01/
Metropolitan
A huge event space in the Central Business District, close to the convention center. There are several different stages, and it is connected to a separate event space called Generations Hall. It is probably one of the closest places in New Orleans to resemble a club. Typically they host EDM shows. One of the coolest events I attended there was a Mardi Gras party called Karnaval, featuring Dillon Francis. They had several sections for VIP and tables, as well as a silent disco in the back. I also saw Steve Aoki here.
Number: (504) 568-1702
Website: http://www.themetronola.com
02/
Republic
Electric venue. Much chiller vibe; however, it can throw many types of show. They still have lots of EDM, but it appears a little more like an old haunted house with old chandeliers. I have seen Hippie Sabotage and Louis the Child here.
Photo: Kurt Vile and the Violators
Number: (504) 528-8282
Website: https://republicnola.com
03/
Music Box Village
One of the most unique venues I have ever been to in my life. It is entirely built of recycled materials. There are instruments everywhere built into the village-like atmosphere. You can explore it on your own during the day. The shows that they put on there are incredibly unique. Typically a band will do a relatively acoustic version of their usual sets. I have seen Animal Collective and Mac DeMarco here.
Photo: Mac DeMarco
Contact: Link
Website: https://www.musicboxvillage.com
04/
One Eyed Jacks
A dirty but charming venue off Bourbon with a unique appeal. It looks kind of haunted as well but in a hip New Orleans manner. They usually do grunge/indie bands. I saw FIDLAR and Shannon and the Clams here, and I think someone else, but I can’t remember.
Photo: FIDLAR
Number: (504) 569-8361
Website: https://www.oneeyedjacks.net
05/
Civic
I like this venue, particularly for the decor. The entrance is lined with dramatic light orbs. Its interior is striking as well, decorated similarly to a traditional theater, but everything is painted white. Any type of music works here. I saw Mac Demarco and Dropkick Murphys here.
Photo: Dropkick Murphys
Number: (504) 272-0865
Website: https://www.civicnola.com
06/
Fillmore
A new venue located in Harrah’s Casino. Evidently, it is state of the art technology; yet, I found the sound to be subpar, and it felt like you were in a giant metal box. It also looks like a high school gym that they converted into a concert venue. Even though it just opened, I was lucky enough to catch the Revivalists here.
Photo: The Revivalists
Number: (504) 881-1555
Website: http://www.fillmorenola.com/
07/
Howlin' Wolf
I like this venue for its location/proximity to bars and the fact that it is privately owned and promoted, which attracts a unique collection of talent from the community. From the outside, it sometimes appears to be an abandoned building, but inside is a dazzling small concert hall.
Number: (504) 529-5844
Website: https://www.thehowlinwolf.com
08/
Gasa Gasa
A very small venue that features a lot of local talent. I really love this venue. They have a record shop open during the day, and you can really feel the energy when acts play. I have seen a couple of local acts and Animal Collective there. It’s perfect for a band just getting started or a bigger band that wants to do an intimate or secret show.
Photo: Exterior of the building
Number: (504) 338-3567
Website: https://www.gasagasa.com
09/
Eiffel Society
Eiffel Society is a novelty venue. As the name suggests, the building’s architecture is an homage to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. However, the dimensions are a bit scrunched. The venue can hold about 1000 people. I personally have thrown several events here, all with DJs, and had great experiences with the management team and the events themselves. It is privately owned, so they usually offer a good deal. It is located in the Garden District across the street from Hot Tin and the Pontchartrain Hotel, which acts as an excellent lodging for talent.
Photo: Stage view
Number: (504) 525-2951
Website: https://www.eiffelsociety.com
10/
Tipitina's
Mentioned in the “Drinking” Section as well; The world-renowned bar with the banana peel logo. The bar always played signature sounds of New Orleans but was only able to sell fruit juice, thus the banana peel in the logo. The times have changed, and they have a full bar. It was initially created for New Orleans legend, Professor Longhair, to play regularly when he could not tour anymore. Since then, it has welcomed iconic musicians such as Nine Inch Nails, Wilco, Willie Nelson, Trombone Shorty, Patti Smith, and James Brown. Tipitina’s was recently bought by New Orleans native band, Galactic, and they play their often. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to see a show here. It’s sacred land. If you can beat the heat during the summer, there are free shows on Friday nights. There is a certain charm to this place that is absolutely unbeatable.
Photo: Cimafunk, free Friday night show
Number: (504) 895-8477
Website: https://nvite.com/community/tipitinas#content-1561918372747
11/
Joy Theater
A very cool classic theater. I highly recommend for most types of music, whether it be pop, rock, or EDM, it all works. I am pretty sure I saw Flume here.
Photo: Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Number: (504) 528-9569
Website: https://www.thejoytheater.com
12/
Mardi Gras World
A collection of several of the most embellished venues I have ever been to in my entire life. Buku Fest is held here and the stages/tents are unique to any festival I have ever been to. Situated directly along the Mississippi River, Mardi Gras World is typically known to hold some of the most intense and elaborate Mardi Gras floats that parade the streets during the iconic holiday. However, the venue can be rented out for shows and events. One of the most electric experiences I had in college was in the “Float Den” during Buku. I saw Mason Maynard followed by Claude von Stroke on a stage that was dramatically complemented by highly decorated floats. Other stages in this space include tents set up along industrial buildings and a plantation mansion facade with an event patio that appears to be outside but is actually inside.
Photos: TOKiMONSTA , Float Den decor
Number: (504) 361-7821
13/
House of Blues
One of Live Nation’s many jewels. There are several different stages and many secret rooms. For a while, every time I went to the House of Blues, I went to a new room, I had never seen prior. I swear there are 15. It is best for rock shows, jazz shows, and blues shows. Probably country shows too, but I don’t know what a proper country venue entails. I have seen the funky METERS and The Growlers here.
Photos: The Growlers
Number: (504) 310-4999
Venues
In addition to the food and beverage industries, New Orleans is a city built on music. While New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz, the city also welcomes many genres of music into its streets with open arms. However, due to its inconvenient driving proximity to other cities and a large local music scene, many major touring acts skip New Orleans. Typically large arena/stadium level acts will play in the Superdome or Smoothie King Center. Both venues are huge and rob the integrity of the city while seeing the act. As an avid concert-goer, I saw many shows during my time in New Orleans, and there is something special about seeing an artist perform in a city like New Orleans. For one, they made an effort to come to the city and play, so they give it their all. Also, bands come to New Orleans for the appreciation of the city, and while they are working, they feel that they might as well enjoy it for their own amusement. Additionally, there is a sense of intimacy, seeing a show in NOLA that differs from other parts of the United States. The reciprocal vibes of appreciation for the Crescent City, combined with small intimate venues that afford close proximity to the artist, create an unparalleled musical experience for both the audience and the musician.
The venues mentioned on this page are places where I felt that connection in any given capacity.
