2017 has certainly been a wild ride, but nothing can be quite as wild as a New Year’s Eve party in New Orleans. All over the Crescent City, people of all ages can enjoy the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 in true NOLA style. Whether you prefer a classy champagne toast, a massive Mardi Gras-esque parade down the street, or just watching the fleur de lis drop with fireworks across the Mississippi, New Orleans has both locals and tourists alike covered when it comes to the first part of 2018.
New Year’s Eve at Three Keys
Ace Hotel: 600 Carondelet St.
Sunday, December 31; 9 p.m.
threekeysnola.com
Start the new year in style with NOJO 7, featuring seven members of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, at Three Keys. Formed in 2002, NOJO is a non-profit organization on a mission to strengthen the legacy of jazz, both locally and globally. The 18-piece band, led by Artistic Director Adonis Rose, exemplifies the influence of jazz on modern music and has headlined major performance venues nationwide. In 2010, the New Orleans-based group achieved national recognition when they were awarded a Grammy for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble.” Their final performance of 2017 is guaranteed to bring out all the bells and whistles. Ticketing information is available online.
Big Night New Orleans
Hyatt Regency: 601 Loyola Ave.
Sunday, December 31; 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
bignightneworleans.com
Celebrate the biggest night of the year with Big Night New Orleans! Described as “NOLA’s most exciting New Year’s Gala,” the bash attracts over 3,000 attendees. The event includes an open bar all night long, multiple party and dance rooms, party favors, and a midnight celebration. Entertainment will be provided by DJs Hurricane, Mike Swift, and Jesse Slayter, with additional performances by the Chee-Weez, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Cowboy Mouth, Kid Kamillion, Shamaar Allen, Mock Casino, Brass-a-holics, and the 610 Stompers. No formal attire is required, but guests are encouraged to dress to impress—and this year, Big Night New Orleans is partnering with Men’s Warehouse. Visit their website for a code to receive $50 off tuxedo rentals nationwide. Tickets start at $94.99 and include drinks all night long; additional packages including food are available online.
The Metropolitan’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Metropolitan Nightclub: 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
Sunday, December 31; 9 p.m.
themetronola.com
Dance into the new year at Metropolitan’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, featuring Bingo Players. The club will offer three rooms of music, a midnight champagne toast, and a $1000 balloon drop. Bingo Players is a Dutch dance and electro-house musical project formed by DJ and producer Maarten Hoogstraten with Paul Baümer in 2006. After Baümer’s passing from cancer in 2013, Hoogstraten continued Bingo Players as a solo act, and in 2014, topped the U.S. dance chart with the single “Knock You Out.” Don’t miss out on one of the city’s biggest parties, guaranteed to have you grooving all night long. Tickets are available online starting at $25; event is 18+.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Mercedes-Benz Superdome: 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr.
Monday, January 1; 7:45 p.m.
allstatesugarbowl.org
Show some school spirit for the 84th annual Sugar Bowl! This year marks the second time the bowl has hosted a play-off semifinal game. For the third year in a row, the #1-ranked Clemson Tigers will face off against the #4-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide for a spot in the 2018 College Football National Championship, which will take place on January 8 in Atlanta. The other CFP semifinal game between Oklahoma and Georgia will take place at the Rose Bowl on January 1. Enjoy pre-game events during Fan Fest, which returns for its 12th year as a celebration of pre-game events on December 30 and 31. Meet at Jackson Square in the Jax Brewery parking lot for football-themed activities and high-energy pep rallies. The fest is free and open to the public, and includes New Year’s Eve celebrations on Sunday night. Tickets for the Sugar Bowl are officially sold out, but options to purchase tickets through hospitality and travel packages are still available.