New Orleans felt different this weekend: louder, wilder, and charged with energy.
Fez – The city of New Orleans was buzzing with excitement as celebrities, athletes, and fans gathered for a weekend full of Super Bowl celebrations.
From high-energy concerts to star-studded parties, the atmosphere was electric.
A night of music and glamour
On Friday night, Uber hosted a massive Super Bowl party.
Two giant football decorations, made of over 400,000 gold tiles, spun in the air like disco balls.
Drinks flowed from multiple bars, and guests enjoyed shrimp Creole skewers and crawfish balls.
Solange Knowles took over the DJ booth, playing popular hits. Model Emily Ratajkowski arrived early in a sleek black dress, followed by comedian Amy Schumer, who laughed with friends at the bar.
Other famous guests included actor Jon Hamm, designer Brooklyn Beckham, musician Leon Bridges, and DJ Diplo.
As the night heated up, both from excitement and the warm New Orleans weather, Tulane University’s marching band entered, playing a lively Mardi Gras medley.
Amy Schumer ran to the front to dance along.
Just minutes later, rapper Travis Scott took the stage, hyping up the crowd.
Super Bowl weekend brought top musicians to different venues around the city.
Post Malone performed at the Fillmore, while Snoop Dogg entertained fans at the Orpheum Theater.
Nelly performed at Brennan’s, a well-known Creole restaurant, and Ludacris took the spotlight at Shaq’s Fun House, a party filled with carnival games and food.
On Saturday night, Timbaland stepped behind the DJ booth at a Maxim event, keeping the party energy high.
The event also featured an auction with signed memorabilia, including Taylor Swift albums and Super Bowl jerseys.
For many fans, the biggest event of the weekend wasn’t a party, it was trying to spot Taylor Swift.
Some roamed the city, checking out restaurants and hotels where she might be staying.
Read also: Super Bowl LIX: The Most Talked-About Moments
Local news outlets closely followed her movements.
On Friday, Swift was seen at Lilette, a French restaurant, with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, along with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes.
The next night, she dined at Gianna, an Italian spot, with Kelce and rapper Ice Spice.
Even those who didn’t see her in person felt her presence.
Shops downtown sold red shirts that read “In My Nola Era” in gold lettering.
Other celebrities seen around the city included Kourtney Kardashian, Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Martha Stewart, and Donald Trump Jr.
NFL players who weren’t in the Super Bowl also made the most of the weekend.
The sports agency Athletes First held a party on Saturday night, where rookie Jets player Braelon Allen admitted that while the celebrations were fun, he wished he was playing instead.
Retired Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, who won a Super Bowl in 2007, had a different perspective.
A report by The New York Times depicted him as laughing with a cigar in hand and saying: “This is way more fun than playing.”
With so many high-profile guests, security was tight.
Armed officers stood guard outside major events, and cars were randomly checked.
Helicopters flew over block parties, especially in the French Quarter.
Despite the security measures, the party scene remained wild.
Bourbon Street was packed with fans drinking, dancing, and throwing beads from balconies.
