Events this weekend in New Orleans

Events this weekend in New Orleans this weekend 🔥

This weekend in New Orleans has big “we’re not staying in” energy. The city’s already buzzing, with thousands of people locked into plans, and the vibe is very much: dress up, laugh hard, and probably end the night somewhere you didn’t plan to be. If you’re trying to figure out what to actually do (and not just scroll), here’s where the real action is.

The most chaotic and very New Orleans pick? The Mystic Krewe of Barkus Royal Ball. It’s peak local weirdness: dogs as royalty, humans as accessories, and a room full of people who take their pup’s costume more seriously than their own job. If you love Mardi Gras but not the frat-house energy, this is the one you book first. It’s playful, slightly unhinged, and a reminder that in this town, even the dogs get a krewe.

If you’re in a big-night-out mood, Katt Williams at the Saenger Theatre is where the sharp-tongued, joke-obsessed crowd will be. The Saenger always pulls a dressed-up, ready-to-drink-after audience, so expect pre- and post-show action all along Canal. This is one of those nights where you text the group chat, “Let’s actually sit down and watch something,” then end up at a bar loudly rehashing your favorite bits.

On the more niche side, Your Weight Matters New Orleans at the Holiday Inn Express on St. Charles brings a totally different crowd: people serious about health, wellness, and getting real about their bodies without all the Instagram nonsense. It’s not flashy, but if you’re in your self-improvement era, it’s a solid way to spend a weekend afternoon and still make it to dinner.

And then there’s the "I just want to be around interesting people" lane: A Tarnished Mind art opening is your move. That’s where the art kids, quietly cool locals, and “I might buy something small” collectors end up. Expect moody lighting, strong opinions, and at least one piece you’ll think about on the way home. Meanwhile, the 23rd Sorta Annual Not So Super Super Hero Party is for people who live for costumes but are allergic to sincerity—think capes, fake muscles, and a lot of inside jokes. If you’re the friend who always says “I’ve got a bit for this,” that’s your spot.

If you’re itching to get out of town without really leaving the party, there’s the Western Caribbean Cruise with The Mojoes Dance Band. That’s for the true cruise people: the ones who want live music, bottomless snacks, and zero decisions beyond “pool or bar?” It’s got major group-trip energy.

For a more classic New Orleans backdrop, Mardi Gras World is still doing what it does best: towering floats, glitter everywhere, and that behind-the-scenes look at how the city builds its chaos. It’s a good call if you’ve got visitors in town or just want to lean into Carnival season without standing on a curb for three hours.

A quick rundown of what’s worth your time:
- The Mystic Krewe of Barkus Royal Ball – Dog costumes, human cocktails, maximum NOLA absurdity.
- Katt Williams at Saenger Theatre-New Orleans – Big-night-out comedy in a historic theatre; plan for drinks after.
- Your Weight Matters New Orleans at Holiday Inn Express St. Charles – Low-key, practical wellness weekend.
- Western Caribbean Cruise with The Mojoes Dance Band – For cruise lifers and live-music-all-week people.
- The 23rd Sorta Annual Not So Super Super Hero Party – Costume party without the pressure to be cool about it.
- A Tarnished Mind Art Opening – Artsy, moody, good for people-watching and pretending you’re buying a piece.
- Mardi Gras World – Classic, colorful, and very on-theme if you’re easing into Carnival season.

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