A Guide to New Orleans Nightlife
Unforgettable Nights in New Orleans Start Here
Justen Williams, New Orleans & Co.
Burlesque shows are a fun way to enjoy a night out and not be on your feet! The award-winning burlesque performers here know how to entertain. Whether it’s KAPOW! Burlesque & Drag with a BANG!, the Van Ella Bordella’s Storyville burlesque experience, or another burlesque show, you’ll find no shortage of options for a fun night out. View our guide to burlesque shows here to see who’s in residency and what’s on, and make sure to mark your calendars for Teaser Fest, a burlesque festival and competition that returns every winter!
Chase Stevens (@chasethepicture on IG)
New Orleans is prime for theater, with both local and nationally touring shows leading the way. Broadway in New Orleans returns every fall, bringing the hottest shows from the Great White Way to the Saenger Theatre stage. New Orleans Ballet Association brings world-class dance companies like Houston Ballet, BODYTRAFFIC, and Argentina’s Tango After Dark to the Mahalia Jackson Theater every year. Enjoy dance, plays, live music, and more at venues across the city like New Marigny Theatre, Le Petit Theatre, and the Orpheum Theater (plus many more!). Follow our theater guides here for more to see what’s on.
NOLA has no shortage of unique characters and unique bars to match. There are dive bars across the city that locals have been frequenting for decades, and in typical New Orleans fashion, these off-the-beaten-path bars open their doors to visitors as well. Perhaps you seek to sing karaoke at Kajun’s, scarf down a po-boy at Parasol’s, or sip through the evening at Black Penny. Whichever your vibe, there’s a dive bar for you in every neighborhood.
Maybe you’d like to keep it simple and have a date night out at a delicious restaurant. These establishments effortlessly embody the laissez-faire attitude of New Orleans are filled with timeless elegance, intoxicating ambiance, culinary delights, and top-notch service. Read our guide to the most romantic restaurants in NOLA here. Alternatively, check out our Heartbreaker’s Guide to New Orleans here for ideas on a solo night out.
Photo courtesy of the Howlin’ Wolf
Enjoy a night out filled with laughs at a comedy show. NOLA Brewing, Howlin’ Wolf, Carrollton Station, and Big Couch each have comedy nights varying from stand-up showcases and open mic nights to improv comedy. SPORTS DRINK is a café by day and comedy club by night, one of the only venues in the city to qualify as a true comedy club.
Upcoming Live Music Performances
