If you’ve ever dreamed of watching Mardi Gras unfold from above—beads flying, brass bands blaring, and Bourbon Street buzzing below—then a Bourbon Street balcony party belongs at the top of your New Orleans bucket list.
After experiencing several balcony setups over the years, we can confidently say that the Cornet balcony party is our favorite option for the prime Mardi Gras evening window, especially the 6pm–12am time slot. It strikes the perfect balance between energy, comfort, and crowd control—something not all balcony parties manage to pull off.
Why a Balcony Party Beats Street-Level Mardi Gras
Street-level Mardi Gras is iconic, but it’s also crowded, chaotic, and physically demanding. Balcony parties offer a different experience entirely:
- Elevated views of Bourbon Street parades and foot traffic
- Easier access to food, drinks, and restrooms
- A social, festive atmosphere without being packed shoulder-to-shoulder
- The ability to come and go throughout the evening
For anyone who wants to enjoy the spectacle without fighting for space, a balcony party is worth the splurge.
The Cornet Balcony Party Experience
The Cornet stands out immediately for its corner location, which features two long wraparound balconies. This isn’t a cramped ledge with ten people jockeying for elbow room—there’s genuine space to spread out, move around, and enjoy different vantage points throughout the night. Truly a VIP experience which is always much better!
What Makes Coronet Our Top Pick
Prime 6pm–12am Time Slot
This window captures the best energy of Mardi Gras night. You get the early evening buildup, peak party vibes, and plenty of action before things tip into late-night chaos.
Premium Open Bar
The bar service feels elevated compared to many balcony parties. Drinks flow smoothly, bartenders keep things moving, and you’re not stuck waiting forever while the street party rages below.
Mardi Gras Buffet
Food matters when you’re partying for six hours. The buffet makes it easy to pace yourself, grab bites throughout the night, and not rely solely on alcohol to fuel the evening.
Party Atmosphere
Inside, a DJ keeps the energy high between balcony breaks. It’s easy to step inside, dance, cool off, and then head back out when Bourbon Street heats up again.
Tables and Additional Seating Room
This is one of Coronet’s biggest advantages. There are tables on the balcony and another interior room dedicated to seating, which is rare. If you need a break from standing or want to regroup with your party, you’re not forced to leave.
About Beads: What You Need to Know
Beads are not included, but Cornet makes this easy to navigate:
- You can buy beads directly through their contact
- Bring beads you’ve already collected from previous parades, they are heavy to lug home anyways
- Or order your own ahead of time and bring them with you. We like Mardi Gras Spot
Having your own stash actually adds to the fun—you can curate what you throw instead of relying on generic bead bags.
Is Cornet Worth It?
If you’re looking for:
- A comfortable but high-energy Mardi Gras experience
- A balcony that actually has room to move
- Solid food, strong drinks, and good music
- A prime-time party without the late-night overwhelm
Then Cornet is absolutely worth it, especially for first-timers or anyone who wants to experience Bourbon Street from above without sacrificing comfort.
Cornet vs Other Bourbon Street Balcony Parties
Not all Bourbon Street balconies are created equal. Here’s how Coronet compares to many other popular balcony parties:
| Feature | Cornet Balcony | Typical Bourbon Balcony |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony Space | Two long corner balconies | Short, crowded rail |
| Viewing Angles | Multiple street perspectives | Single straight-on view |
| Bar | Premium open bar | Standard well drinks |
| Food | Mardi Gras buffet included | Often no food |
| Seating | Tables + separate seating room | Standing only |
| Music | DJ inside | No music or background playlist |
| Crowd Flow | Space to move in/out | Packed shoulder-to-shoulder |
| Time Slot | Ideal 6pm–12am | Often late-night only |
If your goal is maximum fun without maximum chaos, Cornet offers a noticeably more comfortable and polished experience.
Final Tips for Booking a Balcony Party
- Choose a corner balcony whenever possible for better views and airflow
- Opt for evening time slots (6pm–12am is ideal)
- Confirm seating options if anyone in your group needs breaks
- Plan your bead strategy in advance
Balcony parties are one of the most iconic ways to experience Mardi Gras, and after attending Cornet, it’s clear why it continues to stand out among Bourbon Street options.
If you’re planning your Mardi Gras trip and want the party without the street-level stress, Cornet delivers exactly that.
Cheers, Amy
Planning more Crescent City adventures? Explore all of our New Orleans travel guides on The Tipsy Terrier, including our takes on classic New Orleans restaurants, best place to stay in the French Quarter, Bloody Mary’s Supernatural Ghost Hunt, Dakar James Beard Winning Restaurant, and our insider experience with the Krewe of Orpheus.
Leave a Reply