Defying the Big Chill!

Krewe du Vieux rolls tonight, and we’re betting they’ll be moving fast and dancing hard! And as of press time, ’tit Rex is still on for Sunday afternoon too!

Here’s what’s still ahead in the Quarter – with temps looking a bit warmer (although Krewe of Cork might need some extra fuel on Friday!):

• Hidden Treasures: Carnival Edition: Feb 4

• Krewe of Cork Parade: Feb. 6

• Mardi Gras Mystery Book Signing at BK House: Feb 6

• Krewe of Barkus Parade: Feb. 8

• Krewe of Bosom Buddies Parade: Feb 13

• Mardi Gras Day: Feb. 17

Watch for smaller parades in the neighborhood too, with krewes that just costume and take to the streets – 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 Shawn Fink, Krewe of Chewbacchus

Happy 25th Birthday, ArtEgg Studios!

FQJ’s newest Prime Sponsor is ArtEgg, an organic space that’s home to an eclectic community of artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small business owners. 

ArtEgg is made up of 50 unique studios in a former produce warehouse by the Broad Street Overpass, less than two miles from the French Quarter.

You’ll find several unique services within the vast vintage building, including Atelier Vie, a distiller; Backline Wine and Spirits, a wine shop and bar; the Clay Center of New Orleans; the Heritage Foundation for Art and Cultural Sustainability, and Studio 101 NOLA, a music recording and rehearsal space. John Poche’s kinetic sculptures enhance the garden and showcase his work. 

In 2026, ArtEgg celebrates 25 years of renting studios and offices, creating a community that appreciates the diversity and richness of New Orleans.

French Quarter Journal will be celebrating with them! Stay tuned for details!

Krewe Du Vieux Parade

Saturday, January 31, 6:30pm

The bawdiest of all Mardi Gras parades marches with the 2026 theme: “Save the Wet Glands.”

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

Photo courtesy Shawn Fink

’tit Rex Parade

Sunday, February 1, 4:30pm, in the Marigny

Taking their cue from the generations-old, grade-school tradition of decorating shoeboxes to look like Mardi Gras floats, ’tit Rəx members use shoeboxes as the foundation of their floats.

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

Photo: 2020 Parade pic by Kerry Maloney

Live! From New Orleans Jazz Museum Balcony: Black Masking Indians

Tuesday, February 3, 5pm, 400 Esplanade Ave.

Presented by Positive Vibrations Foundation, Black Masking Indians perform in their colorful beaded outfits at the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s weekly Balcony Courtyard concert series.

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

Photo by Ellis Anderson