Krewe du Vieux, Tet Fest, and More Weekend Picks

This weekend in New Orleans, we’re in full-fledged Carnival mode. Parades roll on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but this isn’t even our biggest weekend yet. Enjoy a Front Porch Book Sale, a Mardi Gras Art Market, and a pop-up Roller Disco. The weekend will be here before you know it.

ALL MONTH

Celebrate Black History Month in New Orleans – This February in New Orleans, take time to visit a multicultural museum, one of New Orleans’ many black-owned restaurants, or go to one of these events in honor of Black History Month.

ALL WEEKEND

Tet Fest –  Celebrate Lunar New Year at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church’s annual Tet Fest. Vietnamese food, drinks, Dragon dances, live music, and fireworks are highlights of the weekend-long event celebrating the Vietnamese New Year and culture.

FRIDAY

Krewe Bohème – Rolling through the Marigny and French Quarter at 7 p.m. is Krewe Bohème. This parade celebrates femininity with sub-krewes such as the “goddesses,” a group of female deities from religions around the world. Keep an eye out for the “Green Absinthe Fairy,” the Krewe’s queen, leading this year’s procession.

Black History Month Oretha Castle Haley Tribute featuring Rene Neufville – The annual New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Black History Month concert celebrates the lives, experiences, and achievements of African Americans that have shaped our country’s history. Celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Oretha Castle Haley, New Orleans civil rights icon, at the New Orleans Jazz Market on Friday. Tickets are $30 and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY & SUNDAY

Tchaikovsky’s Joan of Arc – See Joan of Arc through Tchaikovsky’s eyes with a presentation from the New Orleans Opera Association. This production tells her story, from receiving a vision to battle with the French army to her death at the stake. Catch the show February 7 and 9 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Tickets start at $30.

SATURDAY

Front Porch Book Sale – From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library will host a book sale on the front porch of the Milton H. Latter Library. All genres of books will be on sale for $1, and children will have the opportunity to decorate and fill up a bag for $5.

Krewe du Vieux, krewedelusion – Krewe du Vieux returns for the 2020 Mardi Gras season this Saturday, rolling from the Marigny to the French Quarter and back. This wildly irreverent parade is not for the faint of heart; krewedelusion follows. Krewe du Vieux rolls at 6:30 p.m.

Crossroads – The Ogden Museum of Southern Art presents Melvin Edwards: Crossroads, an exhibition that explores the cross-cultural connections in the artist’s work from 1977 to the present. Opening Saturday, Feb. 8 and on view through July 5, 2020, this exhibition of 22 sculptures and installations focuses on the ways in which Edward’s dynamic welded steel works have been influenced by his singular vision of abstraction and by his personal experiences—from growing up during the civil rights era in the U.S. to engaging with a variety of African cultures. The museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $13.50 for adults.

Sweat it Out – A Roller Disco with a secret location, all you need to do is show up with $10 and be ready to party. The event will include food vendors and a late night happy hour. It starts at 9 p.m. Saturday, and skates are first come, first serve. Register online for location details.

SUNDAY

Mardi Gras Art Market – The Mardi Gras Art Market at Music Box Village is a crafter’s dream, featuring 40+ vendors of vintage and handmade costumes, art, jewelry, homewares, and more. Drinks specials at our bar and local food popups will be onsite. The event is free from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Krewe of Nefertiti – The newest all-female krewe, the Krewe of Nefertiti, is set to roll its Family Day Parade on Sunday in New Orleans East. Catch it at 11 a.m. starting at the intersection of Bullard Avenue and Lake Forest Boulevard.

‘tit Rəx – ‘tit Rəx may be the smallest of all parades, but that’s part of its charm. The meticulously-decorated shoe box floats delight parade-watchers of all ages. Bring your magnifying glass – you’ll need it. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Bywater at 1200 St. Roch Ave.