It’s likely that one of the reasons you came to New Orleans was to experience its one-of-a-kind nightlife.
There is a whole lot to do here and in the more than 20 years I’ve been living here, I’ve done just about all of it!
Besides being a New Orleans local, I’ve been giving walking tours of the city since 2010 and each month I meet hundreds of guests,
Without fail, a few guests on each tour ask me what the best things to do at night in New Orleans are.
Of the countless nighttime activities to do here, I’ve narrowed down my list of recommendations to a manageable number!
There’s a little bit of everything on my top 10 list most of which I enjoy regularly basis. I wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t like them myself!
Those of you on a budget (like I am!) will be happy to see my list of free things to do at night.
If you are traveling with kids, I’ve included a section on family-friendly nighttime activities.
I ran this post by my fellow tour guides to make sure I didn't leave anything out and they all agreed that I covered all the activities they would suggest as well.
- Top 10
- Free Things to Do
- Family-Friendly
- Music Venues & Restaurants
- Seasonal Evening Activities
- Other Things to Do in NOLA
TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO TONIGHT
Here are my top 10 activities to do after dark in New Orleans.
I think there will certainly be at least a few that you will enjoy as much as I do.
While this post covers nighttime things to do generally, the calendar below has listings by date including free tours, notable concerts, theatrical events, and more.
See the City at Night on a Guided Night Tour
Who says that sightseeing in New Orleans is only for the daytime?
Night tours are perfect in a city known for its rumored supernatural goings-on, historic cemeteries and awesome nightlife.
On our Dark Side of New Orleans Ghost Tour, we take you to places like Pirates Alley, notorious for its history of torture and treachery.
Get ready to stop by what many believe is the most haunted place in New Orleans and learn about real-life seances.
Ghosts not your thing? Tour New Orleans’ famed cemetery under the veil of darkness. It doesn’t get more eerie than that!
I say double the spookiness and take a combined cemetery and ghost bus tour!
Not all New Orleans night tours are spine-tingling.
Experience the brighter side of the city at night on a pub crawl and cocktail history tour.
Believe me when I say that we are known here in the Big Easy for some pretty tasty concoctions.
Last but not least, how about seeing New Orleans at night on two wheels?
Not on a bike, not on a motorcycle but...on a Segway?
Check out this evening sightseeing Segway tour which runs from 6 pm - 8 pm.
Hear Live Music
By far one of the very best things about living in New Orleans is the music scene.
There are so many venues where you can hear live music that I cannot list them all here.
But in my post on live music in New Orleans I give you a rundown of the top spots.
There’s also a list at the bottom of this post.
If you haven't discovered this on your own already, there is always music playing in New Orleans.
With a long tradition of street musicians, you can walk down Bourbon Street or Frenchman Street and soak in the free sounds right on the sidewalks.
Every year I look forward to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival so if you are here late April to early May and like jazz, you are in for a treat!
Go on a Night Swamp Trip
When I first arrived in New Orleans in 2010, one of the first things I did was go on a swamp tour.
It was one of the most fascinating things I have done in this city and when friends or family come to visit, we go on a swamp tour.
When I learned that swamp tours ran at night too, I immediately signed up to take one and it was so much fun!
On a nighttime swamp tour, you’ll glide through the water spotting wildlife under a spotlight.
Look for alligators peeking out at you!
Night swamp tours run from June through October. Learn more here.
If you're not here during those months, I encourage you to go on a day swamp tour. It’s a fantastic trip.
To learn about all the options, check out our post on New Orleans swamp tours.
TIP: If you plan to see at least two of NOLA's popular paid attractions and tours see how you can save between 15-50% off of retail ticket prices.
Enjoy a Riverboat Cruise
What have you got when you put together a Cajun dinner, fantastic live jazz and the Mississippi River?
You’ve got a New Orleans riverboat cruise!
When my family comes to visit this is at the top of their list of things to do at night. We’ve been on many over the years and have never had a bad time.
Two companies to try are the Creole Queen and the Steamboat Natchez.
TIP: Budget-minded people, here’s an alternative. Take the $2 Canal Street/Algiers Point ferry, for pretty sunset views.
Once in Algiers Point, grab a drink at the Old Point Bar at 545 Patterson Drive or dine at the Crown and Anchor Pub at 200 Pelican Avenue.
See a NOLA Sports Team Do Their Thing
I’m proud of my hometown sports teams and they put on a pretty good show, so if you like sports, check out a game when you are here.
Basketball fans can see the Pelicans who play regularly at night.
Football fans can see the Saints, who may play a couple of night games each year.
See some of the best young and upcoming stars of the future playing for the Tulane Green Wave NCAA Football team or the Tulane Green Wave NCAA Basketball team.
I think college games in New Orleans are sometimes more fun than professional games!
Check Out a Burlesque Show
The art of burlesque has a storied history in New Orleans and thanks to a revival, burlesque shows are more popular in NOLA than ever before.
Some of my favorite places to see one of these risque shows are the Mahogany Jazz Hall and Burlesque and the Allways Lounge on the edge of the Marigny neighborhood.
The famous House of Blues has an in-house troupe that performs regularly.
You’ll even find a few locations taking a neo-burlesque approach with a brand of entertainment very similar to circus arts.
Here are some more places to see Burlesque Shows in New Orleans.
Grab a Cocktail
As a local, I think too many out-of-towners think of New Orleans as a drinking town, and this is certainly the case during Carnival.
But not enough people know about New Orleans’ role in the history and artistry of the cocktail.
How many people know that the Grasshopper was invented in NOLA? Or the Hurricane?
More amazingly, the Sazerac, New Orleans' signature drink is said to be the world’s very first cocktail!
You can learn more and sip more using our self-guided cocktail tour of New Orleans or taking this cocktail history tour.
Get ready in advance by reading our guide to the 12 must-try New Orleans cocktails which lists where to go to get the very best versions of these.
TIP: Head to Hotel Monteleone to experience the only Carousel Bar in New Orleans!
See a Performance
There are plenty of great venues and theaters in New Orleans, and they often play host to several notable performances.
Whether you feel like going to a concert or a play, there's a lot of variety and some top venues.
These are some of my favorite places:
Dine and Dance
Whether you’re looking for a more formal experience or you just want to have some fun, there are several great locations to dine and dance.
My top recommendation is Mulates, with food served and live music nightly.
Another is The Maison which has jazz dinner shows almost every night.
For a light meal followed by DJ music and dancing, try Mimi’s in the Marigny.
Here’s a great triple play: at Rock n’ Bowl, you can eat, dance and bowl!
See more options from this list of great places for dancing in NOLA.
Gamble the Night Away
Located in the heart of New Orleans, Harrah’s Casino is one of the more popular spots in this city to visit after dark.
In addition to gambling and games, they host several events throughout the year including the World Series of Poker tournament!
You could also play the slots and bet on horses at the Fairgrounds Racetrack.
Horses race from November through March, but the slot machines run all year.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Play The Escape Game
If you have never done an escape room, you should give one a try. They are more fun than they sound on paper.
You and others are ‘locked’ in a room.
You’ve got to find clues and solve riddles in a limited amount of time. If you succeed, you’ve escaped!
The Escape Game is one of the best escape room companies in the country and has themed rooms like Special Ops, The Heist, Prison Break and Playground.
Their night hours run quite late, and you can book a slot as late as 11:55 p.m.
Read more about these fun escape rooms here.
TIP: The Escape Game experience is included in some of the money-saving New Orleans tourist passes like the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass.
Sleepover at a Plantation
Have you ever gone to a historic house and said… “I’d like to live here”?
Well, you can! For one night at least at Oak Alley Plantation and Inn which has rentable cottages on the grounds.
The cottages range from centuries-old to modern deluxe accommodation.
Read all about Oak Alley Plantation from our detailed post or read our guide to all of the plantations just outside of New Orleans.
FREE THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT
What’s better than saving money while having a good time?
There are plenty of free nightie activities in New Orleans and here are a handful.
Plus, some of my top 10 above are free or very affordable so consider those as well.
In this video, my fellow tour guide Andrew tells you about some of the top free things to do in NOLA, many of which you can do after dar
Read about other no-cost (and very low-cost) activities from our extensive guide on free things to do in New Orleans both day and night.
Laugh Out Loud
There’s an excellent comedy scene in New Orleans.
Luckily for all of us who are budget-minded, there are plenty of venues that have free comedy and improv shows throughout the week.
There may be a cover charge and drinks will not be included, but this is a fun and affordable activity after dark.
For more information on free comedy shows, visit our post about free things to do in New Orleans.
Stroll Along the Moonwalk
There is a wonderful promenade called the Moonwalk which stretches across several blocks of the French Quarter.
This brick walkway runs along the Mississippi River and provides lovely views of both the water and the city.
This brick walkway runs along the Mississippi River and provides excellent views of both the water and the city.
This is something that I do with friends every once in a while when we want to have a simple walk and talk.
From the Moonwalk you can see Jackson Square, the Joan of Arc Statue, the Steamboat Natchez and Harrah’s Casino.
Listen to Street Music
As I mentioned above, New Orleans is a city of street performers and musicians.
For free music, check out the French Quarter, Jackson Square and Frenchmen and Bourbon Streets.
Find out where else to go in my post on live music in New Orleans.
People Watch
New Orleans has a big cast of characters, some more flamboyant than others -- but all entertaining to watch. Many come out at night.
Now I’m not suggesting you sit and stare at folk. That won't go over too well. Instead, just find a perch and watch the night unfold.
Some places I suggest are:
- Jackson Square
- Audubon Park
- French Market
- Magazine Street
- Washington Square Park
- New Orleans Riverfront
Say Meow to the Jackson Square Cats
If you are one of those people who finds themselves looking at cat videos on Instagram for hours (like me, I admit), this nighttime activity is for you!
Head to Jackson Square after dark and see the cats come marching in.
Nobody knows why they’ve chosen this park as their nightly hang-out, but something keeps them coming back every night.
Find out how to get to Jackson Square and what else you can do there, day or night.
Shop at the Palace Market
The Palace Market is an absolute must-visit if you are looking for artwork created by locals.
They have a rotating list of over 100+ artists selling their work.
It’s fine to browse for free, but I warn you, don’t be surprised if you are tempted to pull out your wallet!
The Palace Market is open until midnight or later 7 days a week and is located on the live-music rich Frenchmen Street.
Visit the Mardi Gras Museum
Most museums aren’t open late, and they aren’t free – but there is one, the Mardi Gras Museum, which you can visit at night without paying a thing.
Arnaud’s Restaurant has an exhibit featuring several historic artifacts from throughout Mardi Gras history in the 20th Century.
Guests don’t even have to pay for a meal to see this museum and it is open during the restaurant’s operational hours (until 10 pm on most nights).
Click here for a list of additional museums and attractions in New Orleans that are free to visit.
Enjoy Free Seasonal Music Events
Throughout this post, I’ve mentioned music to enjoy any time of the year.
Here are a few seasonal opportunities I look forward to each year:
- Wednesdays in the Park – Spring
- Jazz in the Park – Early Summer
- Music Under the Oaks – Spring
- Bon Operatit! – At least one show per month
Learn How to Jitterbug
If you really want to get involved and experience the culture of New Orleans, this is one of the best - and quirkiest - free activities in the city.
The NOLA Jitterbugs provide a free dance class every week which you can drop in and attend without paying a dime.
I’ve taken some classes and while I can't say I am good at it I did have a blast!
You can also learn the Jitterbug to a live jazz band for free at the Allways Lounge every Sunday at 8 pm.
Learn how to dance the Jitterbug while listening to a live jazz band for free at the Allways Lounge every Sunday at 8 pm.
Take a Fun and Affordable Ride
I take streetcars all the time, and after thousands of times, this isn't a form of cheap entertainment to me.
But I am sure that all visitors to NOLA will love riding a streetcar, especially at night.
You can hop on the streetcar can ride around the French Quarter in style while enjoying the sights and sounds of this historic district.
Tickets are only $3 and are a handy way to get around town, with stops very close to several popular destinations.
While you're at it, grab a few more than-affordable beignets at Café du Monde!
As I mentioned above, the Algiers Point ferry offers a great low-price alternative to a riverboat cruise.
Hop on and see New Orleans from the water when the sun goes down to experience the skyline from afar.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT WITH KIDS
New Orleans at night isn’t just for grown-ups! There are a lot of fun activities your family can enjoy in New Orleans after the sun sets.
Some of the items I included in this post above are more than appropriate for kids -- not including gambling and burlesque shows!
Read on to see some kid-friendly nightlife.
You can and find even more from our master post on family-friendly things to do in NOLA.
Mini Golf at City Putt
City Putt, a mini golf center with two courses, is in the very big, very wonderful City Park.
It’s open until 10 pm and is pretty affordable, with tickets ranging from $8 for kids to $10 for teens and adults.
My nieces and nephews love City Putt whether it’s day or night.
Read more about visiting City Park. It's a terrific place!
Light up the Night on a Bike Ride
Riding a bike at night can be dangerous if people can’t see you, but that isn’t a problem with the NOLA City Lights!
Their bikes are covered in LED lights, making it easy for pretty much everyone to see them from afar.
As if that weren’t good enough, they also play music and have a loud horn/siren.
Enjoy a unique trip with your family and see New Orleans after dark while riding around on these interesting bicycles.
See a Show at the WW2 Museum
Aside from being one of the best museums in New Orleans, the National WW2 Museum also hosts early evening shows at its BB’s Stage Door Canteen.
The in-house Victory Belles, a vocal trio, perform the music of the 1940s at least one evening a month and are family-friendly.
Check out our post on the National WW2 Museum for more information.
Attend an Event at the Superdome
The Superdome isn’t just for football games.
Over the years I have seen some pretty awesome concerts and festivals there.
If I could have gotten tickets, I would have seen Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour -- alas sold out in a matter of minutes.
Your kids (and you!) might also like going to a Monster Jam.
Keep an eye on the Superdome calendar for more details.
Take a Kid-Friendly Ghost Tour
If you are traveling with kids who like hearing spooky tales, think about taking them on a family-friendly New Orleans ghost tour.
Our New Orleans ghost tours are appropriate for kids.
I’ve had many children on my ghost tours and they seem to have a great time.
There is also a Ghost + Vampire Tour, which is free for kids under 7 and pretty affordable for everyone else.
These tours start early in the evening and your family will have a great time exploring the city and seeing everything from a more haunting point of view.
Take the Kids Bowling
This is a classic pastime that is fun for all ages and tons of fun after the sun goes down.
Two places I recommend are Rock 'n Bowl and Fulton Alley near Harrah’s Casino.
Grab a Beignet After Dinner
These delightful pastries are a wonderful treat at any time of the day, but you might want to consider grabbing one for dessert.
Depending on how and where you get them, you can order a beignet with flavors as simple and delicious as chocolate, or as adventurous as crab & crawfish.
One of the most popular places to find this dish is Cafe du Monde, located in the heart of the French Quarter just across the street from Jackson Square.
Even though some locals think of Cafe du Monde as a tourist trap, I disagree.
I don't care who eats there. All I care about is just how darn good their beignets are!
Read my post about beignets and where to find them!
Wednesday Evenings at NOMA
The New Orleans Museum of Art is open until 7 pm every Wednesday.
The museum created this children's guide to help engage your children in thinking about the works they are viewing.
Great news! The museum is always free for children ages 19 and under.
On Wednesdays, entry is free for all residents of Louisiana.
Dat Dog for Dinner
You've gotta eat sometime! This one is always a big hit with younger relatives and I quite like it too!
With over 30 different toppings to choose from, chances are that everyone in your family will find something they love at this restaurant.
For more options, see our list of kid-friendly restaurants in New Orleans.
Enjoy Live Jazz at Preservation Hall
With so much great live jazz in New Orleans, it doesn't seem fair that kids should miss out just because many venues are suited for adults.
You can introduce your kids to this wonderful music at Preservation Hall, an all-ages venue.
No food is sold here. No booze is sold here.
The only thing for sale is fantastic music for everyone regardless of age.
It does allow for BYOB, including alcohol for adults.
Shows start as early as 5 pm with the last show at 10 pm.
There’s seating at the front for kids so they can see the jammin’ better.
Click here to learn more about this historic New Orleans jazz hall!
SEASONAL NIGHTTIME NEW ORLEANS ACTIVITIES
I've covered year-round nightlife and evening events above, but wait there's more!
Each season brings with it unique after-dark events. Here are the best of the rest!
Audubon Zoo Lights
During the holiday season (November - December), the Audubon Zoo offers several festive lighting displays that you can enjoy after the sun goes down.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Every spring, the historic Jazz Festival returns to New Orleans, typically inviting some of the best musicians in the world to perform live entertainment.
Although most performances take place during the day, the festival typically runs until at least 7 pm.
Celebration in the Oaks
Much like Zoo Lights, this light festival takes place every holiday season (November - December), and you can expect to see a lot of beautiful lighting displays lining the trees of City Park.
Best of all, if you take the walking tour, you'll also enjoy unlimited rides in Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, as well as access to the Botanical Garden.
Mardi Gras
This might seem like an obvious example, but Mardi Gras parades typically take place after sundown from January - February.
Even if you can't make it to NOLA for this event, you can still see some of the floats at Mardi Gras World!
French Quarter Festival
Similar to Jazz Fest, this is another excellent music festival that takes place in New Orleans every spring (typically in April).
While most performances are during the day, the official hours for this festival run to 8 pm each night.
TOP MUSIC AND FOOD VENUES
The number of places to eat in NOLA is endless. Here are 10 places that I think out-of-towners will enjoy. Some have live music.
I've dined at all of these at least a few times, and some many times.
If you want to try just small portions of several New Awlins' famous dishes, consider joining our food tours.
13 must-try NOLA foods and
It should come as no surprise that this jazz legend has his very own restaurant in New Orleans.
In addition to hosting several live shows every week, they also serve up some of the best food you’ll find in the city.
Expect a variety of southern favorites including po’ boys, jambalaya and peach cobbler for dessert!
What better place to hear the blues than at the house that was named after the genre?
Most people come here for live concerts, but this venue also doubles as an excellent restaurant with several delicious menu items.
Guests can enjoy southern meals such as jambalaya, blackened salmon, shrimp & grits, and more.
This is one of the more popular family restaurants in New Orleans.
In addition to some great food, they also provide live Cajun music every night.
If you’re looking for a place with more local flavor, this is it!
Menu items include gumbo, po'boys, jambalaya, and red beans & rice.
This is one of the best family-friendly locations in the entire city.
Not only do they have a bowling alley, but they also have live music, dancing, and a pretty decent selection of food.
Although they don’t focus primarily on Cajun cuisine or any other southern favorites, they do have classic American staples such as pizza, burgers, and fries.
This popular music club hosts a variety of jazz musicians on a nightly basis.
Visitors should know that this isn’t a restaurant and they don’t specialize in providing anything other than great tunes throughout the night.
There is no cover charge and there are no reservations, so you might want to get there early before the club fills up!
As the name implies, this location specializes in providing live jazz every night of the week.
In addition to some great music, they also offer an impressive menu full of delectable meals.
Choose from entrees such as filet mignon, yellowfin tuna, fried oysters or fish Marigny.
Although they don’t really offer any live music, Cafe du Monde is one of the most popular coffee shops to grab a drink and a snack.
Located right across the street from Jackson Square, it’s easy to hop in there while walking around the French Quarter and sightseeing.
Otherwise known as the BMC, this club is yet another excellent place where you can listen to some great jazz every night of the week.
This location also has several signature drinks that you can try while listening to music. Try a Satchmo Sangria or Billie Holiday for some local flavor!
Whether you’re trying to sober up or you just want to grab a bite to eat, this 24-hour deli provides a variety of tasty treats all day and night.
Their specialty is a po’ boy with fried shrimp and oysters. Even if you don’t feel like walking down to the Verti Marte, you can still order these sandwiches for delivery!
If you’re looking for fast and fantastic service, it’s hard to beat Camellia’s Grill.
Some visitors report that it can take as little as ten minutes to receive your order and the food is to die for.
This popular diner serves up American classics and New Orleans favorites for locals and visitors of all kinds.
You’ll find this restaurant right off the St. Charles Streetcar line.
Honorable Mentions
Grab some cajun food or get traditional southern fried chicken at this New Orleans staple late into the night.
Due to the “snarky” attitude from the staff (which is half the fun), this location is only open to customers who are 21 & older.
If you’re looking for another 24-hour diner, this is one of the best places in the city.
The menu is simple and the food is delicious – what more could anyone ask for?
This popular New Orleans pub is open late and serves a variety of great local food such as gumbo, po’boys, and fried mushrooms.
They are open late and offer delivery!
This sports bar offers 17 different TVs with sporting events of all kinds.
They have over 400 beers on tap, raw oysters for the seafood fans, and some of the best pub grub in NOLA.
SAFETY AT NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS
Many of my tour guests who have just arrived in New Orleans ask me about safety.
I’ve learned how to stay safe in my city over the years and want you to have only positive experiences.
Below are frequently asked questions and my answers. For more tips see our full post on safety in New Orleans.
Also, we made the video below that includes more safety tips from people who live here.
It is best, if possible, to travel with a companion when walking the streets of the French Quarter at night.
It may be safe to update a friend, or family member, where you are headed when traveling from one location to another.
Most hotels and tourist booths provide free maps of the city.
Consult with them and have them let you know of the safest streets and routes for foot traffic.
Is it safe to walk to Frenchmen Street from the French Quarter?
We suggest using Royal Street and Decatur Street to get there
If you are carrying a purse, wear it across the chest strap. If your camera has a strap wear it the same way. There are pickpockets are in every city.
Wear sensible shoes in New Orleans, as some sidewalks are very old and uneven.
Make sure that you are aware when crossing the streets.
Often intersections do not have pedestrian stop and walk symbols with traffic lights.
Bourbon Street and Royal Street in the French Quarter streets are closed to foot traffic.
When walking and looking at all of the beauty of the Quarter, pay attention.
Is there a party on Bourbon Street every night?
Technically yes, as this area is popular almost all year long.
There are times when it isn't as busy on Bourbon Street, but you should always be careful while walking around this area at night.
Uber and Lyft are great options to keep yourself safe when in the city.
Cabs and Taxis can often take more than 30 minutes to arrive, whereas ride shares take moments.
Make sure when they pull up that the driver and license plate match the info on your app.
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