OT: Mardi Gras Advice

[WanderingSpectator]

We have the opportunity to go to Mardi Gras this year. A friend was invited to be on a float during Bacchus (supposedly one of the biggest parades) so he asked us to join him in NO for the festivities. I had no idea there were so many parades. We're planning on hitting several parades and events.

Who's been? Input/advice?

 

[Connorpozlee]

I’m an old man, but my advice is stay home.

 

[s1uggo72]

We have the opportunity to go to Mardi Gras this year. A friend was invited to be on a float during Bacchus (supposedly one of the biggest parades) so he asked us to join him in NO for the festivities. I had no idea there were so many parades. We're planning on hitting several parades and events.

Who's been? Input/advice?

I had friends that went to Bacchus ever year ( their invite passed away so they don’t anymore) they always had a great time. There was always a party to go to. I’d go.

 

[rudedude]

We have the opportunity to go to Mardi Gras this year. A friend was invited to be on a float during Bacchus (supposedly one of the biggest parades) so he asked us to join him in NO for the festivities. I had no idea there were so many parades. We're planning on hitting several parades and events.

Who's been? Input/advice?

Bring lots of beads for a good time!

 

[Tgar]

Go and remember, Red Bull Gives you wings. Or Cocaine. That works well also.

Have fun and give us a full report. New Orleans is a pretty unique experience.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

I'd otherwise advise you not to go, but considering recent events, this might be the safest year for you and wife to attend.

It's kind of a "bucket list" thing to do so I encourage you to attend and enjoy the revelry, beads, great food, beverages and "Balcony Boobies". Being able to ride on a float will only enhance the experience.

I also recommend staying in the most centrally located, best hotel you can afford to minimize walking distances at night. There are many food places for you to enjoy and I look forward to your post-trip write-up.

Go for it....YOLO.

p.s. If you visit Pat O'Brien's don't drink a Hurricane by yourself.....order multiple straws. They seem harmless at first and then they kick you butt.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

We visited NO and Bourbon St in the past (during Halloween). We’re hoping that Mardi Gras and this experience will be a little different. We’re definitely too old (aka wise) to do Bourbon St again.

To be clear, we’re not on the float. Our friend is. We’ll be along the route. They have friends who live there and inviting us to their area along the route.

Specifically looking for anyone who did the Mardi Gras parades and Ball at the end of the route at the Convention Center.

 

[rudedude]

We visited NO and Bourbon St in the past (during Halloween). We’re hoping that Mardi Gras and this experience will be a little different. We’re definitely too old (aka wise) to do Bourbon St again.

To be clear, we’re not on the float. Our friend is. We’ll be along the route. They have friends who live there and inviting us to their area along the route.

Specifically looking for anyone who did the Mardi Gras parades and Ball at the end of the route at the Convention Center.

Catch Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen if they are in town! Outstanding group.


TIPITINA'S PRESENTS
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
w/ Nigel Hall + Renée Gros & Tiago Guy


March 3, 2024
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm CST
Ages 18 and Up

 

[Fac]

Largest free party in the world.
I live in New Orleans and have attended many parades when I was younger.
Have rode on a few floats.
Stay home now at 67 years old.
If you go you will have a great time,
Probably will get to see some boobs.
A great experience.
Ask me questions.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

We have the opportunity to go to Mardi Gras this year. A friend was invited to be on a float during Bacchus (supposedly one of the biggest parades) so he asked us to join him in NO for the festivities. I had no idea there were so many parades. We're planning on hitting several parades and events.

Who's been? Input/advice?

Lived a block in off the uptown parade route for a few years. Go if you never have been. Bacchus is a big one too.

Once I hit my mid 20’s I wouldn’t do downtown at night during MG. Catch a breakfast or lunch there with some bloody Mary’s and get ready for the next day!!! Check out the local music calendar there as well.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Catch Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen if they are in town! Outstanding group.


TIPITINA'S PRESENTS
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
w/ Nigel Hall + Renée Gros & Tiago Guy


March 3, 2024
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm CST
Ages 18 and Up

Bummer. We leave Monday afternoon.

 

[rudedude]

Bummer. We leave Monday afternoon.

He is at Tipitina’s Uptown in Feb 28. He also plays at Chickie Wah Wah frequently.

FEB 26 WED
Tipitina's Uptown @ 8:00 PM
New Orleans, LA, United States
Tickets RSVP

 

[WanderingSpectator]

He is at Tipitina’s Uptown in Feb 28. He also plays at Chickie Wah Wah frequently.

FEB 26 WED
Tipitina's Uptown @ 8:00 PM
New Orleans, LA, United States
Tickets RSVP

Great stuff! Just added him on Spotify. I’ll keep an eye on them.

 

[Keyser Soze 16802]

If you are interested in getting some beads, doubloons, etc. then buy one of the cheap butterfly nets for sale so you can catch flying objects easier. Catching a doubloon with your hand ain't easy

 

[Fac]

If you are interested in getting some beads, doubloons, etc. then buy one of the cheap butterfly nets for sale so you can catch flying objects easier. Catching a doubloon with your hand ain't easy

Also, if a doubloon hits the street, stomp your foot it, then pick it upon it or your fingers will get stomped on.

 

[WVilleLion23]

I'd otherwise advise you not to go, but considering recent events, this might be the safest year for you and wife to attend.

It's kind of a "bucket list" thing to do so I encourage you to attend and enjoy the revelry, beads, great food, beverages and "Balcony Boobies". Being able to ride on a float will only enhance the experience.

I also recommend staying in the most centrally located, best hotel you can afford to minimize walking distances at night. There are many food places for you to enjoy and I look forward to your post-trip write-up.

Go for it....YOLO.

p.s. If you visit Pat O'Brien's don't drink a Hurricane by yourself.....order multiple straws. They seem harmless at first and then they kick you butt.

Had a Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s and then some other bar that unfortunately I do not remember the name. It was way better that POB’s. POB’s was cool though because the two doing the dueling pianos were very good.

I have never had the desire to do Mardi Gras, but I also am not a fan of NO and only go when works requires it.

If you like history, go see the WW II Museum, it is amazing.

 

[TiogaLion]

I've been to New Orleans a bunch of times, but never during Mardi Gras, so I'm just going to throw out a few suggestions for the city, some of which haven't been suggested here. I second the WWII museum, it's really nice if you like that stuff. You must get a muffaletta from Central Grocery & Deli and beware, as the sandwich is very large, and it's full of olives, which I love, but many don't. If looking for a good burger and cold beer, head to the far end of the French Quarter to a bar called Port of Call, which is one block north of Bourbon Street at the corner of Esplanada and Dauphine.

A bunch of kids banging on 5-gallon buckets with drum sticks are ruining the ambiance of Bourbon Street. It looks like child labor to me, but you decide. I haven't been there since February 2020 (right before covid shutdowns) but it was bad then. They would literally drown out the street performers banging endlessly on buckets.

 

[Fac]

Second Port of Call and WWII. Worked at WWII for 3 months in between jobs. I would take breaks and go look at all of the exhibits.
Way to much to see in one day. Port of Call, use to go there every Friday night when single and dating. Great Burgers. just hope they still keep the light down low.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

The museum is on my list but not sure I’ll make it this time.

it’s looking like Rendezvous will be the highlight of the trip. Has anyone been? Thoughts?

 

[A2nit]

Increased number of young idiots/drunks at MG time. And found I had a better time with the parades the week before Fat Tuesday, but Bacchus is prime time. I prefer Jazz Fest for a NO visit, even when I was in my late 20s, but MG is worth it once, especially on the float. Have fun, be safe…

 

[GulfCoastLion]

I’m an old man, but my advice is stay home.

^^^^THIS^^^^
unless you’re under 30 years old, single and want to experience over the top, insane, drunken days full of debauchery, perversion & depravity.
Think Animal House covering 13 blocks along Bourbon Street/ French Quarter for 10 days

 

[Bwifan]

We have the opportunity to go to Mardi Gras this year. A friend was invited to be on a float during Bacchus (supposedly one of the biggest parades) so he asked us to join him in NO for the festivities. I had no idea there were so many parades. We're planning on hitting several parades and events.

Who's been? Input/advice?

I have been there several times for Mardi Gras and other times. Rode a float once, my cousin lived there and belonged to the Krewe of Pegasus so we rode their float. Most awesome experience I have ever had. It's crazy if you can ride the float. Buy plenty of beads for the parade. We went the night before and unpacked all the beads we ordered and hung all the beats on nails we put into the 2x4's on the float. Makes it easy to grab them and toss them to girls who are willing to work for their beads. Float had what I would call a bucket for a bathroom so prepare accordingly if you ride the float. HUGE keg party the night before the parade finishing up decorating the float. Then the tractors pull you through the worst sections of NOLA to the parade route. So much fun when you are on the parade route. If you are just going and partying ... FIRST and FOREMOST there are pick pockets everywhere. Keep your wallet in front pocket or something secure. Was there last year for Mardi Gras a guy tried to pull my wife's pocket book off her shoulder while watching the parade. Aside from that the WW2 museum is a must. Incredible displays and information to walk through. We did some bike rides (rented bikes) and was a blast riding bike routes. As usual we did Cafe DuMonde for breakfast one day.... The triple header for best eats in NOLA I did is no more ... Breakfast at Brennan's (banana's foster is a must), K-Paul's for lunch (Paul Prudhomme's restaurant closed during covid) and Commander's Palace for dinner owned by the Brennan family where Paul Prudhomme, Emeril and Jamie Shannon (local NJ/PA boy may he RIP) were executive chefs. Such outstanding food, if you are going to go to some of these places book your reservations now, they are probably filled already but for top notch eating you should make reservations now. Hope this helps some and enjoy.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Thanks to all for the input. We had an unbelievable time. The weather was perfect and having locals to host us made it one of the best trips we've ever done.

TL;DR: So many parades. I didn't see anyone flashing. We stayed away from Bourbon St at night. I love tailgating at Penn State, but tailgating at Mardi Gras is next level due to the sheer numbers. Bacchus Rendezvous was fabulous. All-around great trip.

Experiencing Mardi Gras With Locals!

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant parades, rich history, and unique traditions. With a celebration that spans months, it culminates in festivities defined…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

 

[rudedude]

Thanks to all for the input. We had an unbelievable time. The weather was perfect and having locals to host us made it one of the best trips we've ever done.

TL;DR: So many parades. I didn't see anyone flashing. We stayed away from Bourbon St at night. I love tailgating at Penn State, but tailgating at Mardi Gras is next level due to the sheer numbers. Bacchus Rendezvous was fabulous. All-around great trip.

Experiencing Mardi Gras With Locals!

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant parades, rich history, and unique traditions. With a celebration that spans months, it culminates in festivities defined…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

I enjoy your articles a lot. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

I enjoy your articles a lot. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

I appreciate the kind words. As I’ve said before these are primarily for me. The older I get the more I value the ability to go back and relive some of these experiences. I’m happy to know that others enjoy them too.

 

[saturdaysarebetter]

Great write-up Wandering as always. I had no idea all that went on during Mardi Gras and all those parades. I recommend doing the WWII Museum also. A great break out of the Louisiana sun and humidity I may add.

 

[Fac]

Loved the write-up.

I rode in Bacchus once, years ago and a couple of times in smaller Krewes.
Great times.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Great write-up Wandering as always. I had no idea all that went on during Mardi Gras and all those parades. I recommend doing the WWII Museum also. A great break out of the Louisiana sun and humidity I may add.

Thanks. One day I will get to the museum. It’s definitely on my list.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Loved the write-up.

I rode in Bacchus once, years ago and a couple of times in smaller Krewes.
Great times.

Thanks. My buddy loved his experience riding. Different perspective for sure.

 

[NittanyBuff]

We have the opportunity to go to Mardi Gras this year. A friend was invited to be on a float during Bacchus (supposedly one of the biggest parades) so he asked us to join him in NO for the festivities. I had no idea there were so many parades. We're planning on hitting several parades and events.

Who's been? Input/advice?

Stay out of the alleys after dark