Tet Fest
February 4 - 6 | Mary Queen of Vietnam Church | neworleans.com
Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, the centerpiece of the New Orleans area's Vietnamese community, will be hosting its annual Tet Fest in early February. Also known as Vietnamese New Year, Tet is the most important and recognizable celebration of Vietnamese culture and heritage. The fest is free and will feature performances like dragon dances, drumming, and other live and authentic Vietnamese music. Traditional Vietnamese food like pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and much more will be served. Each night will end with a dazzling firework display. This year's Tet Fest will be celebrating the Year of the Tiger.
Humana Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
February 5 - 6 | University of New Orleans | runrocknroll.com/new-orleans
Experience the Mardi Gras flare of New Orleans while getting good exercise at this year's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. Three different routes, each of which will start and end at UNO, will be offered: a half marathon, 5K, and 10K. To get racers in the Carnival mood, floats, live music, and more entertainment will be along each route. Marathoners are encouraged to come out in Mardi Gras garb and accessories like beads and masks. Anyone who crosses the finish line will receive a beautifully designed finisher medal, as well as a remix or heavy medal if they participate in more than one race.
Tool in Concert
February 5 | Smoothie King Center | toolband.com
American rock band Tool will be making a stop at New Orleans' Smoothie King Center during their latest tour across the United States. Forming in 1990, Tool has received critical acclaim and international commercial success for their complex music and visual style. So far, the band has won multiple music awards, including four Grammy Awards. Their latest album Fear Inoculum, released in 2019, topped the US Billboard 200 chart, as well as other charts in many other countries. From that album, the song "Fear Inoculum" was nominated for the Best Rock Song Grammy and the song "7empest" won the Best Metal Performance Grammy.
Eagle Expo
February 18 - 19 | Cajun Coast, Morgan City | cajuncoast.com
Don't miss the opportunity to observe and learn about America's national bird, the bald eagle, at the 17th Annual Eagle Expo. Hosted by the Cajun Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Eagle Expo presents a weekend of presentations, events, boat tours, and more activities set in the Atchafalaya Basin and surrounding bayous, which are home to many nesting pairs of bald eagles. The tours also provide the opportunity to witness many other types of local flora and fauna such as herons, egrets, ibises, and more. Registration is mandatory for any and all boat tours and field trips associated with Eagle Expo.
Sandestin Gumbo Festival
February 18 - 19 | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, Florida | sandestingumbofestival.com
For Louisiana flavored fun outside of the state, visit the 33rd Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival in Florida. Known as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along Florida's Emerald Coast, the event offers everything that Louisianians are used to. The fest will kick off with a seafood boil at Hammerhead's Bar & Grille on February 18. The main event on February 19 will feature a gumbo cooking contest, as well as a Bloody Mary contest. Live music will be provided by Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe. Children's activities will also be available.
Family Gras
February 18 - 20 | 3300 Block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie | visitjeffersonparish.com
Metairie's family-friendly, Mardi Gras event Family Gras is returning for 2022. This free event is coming back to its original location at Mardi Gras Plaza on Veterans, which is across from Lakeside Shopping Center. Parades, local food, an art market, and more will be offered. Children can enjoy Family Gras' Kids' Court, which provides plenty of activities like interactive games, face painting, and more. The event will also feature live music from national and local musicians. This year's Family Gras headliners include Marie Osmond, Ann Wilson of Heart, and Sister Sledge.
Bacchus Bash 2022
February 27 | Generations Hall | eventbrite.com
New Orleans' biggest Mardi Gras block party, Bacchus Bash, is bringing back the festive fun for 2022. Starting in the 1980s, Bacchus Bash, which goes from noon until the party is over, is a day-long celebration that precedes the renowned Krewe of Bacchus parade. The bash is free and open to the public, but VIP tickets are available for anyone who wants access to an outdoor grandstand, private bathrooms, and an open bar. Live musical performances will be provided by The Molly Ringwalds, The TopCats, Category 6, as well as DJ Mannie Fresh, DJ Wixx, and DJ TAF.
Zulu's Lundi Gras Festival
February 28 | Woldenberg Park | lundigrasfestival.com
Celebrate the official day before Mardi Gras at the 28th Annual George V. Rainey Golden Nugget Lundi Gras Festival. Hosted by 800 members of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, this event will be from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will be spread out along New Orleans' beautiful riverfront. The fest is free and will offer plenty of food, arts, and crafts. There will also be live music provided by local and Grammy-winning musicians on three different stages. There is also a VIP Experience available, which offers all day reserved seating in front of the King Zulu Stage, as well as food, drinks, and air-conditioned bathrooms.