Best Things to Do in NOLA for New Year's Eve
1. Big Night New Orleans NYE
The Fillmore New Orleans
bignightneworleans.com
Perhaps the biggest New Year's Eve party in New Orleans, Big Night New Orleans starts at 9 p.m at the Fillmore. Guests will be able to roam around many different party areas and enjoy great music by famous acts including Trina, Yung Joc, Brass-A-Holics, Inferno Burlseque, DJ Kelly Queen, and Dj Rozay. Joining the special countdown will be former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem. General admission, which does not include drinks, starts at around $75 with tax and additional fees included. VIP tickets, which include an open bar and dinner until 11 p.m., start at around $225. The VIP tickets also offer discounts on hotel rooms at the Aloft New Orleans Hotel.
2. New Years Eve in Jackson Square
Jackson Square
The traditional celebration in Jackson Square kicks off at 9 p.m. Join friends and family and enjoy a live concert before the start of the new year. The celebration includes live music from local favorites, fireworks, and a countdown. However, we won't be having the famous ball-drop like in New York City. This is New Orleans, so we'll be dropping a fleur-de-lis instead.
3. New Year's Eve Extravaganza with Cash Cash & Sabai
The Metropolitan
eventbrite.com
For a fun night out own the town and an even better ending to the year, check out the New Year's Eve Extravaganza at the Metropolitan in New Orleans. The experience features performances from musical trio Cash Cash and special guest Sabai. Enjoy three rooms of music, a Champagne toast, and a balloon drop for the season. VIP tickets will also be offered and includes hors d'oeuvres to choose from in addition to line-cutting privileges an open bar and an open balcony.
4. Noon Year's Eve at the Children's Museum
The Louisiana Children's Museum
lcm.org
Visit the Louisiana Children's Museum in City Park to enjoy a fun, family event for all ages. On New Year's day, the Children's Museum will feature a countdown until noon. The event is perfect for parents who wish for their children to celebrate, without staying up until midnight. General admission for the event begins at $18 for ages 12+.
5. A New Year's Eve Techno Affair
The Goat New Orleans
thegoatneworleans.com
Listen to local techno artists as you countdown the New Year at this cool, rather underground spot. Perfect for lovers of the genre, and music lovers in general, you can entrance yourself in The Goat's dark lighting and fun atmosphere as you move to the beat. The location prides itself on being an open and engaging venue for all occupants: "no negative vibes" and "respect personal space." The event starts at 9 p.m., lasting as long as needed. Featured artists & DJ's include Odd Sundays, Paul O'Neill, Marcus Lott, Bear Linh, and Javier Drada.
6. Galactic New Years Eve
Tipitina's
tipitinas.com
Enjoy a fun night this New Year's at the landmark Tipitina's. The night's celebrations feature famous New Orleans funk band Galactic. Tipitina's acts as the unofficial home base for the storied band after around 25 years together and 10 albums featured at over a thousand gigs. Entry is limited to 18+, and general admission for the event starts at around $81. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the show starting at 9 p.m.
7. New Year's Eve Gala on the Steamboat Natchez
Steamboat Natchez
steamboatnatchez.com
Hop on for a fun ride this New Year's. The famous Steamboat Natchez will be hosting a get-together on the night in question, featuring live music and great views for nearby fireworks. The steamboat's menu for the night includes a delicious buffet, as well as elegant hors d'eovures to try and sample. Guests must be registered before boarding and be 21+ enjoy cocktails and dinner.
8. New Year's Eve Bourbon Street Balcony Party
Cornet Restaurant
bourbonstreetbalconyrentals.com
After enjoying dinner at Cornet in the French Quarter, take advantage of the accompanying balcony for New Year's festivities. The balcony passes offer three hours of a premium open bar. Guests on the balcony are rotated out and given opportunities to throw beads down below. Join others as you toast Champagne to the new year and even leave with some party favors. Tickets start at $275.
9. Billy Strings
UNO Lakefront Arena
billystrings.com
Enjoy a bluegrass musical performance by Billy Strings at the UNO Lakefront Arena. The tour includes three performance days in New Orleans, ending with a final one on the 31st. If you're a fan of bluegrass and looking for a delightful experience to end the year, look no further. Tickets for this concert begin at around $39.50.
10. Dine & Dance New Year's Eve Bash
Stage Door Canteen
nationalworldwar2museum.org
Enjoy a performance by the Victory Swing Orchesta at the National World War II Museum's own BB's Stage Door Canteen. The experience includes a complementary cocktail upon arrival, as well as a multi-course meal served from the American Sector Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy the food and accompanying open beer and wine bar as you dance the night away to classics from the 1940s. Non-member pricing begins at $230, while member pricing begins at $227.
New Year's in New Orleans
This city offers a wide array of activities and experiences to properly celebrate the New Year and say goodbye to the old one. The vibe's are sure to be unique here as well, whether it's joining friends on a walk in the Quarter and taking in the sites or attending an organized event with great music and drinks. Don't miss out on potential fun—look out for your favorite flavor of fun today!
