New Orleans leaders say the 2026 Mardi Gras season delivered strong crowds, packed hotels, and major energy for tourism. Early numbers are still coming in, but the outlook points to a successful Carnival and a strong start to spring.
Healthy Tourism Numbers
Kelly Schulz with New Orleans & Company says hotels across the French Quarter and downtown reached over 90 percent occupancy during the second Mardi Gras weekend. Restaurants, shops, and parade-route businesses also saw steady traffic.
Because Mardi Gras landed on President’s Day weekend, more travelers chose New Orleans for a long holiday trip, which boosted visitor spending.
Schulz explains that her team used its St. Charles Avenue headquarters for live national TV interviews. As a result, millions of viewers saw Mardi Gras in real time and heard about the city’s upcoming festival season.
Highlighting the Family Side of Mardi Gras
Many visitors still think Mardi Gras is only about the French Quarter. However, Schulz points out that the uptown parade route shows the local, family-friendly side. Families cook, share food, and treat the day like an LSU game-day tailgate. Kids climb ladder seats, grandparents camp out for hours, and neighbors mingle with visitors.
A Tulane study estimates Mardi Gras brings $900 million in economic impact each year. It also shows that every dollar the city invests returns $2.64, which strengthens the case for continued support.
Big Conventions on the Way
Looking ahead, New Orleans will host several major conventions this spring. The next one is the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, which arrives in early March. It will bring 18,000 attendees who stay longer, spend more, and explore the city before and after their sessions. This steady convention flow supports hotels, restaurants, and music venues.
Community Events Add to the Momentum
The city also welcomed the Mastry Classic, a new baseball celebration at UNO’s Mastry Field. College teams from UNO, Northern Kentucky, and Alabama A&M played in a special exhibition. Families joined games, activities, and community programs, which added another positive moment to the post-Mardi Gras week.
With festival season approaching and visitor interest rising, New Orleans enters spring with strong momentum and a renewed spotlight on its culture, hospitality, and year-round events.