Mardi Gras in New Orleans is famously known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” and while the vibrant parades rolling through the city streets are indeed free to enjoy, enhancing your experience with a Mardi Gras package, especially on Bourbon Street, can elevate your celebration to a whole new level. Imagine having access to clean restrooms, a steady flow of drinks, delicious New Orleans cuisine, and, most importantly, a coveted balcony view overlooking the exhilarating crowds below.
For those seeking an unforgettable Mardi Gras experience right in the heart of the action, Bourbon Street offers an array of packages designed to provide comfort, convenience, and unparalleled views. While the packages detailed below are from 2024, they offer a fantastic glimpse into the types of premium experiences you can expect for Mardi Gras 2025. Be sure to check back closer to the date for the most current package information. And for a taste of authentic New Orleans dining during Carnival, explore our recommended restaurants.
Bourbon Street Mardi Gras Package Highlights
To help you navigate the exciting options, here are some of the top Mardi Gras packages available on or near Bourbon Street, promising an elevated celebration:
Bourbon Heat: The Ultimate Bourbon Street Balcony Experience
For the quintessential Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street adventure, Bourbon Heat stands out. This venue provides an unmatched vantage point with its expansive 50-foot balcony that puts you right above the heart of the Bourbon Street festivities. Bourbon Heat offers a variety of packages throughout the Mardi Gras weekend:
- Endymion After Parti Package: On Saturday, typically the peak of Endymion celebrations, enjoy VIP sections and open bar access to keep the party going after the parades.
- Bacchus to Bourbon After Party: Sunday’s Bacchus festivities transition seamlessly into Bourbon Street revelry with VIP Bottle Service and Balcony Packages at Bourbon Heat.
- Lundi Gras & Fat Tuesday Packages: On Monday and Fat Tuesday, Bourbon Heat keeps the energy high from 11 a.m. until late, offering VIP Bottle Service and Balcony Packages for prime parade viewing and street party access.
Beyond the spectacular views, Bourbon Heat enhances the atmosphere with live music throughout the weekend, featuring a lineup of DJs and performers to keep the energy electric.
Mardi Gras Parade Tickets: Grandstand Seating for Optimal Viewing
While the street parades are free, securing a spot in grandstand seating along the parade route offers a significantly enhanced viewing experience. Mardi Gras Parade Tickets provides reserved bleacher seating, ensuring an up-close and comfortable view of the elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed maskers.
These packages are family-friendly and include essential amenities like access to portable restrooms and nearby food and beverage vendors, adding convenience to your parade experience. Packages typically start at an accessible price point, making grandstand viewing a great upgrade for enjoying the parades.
Hotel Provincial: French Quarter Charm Near Bourbon Street
For those desiring a more tranquil Mardi Gras experience with easy access to the excitement, Hotel Provincial offers a charming boutique hotel setting. Located just a few blocks from the bustling Bourbon Street and the historic French Market, Hotel Provincial provides a serene retreat amidst lush tropical courtyards.
Beautifully adorned for Mardi Gras, the hotel allows you to immerse yourself in the Carnival spirit right from your doorstep, offering a peaceful yet conveniently located base for your New Orleans festivities.
Mambo’s: Rooftop Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street
Experience Mardi Gras from a unique vantage point at Mambo’s, home to Bourbon Street’s only rooftop terrace. Celebrate Carnival high above the crowds with Mambo’s VIP ticket packages, which include:
- All-inclusive New Orleans Cuisine Buffet: Indulge in the flavors of the city with unlimited access to a festive buffet.
- Premium Open Bar: Enjoy a wide selection of drinks throughout your chosen time slot.
- Private Balcony & Restrooms: Benefit from exclusive balcony access for prime views and private restroom facilities, a true luxury during Mardi Gras.
Mambo’s offers various package options to fit your schedule:
- Day Pass (11 AM – 4 PM): Perfect for daytime parade viewing and festivities.
- Night Pass (6 PM – 1 AM): Ideal for experiencing the vibrant Bourbon Street nightlife during Mardi Gras.
- All Day Pass (11 AM – 1 AM): The ultimate experience, allowing you to enjoy the celebrations from day through night.
Tickets are generally available leading up to and during the Mardi Gras period, but purchasing in advance is highly recommended to secure your rooftop spot.
Rue Bourbon Balconies: Be Part of the Parade Action
Don’t just watch Mardi Gras – become a part of it with Rue Bourbon Balconies! Their VIP Bourbon Street Balcony Tickets provide a coveted spot on one of their historic balconies located at 201, 400, and 240 Bourbon Street, including above the famous Old Absinthe House.
From your balcony perch, you can shower the crowds below with beads, truly immersing yourself in the Mardi Gras spirit. Rue Bourbon VIP tickets typically include:
- Open Bar: Keep the drinks flowing throughout the festivities.
- Snacks: Maintain your energy with provided snacks as you enjoy the day.
- Private Party Room Bathrooms: Enjoy the convenience of private restroom access.
- Iconic Vieux Carré Views: Take in the breathtaking scenery of the French Quarter from your prime location.
Rue Bourbon offers a variety of ticket options to suit different preferences and budgets, ensuring you can find the perfect balcony experience.
Tujague’s: French Quarter Parade Viewing Party
While not directly on Bourbon Street, Tujague’s, located on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, offers an excellent Krewe du Vieux Parade Viewing Party. Enjoy a prime view of this unique parade with a package that includes:
- Open Bar: Featuring call brand liquors, beer, and wine.
- Balcony Viewing Access: Secure a spot on the balcony to watch the parade go by.
- Delicious Food: Savor tasty food offerings throughout the event.
- Indoor Seating & Private Bathroom: Enjoy the comforts of indoor seating and private restroom facilities.
General Admission tickets are typically available, offering a comprehensive and comfortable parade viewing experience in a historic French Quarter setting.
Felix’s Bourbon Street Balcony Rental: Private Events for Large Groups
For larger groups looking for an exclusive Mardi Gras experience, Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar offers a private Bourbon Street Balcony rental. Their upstairs space can accommodate up to 100 guests and includes:
- Exclusive Rental of Upstairs Space: Enjoy complete privacy for your group.
- Mardi Gras Buffet: Indulge in a buffet featuring classic New Orleans dishes.
- Open Bar: Keep the celebration lively with an open bar.
- In/Out Privileges: Allows your guests to move between the balcony and street festivities freely.
- Private Restrooms: Exclusive restroom access for your group’s convenience.
Individual armbands can also be purchased onsite, making it easy to manage access for your private event. Felix’s balcony rental provides a luxurious and private way to experience Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street with a large group.
Maison Bourbon Jazz Club: Jazz & Balcony Views on Bourbon Street
Combine the vibrant energy of Bourbon Street with the soulful sounds of jazz at Maison Bourbon Jazz Club. Their Jazz Parlor connects to a spacious balcony that wraps around the corner of Bourbon and St. Peter streets, offering an unbeatable location.
On Mardi Gras Day, their Bourbon Street Balcony party, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., includes:
- Open Bar: Enjoy drinks throughout the afternoon.
- Festive Menu: Savor a menu featuring New Orleans favorites like Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, Shrimp Pasta, Mini Po-Boys, and King Cake.
Tickets are limited and tend to sell out quickly for this unique Mardi Gras experience, blending jazz, food, and prime balcony views.
Olde NOLA Cookery: Bourbon Street Balcony with Culinary Delights
Olde NOLA Cookery offers two fantastic balconies overlooking the Carnival action on Bourbon Street. Their Mardi Gras package typically includes:
- All You Can Eat New Orleans Cuisine Buffet: Enjoy unlimited servings of local culinary specialties.
- Premium Open Bar: Keep refreshed with premium drink selections.
- Private Bathrooms: Benefit from exclusive restroom access for package holders.
- Exclusive Bourbon Street Private Balcony Access: Enjoy prime balcony views from 4 PM to 10 PM.
While they list package details for February 9, 2025, it’s best to confirm directly for Mardi Gras Day or other dates during the Carnival season. Olde NOLA Cookery combines delicious food with a prime Bourbon Street balcony location.
Beyond Bourbon Street: Exploring Other Mardi Gras Package Options
While Bourbon Street is the epicenter of much of the Mardi Gras excitement, various other packages throughout New Orleans can enhance your Carnival experience. Options like the Steamboat Natchez Mardi Gras Package offer a unique riverboat perspective, and events like the Second Annual Queen’s March at Houmas House provide different facets of Mardi Gras celebrations outside the French Quarter.
Plan Your Ultimate Mardi Gras Bourbon Street Experience
Mardi Gras packages, especially those on Bourbon Street, offer a way to maximize your enjoyment of this spectacular event. From balcony views to all-inclusive amenities, these packages provide comfort, convenience, and an elevated perspective for experiencing “The Greatest Free Show on Earth.” As you plan for Mardi Gras 2025, explore these options and check back for updated package details to create your perfect New Orleans Carnival celebration.
