NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans is seeking qualified DJs to provide music services for the 2026 Mardi Gras parade season, bringing energy, culture, and coordination to the city’s official Mardi Gras stands at Gallier Hall. Through the Office of Cultural Economy, the City of New Orleans is now accepting submissions from DJs interested in providing music services for the city’s official Mardi Gras stands at Gallier Hall.
DJs will be compensated in accordance with the musician pay ordinance which guarantees at least $200 per hour. Due to the city’s fiscal crisis, DJs will be paid for through private donations. The Greater New Orleans Development Foundation (GNODF) is the fiscal agent receiving donations from businesses and organizations that stepped up to support the effort and will directly fund DJs to perform at Gallier Hall. To date, more than $40,000 has been pledged. Any funds not used for Mardi Gras will be directed to fund musicians at other city events.
Selected DJs will curate and perform music that reflects the spirit of Mardi Gras and is appropriate to the event, audience, and cultural setting while coordinating with city staff, event organizers, sound technicians, and other vendors. The DJ will also set up, operate, and break down audio equipment as required.
Applicants must:
- Be a legally eligible individual or business authorized to operate in the City of New Orleans.
- Possess all required licenses and tax registrations.
- Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
- Have no history of conduct that would make them unsuitable for public events, including safety violations or incidents involving discrimination or harassment.
Experience & Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience providing DJ services for public, municipal, or large community events.
- Play family-friendly music for a diverse audience.
- Familiarity with culturally sensitive and appropriate programming.
- Primary AV will be provided, but selected DJs will be required to bring their own laptop/hard drive, mixing board, and microphone.
Selected DJs are expected to:
- Arrive on time and fully prepared.
- Available to work a minimum of 3 hours per shift.
- Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for city-sponsored events.
- Interact respectfully with attendees, city staff, and the public.
Submissions must include:
- A link to a 3-minute (or longer) sample of work.
- Contact information, including email and cell phone, for confirmation.
- List of parade days available to work.
- Submissions must be sent via email to culturaleconomy@nola.gov with the subject “Gallier Hall DJ Submission.”
This opportunity will be released to the public on Wednesday, January 28. All responses are due by Friday, January 30, at 12pm CST.
All applicants who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements will be ranked and entered a lottery for selection to be notified Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31.
All eligible submissions will be kept on record for future opportunities.
“Music and creatives are at the heart of New Orleans’ identity,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “I’m grateful for the partnership and community support that allow us to uplift our DJs and culture bearers through this collaboration, and to celebrate the 2026 Mardi Gras season together in a way that honors who we are as a city.”