras photographer. You’ll find it below in “From Our Archives.”

Krewe Mosaïque Parade

French Quarter

Saturday, January 17, 6pm

Krewe Mosaique parade was founded in 2023 to celebrate the beautiful artistry of New Orleans marching krewes.

Find more information here on our curated French Quarter Events page!

Photo courtesy Shawn Fink

New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival

New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade
January 15–17

Each January since 2016, some of the planet’s finest homemade instrument players and the movement’s most dedicated enthusiasts have congregated in New Orleans to participate in what has been called the World Cup of cigar box guitar events.

Find more information here on our curated French Quarter Events page!

Maid of Orleans Performance by Verismo Opera

Marigny Opera House, 725 St Ferdinand St.

January 16–18, 8pm

The reimagined production of Tchaikovsky’s rarely-performed Joan of Arc opera-ballet features a live orchestra of 11 LPO players, original costume and set design, immersive art projections, original choreography, New Orleans’ leading singers and dancers – and will be performed in the original Russian.

Find more information here on our curated French Quarter Events page!

Mark Braud’s Colossus Brass Band Record Release

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, 626 Frenchmen Street

Tuesday, January 20: shows at 7:30pm–9:30pm

Celebrate the release of trumpeter and vocalist Mark Braud's latest record, Colossus Brass Band at Snug Harbor!

Lordy! There are so many jazz legends in this band – don’t miss them!

Trumpets: Mark Braud, Kevin Louis, Wendell Brunious

Reeds: Bruce Brackman, Roderick Paulin

Trombones: Craig Klein, Freddie Lonzo

Rhythm Section: Kirk Joseph, Gregg Stafford, Gerald French

Find more information here on our curated French Quarter Events page!

Happy 200th Birthday, Historic BK House & Gardens!

For two centuries, this raised center hall villa has graced the French Quarter. It offers a memorable education experience to locals and visitors alike through tours (10am - 3pm, M, T, T, F, Saturdays).

BK also hosts literary, educational, culinary, and musical events. The historic house with its stunning gardens is one of the most sought-after venues in the city for weddings, special events, and portrait sessions.

Check out their website and become a friend of BK House now!

Photo above: The Bicentennial committee leading the celebration throughout 2026