My word! It’s already almost time for Mardi Gras! We’re booked for the Big Week, but just prior to that, you can come and enjoy a whole lot of great events and activities, even Mardi Gras related ones, and miss the major crowds and still opens in a new windowget a room at 1896 O’Malley House! Here are the Top Five February Events in New Orleans:

1- opens in a new windowTet Fest: Vietnamese New Year
When: 02/08/2019 – 02/10/2019, times vary
Where: Mary Queen of Vietnam Church
How Much: Free
A family-friendly event with Vietnamese food, dancing, music and vendors. There will be a fireworks show and dragon dance on Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm.

2- Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus Parade
When: 02/09/2018, 7pm
Where: Press and Chartres
How Much: Free
The “Nerd Horde” turns out en masse for this no-motor parade. The contraptions that are driven by the 2000+ Revel Alliance are all hand-made and try very hard to be self-sustaining. Come out and try to snag specialty, hand-decorated throws such as frisbees, bandoliers, bean bags, stuffed animals and more.

3- opens in a new windowNew Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
When: 02/08/2019 – 02/10/2018
Where: Ernest N Morial Convention Center
How Much: Varies
The New Orleans Rock’n’Roll Marathon is a huge event in the running world. Thousands of people descend on the city not only to run, but also to support runners. There will be a sports expo for two days prior to the marathon, with accompanying 5K, 10K and half-marathons.  The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is the headliner for entertainment. The coveted race t-shirts are all new for 2019 and runners will love the brand new medals!

4- opens in a new windowKrewe du Vieux Parade and Ball
When: 02/16/2019, 6:30pm
Where: French Quarter
How Much: Free for parade, $40 for Ball
The Krewe du Vieux is a walking parade known for their satirical and adult themes. They are made up of 17 sub-krewes, who flaunt their own unique ideas of the 2019
theme, “City of Yes Yes”, along with 17 bands. The opens in a new windowKrewe du Vieux Ball follows the parade and is open to the public.

5 – opens in a new windowKrewe of Muses Parade
When: 02/28/2019, 6:30pm
Where: Magazine and Jefferson
How Much: Free
The Krewe of Muses is a group of dedicated women who not only put on an amazing parade, but also work to enrich the lives of New Orleans schoolchildren and take part in community work. The throws are one-of-a-kind, and this is the first major parade with floats of carnival season.

So come early, have some fun in the warm New Orleans weather, and enjoy the pre-Mardi Gras festivities!