The Broadside
4.8(370)google
4.5(19)yelp
Live MusicConcertPerformanceOutdoorNight-FriendlyLocal Life
Overview
The Broadside is a premier outdoor cultural venue and movie theater located in New Orleans' vibrant Mid-City neighborhood. Known for its community-centric, laid-back vibe, this large open-air space regularly hosts independent film screenings, live indie music concerts, local theater performances, and community festivals under the stars. Equipped with a large-scale projection screen, a fully stocked bar serving craft beers, and rotating local food trucks, it offers a distinct, authentic taste of New Orleans' contemporary grassroots art scene.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-3 hours
Best TimeBest visited from mid-spring to autumn during evening showtimes (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM). As a lively, community-centric outdoor movie theater and live performance venue, dusk provides the perfect balmy atmosphere to enjoy cold draft beers, local food trucks, and open-air entertainment.
Getting ThereLocated in the Mid-City neighborhood at 600 N Broad St. Ride-sharing apps are highly convenient; alternatively, take the RTA Bus Route 9 to the N Broad St at Orleans Ave stop, followed by a brief 1-minute walk directly to the venue's entrance.
Travel Tips
- This is a fully outdoor DIY performance and movie venue, making operations heavily dependent on New Orleans weather. Sudden rain can cause cancellations; always check their official social media channels for real-time status before heading out.
- The venue is 100% cashless, accepting only major credit/debit cards and Apple Pay. Since it is an open-air lot, bugs are prevalent in the evening; carrying heavy-duty insect repellent is highly recommended.
- While outside food is permitted, bringing outside drinks, water, or alcohol is strictly prohibited. An on-site bar handles craft beers and cocktails; bags are searched at the entrance, and outside beverages will be confiscated.
Reviews
Positive
- This open-air live entertainment and movie venue offers a highly relaxed, bohemian vibe, complete with string lights and cool breezes at twilight.
- It frequently hosts high-quality local indie concerts, live jazz, and cult film screenings, serving as a brilliant window into grassroots community culture.
- The entry pricing and the local craft beers or snacks sold at the bar are very wallet-friendly, free of any French Quarter tourist markups.
- The venue is pet-friendly and features plenty of picnic tables and wide lawn spaces, making the managed environment incredibly welcoming and lively.
Heads up
- Being an entirely outdoor open space, experiences are weather-dependent; a sudden storm or oppressive summer heat completely ruins the night.
- The portable toilets on site can suffer from slow cleanliness upkeep during packed major concerts, and the handwashing amenities are rather basic.
- Located in an industrial sector of Mid-City away from core tourist hubs, the surrounding dark streets can feel sketchy for late-night walks.
- Because sound disperses in the open air, acoustic clarity in the back sections can face minor interference from nearby highway traffic rumble.