[Courtesy of the Historic New Orleans Collection's Website]

Local Events to Celebrate King Cake Season This Year

06:00 January 06, 2026
By: Cassidy Meehan

Ways to Celebrate King Cake Season

King cake season begins on Twelfth Night in early January and concludes on Mardi Gras Day, serving as a classic Carnival culinary tradition.

New Orleans offers many events where citizens can indulge in this Mardi Gras dessert, amidst music, catering, and community. Whether you are a king cake connoisseur or simply enjoy a sweat treat, the city can fulfill your needs via one of its many king cake events.


King Cake Fe(a)st at Port Orleans Brewing Co.

[Courtesy of King Cake Fe(a)st, Instagram]

King Cake Fe(a)st is moving to Port Orleans Brewing Co., open every Thursday in January and the first Thursday of February from 5 to 9 p.m. The event features various local bakers who sell their own renditions of king cake, providing varieties of a staple Carnival treat. Those who love to bake or craft are invited to apply for a position with King Cake Fe(a)st to show off their Mardi Gras accessories and treats.

King Cake Kickoff at Historic New Orleans Collection

[Courtesy of the Historic New Orleans Collection, Website]

The Historic New Orleans Collection is hosting a King Cake Kickoff on January 9 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free for all guests, and people are encouraged to dress in their Mardi Gras purples, greens, and golds. The event will feature a live jazz performance by the Merry Antoinettes and free king cake made by various local bakers.


King Cake Soiree at Ashé Cultural Center

[Christina Petsos, Pexels]
The Ashé Cultural Center is organizing the King Cake Soiree, scheduled for January 10 from 7 to 10 p.m.. Tickets for this event start at $31.37 and include access to live music and food. Kay Lewis will be the featured performer, combining jazz with good company and king cake. Guests can indulge in their choice of Creole cuisine and king cake from multiple local bakeries.

King Cake Festival at Bywater Bakery

[Courtesy of Bywater Bakery, Instagram]

Bywater Bakery is hosting its 10th annual King Cake Festival Saturday, January 17. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy a multitude of king cakes from pecan praline to spinach artichoke. Additional food will be available including gumbo, crawfish, and cuisine from Origen Bistro. Entertainment is provided by the event's extensive performance lineup, including Buko do Choro and the David Navarro Quartet. Proceeds impact New Orleans Public Radio (WWNO).


Celebrating King Cakes in New Orleans

New Orleans is famous for its festive events and delicious food, so what perfect way to enjoy both at the same time at these local king cake events? King cakes have a deep history in New Orleans and have left a lasting impact on the city's culture. Head out to these four local events and see just why people from all over the world love king cakes.

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