New Year’s Eve is only two days away, so it’s time to take a look at the bevy of party opportunities that will available across New Orleans. While it may not seem like the city has that much more going on that it does on any given night, most of the artists on this list will be going a bit wilder, and bit later, than they usually do. Plus, a lot of these clubs will have open bars.
Of course, this is by no means a comprehensive list of your New Year’s Eve options in the Big Easy. For a more complete look at what’s out there, head over to our events listings page.
Big Night New Orleans at the Hyatt Regency – Sweet Crude, Cowboy Mouth, Flow Tribe, Breton Sound, Brass-A-Holics, the 610 Stompers and more will perform at this massive party in the CBD. The event will feature open bars, food buffets, multiple party rooms and dance floors, and plenty of other amenities. Tickets for the show are on sale here.
Galactic at Tipitina’s – Jam-funk staples Galactic will return to Tipitina’s for yet another New Year’s show. The group will be joined by up-and-coming jazz-funk sextet Naughty Professor, who you should probably make time to see. The festivities will even make an appearance on CNN during the network’s New Year’s Eve broadcast from New Orleans. Ticket are available here.
A Truly Funky Affair at The Joy Theater – As the name suggests, this party will feature a supremely funky co-bill when George Porter Jr. and Zigaboo Modeliste’s Foundation of Funk teams up with the New Mastersounds for back-to-back performances. The Foundation of Funk set with see Porter and Modeliste team up with two members of the New Mastersounds, as well as special guest Cyril Neville. Attendees will also be treated to a select open bar for part of the night. Tickets for the show are on sale here.
Better Than Ezra at the House of Blues – Better Than Ezra might be Louisiana’s biggest contribution to the alternative rock scene, so it’s no surprise that the trio plans to ring in the New Year in their home state. The group is set to headline the House of Blues in the French Quarter, with Nawas opening the night. Buy tickets for the show here.
Rebirth Brass Band at Howlin’ Wolf – Grammy winners the Rebirth Brass Band will return to the Howlin’ Wolf to play their way into 2016. The New Orleans institution will be joined by Big Sam’s Funky Nation, who are scheduled to open the night. This event will also include an open bar until 2am. Tickets for the night are on sale here.
Johnny Vidacovich at Maple Leaf Bar – Johnny Vidacovich’s Thursday night residency at the Maple Leaf doesn’t even stop for the holidays! The virtuoso drummer will be joined by his friend June Yamigishi, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Charlie Wooton and plenty of special guests as they welcome the New Year. On top of all that, champagne, food and a kiss at midnight are all guaranteed (according to the bar’s website). Tickets for the show will be available at the door.
New Orleans Suspects at The Maison – Consummate rockers The New Orleans Suspects will surely be guilty of throwing a party this New Year’s Eve, when they headline The Maison on Frenchmen Street. Additionally, the Hot 8 Brass Band and Fat Ballerina are both scheduled to play opening sets during this late night extravaganza. This show is now Sold Out.
Debauche at Hi-Ho Lounge – This is another party for music lovers that are looking for something different, though “low key” is most certainly not the word. Gypsy rockers Debauche will ring in the New Year at this St. Claude Avenue establishment, and they’ll be getting some help from Slow Burn Burlesque for what is sure to be an interesting show. Tickets for the event are on sale here.
Tom McDermott and Banu Gibson at Buffa’s – For music lovers that are looking for a more low key night, there’s Tom McDermott and Banu Gibson at Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant. This shindig is set to start a bit earlier than most New Year’s Eve shows, though the party will still be in full swing when the New Year rolls around. Tickets will be available at the door.
Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet at Blue Nile – The Blue Nile will once again deliver a stacked New Year’s Eve lineup, as Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet, Tank and The Bangas, The Pinettes Brass Band and DJ Pearl ring in the New Year with a bang. Tickets for the night are available here.
Honey Island Swamp Band at d.b.a – Honey Island Swamp Band will bring a swamp rock party to this Frenchman Street club on New Year’s Eve. The group will joined by opening act Colin Lake for the show. Tickets will be available at the door.
Leftover Crack at Sibera – Punk rock fans rejoice! Leftover Crack will headline a stacked New Year’s Eve show at Siberia on St. Claude Avenue. The mischievous and politically minded group will be joined by a number of opening acts, including PEARS, Days N Daze, Mea Cupla, Short Lease and more. Tickets for the event are on sale here.
The Hood Internet at Republic – Unsurprisingly, the Republic plans to keep its dance party vibe alive for New Year’s Eve. The Warehouse District club will feature a headlining set from mash-up masters The Hood Internet, with DXXXY, Musa and KTRL set to open the night. Tickets are available here.
The Baby Drop at Jax Brewery – New York City may have the Times Square ball drop, but this isn’t New York City and the French Quarter sure as hell isn’t Times Square. Down in New Orleans, we drop a baby–a goofy, 6-foot-tall papier mache king cake baby, that is–on the roof of Jax Brewery when the clock strikes midnight. If you’re not looking for music, but you are looking for a party, then this could be your move. There’s sure to be plenty of revelry and a great view of the Mississippi River fireworks display. It’s also free and open to the public, so there’s no need to worry about this one selling out (though you may need to worry about where you’ll go to the bathroom).