The Best Mardi Gras Music

For this week’s Editor’s Pick, we put together a list of some New Orleans and Carnival music perfect for the parade route. From the traditional classics to a little Big Freedia, we have everything you need to get the party started this Carnival weekend.

“Right Place Wrong Time” – Dr. John

“Indian Red” – The Wild Tchoupitoulas

“Iko Iko” – The Dixie Cups

- Advertisement -

“Ooh Poo Pah Doo” – Jessie Hill for getting parade ready.

“Le Mardi Gras” – Lost Bayou Ramblers 

“Street Parade” – Earl King

- Partner Content -

New Year, Same You

As we ring in the new year, many of us are familiar with the cycle of making resolutions, especially when it comes to health...

“All on Mardi Gras Day” – Big Al Carson

“Do You Know What it Means” – Louis Armstrong

“Why You Worried ‘bout Me” – Rebirth Brass Band

- Advertisement -

“Can’t Nobody Get Down” – Hot 8 Brass Band

“Blow the Horns” – The Soul Rebels

“Halftime: Stand Up & Get Crunk” – The Soul Rebels

“Get Ready, Ready – DJ Jubilee

“How Much Fun” – Robert Palmer (the Meters as the band)

“Go to the Mardi Gras” – Professor Longhair

“Carnival Time” – Al Johnson

“Do Whatcha Wanna” – Rebirth Brass Band

“Cassanova” – Rebirth Brass Band

“Hey Pocky A-Way” – The Meters

“Big Chief” – Professor Longhair

“Y’all Get Back Now” and “Excuse” – Big Freedia

“Big” – Tank and the Bangas + Big Freedia

“Pop That ….” – Rebirth Brass Band

Additional notes from the editors:

“And anything Meters, particularly from The Anthology. There are the classic Mardi Gras anthems but the less obvious, Soul Island, Cissy Strut and Just Kissed my Baby always get the party started.” – Andy Myer, Editor St Charles Avenue

“My Mardi Gras soundtrack is mostly listening to the amazing marching bands as they pass on by. I am always secretly hoping the parade stops for a minute so I can get a front row viewing of their amazing performances.” – Ashley McLellan, Editor New Orleans Magazine

“Literally anything by Rebirth Brass Band is just a solid ‘yes’! And anything from Big Freedia gets the party started!” – Kelly Massicot, Digital Editor

Get Our Email Newsletters

The best in New Orleans dining, shopping, events and more delivered to your inbox.

Digital Sponsors

Become a MyNewOrleans.com sponsor ...

Close the CTA

Happy

504 Day! 🎉

Order a full year of

local love, delivered

to your door.

Limited time offer.

New subscribers only.

New Orleans Magazine FOOD CUBES!

Close the CTA

Want to know what to eat while headed to the Festival Stage or sitting under the tree at the Gentilly Stage? Get the New Orleans Magazine "Food Cubes" sent directly to your email for FREE!