February is such an eventful month — more eventful if you live in New Orleans. Not only are we celebrating Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, but in the Big Easy, we’re celebrating Mardi Gras! Yep, it’s official: Mardi Gras 2022 is in full effect after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the people are ecstatic. Parades have already begun rolling and ball season is on its way. However, Mardi Gras isn’t the only big event poppin’ this month.
There are so many options to choose from!
Kick off BHM with the Black AF Bar Tour, spend an enchanted evening with the kids at ‘Frozen’ – The Musical, or LYAO at Katt Williams’ ‘World World III’ comedy show. There’s literally something for everyone. This list is jam-packed with things to do, so you’ll never have to figure it out on your own. Feel free to bookmark it, share it with friends, and make sure to tag @ashleenicolespills when posting it on socials. HAVE FUN!
NOTE: The city of New Orleans is still under COVID restrictions. Masks and proof of vaccinations or negative COVID tests are required to attend businesses in the city. Be sure to pay attention to each event’s guidelines when clicking the links provided.
Here are 15 dope events to experience in New Orleans this February!
Friday, Feb. 4
Black AF Bar Tour – Everyone loves a good cocktail, so why not sip with a purpose? Kick off the first weekend of Black History Month by celebrating all things black excellence during Meet Me at the Bar’s signature bar tour. Bar hopping begins at 6:30 p.m. + complimentary Lyft codes will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour schedule is on a hush but is released when you cop your ticket. Cheers!
‘Legendz of the Streetz’ Tour – After being rescheduled from October 2021, the highly-anticipated concert is finally making its way to New Orleans. Hip-Hop heavyweights, Fabolous, Jeezy, Trina, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, and DJ Drama, will rock out the Smoothie King Center at one of the most iconic tours to date. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Cop your tickets now!
Fabolous + Jeezy Concert After Party – After the show, it’s the afterparty; And it will be going down at Treehouse NOLA, hosted by Fabolous and Jeezy. Doors open at 7 p. m.; Ladies get in free ’til 11 p.m. For table resy, text (504) 547-6201.
Sunday, Feb. 7
Cordae – ‘From A Bird’s Eye View’ Tour – The Gen Z rapper may be young, but with musical influences like Big L., Nas, and J. Cole, his music is not like the rest. The “RNP” rapper will be hitting the House of Blues stage to perform cuts from his latest album, From A Bird’s Eye View. Singers Justine Skye and Hxliday are opening the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cop tickets!
Thursday, Feb. 10
‘Frozen’ – The Musical – Grab the kiddos and head to the Saenger Theatre to see Elsa, Anna, and Olaf live and in living color. The tour’s New Orleans stop ends on February 20, so hurry over to the theater’s website and make sure to cop your tickets!
Friday, Feb. 11
WWE Friday Night SmackDown – The original smackdown was set to go down in October 2021, but like many events during COVID, it was postponed. Now, fans get to witness all of their favorite Smackdown Superstars live and broadcast to the world from the Smoothie King Center. Cop your tickets here.
Saturday, Feb. 12
NOJO Plays the Music of Anita Baker – Singer Erica Falls will be performing soulful sounds from the legendary catalog of Anita Baker, along with singer Phillip Manuel, and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra at the New Orleans Jazz Market. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets.
Sunday, Feb. 13
“hey love…” A Happy Hour with Soul Sister – DJ Soul Sister is doing this one for the lovers. The queen of rare grove will be setting the tone for Valentine’s Day with a loved-theme vinyl selector’s set featuring soulful throwback love ballads, mellow two-steppers, Quiet Storm classics, and Sunday slow drag jams. Catch her set at The Lobby Bar inside of the Ace Hotel from 6 – 8:30 p.m. No cover.
Friday, Feb. 18
Katt Williams: World World III Tour – Comedy giant and Emmy® Award-winning actor, Katt Williams, will be providing knee-slapping laughs and thought-provoking social commentary at the Lakefront Arena. 8 p.m. Cop tickets here!
Saturday, Feb. 19 + Sunday, Feb. 20
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live – If (you or) your kids are anything like my nephews, Phoenix and Hendrix, then you will definitely want to be front-and-center at the Lakefront Arena for the Monster Trucks show. From car-crushing action to the demo derby, you’re in for a true, outrageous experience. There’s also a Hot Wheels Crash Zone Pre-Show Party that begins 2 1/2 hours before the main event. Fans will be able to go onto the competition floor and have an up, close, and personal look at the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks. FYI: Kids’ tickets are just $10 + showtimes vary. Cop all tickets here!
Wednesday, Feb, 23
Action Bronson + Earl Sweatshirt: NBA LEATHER TOUR 2022 – Not only is Action Bronson a cool rapper, but he happens to be one of my favorite foodies. If you’ve never watched his yummy series, “F**k, That’s Delicious,” binge. it. now. Anyway, he and Earl Sweatshirt with fellow rappers, The Alchemist and Boldy James, will be performing live at The Fillmore. The show starts at 7 p.m. Cop tickets.
Thursday, Feb. 24
Wale: ‘Under the Blue Moon’ Tour – Known for his classic hits, “The Matrimony” and “Lotus Flower Bomb,” Wale will be stopping by to perform at The Fillmore. You already know Wale’s concert is deemed to be lit; But the best part? It’s happening during Mardi Gras… so you know it’s going to be too lit lit to quit!
Friday. Feb. 25
Zulu Coronation Ball – One of the biggest balls of Mardi Gras season is bigger than ever this year with performances by legendary R&B Artists Stephanie Mills, Dru Hill, Tamia, and Keith Sweat, with sounds by DJ Jubilee and DJ Polo 504. As always, the major event will be held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with a strict formal dress code: Men must wear black tuxedos and ladies’ gowns must be floor length. Cop your tickets ASAP.
Saturday, Feb. 26
Endymion Extravangza 2022 – The Endymion “super krewe” is said to throw the best parties during Mardi Gras; And by the look of this year’s lineup, there may be some truth to that statement. The theme of the 2022 parade is “Legends of Fire and Ice,” and they are bringing just that with THE Diana Ross and pop-rock band, Maroon 5 (featuring New Orleans’ own, PJ Morton) headlining the Extravaganza. The annual party will be held at the newly-named Caesars Superdome and is expected to be huger than ever. For more info and to cop tix, call 504-736-0160.
Monday, Feb. 28
The Big Black Brunch – Troll Talk and Urban Society Long Beach are bringing it back to the culture with the ultimate Lundi Gras brunch experience. Held at Culture Park, the event will highlight 20 black-owned vendors located in Metro New Orleans. With four live DJs, games, prizes, giveaways, and a brunch menu that pays homage to New Orleans’ culture and cuisine, this is the perfect event to close out Black History Month. Cop tix!