New Orleans isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience, wrapped in centuries of culture, rhythm, and revelry.
From cobblestone courtyards to grand ballrooms, this city offers event venues that create lasting impressions.
Having planned everything from luxury product launches to massive conference activations in the Big Easy, I can tell you: New Orleans has a special magic for hosting standout events.
The city hosts hundreds of meetings annually and boasts the 6th largest convention center in the United States, making it a powerhouse for events of every scale.
This guide reveals the best event venues across the city – whether you’re planning a corporate gathering, an executive retreat, or a black-tie gala.
And if navigating these options feels overwhelming, that’s what local experts like us at Clandestine Events are here for.
Historic & Luxury Venues That Impress
The Elms Mansion – Garden District Grandeur
Walking into The Elms Mansion feels like stepping into another era.
This 19th-century Italianate mansion on St. Charles Avenue exudes Southern elegance with hand-carved marble, 24-karat gold sconces, and a grand 48-foot ballroom.
Capacity: ~300 guests
Why It’s Special: Historic opulence with one-event-per-day exclusivity. The surrounding gardens feature a lovely gazebo perfect for cocktail hour mingling. The authentic historic charm impresses even the most seasoned business travelers.
The Orpheum Theater – Dramatic, Iconic, Unforgettable
With soaring Beaux-Arts architecture and cutting-edge technology, The Orpheum creates an unforgettable backdrop for events. The restored theater offers both grandeur and flexibility.
Capacity: ~1,400 (seated); flexible for dinners + performances
Best For: Awards galas, keynote presentations, immersive product launches
Latrobe’s on Royal – French Quarter Sophistication
For formal corporate cocktail parties that need a French Quarter location, Latrobe’s on Royal makes a statement. This former bank features a grand vaulted hall where historic details mix with modern amenities.
Capacity: ~300 guests
Best For: Upscale networking events, formal receptions, client appreciation events
Marigny Opera House – Artsy and Memorable
If your brand values creativity, the Marigny Opera House delivers impact without trying too hard. This repurposed 1853 church, now known as the “Church of the Arts,” features stunning vaulted ceilings and historic architecture with a bohemian arts vibe.
Capacity: ~300 guests
Why It’s Special: The space has hosted celebrity events and works beautifully for product launches or media events where you want that balance of offbeat luxury that feels uniquely New Orleans.
Modern & Chic Venues for Corporate Events
Hyatt Regency New Orleans – Conference Hotel Excellence
When you need serious meeting space coupled with convenience, the Hyatt Regency delivers with 200,000 square feet of flexible event space, including two massive 25,000 square foot ballrooms.
Built specifically for corporate events in New Orleans, this venue can host everything from large conferences to trade shows to multi-day corporate meetings.
Capacity: Varies by space; up to 3,000+ for largest configurations
Best For: Large conferences, trade shows, multi-day corporate meetings
The hotel’s downtown location adjacent to the Superdome means easy access, while its sleek eight-story atrium provides a contemporary backdrop for nearly any corporate brand.
The Chicory – Industrial-Chic Warehouse Venue
The Warehouse District has become New Orleans’ answer to New York’s SoHo, and The Chicory stands as a perfect example of why. This 20,000 square foot converted 1852 coffee warehouse balances raw authenticity with polish.
Capacity: Up to 800 guests combined across multiple spaces
Best For: Corporate parties, vendor expos, conference after-parties
With exposed beams and brick walls, The Chicory offers in-house event coordination and catering kitchens, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the typical hotel ballroom feel.
Marché – Glass-Wrapped Views by the River
Modern elegance just steps from the French Quarter, Marché offers stunning river views and an upscale yet flexible floor plan.
Capacity: ~150 seated / 300 standing
Best For: Executive receptions, sunset cocktail events, intimate brand launches
The Roosevelt New Orleans (Waldorf Astoria)
When your event demands uncompromising luxury, The Roosevelt delivers old-world elegance with modern service. This legendary downtown hotel features the famed Roosevelt Ballroom plus ornate historic interiors like the Blue Room jazz lounge.
Capacity: Up to 1,750 theater-style in the Roosevelt Ballroom
Why It’s Special: With 504 rooms on-site, your guests can move seamlessly from meeting to room. The hotel’s storied history since 1893 adds the kind of prestige that high-end corporate events often require.
Uniquely New Orleans Venues
Mardi Gras World – Corporate Parties with Flair
Let’s talk about creating an only-in-New-Orleans experience. Mardi Gras World sits along the Mississippi River and doubles as a working Mardi Gras float museum.
Capacity: Up to 11,000 attendees
Why It’s Special: Picture your team dining and dancing among vibrant, larger-than-life parade floats – the kind of backdrop you can’t find anywhere else. They even offer add-ons like mini float-building workshops or costume dress-up stations for natural team-building activities.
Major companies like Microsoft and the NFL have hosted events here for good reason – it delivers the perfect balance of local culture and practical event space.
House of Blues New Orleans – Music & Networking
For corporate events where entertainment is key, the House of Blues in the French Quarter is hard to beat. This iconic music hall doubles as an event venue with built-in stage, top-notch sound system, and Southern-inspired catering.
Capacity: Up to 1,800 people (with smaller rooms available for 100-300 guests)
Best For: Corporate holiday parties, networking events, private concerts
You can host a dinner on the main floor and then treat guests to a private concert – the kind of experience that shows up in post-event surveys as a highlight.
The Pharmacy Museum – Curated, Quirky, Courtyard Charm
Perfect for creative, intimate cocktail receptions, the Pharmacy Museum is located in a historic French Quarter townhouse that oozes character.
Capacity: ~100 guests
Aesthetic: Apothecary-meets-secret-garden
NOLA Brewing Tap Room – Casual Team Socials
Not every corporate gathering needs crystal chandeliers. NOLA Brewing’s Tap Room in the Uptown area offers a budget-friendly option for casual corporate gatherings or team offsites.
Capacity: 150-400 guests
Best For: Team building, casual networking, post-conference socials
The craft beer on tap, indoor-outdoor flow, and food truck or catering options showcase the city’s craft beverage scene. It’s perfect after a day of meetings when people are ready to loosen their ties and build genuine connections.
Sophisticated Dining & Cultural Spaces
Galerie de Galatoire – Private Dining Meets Prestige
Located above Galatoire’s, this venue offers artful interiors, top-tier service, and total privacy.
Capacity: ~100 guests
Best For: Board dinners, VIP receptions, executive meals
Antoine’s Restaurant – The OG of French Quarter Glamour
With rooms themed after Mardi Gras krewes and accessible only via hidden doors, Antoine’s isn’t just dinner – it’s an experience steeped in New Orleans tradition.
Capacity: Various private dining rooms for 14-300 guests
Why It’s Special: America’s oldest family-run restaurant with unparalleled history and character
Bevolo Gaslight Museum – Artisan, Intimate, Local
An offbeat gem with exposed brick, handcrafted lanterns, and an artisan feel.
Capacity: ~75 guests
Best For: Boutique events, luxe networking mixers
Calcasieu – Private Dining by Chef Donald Link
For smaller upscale receptions, this high-end private event space by renowned Chef Donald Link offers gourmet catering in a historic warehouse setting.
Capacity: Around 100 guests
Best For: Intimate VIP dinners, leadership offsites, culinary-focused events
Museums, Gardens & Grand Halls for Galas
The National WWII Museum – Immersive & Inspirational
Few venues offer the dramatic backdrop of the WWII Museum’s US Freedom Pavilion. This modern space features soaring ceilings with actual WWII aircraft suspended overhead – talk about a conversation starter!
Capacity: Hundreds of seated guests across multiple event spaces
Why It’s Special: For charity events seeking a meaningful backdrop, the optional tour of museum exhibits adds depth to the evening. The museum provides multiple event spaces to “accommodate meetings, receptions, and dinners of all sizes” with catering that blends “both classic New Orleans cuisine as well as local Louisiana tradition.”
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
For sophisticated settings, NOMA in City Park offers two distinct options: The Great Hall with its marble columns creates a formal banquet atmosphere, while the adjacent outdoor Sculpture Garden allows cocktail hours under moss-draped oaks.
Capacity: Varies by space
Best For: Arts organizations and charity galas seeking a refined, artistic atmosphere
The Civic Theatre
Dating back to 1906, this historic theater turned event venue features an adaptable LED lighting system and tiered balcony that gives gala events a theatrical flair.
Capacity: Approximately 600 seated
Best For: Awards show-style events or performances incorporated into fundraising galas
The theater’s restoration preserved its historic character while adding modern amenities, creating a space that feels both timeless and current – a rare combination.
The Pavilion of the Two Sisters – Garden Romance
Nestled in City Park’s Botanical Garden, this elegant indoor pavilion with glass walls and surrounding gardens creates a dreamy atmosphere for special events.
Capacity: Approximately 350 seated guests
Best For: Galas or fundraisers with indoor-outdoor flow
The indoor-outdoor experience allows guests to flow between structured dinner areas and garden spaces, creating natural movement throughout the evening.
Contemporary Arts Center (CAC)
The CAC in the Warehouse District provides a blank-canvas gallery space for modern-themed galas, art auctions, or fashion show events.
Capacity: Varies based on configuration
Why It’s Special: This large, industrial space transforms dramatically with lighting and decor, giving planners tremendous creative freedom.
Waterfront & Floating Venues
Steamboat Natchez & Creole Queen
For a truly distinctive gala, consider renting a paddlewheel riverboat for an evening cruise. Nothing says “Only in New Orleans” quite like it.
Capacity: 200-350 guests depending on the vessel
Best For: Incentive events, smaller gala groups seeking an unforgettable atmosphere
Guests enjoy dinner and live jazz while floating down the Mississippi – an experience that captures the essence of the city.
Hotel Monteleone – Grandeur in the French Quarter
Known for its famous Carousel Bar, Hotel Monteleone’s ballrooms (particularly the La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom) offer classic New Orleans elegance, complete with crystal chandeliers and ornate details.
Capacity: Varies by ballroom
Best For: Association galas, formal dinners
Its designation as a literary landmark adds prestige, and the convenience of guest lodging on-site simplifies transportation logistics.
Best Venues for Conferences and Large Meetings
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
As the centerpiece for large conferences in New Orleans, the Morial Convention Center ranks as the 6th largest convention center in the United States.
Capacity: 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space
Best For: Expansive expos, multi-track conventions
Located in the Warehouse District along the river and within walking distance of many hotels, the convention center also features unique event areas, including a rooftop deck and The Great Hall for impressive plenary sessions.
New Orleans Marriott & Sheraton New Orleans (Canal Street Hotels)
These two powerhouse hotels sit across from each other on Canal Street and serve as business hubs for mid-sized conferences.
Capacity: Each offers more than 50,000 square feet of event space
Why It’s Special: The Marriott’s ballroom stands as one of the city’s largest hotel ballrooms, while the Sheraton features a panoramic ballroom on a high floor with stunning river views.
Both sit just steps from the French Quarter, giving attendees easy access to leisure options once the day’s sessions conclude.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
When your conference or board meeting demands a luxury setting, The Ritz-Carlton delivers with elegant meeting salons and a grand ballroom, plus the lovely Courtyard for outdoor breaks.
Capacity: Approximately 10,000 square feet in the grand ballroom
Best For: Executive summits, finance/tech conferences seeking premium ambiance
The Canal Street location means attendees can easily explore the city after sessions, making it ideal for programs where free-time experiences matter as much as the formal agenda.
Insider Tips for Choosing the Right Venue
Capacity & Layout Matter
Knowing your guest count and event format (banquet, theater seating, etc.) narrows your options quickly. A venue like Mardi Gras World can hold thousands but might feel cavernous for a 100-person event.
Some venues offer multiple rooms to scale size – the Board of Trade downtown has flexible breakout rooms and a courtyard that work together or separately, giving you options as your attendance fluctuates.
Timing Is Everything
New Orleans has distinct busy seasons centered around spring festivals, major conventions, and of course, Mardi Gras. These peak times book venues far in advance, so plan and secure space 6-12 months ahead, especially for spring and fall dates.
If you have flexibility, summer’s off-season might yield better rates at hotels, though be prepared for the heat and potential for afternoon thunderstorms if outdoor components are involved.
Budget Balancing
Venue costs vary widely across the city. Hotels may waive space rental if catering minimums are met, while unique venues might have higher rental fees but allow outside catering that could save money depending on your needs.
For budget-conscious planners, city-owned venues or breweries offer more affordable options compared to luxury hotels and mansions.
Logistics & Guest Experience
Transportation logistics vary dramatically by neighborhood. The Convention Center and many hotels offer ample parking or central access points. French Quarter venues deliver charm but present transportation challenges (parking is scarce, so consider providing shuttles).
If selecting a venue outside the city (like a plantation), factor in travel time from hotels or airports.
Leverage Local Expertise
Working with a local event planner gives you insider knowledge about which venues truly deliver on their promises, which have hidden gems, and which align best with your specific goals.
Local planners also maintain relationships with venue managers, sometimes unlocking availability or special considerations that might not be offered to out-of-town planners working solo.
Elevate Your New Orleans Event
Selecting the perfect venue is just the first step toward creating an exceptional New Orleans event.
Clandestine Events & Experiences offers full-service event production and management – from venue scouting to immersive design and flawless execution.
Our expertise in corporate event production has served clients ranging from NBA All-Star to luxury brands like LVMH.
We make planning simpler by handling:
- Venue contract negotiation and fine-print review
- Custom floor plans that maximize your space
- Theme design aligned with your brand identity
- Coordination of all vendors (catering, A/V, decor) for a turnkey experience
Want to incorporate authentic New Orleans touches like a Second Line parade through the French Quarter?
We handle the permits and band bookings. Need to transform a blank venue into an immersive brand experience? Our design team lives for these challenges.
Ready to create a show-stopping event in New Orleans?
Let our team handle the details so you can focus on your goals and guests.
Contact us for a consultation, and let’s start planning an event experience your attendees will never forget.
