With that said, a different take on the balcony bash is a French Quarter New Year’s Eve house party. Either way, much bead tossing subsequently ensues. Some bashes feature all-inclusive tickets that get you extras like an open bar and food. Bourbon Cowboy, for one, hosts a popular annual party with premium views.Ī balcony bash is pretty much that - you’ll pay a cover and be allowed to plant yourself on a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the street below. If you’re looking for a more traditional night of French Quarter-style partying, be on the lookout for balcony bashes at area bars - located all up and down the (in)famous Bourbon Street nightlife strip. That party will include noisemakers, paper bag hats, and music, all set against the backdrop of the Louisiana Children’s Museum’s considerable range of kid-friendly displays and exhibits, appropriate for children aged from 1-12.įrench Quarter Balcony photo by Lee Curran Balcony Bashes Or you could head to the newly relocated Louisiana Children’s Museum for their annual New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown to Noon, which lasts from 9:30 a.m. with a Pepsi toast, costumed characters, and of course, the Audubon’s wildlife menagerie (the event is included in the price of admission). You could take your kids to Zoo Year’s Eve at the Audubon Zoo, which “parties” from 10:30 a.m. If you’re traveling with young children and have made the reasonable conclusion that popping bottles of Moët at midnight and a child’s sleep cycle don’t mix well - but also don’t want your kids to completely miss New Year’s Eve fun - consider some of the family-friendly annual events in the Crescent City. The kiddos can have their New Year’s Eve fun at Audubon Zoo and Louisiana Children’s Museum For the Kids The end-of-the-year countdown culminates in the fleur-de-lis drop, followed by fireworks over the Mississippi. Within Jackson Square, there will be live music and general milling about. This year, as in years past, admission to the square is free, although you’ll want to show up early in the evening if you don’t want to be crowded to the edge of the square (depending on your crowd tolerance, the latter scenario may not be such a bad thing). Jackson Square is a historic and iconic meeting space of the city of New Orleans, and is always a linchpin for local events. This is the big, obvious New Year’s activity in New Orleans - our version of the Times Square ball drop (although the actual ball drop is a fleur-de-lis drop, and that event has a party all of its own, see above). Photo: Saint Louis Cathedral by Prayitno Jackson Square The fleur-de-lis drop off Jax Brewery will be live-cast. The show will be coordinated with parties in New York and Los Angeles, and will feature a musical lineup and special guests.
Once again, Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve production is hosting its official Central Time Zone party in New Orleans near the historic Jax Brewery starting at 9 p.m. Here are some of our picks for what to do on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. The point being: Bring cold-weather clothes but don’t be surprised if you won’t need them. While there have been New Year’s Eves in New Orleans characterized by heavy coats and cold winds off of the Mississippi, there is a chance the weather will be temperate, and even a little muggy. Note that in New Orleans, the evening of the 31st is not a guaranteed chiller. Of course, there are big celebrations within the French Quarter, but even in that storied neighborhood, a night out on December 31st can be both as raucous and as chill as you please. But many visitors may not expect how possible it is to have an intimate, (relatively) quiet New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. Both the city and the holiday are closely tied to celebration, public revelry, and good fellowship. It should come as no surprise that New Orleans does New Year’s Eve quite well.
#GAY BARS NYC NEW YEARS EVE HOW TO#
From fireworks to balcony bashes, here’s how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans