Although Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest are known as the two biggest seasons in New Orleans, the winter holidays are rapidly approaching third place as a festive destination week. And now with added public programming like Christmas New Orleans Style and Christmas in the District happening each year, this makes the stretch into the New Year even more full of holiday concerts, theater shows, light displays, fireworks and of course, more New Year’s Eve parties. Restaurants all over town offer special revéillon menus through New Year’s Day and these long, bountiful “waking” meals from the revéillon tradition are the perfect fuel before hitting the banks of the Mississippi for the annual New Year’s fireworks.
New Year's Eve Fireworks over the Mississippi River.
There are countless shows and parties around the city on New Year’s Eve, often making choices difficult. So the OffBeat staff has compiled a New Year’s Eve Party Guide to help narrow down the choices to the funkiest options for you. Browse our picks for New Year’s Eve 2013-2014 in New Orleans below and be sure to tell ’em OffBeat sent ya!
OFFBEAT “JOYEAUX REVEILLON” NEW YEAR’S EVE GUIDE 2013 – 2014 (Top 12 Baker’s Dozen):
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Over the Crescent City Connection with Midnight Fleur-de-Lis Drop
When it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve in grand style, no other city does it better than New Orleans. And, best of all, much of it is free. Jackson Square is ground zero for the evening’s fun and excitement, with live entertainment beginning at 9 p.m. This year’s party features Eric Lindell and the Honey Island Swamp Band. Get there early to grab your spot along the river banks, at Woldenberg Park, on Jax’s rooftop or around Jackson Square.
At 11:59 p.m., the crowd in the street turns its eyes upward toward the roof of Jax Brewery, waiting for an eight-foot-tall fleur-de-lis to drop from its lighted perch, and finally proclaiming that we’ve reached 2014. Immediately following the fleur-de-lis drop, a spectacular 10-minute firework display is launched skyward. This colorful, sonic-booming, pyrotechnic extravaganza is consistently ranked one of the best in the nation.
Or, reserve your table on the Riverboat Natchez for the premiere view of the fireworks and seated full course dinner!
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. | FREE | All Ages
The New Mastersounds at The Joy Theater.
The New Mastersounds with special guests Eddie Roberts’ West Coast Sounds, Gravity A and Nigel Hall
@ The Joy Theater (1200 Canal Street)
Doors 8 p.m. | Showtime 9 p.m. | Tickets $40 – $150 (VIP Balcony with reserved seating, premiere views, artist meet and greet, free beer from NOLA Tin Roof, full open bar from 8pm – Midnight, complimentary Midnight champagne toast, commemorative poster, more)
*Re-entry in and out of the venue to catch the fireworks off Canal Street allowed.
*Join the OffBeat staff in the VIP Balcony at this show!
Anais St. John at the Little Gem Saloon.
Speakeasy: A Jazz Era New Year’s Eve Experience with Anais St. John, Cherry Brown Burlesque and more
@ The Little Gem Saloon and Ramp Room (445 S. Rampart Street)
Seatings at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. | Tickets $40 show only, $95 Dinner, Cocktails & Burlesque, $125 Dinner, Craft Cocktails, Burlesque & Anais St. John, Champagne Toast
The Revivalists at the Civic Theatre.
The Revivalists with special guests Dirtfoot and the Cardinal Sons
@ The Civic Theatre (510 O’Keefe Avenue)
Doors 8:30 p.m. | Showtime 9:30 p.m. | Tickets $20 – $30
Dumpstaphunk at the Howlin' Wolf.
Dumpstaphunk and the Hot 8 Brass Band at the Wolf’s 25th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Bash
@ The Howlin’ Wolf (907 S. Peters Street)
Doors 10 p.m. | Showtime 10:30 p.m. | Tickets $70 Advance or $80 Door (Includes premium open bar)
Galactic at Tipitina's.
Galactic New Year’s Eve with special guests Orgone
@ Tipitina’s (501 Napoleon Avenue)
Doors 9 p.m. | Showtime 10 p.m. | Tickets $75 or $200 (VIP Balcony with Jacques-Imos’s food, open bar 9pm-Midnight, champagne toast, poster, more)
Brass Bed at Gasa Gasa.
Intimate New Year’s Eve Party with Brass Bed and special guests
@ Gasa Gasa (4920 Freret Street)
Doors 9 p.m. | Showtime 10 p.m. | Tickets $8 Advance, $10 Door or $30 (Open Bar 9pm – Midnight)
Kermit Ruffins at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse
@ Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel (300 Bourbon Street)
8 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Tickets $159 (Open Bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, midnight champagne toast), or $189 (Premium Open Bar, gourmet tapas plates, midnight champagne toast, reserved premium seating) – limited capacity
Rebirth Brass Band at the Maple Leaf Bar.
Intimate New Year’s Eve Party with the Rebirth Brass Band
@ The Maple Leaf Bar (8316 Oak Street)
10 p.m. – 4 a.m. | Tickets $60 (limited capacity)
DJ Soul Sister at One Eyed Jacks.
@ One Eyed Jack’s (615 Toulouse Street)
Doors 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Showtime 10 p.m. | Tickets $10 GA or $50 (Open Bar 10pm – 2am)
Soul Rebels Brass Band at d.b.a.
The Soul Rebels Brass Band with special guest Naughty Professor
@ d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen Street)
10 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Tickets $40
Stooges Brass Band at the Blue Nile.
@ The Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen Street)
10 p.m. – 4 a.m. | Tickets $25
Debauche at Maison with DJ Jubilee.
The Dirty Bourbon River Show with Debauche and DJ Jubilee
@ Maison (508 Frenchmen Street)
10 p.m. – 4 a.m. | Tickets $80 VIP (Balcony access with complimentary food buffet and open bar until 1am)
Roaring '20s Speakeasy Dance Party at Republic.
Speakeasy Spectacular: A Ruckus Celebration of the Roaring ’20s with DJ G and Lemonhead +sg
@ Republic (828 S. Peters Street)
Doors 9 p.m. | Showtime 10 p.m. | Tickets $10 Advance, $20 Door or $50 Advance VIP, $60 Door VIP (Includes Premium Open Bar 9pm-Midnight)
