Entry No. 73 — the New Orleans file — filed under: ritual-music
The Broadside
Opened by the indie Broad Theater during the pandemic, The Broadside is an open-air lot in Mid-City built around a big 4K projection screen and a full sound system, with two stages, two bars and a sit-down restaurant. Under the night sky it runs retro and independent film screenings plus free and ticketed concerts, so an evening here is genuinely outdoor cinema rather than a bar with a TV. It operates seven days a week.
The story
When the pandemic shut down traditional movie houses across the country, the team behind Mid-City’s indie Broad Theater didn't just wait around indoors. They looked right across Toulouse Street at a vacant industrial lot on North Broad, dragged out a massive 4K projection screen, built two stages, and wired a full-blown sound system directly into the open air.
What started as an emergency pivot quickly turned into one of Mid-City's best evening hangs. The Broadside isn't a patio bar with a TV mounted in the corner—it’s a legit outdoor cinema and dual-stage live venue operating under the New Orleans night sky. On any given night, the gravel lot shifts between indie film premieres, retro movie screenings, and sets by visiting jazz heavyweights or local brass bands.
Because it’s run by indie theater folks who actually care about media presentation, the sightlines are clean and the sound system packs enough punch to carry over the ambient hum of North Broad Street. With two full bars operating on-site and a rotating lineup of kitchen pop-ups and food trucks, you can settle into an outdoor seat with a cocktail and popcorn without feeling like you've stumbled into a generic beer garden.
What it's like
Expect a casual, open-air neighborhood vibe on gravel ground directly across Toulouse Street from the main Broad Theater building. Grab a drink at one of the two bars or order food from the night's featured pop-up vendor as you settle in. The key catch: programming flips between outdoor movies and live music depending on the day of the week, so you'll want to check their online schedule beforehand rather than just showing up expecting a film. Pack bug spray for summer nights.
The move: Catch a retro film on the giant outdoor screen with popcorn and drinks from the bar, sprawled in the open-air lot under the stars.
📍 Before you go Programming alternates between outdoor films and concerts on different nights; check broadsidenola.com/events for which evenings have a movie versus a show.
- 📍 Mid-City
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 600 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Mystic Krewe Pinball Parlor — Play a few games on vintage arcade machines inside the Broad Theater before heading across Toulouse Street for an outdoor movie.
- Bayou St. John / Magnolia Bridge (Cabrini Bridge) — Take a late-afternoon stroll along historic Bayou St. John before walking down Broad Street for drinks and live music under the stars.
- The Singing Oak — Listen to the massive wind chimes hanging in City Park's live oaks, then head straight down into Mid-City for an evening show at The Broadside.
Good to know
Where is The Broadside located relative to the indoor Broad Theater?
The Broadside is situated directly across Toulouse Street from the main Broad Theater building, occupying an open-air lot at 600 N Broad St in Mid-City.
What kind of events take place at The Broadside?
The venue alternates between retro and independent film screenings on its giant 4K screen and live concerts across two stages, alongside community fundraisers and cultural events.
Is food available at the venue?
Yes, The Broadside features sit-down food service alongside regular local food trucks and culinary pop-ups, supported by two full-service bars on-site.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
While some weeknight screenings and community shows are free, ticketed live concerts and popular film events regularly sell out ahead of time via broadsidenola.com.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · nola.com · Yelp · neworleans.com
last checked: 2026-06-23