Tet Festival
Photograph: Rebecca Todd
Photograph: Rebecca Todd

The best things to do in New Orleans this weekend

Celebrate Tet, gallery-hop or catch some live music this weekend in New Orleans

Gerrish Lopez
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If you're already planning this weekend in New Orleans there's plenty to add to your list. Celebrate the Vietnamese new year at Tet Festival, check out some art at First Saturday gallery openings or swing to some hot jazz. And, of course, you can make it a complete night with a meal at a top restaurant or drinks at a standout bar. From live music to museum exhibits, here are all the great things you can do this weekend in New Orleans. 

RECOMMENDED:  The best things to do in New Orleans

Best things to do in New Orleans this weekend

Phantogram

Jan. 27 at House of Blues

The dreamy, electronic rock duo brings their spacey sounds and swirling rhythms of their Running Through Colors Tour to the House of Blues.

Tet Fest

Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church

This winter festival celebrates the Vietnamese New Year. The weekend-long event features traditional Vietnamese food—spring rolls, báhn mì, pho and other less-common staples—plus music, drumming, dance and a nightly fireworks display. Catch a glimpse of Vietnamese heritage and culture while digging into some of the best street eats around.

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Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers

Jan. 31 at Blue Nile

Catch Kermit Ruffins' back at his regular gig at the Blue Nile. You'll be swinging and dancing all night. As Kermit says, "We partyin'!"

Gallery Openings

Feb. 1 on Julia Street and Magazine Street

The longstanding tradition of First Saturday Gallery Openings in the Warehouse Arts District is a highlight each month. Stroll Julia Street and beyond to see what’s on display at more than a dozen galleries. The First Saturday Art Walk on Magazine Street showcases the galleries further Uptown. Sips and bites enhance the artsy affairs, and both neighborhoods boast great restaurants and bars to wrap up a night out.

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New Orleans Photo Alliance: Currents 2024

Through Feb. 23 at Ogden Museum

Catch the annual exhibition highlighting the diverse photographic work created by New Orleans Photo Alliance (NOPA) members. Curated by Liv Constable-Maxwell, a commissioning editor at the London-based publisher “MACK,” the showcase exhibition is an overview of contemporary photographic practices and projects in the city.

Prospect.6: The Future is Present, The Harbinger is Home

Through Feb. 2 at various locations

The citywide contemporary art triennial is back to showcase artists from all over the world. Prospect.6 will explore climate change, colonialism and belonging. Participating artists will exhibit around the city in diverse venues like museums, parks, theaters and universities. Expect thought-provoking murals, installations, performances and community programs.

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Sand Ash Heat: Glass

Through Feb. 10 at New Orleans Museum of Art

Sand, Ash, Heat: Glass dives deep into the 4,000-year global history of glass. This dazzling showcase isn't just about pretty objects; it highlights how glass intersects with major scientific breakthroughs, culinary traditions and artistic revolutions. Expect to see an eclectic mix of treasures, from intricately crafted ceramics and elegant glassware to statement-making furniture and even a show-stopping chandelier.

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