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6 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans

Most of the events are free!

By Eric Craig and Missy Wilkinson Updated
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By Eric Craig and Missy Wilkinson Updated

New Orleans puts its own spin on New Year’s Eve, just as it does with everything else. Whether you’re watching the fleur-de-lis drop from home with a steaming bowl of gumbo or you’re taking in the scene from a Bourbon Street balcony, there’s no wrong way to celebrate. Feel like going out on the town? Here are the best free and low-cost New Year’s Eve events of 2018.

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Fireworks on the River 

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Fireworks start at midnight

The free fireworks show will be visible from both river fronts. Take the Algiers/Canal Street ferry over to Algiers Point, where you can see the display against New Orleans’ glittering skyline. Or stay on the East Bank to ooh and ahh from The Moonwalk Riverfront Park.

New Orleans, LA 70116

Allstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest

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Noon to midnight Monday, December 31

If you’re looking for music and football-themed activities to ring in the New Year, check out this massive, free celebration, which overtakes the Jax Brewery parking lot. Florida Georgia Line and Maren Morris headline, and there will also be pep rallies, a parade at 2 p.m., and interactive games throughout the day.

700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 658-3200
(504) 658-3200

A post shared by Jennifer (@ultimatemom79) on

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Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

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8 p.m. to midnight

You could watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on TV... or you could bundle up and head to Jackson Square to participate in the festivities. Hosted by actress Lucy Hale, this event features live music, celebrity appearances, and a fireworks display.

700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 658-3200
(504) 658-3200

A post shared by Chelsea Craig (@che.craig) on

Also featured in:

Louisiana Children's Museum Countdown to Noon

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9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to ring in the New Year (without staying up late), check out the annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM). The Countdown to Noon offers confetti and balloon releases, noise makers, and paper-bag hats. Admission is $12/person for non-LCM members and $8/person for LCM members.

420 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-1357
(504) 523-1357

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Crescent Park

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7 p.m. to midnight

Ever since Crescent Park opened in 2014, Bywater and Marigny denizens have had a fireworks-watching place to call their own. Crescent Park is positioned to offer prime viewing of the West and East bank’s dueling displays.

1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 522-2621
(504) 522-2621

Audubon Zoo Year’s Eve

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10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This beautiful Uptown zoo is open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Its New Year’s Eve event offers family-friendly activities, music, and games. The event is free for Audubon members and included with regular admission for non-members.

New Orleans, LA 70118

A post shared by Kerry Petit Jr (@kpetitjr) on

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Fireworks on the River 

New Orleans, LA 70116

Fireworks start at midnight

The free fireworks show will be visible from both river fronts. Take the Algiers/Canal Street ferry over to Algiers Point, where you can see the display against New Orleans’ glittering skyline. Or stay on the East Bank to ooh and ahh from The Moonwalk Riverfront Park.

New Orleans, LA 70116

Allstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest

700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Noon to midnight Monday, December 31

If you’re looking for music and football-themed activities to ring in the New Year, check out this massive, free celebration, which overtakes the Jax Brewery parking lot. Florida Georgia Line and Maren Morris headline, and there will also be pep rallies, a parade at 2 p.m., and interactive games throughout the day.

700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 658-3200
(504) 658-3200

A post shared by Jennifer (@ultimatemom79) on

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

8 p.m. to midnight

You could watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on TV... or you could bundle up and head to Jackson Square to participate in the festivities. Hosted by actress Lucy Hale, this event features live music, celebrity appearances, and a fireworks display.

700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 658-3200
(504) 658-3200

A post shared by Chelsea Craig (@che.craig) on

Louisiana Children's Museum Countdown to Noon

420 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70130

9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to ring in the New Year (without staying up late), check out the annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM). The Countdown to Noon offers confetti and balloon releases, noise makers, and paper-bag hats. Admission is $12/person for non-LCM members and $8/person for LCM members.

420 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-1357
(504) 523-1357

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Crescent Park

1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117

7 p.m. to midnight

Ever since Crescent Park opened in 2014, Bywater and Marigny denizens have had a fireworks-watching place to call their own. Crescent Park is positioned to offer prime viewing of the West and East bank’s dueling displays.

1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 522-2621
(504) 522-2621

Audubon Zoo Year’s Eve

New Orleans, LA 70118

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This beautiful Uptown zoo is open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Its New Year’s Eve event offers family-friendly activities, music, and games. The event is free for Audubon members and included with regular admission for non-members.

New Orleans, LA 70118

A post shared by Kerry Petit Jr (@kpetitjr) on