ZOOLU 23, the annual electronic Mardi Gras Party in New Orleans, returns to The Metropolitan nightclub for its second year. Continuing its rich tradition of drawing the biggest names in EDM, this 23rd iteration of the beloved electronic Carnival party brings with it Adventure Club and Krewella as its headliners.

Joining them are some of the brightest rising stars in the electronic scene today. JOYRYDE, Pierce Fulton, Alan Walker, and Bear Grilllz.

ZOOLU has been a New Orleans staple in the electronic music scene for over 2 decades and has been around long before EDM was accepted by the mainstream. It is also Disco Donnie Presents longest running party and continues to hold a special place in their hearts. This event, which takes its name from the Zulu Mardi Gras parade, started in 1995 at the State Palace where it maintained its run as one of the region’s most well known and well-loved dance party. Ask any old school raver about where the underground scene in New Orleans was thriving at that time and they would tell you the State Palace, especially the ZOOLU parties. (Check out some old ZOOLU flyers from the late 90’s and early 2000’s in the gallery at the bottom of this page)

“We were just trying to do sh*t no one had seen before and we weren’t trying to repeat ourselves either.”
DISCO DONNIE

After Katrina, the State Palace never reopened. The ZOOLU event went from venue to venue trying to find its perfect new home. Whether it was the Sugar Mill, Joy Theatre, Mardi Gras World, or even CAC Warehouse, ZOOLU was never able to found a new permanent home. However, in early 2015 Amps events, Disco Donnie Presents, and The Metropolitan Nightclub formed a three-way partnership to bring ZOOLU to the Metropolitan for the past 2 years.

23 years later and the event is still going strong, albeit, much different from the underground raves of the 90’s. Zoolu is a truly incredible and historic event that has withstood the times of changing music, trends, and venues. This year proves to be no different and promises to be all about the experience. The venue and promoters have some tricks up their sleeves that you’ll just have to be there to check out, including live performances, exclusive memorabilia, and much more.

Make sure to grab your tickets now, as the event often sells out before Mardi Gras weekend.

Take a look at some of the party’s memorable past events:

(Special thanks to Disco Donnie Presents for the archived material)

Listen to this throwback mix from the first ever zoolu:

ZOOLU Through the years Gallery:

 

Laissez les bon temps rouler!