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    The Joy Theater

    3.9 (54 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues
    Open 10:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

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    Recommended Reviews - The Joy Theater

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    Renee B.

    The show was great, but the theater was grossly overfilled. I'm pretty sure there were some overcapacity issues taking place. We had to practically stand in the lobby to see the show. Definitely not what I remember this venue being back in the day.

    Greensky Bluegrass band performing on stage at The Joy Theater
    Kellen P.

    A New Orleans icon! We had an awesome time dancing the night away at the Joy Theater (one of New Orleans first movie theaters in 1940s, now a theater hosting concerts and shows). The security check was super speedy. There's an upstairs balcony with seats as well as a downstairs floor section for standing. Sadly there was no food being sold (was hoping for some popcorn) but they have a solid top shelf drink selection.

    View from the floor.
    Sue G.

    There's nothing better than an intimate concert in a historic theater. Flew to NOLA to see Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. Not only amazing talent, but a fabulous venue to boot. Going through the metal detectors was quick and efficient. You get a bracelet if you're of drinking age and a stamp if you want to exit and re-enter. Lots of security and all staff is very friendly. Two levels: floor with no seats, mezzanine with several rows of seats, all with a perfect view. You really can't go wrong no matter where you watch the show from. Three bars (2 on first level, 1 on second level) though I didn't have anything. Overall a great experience. Friends who live in New Orleans go to concerts all the time, but had never been to The Joy before. They said it's now one of their favorite venues, so hopefully they will keep booking good acts.

    a crowd of people standing in front of it
    Nikki F.

    Visited for the first time to see Lavell Crawford's show. The line was wrapped around the building about 30 minutes prior to showtime. The line could've moved quicker but I appreciate the metal detector process for everyone's safety. I had tickets on the bottom level. There was a bar in the lobby that was semi packed but one of the attendants informed us that there was another bar inside the 1st floor section. The bar was cashless option only. The seats were comfortable and not too close together. There are hotels in walking distance. I would definitely attend another show here.

    Here's the view you'll have from the upstairs seats! Total joke with people filling the isle!
    Lon T.

    Absolutely the worst venue I've been to in many years. The staff could care less about letting concert goers into the theater in a timely fashion and I had to wait over 45 minutes to get into a show, missing half the concert!!! In addition, we had seats in the first row of the upper balcony and the staff would not clear the isles so we couldn't see the band. This also creates a fire hazard as people should not be able to fill the isles. Total incompetence and will not be back to this place.

    the neon sign for the show
    Terrance F.

    The setup was nice and lavell was funny and it was awesome because we had to lock our phone in cases because it was live streaming. The show was good my wife and I enjoyed.

    Cait B.

    I came here for the first time to watch Lucky Daye perform in his hometown. The line to get in wrapped around the block and they had a very slow security system to get in. I guess that is what is to be expected from a more intimate theatre. Overall, there is NO bad seat in this place!! You are close no matter where you are sitting. I was on the balcony and still felt like I could see the details in his clothing. A great experience overall!

    Croce Does Croce front row right side - March 2024.

    Visiting NOLA and walked to Joy Theatre on a Friday afternoon when they had a "no service charges" promo on and bought a ticket to an event that weekend. Lucked out with a seat up front to a great event! Nice people, friendly bar staff, big screens set up so could see the performers, had a great time. Don't know what further back seating was like but I really enjoyed my front seated row for the Croce Does Croce event. Easy walk (for me) from the French Quarter area on very busy streets full of people so felt safe as a solo traveller.

    vic fuentes
    Alexandra C.

    water was expensive but at least i got to mosh my little emo heart on and meet so many cool people

    Susan B.

    Fabulous venue with a great sound system right in downtown. Saw the Drive-by Truckers here last night and it was a wonderful way to start off my musical journey in New Orleans. It was a relaxed atmosphere inside the club and everyone seemed to be having a great time too. If you get a chance to see a show here, I highly recommend it.

    Miguel in concert. #WildHeartTour

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    Ask the Community - The Joy Theater

    Where should I park if my event doesn't offer valet?

    There are pay lots within walking distance of the theater.

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    Review Highlights - The Joy Theater

    The Joy Theatre is an awesome and amazing venue for plays and concerts.

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    Preservation Hall - Preservation Hall

    Preservation Hall

    4.4(949 reviews)
    0.5 miFrench Quarter
    $$

    All I can say is... WOWWWW!! IFYKYK. Went here last month for a friend's birthday trip, and was…read moretold by a friend that used to live in NOLA, that this was a must-see. So glad we had an opportunity to reserve tickets (highly recommend you do) for this intimate musical experience. It highlights the incredible talent, creativity, passion and FUN these artists have for jazz and their instruments. Feeding off each other's energy and really had you moving in your seat. Front seats are WORTH the money!! Each artist got to highlight a song of their choosing and each one ATE! They left no crumbs. I must have been a smiling fool in the 2nd row seats, but music, personally, is the best way to get through me. Years in music myself, I understand the dedication and commitment it takes. You FEEL that here when they are on stage performing. Jazz and its spontaneity and history is the cornerstone to Preservation Hall. I LOVE that there is no recording/picture taking allowed (unless the artists strictly tell you otherwise). It helps keep their art intact but helps immerse yourselves with them into their craft. Living in the moment. The last song they kindly let us record/take pictures and I will treasure them until I can come back. Side note: that trumpeter (I believe his name was Will?) has a VOICE as smooth as velvet and I was mesmerized. Video shows a brief moment of the night.

    This is a historic spot. It's small inside- not fancy- it's real. No big lights, no big speakers,…read moreno mixers or autotune. Think- sitting in the living room. Old church style benches. Get your tickets early. The musicians were great- music was great. I loved it.

    Photos
    Preservation Hall - Post show photo opportunity

    Post show photo opportunity

    Preservation Hall - Preservation Hall stage

    Preservation Hall stage

    Preservation Hall

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    Le Bon Temps Roule - To Die For Bloody Mary

    Le Bon Temps Roule

    4.2(160 reviews)
    3.1 miUptown
    $

    What's not to love about this historic bargeboard bar? Open 24 hours a day, this small but classic…read moredive is split in two with pool tables in front and live brass music in the back. The kitchen puts out some delicious food (the loaded chili fries are a must order), the drinks are cold and priced fairly, the people are varied and full of character, the bartenders are energetic and when as the last time you saw a cigarette vending machine? We love frequenting Le Bon Temps Roule.

    Had a rough experience here this week with Lynn…read more Very emotionally disregulated bartender that seems to hate her life. David was amazing. Fantastic bartender. Tipped him literally 100% because he deserved it and her 0% because she deserved it. Went back this morning to talk to the young lady working and leave the owner my number and would love to discuss. My mom lives across the street so it's not like I'm just some A hole passing through and I was also a bartender for 5 years myself before becoming a nurse and then a nurse practitioner. I would never treat a patient nor a patron how I was treated by Lynn this week. Great bar, shameful service by Lynn. All the other bartenders I've encountered were amazing but she's a cancer on this place in my limited experience with her on two separate days. Dave, you rock. Will update review once I hear back from owner who I met the other night but didn't discuss because I hadn't had the second experience with Lynn yet. I HATE leaving negative reviews as I'm sure you can tell by my review history but this woman has definitely gotten me out of my character and I apologize.

    Photos
    Le Bon Temps Roule - LeBonTempsRoulé

    LeBonTempsRoulé

    Le Bon Temps Roule - Loaded chili fries and a soft pretzel.

    Loaded chili fries and a soft pretzel.

    Le Bon Temps Roule - Front Window

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    Front Window

    Toulouse Theatre - Cocktail

    Toulouse Theatre

    4.6(14 reviews)
    0.6 miFrench Quarter

    Last time I stepped into this building it was the famed One Eye Jacks. So to try to picture this…read morevenue as something else was hard to do. But having it now as a theater is actually really cool. The open mic of hell is a very cool local comedian night, where they have the comics give their standup with a twist, which is chosen by the panel. They had a awesome DJ as well, and the acoustics in the building are fantastic. It's still a stunning building with a really cool bar as you walk in the door. I'd love to check out more events at the Toulouse theater, definitely a cool spot! Last time I stepped into this building it was the famed One Eye Jacks. So to try to picture this venue as something else was hard to do. But having it now as a theater is actually really cool. The open mic was hell is a very cool local comedian night, where they have the comics give their standup with a twist, which is chosen by the panel. They had a awesome DJ as well, and the acoustics in the building are fantastic. It's still a stunning building with a really cool bar as you walk in the door. I'd love to check out more events at the Toulouse theater, definitely a cool spot

    We checked out a concert at the Toulouse Theatre and decided to splurge on VIP tickets--because…read morehey, it's Jazz Fest season! Unfortunately, the VIP experience was underwhelming, to say the least. No seating, no added perks--just access to a "private" bar that wasn't much different from the general one. So here's a little tip from me to you: skip the VIP at this venue. It's not worth the upgrade--save your money and thank me later.

    Photos
    Toulouse Theatre
    Toulouse Theatre
    Toulouse Theatre

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    The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret - The AllWays Lounge and Cabaret

    The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret

    4.4(185 reviews)
    1.4 miMarigny
    $$

    I'm from NYC, so trust me when I say--I've seen a lot of cabaret. And the Van Ella Bordella is…read morehands-down the best I've ever experienced. I came for my birthday with a group that is, frankly, not easy to impress. And somehow, this show became everyone's favorite night of the entire trip. From the moment it started, it was pure magic--and not the watered-down, Instagram version. The real thing. The kind you feel in your chest. The storytelling is powerful, joyful, a little feral (in the best way), and exactly what you didn't know you needed. And the cast? Unreal. The level of talent alone would be enough, but what really sets it apart is the chemistry. You can tell they genuinely love performing together, and that energy radiates out into the audience in a way that's rare. This isn't just a burlesque show--it's an experience. One that actually lives up to the hype (which almost never happens). They also took incredible care of us, which made the whole night feel even more special. If you're in New Orleans and even thinking about going--go. Loudly, dramatically, and preferably with jazz hands.

    I've been to some of the best burlesque and drag shows in the country. I've seen gravity defying,…read moresultry, sophisticated shows in New York. While this is not that . . . it's perfect for New Orleans and the south and has it's own flavor. I loved the show here! Madame Kennedy was the perfect emcee (and also put on a wicked black light bubble show). Some acts were sexy and seductive. Some acts were acrobatic and martial arts based, as Madame Kennedy said, "I'm sure someone is missing their anime character somewhere." There were hula hoops, feathers, and grinders! One act was a woman who put a grinder against a metal plate on her belt and sparks flew everywhere! I also saw my first (as far as I can remember) burlesque by a transgender man. It was so much fun! We did the reserved tickets, so we got a table right up front. There isn't a bad seat in the house, but I really prefer being in the center of the action. Doors open at 6:30 for a 7 PM show, but ours was running late (we didn't mind). They have a basic bar with decent prices. They also do dance classes, varying show themes, comedy routines, and more. So you'll always be able to see something different.

    Photos
    The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret - Bayou Blues Burlesque

    Bayou Blues Burlesque

    The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret - The theater space before the 1/28 show

    The theater space before the 1/28 show

    The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret - Smokeshow

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    Smokeshow

    The Joy Theater - musicvenues - Updated June 2026

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