New Orleans: Treme Second Line Parade & Brass Band Walking Tour

Walking Behind a Brass Band Through New Orleans' Treme Neighborhood

You walk alongside a live brass band and dancers through Treme's streets on a 2.5-hour Second Line parade tour with guide King Hollis Burton. You'll learn the history of African American fraternal societies and Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs while experiencing the music and movement firsthand. Bottled water is provided, and the route varies based on where the parade is that day, so you see the neighborhood as it actually celebrates.

Is this one for you?This is for anyone who wants to understand New Orleans culture by being inside it rather than watching from the sidelines—the walking pace and live parade format mean you're moving with the community, not standing still taking photos.

What’s included

Your 2.5-hour walking tour includes participation in the live Second Line parade with a brass band in Treme, guided commentary from King Hollis Burton on the history of African American fraternal societies and Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, and bottled water throughout the walk. The route adjusts based on where the parade is that day, ensuring you experience the neighborhood's culture as it's actively celebrated.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Experience New Orleans Second Line Culture

• Meet expert guide King Hollis Burton
• Explore Mardi Gras Indians stories
• Learn about Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs
• Walk historic New Orleans streets
• Hear live brass band music
• Join vibrant Second Line parade
• See dancers in colorful attire
• Connect with local community
• Discover history behind Second Line

The Experience

Horns cut through the street ahead—loud, bright, insistent—and you realize you're not watching from the sidewalk anymore. The brass band is moving, and so are you, walking straight into the middle of a New Orleans Second Line parade in Treme. This isn't a performance staged for tourists. It's a living tradition that started in the 19th century with African American fraternal societies and neighborhood gatherings, and on Sunday mornings it still happens the same way: musicians lead, dancers in colorful clothes follow, and anyone willing to move gets to be part of it. Your guide is King Hollis Burton, who knows these streets and the history behind every corner—the Mardi Gras Indian traditions, the Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, the way music and community are woven so tight here they're the same thing.

The 2.5-hour walking tour moves through Treme at the pace of the parade itself, which means you're not rushing between stops or checking your phone for the next location. The route changes depending on where the parade is that day, so you get what's actually happening in the neighborhood rather than a fixed itinerary. You'll hear the rhythms of the city's music scene live—not recorded, not explained from a distance, but happening around you. Dancers move past, locals nod hello, and the brass band keeps pushing forward. Bottled water is included, which matters because you're walking and moving with the crowd, not sitting in an air-conditioned bus.

What makes this different from a standard New Orleans culture tour is that you're not learning about Second Lines—you're in one. King Hollis Burton walks with you, filling in the history and the meaning of what you're seeing, but the experience itself is the parade. Strollers and prams work fine if you're bringing small children, and the walking pace suits all fitness levels since you're moving with the band, not racing ahead. The neighborhood reveals itself as you go: Congo Square, the streets where these traditions took root, the way the culture is still alive and practiced every week, not preserved behind glass.

Top questions

What is a Second Line parade in New Orleans?

A Second Line is a street parade tradition rooted in 19th-century African American fraternal societies and neighborhood gatherings. It features a brass band leading dancers and community members through the streets in a celebration of music, culture, and life. Originally connected to jazz funerals, Second Lines are now held regularly, especially on Sunday mornings in Treme.

How long is the Treme Second Line tour?

The tour is 2.5 hours of walking with the parade through the Treme neighborhood.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a 2.5-hour guided walking experience with King Hollis Burton and bottled water. You walk alongside the live brass band and dancers as part of the actual Second Line parade.

Does the route stay the same every time?

No. The route varies based on where the parade is scheduled that day, so you experience the neighborhood as it's actually celebrating rather than following a fixed path.

Can I bring children or use a stroller?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is a 2.5-hour walking experience at the pace of the parade. Public transportation options are available nearby. If you have specific mobility concerns, contact the tour operator before booking.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential since you'll be on your feet for 2.5 hours. Dress for the weather and consider that you'll be moving with a crowd in the street.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What is the difference between this and a traditional New Orleans tour?

This is not a sightseeing tour where you observe from the outside. You're walking inside an active Second Line parade, experiencing the music, dancing, and community celebration firsthand rather than learning about it from a distance.

When do Second Line parades happen?

Second Line parades typically occur on Sunday mornings in the Treme neighborhood, though specific dates and times vary. Check with the tour operator for the schedule.