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Top 5 places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in NOLA for free

From Jackson Square to a parade in the French Quarter

New Year’s in New Orleans
Photo by Bart Everson, via Wikimedia Commons

After Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and CNN both announced live countdown coverage from New Orleans for the Central Time zone, it’s nearly certain that the city will be one of the hotspots welcoming the New Year.

However, New Orleans has been celebrating the New Year in its own distinct way for years, which means that there is plenty to do in the city.

Here is a list of 5 free things to do in New Orleans to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

1) Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

We're expanding the #RockinEve countdown to New Orleans with the first ever LIVE Central time zone countdown! dickclark.news/NYRExNOLA

Posted by Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on Monday, December 5, 2016

One of the largest, free events will kick off at Jax Brewery. On New Year’s Eve, Dick Clark Productions will put on a flurry of events near the Jax Brewery. What’s even better? The production will live stream New Orleans iconic annual Fleur-de-lis countdown drop that takes place on the top of Jax Brewery. Panic! at the Disco and Jason Derulo will headline live performances in New Orleans.

2) Zoo Year’s Eve

The Audubon Zoo is holding a kid-friendly New Year’s eve celebration with music, games, prizes, and a countdown to noon. The celebration, presented by the Children’s Hospital, will begin at 10:30 a.m, and end at 1:30 p.m. Zoo Year’s Eve is free to attend for all Audubon members. If you’re not a member, Zoo Year’s Eve is complimentary with regular park admission.

3) Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade

Allstate’s New Year’s Eve Parade
Map via Allstate Sugar Bowl’s official website

The intersection of Field Avenue and Decatur will be the starting point of the Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. The New Year’s Eve parade, which will feature several floats and bands, will roll though the French Quarter and end on Canal Street.

4) Allstate Fan Fest

The All State Fanfest will celebrate its 11th year this New year’s Eve. The event, which celebrates the upcoming New Year’s Sugar Bowl Game, will begin at 12 p.m. There will be pep rallies featuring marching bands, cheerleaders, and mascots. There will also be football related drills and activities. The event will take place at Jackson Square from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

5) Fireworks at Crescent Park

If you’d rather avoid the liver performances, and are up for celebrating New Year’s Eve with fireworks, Crescent Park will be open until 1 a.m. for firework viewings on the river. Check out this video of the firework show on 4th of July. New Year’s Eve will surely follow in suit.