Second lines aren't just parades. They’re the heartbeat of New Orleans. If you’re waking up on a Sunday morning—usually the primary day for these events—and looking for the second line schedule for today, you’ve probably realized that finding a reliable time and route isn't always as easy as checking a major news site. It’s a culture built on community, not corporate sponsorship. You won’t see these routes on a city-sanctioned PDF months in advance.
They happen almost every Sunday. Rain or shine.
Unless it’s the peak of summer heat or a rare "dead" weekend between seasons, the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs (SAPCs) are out there. These clubs are the backbone of the tradition. They spend all year saving money, designing elaborate suits, and hiring the best brass bands to take over the streets for four hours of pure, unadulterated joy. But if you aren't in the "know," you might end up standing on a corner in Treme or Central City while the music is three miles away.
Why the Second Line Schedule for Today is Always Shifting
The schedule depends entirely on which club is hosting. Each week belongs to a different organization. For instance, the Young Men Bronze Ladies, the Prince of Wales, or the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club each have their designated "anniversary" dates. Because these are neighborhood events, the routes change annually to honor specific local landmarks, bars, or the homes of deceased members.
Basically, the "start" point you used last year is probably wrong today.
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The most reliable way to find the second line schedule for today is through WWOZ 90.7 FM. They are the guardians of the tradition’s logistics. They post the "Takeline" on their website, which includes a hand-drawn or digitally rendered map showing every "stop" the parade will make. If you don't check the WWOZ "IntheStreet" section, you’re basically guessing. Most parades start around 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM, but "New Orleans time" is a real thing. Sometimes they’re late. Sometimes they’re early because the weather looks sketchy.
Understanding the Route Map
When you finally look at the map, don’t expect a straight line. It’s a zig-zag. The parade starts at a "home" base—often a bar or a community center—and moves to several "stops" where the band rests and the club members get a drink. These stops are where the energy peaks.
- The Start: Usually involves a "roll out" where the club emerges from the building in their new suits. It’s a fashion show with a drum beat.
- The Stops: Usually 15 to 20 minutes long. This is your chance to catch your breath and buy a water from a vendor with a rolling cooler.
- The Disband: The final location. The music stops, the suits come off, and the neighborhood settles back down.
The Etiquette of the Street
If you’re a visitor looking for the second line schedule for today, you need to understand your role. You are the "second line." The "first line" consists of the club members and the brass band. They have the right of way. Always.
Don’t get in front of the band. It’s tempting to try and take a photo of the trumpet players head-on, but you’re literally blocking the path of a moving cultural monument. Stay to the side or behind. Honestly, the best energy is usually right behind the tuba player anyway. That’s where the bass hits your chest.
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Also, be mindful of the neighborhood. These parades go through residential areas where people have lived for generations. It’s a party, sure, but it’s also a deeply personal tradition. Don't trespass on people’s porches for a better view. Don't leave your trash on the sidewalk. Local vendors will be selling beer, water, and sometimes "yakamein" (New Orleans soul food) from trucks or card tables. Support them. Bring cash. Small bills are king.
Realities of the 2026 Parade Season
The landscape has changed a bit. In recent years, city permits and insurance costs for the SAPCs have skyrocketed. This has led to some tension between the clubs and the city government. When you search for the second line schedule for today, you might notice that some parades have shorter routes than they did five years ago. This is often a direct result of the cost of police escorts, which the city requires for every event.
Despite the bureaucracy, the spirit is untouchable.
If you see a notice saying a parade is "postponed," it’s usually due to extreme weather or a specific community conflict. It’s rare. These clubs prepare for 51 weeks to walk for four hours. They don't give that up easily.
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What to Wear and Bring
If you're going to follow the route for the full four hours, you’re going to walk about three to five miles. This isn't a stroll; it's a high-energy endurance event.
- Shoes: Wear sneakers you don't mind getting dusty. Do not wear flip-flops. You will get stepped on, and New Orleans streets aren't exactly known for being debris-free.
- Hydration: Even in January, the humidity can get you.
- Cash: Most vendors don't take Apple Pay. If you want a cold drink or a snack, you need five-dollar bills.
- Safety: Stay with the crowd. Like any urban environment, there are spots that are safer than others. The "second line" itself is a giant, moving community bubble. Stay inside the bubble.
Finding the Specific Route Right Now
To get the exact turns for the second line schedule for today, go to the WWOZ website or follow their social media handles. They usually drop the specific map on the Thursday or Friday before the Sunday parade. If it's a Saturday and you don't see a map, there might not be a sanctioned club parade that weekend, though "second lining" often happens spontaneously at jazz funerals or weddings. Those are private, though. Don't crash a funeral unless you're invited.
Common Misconceptions
People often confuse Second Lines with Mardi Gras parades. They are completely different animals. Mardi Gras is about floats, beads, and massive crowds behind barricades. Second lines have no barricades. There are no floats. It’s just people, brass, and the pavement. It’s much more intimate and, frankly, much more intense.
Another mistake? Thinking you can "drive" to catch up with the parade. New Orleans streets are narrow. Once the parade starts, the police block off the surrounding blocks. If you get your car stuck near the route, you aren't moving until the tuba disappears into the distance. Park six blocks away and walk in.
Actionable Steps for Today’s Parade
If you are ready to head out, follow this checklist to ensure you actually see the music and don't just wander around looking for it.
- Check the Takeline: Visit the WWOZ "In the Street" page immediately. Look for the start time and the "Start" address.
- Arrive Early: If the parade starts at 1:00 PM, be at the start location by 12:30 PM. The "roll out" is the most photogenic part of the day.
- Identify the Band: See who is playing. If it's the Rebirth Brass Band, Hot 8, or Treme Brass Band, expect a massive, high-energy crowd.
- Mark the "Disband" Location: Know where it ends so you can plan your Uber or walk back to your car. Most routes are not loops; they are point-to-point.
- Check the Weather: If the "chance of rain" is over 60%, keep an eye on local social media (Instagram handles like @nola_secondlines) for delay announcements.
By following the music rather than a static GPS coordinate, you’ll experience the city in a way most tourists never do. The rhythm is infectious, the suits are art, and the community is welcoming if you come with respect and a pair of dancing shoes.