What is New Orleans like after Mardi Gras during lent? Is it still fun and lively or does it shut down?

Best time of the year in my opinion. Why anyone would want to deal with Mardi Gras is beyond me.

Personally I love the summer, but early spring is THE time to come.

ALWAYS something going on in the Big Easy.

New Orleans? Shut down? Only at midnight on Mardi Gras night. That's the only time I can think of!!!!!

Go and enjoy!

The day or two after is kind of depressing to me - Mardi Gras beads strewn on every tree, a general hangover permeating the air. However, it is a break from the Mardi Gras madness. For local merchants, it is finally a time to be able to breathe after a very busy season that sometimes defines their profits for the year (similar to Christmas in other places).

This year, Mardi Gras is early, and the next big event is St. Patrick's Day, so there is a bit of a quiet period there. However, it is generally a good time to visit, albeit a bit chilly during cold snaps but nothing if you are from the North.

Once St. Pats hits, things liven up, and then April is chock full of the French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest, which spills over into early May.

If you want it quiet with good weather, early March is a good bet this year (not every year though, because Mardi Gras can be in March).

If you want it festive, go during St. Pats or during the French Quarter Fest or Jazz Fest.

I forgot... This year, the NBA All-Star Game is in New Orleans, from 2/15 to 2/17, so that weekend will be crazy as well...

Thanks for taking the time to answer everyone!

-m