On Friday evening, two gigantic footballs every one product of greater than 400,000 sparkly gold tiles hung within the humid air and rotated like disco balls over a stage in New Orleans.
Uber was internet hosting a Tremendous Bowl occasion earlier than Sunday’s matchup between the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, and drinks flowed from three bars as servers handed round shrimp Creole skewers and crawfish balls.
Solange Knowles was in a D.J. sales space taking part in crowd favorites from so excessive up it was onerous to see her face.
Emily Ratajkowski, the mannequin and actress, was among the many first to reach, round 8:30 p.m., and was sporting a slinky black costume. Subsequent got here Amy Schumer, the comic and actress, who headed to the bar the place she laughed loudly with a number of associates.
“I’ve had an extended day,” Ms. Schumer mentioned, waving off interviews.
The actor Jon Hamm, the designer Brooklyn Beckham, the musician Leon Bridges, the singer Tyla, and the D.J. Diplo adopted, and headed into an unique space overlooking the house.
It was intimate but additionally scorching. Temperatures in New Orleans have been within the 80s, and the gang was sweating.
Round 9 p.m., a marching band and drum line from Tulane College entered the room, and the gang parted whereas the band performed a Mardi Gras medley. Ms. Schumer ran to get a better look and dance alongside.
4 minutes later, a canopy on a stage dropped, and the rapper Travis Scott appeared.
“Let’s make some noise,” he yelled, including an expletive for emphasis, earlier than launching into his hits.
Mr. Hamm set free a whoop and began dancing.
This was the 2025 Tremendous Bowl in New Orleans, a uncommon occasion that may draw President Trump, Taylor Swift, Mr. Scott and soccer followers to the identical place. And with the festivities, set in opposition to a heated political local weather and within the wake of a terrorist assault in New Orleans earlier this 12 months, the town was crammed with glamour, angst, anticipation, heavy safety and many music.
All through the weekend, main rappers and musicians headlined bashes across the metropolis.
On Friday, Put up Malone was on the Fillmore New Orleans; Snoop Dogg carried out on the Orpheum Theater; and Nelly was at Brennan’s, a restaurant identified for its Creole delicacies. Ludacris was the star of Shaq’s Enjoyable Home, a Tremendous Bowl occasion staple that has carnival video games and meals.
Saturday night, Timbaland acquired behind a D.J. sales space and carried out songs for a delighted crowd at an occasion hosted by Maxim and unKommon Occasions.
However some locals mentioned they spent the weekend simply looking for Ms. Swift, even stopping by eating places she would possibly frequent and homes she might be renting. They usually monitored native information retailers that documented her actions.
On Friday, followers gathered exterior of Lilette, a French restaurant on Journal Avenue, after Ms. Swift was noticed there along with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, in addition to Patrick and Brittany Mahomes. The following evening, Ms. Swift dined with Mr. Kelce and the rapper Ice Spice at Gianna, an Italian restaurant.
Even those that didn’t see Ms. Swift might really feel her presence throughout the town, and one retailer downtown was promoting crimson T-shirts that mentioned: “In My Nola Period” in gold, sparkly font.
Different recognizable faces noticed round New Orleans included Kourtney Kardashian, Cardi B, Martha Stewart, Girl Gaga, Jelly Roll and Donald Trump Jr.
N.F.L. gamers who weren’t collaborating within the Tremendous Bowl additionally joined the weekend’s festivities. Athletes First, a sports activities illustration company, hosted a celebration on Saturday evening in downtown New Orleans.
Braelon Allen, a rookie participant from the Jets, mentioned whereas he was having fun with the celebrations, he would fairly be taking part in.
“It’s enjoyable, nevertheless it stinks on the identical time,” he mentioned. “Each participant’s dream is to win a Tremendous Bowl.”
Reggie Wayne, a retired broad receiver who performed for the Indianapolis Colts and gained a Tremendous Bowl with the staff in 2007, mentioned whereas laughing and puffing a cigar: “That is completely extra enjoyable than taking part in a Tremendous Bowl.”
Closely armed regulation enforcement might be seen exterior of many gatherings, particularly within the French Quarter. Automobiles have been topic to random safety checks, and helicopters whizzed above block events.
Natalie Pappas, 35, an Eagles fan from Philadelphia, mentioned the additional safety made her really feel she might let free on Bourbon road, which was packed on Saturday afternoon with a well-recognized scene of individuals handing out beads, consuming on balconies and dancing on the street.
Ms. Pappas mentioned there have been so many soccer followers in a single place it felt like an enormous tailgating occasion.
“It’s loopy,” she mentioned. “It looks like we might be at a house recreation.”
