New Orleans, Louisiana · November 6 to 7, 2026
Bayou Bacchanal
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Bayou Bacchanal
When is Bayou Bacchanal 2026?
Bayou Bacchanal 2026 is expected to run November 6 to 7, 2026. The dates follow the usual pattern and are not announced yet.
2026November 6 to 7, 2026Expected
2027November 5 to 6, 2027Expected
How the dates are set: The festival is held the first weekend in November: a Friday party and the carnival on Saturday.
Bayou Bacchanal schedule
- Friday evening: The festival begins with the Wear White Dance Party, an all-white evening party with Caribbean music.
- Saturday: The carnival starts with a street parade of masqueraders, marching bands and dance troupes playing soca, dancehall and reggae, followed by live performances and Caribbean food vendors.
- Saturday, November 7, 2026: Bayou Bacchanal 2026 takes place on November 7, 2026.
Source: carnivalvibez.com
Where to stay in New Orleans
- Downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter keep you close to the parade, food vendors and nightlife. For a quieter stay, Uptown and the Garden District are reachable by streetcar or rideshare.
Source: carnivalvibez.com
Tickets and cost
The main carnival celebration is free and family-friendly.
Source: carnivalvibez.com
Bayou Bacchanal: questions people ask
Is Bayou Bacchanal free?
The main carnival celebration is free and family-friendly.
What is Bayou Bacchanal?
It is the Caribbean Festival of New Orleans, produced by Friends of Culture, celebrating the music, customs and diversity of the Caribbean people.
What happens at Bayou Bacchanal?
A Wear White Dance Party kicks off the weekend, and the next day brings a costumed parade, live performances and Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, roti and curry goat.
Sources: carnivalvibez.com, culturenola.com
About Bayou Bacchanal
New Orleans' Caribbean carnival: a Friday white party, then a Saturday parade of costumes, soca, steelpan and island food.
Bayou Bacchanal is the Caribbean Festival of New Orleans, produced by Friends of Culture on the first weekend in November. It opens with a Wear White dance party and continues the next day with a parade of costumed bands and dance troupes, live Caribbean music and food vendors. The main event is free. Check the organizer for the venue, since sources name different parks.
Know before you go
- The main carnival day is free and family-friendly; parade registration and party events can carry fees.
- Wear white to the Friday party.
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) is about 30 minutes by car from the French Quarter area.
Planning the trip
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