X
VIEW ALL RESULTS
VIEW ALL RESULTS
    X
    X
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
      • Professional Services

      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

      Events, Food and Wine, Lists, Restaurants, Shows and Performances, Travel Tips

      Mardi Gras’ Can’t-Miss Events
      By DeMarco Williams

      February 6, 2013

      SB-NOLA-Credit-iStock-SandraO'Claire

      When you think of Mardi Gras, a couple of visions immediately come to mind — loud costumes, loose blouses and lots of beads. And while those attributes certainly apply, there’s another side to the celebration that includes grand music, good food and great family activities. Here are a few New Orleans events during Carnival that put a different spin on the spectacle.

      5th Annual King Cake Tasting Party

      Outside of NOLA, king cake isn’t a huge deal. But inside the Crescent City, the oval-shaped, heavily decorated cinnamon pastry gets the royal treatment. At this event, which is the city’s largest king-cake-tasting party and annually hosted by Forbes Travel Guide correspondent Leslie Almeida, the gold carpet is extended out to area bakers to see who can make the finest dessert. In addition to all the tasting and judging, there will be live music and lots of giveaways for you to dig into, too. Feb. 9

      Mardi Gras Color Run

      Though some locals say this “race” is loosely based off of the Hindu tradition’s Festival of Colors, we think that the creative minds behind the event just wanted an excuse to throw powder at each other. Either way, the idea of being covered in yellow, orange, pink and blue at various points along a 5K is incentive enough to lace up the sneakers. People of all skill sets join in, but no one is timed. In fact, the only thing participants are serious about is having a good time. Feb. 9

      Orpheuscapade

      Every Krewe has something it’s famous for. If you are familiar with Greek mythology, you know that Orpheus’ tie is with music. It’s said that Orpheus, the son of Apollo, played such beautiful sounds with his instrument that he could even charm inanimate objects. On this night, the rhythms will be nearly as pristine as New Orleans native Harry Connick Jr., Trombone Shorty and actor/guitarist Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band take the stage at a black-tie event open to anyone looking to dance the night away. Feb. 11

      Zulu Lundi Gras Festival

      Hosted by the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, the Lundi Gras Festival is a joyous, event-filled day of costumes, food and all-out revelry at Woldenberg Park. Young festivalgoers will like the Frito Lay Children’s Stage’s live entertainment. Adults will have a blast with Kermit Ruffins & the Barbeque Swingers’ spirited jazz set. And everyone in your group will appreciate the Cajun-flavored pomp that goes into King Zulu’s dramatic entrance. Feb. 11

      Photos Courtesy of iStock/Sandra O’Claire

      Share
      Tweet
      Pin
      Share
      Carnival Color Run Festival of Colors Gary Sinise Harry Connick Jr. King Cake Tasting Party Mardi Gras New Orleans NOLA Orpheuscapade Trombone Shorty Zulu Lundi Gras Festival
      by Forbes Travel Guide Editor DeMarco Williams 

      About Forbes Travel Guide Editor DeMarco Williams

      View all posts by Forbes Travel Guide Editor DeMarco Williams

      Related Posts

      • Four Seasons Hotel New OrleansWhy You Should Visit New Orleans’ Rejuvenated Riverfront
      • Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection5 Southern Cities To Visit Right Now
      • Mudbugs and BubblesThis Hotel Offers A Crawfish Concierge
      • The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans and musician Jeremy DavenportNew Orleans Legend Keeps Jazz Traditions Alive Despite The Pandemic

      Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

      Dreaming of your next trip?

      Let us inspire you with weekly special offers and stories about what's new and exciting in luxury travel.
      THANK YOU! CONFIRMATION EMAIL SENT.
      You can withdraw your consent at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy and Terms or Contact Us for more information.