Hello!

A very happy 2026 to you wherever you are, and all of our heartiest best wishes for the New Year! January in New Orleans always heralds the start of Carnival season – this year it’s a shortish one as Mardi Gras lands relatively early (Fat Tuesday is on 17th Feb this year). As always, though, the first parades begin on Twelfth Night (6th January) and then it’s floats and costumes galore for the next six weeks or so! All of our bed and breakfast inns put you close to the parade routes and the various hubs of jollity, so pack a costume and book that trip to join us for the world’s biggest party! The streets are already transforming themselves, as houses decorate in carnival colors, and there’s nothing like the atmosphere around the neighborhoods for this very special time of year. See below for some of the major dates – all of our wonderful onsite, expert hosts are ready and waiting with a slice of King Cake and some beads for y’all. Come and help us let those good times roll!

The Bed and Breakfast Inns of New Orleans

www.bbnola.com

JANUARY

6th

Twelfth Night

The official start of 2025’s Carnival season! The traditional first parades, including Jean d’Arc and the Phunny Phorty Phellows ring in the celebrations that will last up to Mardi Gras day itself.

6th 

King Cake Season!

The city’s favorite seasonal confection is once again available! There are dozens of variations to try, so hit up your local bakery and find out which flavors they’re serving up this year!

10th-12th

Fan Expo

This convention turns the city of New Orleans into a playground filled with cosplay, anime, horror, and gaming. There will also be huge celebrities in attendance, including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

16th

Teaser Fest

A four-day celebration of burlesque and New Orleans’ food, craft cocktails, and live entertainment.

24th

Algiers Mardi Gras Festival

A free, festive, family-friendly event held on the last Saturday of January. Get into the Mardi Gras spirit with a community parade, food and music.

Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus

A 900-member Krewe with over 150 sub-krewes all paying homage to Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.

30th

Krewe Boheme

Comprised of many smaller walking krewes, including the Krewe of Goddesses, The Merry Antoinettes and the Glambeaux.

31st

Krewe du Vieux / Krewedelusion

Founded in 1987, KdV is one of the earliest parades of the New Orleans Carnival calendar. In the old tradition, it is noted for wild satirical and adult themes, as well as for showcasing some of the best brass and traditional jazz bands in New Orleans

FEBRUARY

8th

Krewe of Barkus

Costumed dogs delight the French Quarter in this beloved parade!

12th

Krewe of Muses

Painted shoes are the prized throws from this always-popular parade.

14th 

Krewe of Endymion

The biggest super krewe makes its way through Mid City.

15th 

Krewe of Bacchus

The god of wine is suitably celebrated at this raucous parade.

16th 

Lundi Gras 

The day before the big day itself is always a very fun time to explore the city.

17th

Mardi Gras Day

Including the famous Rex and Zulu parades!