There are plenty of pigskin-related festivities happening around town (see “Where the fans are: BCS tailgate parties in New Orleans”), but if you need to give your foam fan finger a break, check out the best of what's happening in New Orleans this weekend.

Carinval season kick-off
The krewe of the Phunny Phorty Phellows board a streetcar for their 30th annual Twelfth Night ride. The Phellows annual ride heralds the start of Carnival season. Although non-krewe memebers can't actually ride with the Phellows, it's still sight to see for bystanders and a great way to get a taste of Mardi Gras. Well-wishers second line in the street to the sounds of the Storyville Stompers with champagne and satirical signs to see the Phellows off on their round-trip streetcar ride. Details: Free, 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 6 at Willow Streetcar Barn (8140 Willow St.

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Night races at the Fair Grounds race track

Starlight Racing is back, and trust us, there’s nothing like seeing a night horserace at the Fair Grounds (known to most visitors as the home of Jazz Fest). There’s a distinct nightclub atmosphere in the clubhouse, helped along with live music from the Boogiemen, and New Orleans’ race fans get dapper and dolled for the occasion. Details: $10 includes admission to clubhouse and beer tent, Gates: 4 p.m.  Post time: 5 .p.m., Friday, January 6, Fair Grounds Race Course (1751 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 944-5515 
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Paul McCartney (not) at Mahalia Jackson Theater

Jet over to the Mahalia Jackson Theater and celebrate the music of Paul McCartney with a symphonic kicker as the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra hosts Broadway sensation and McCartney look-alike Tony Kishman and Live and Let Die.  Young and old alike will enjoy the ultimate tribute band featuring classic Beatles and Wings tunes with full orchestration provided by the LPO.Details: Tickets start at $20. 8 p.m. Friday, January 6, Mahalia Jackson Theater (801 N. Rampart, (800) 745-3000)

Battle of the bands at House of Blues

Championship Weekend Showdown features a great double bill of local bands: New Orleans country-punk legends Dash Rip Rock will square off against barnyard funkmasters The Honey Island Swamp Band. This is a classic battle between the wise elder statesmen, Dash Rip Rock, who have more than 15 albums under their buckles, and Honey Island Swamp Band, named Best Emerging Artist by Offbeat Magazine in 2009 and touring juggernauts ever since. Details: Tickets are $15  Doors: 8 p.m. Saturday, January 7, House of Blues (225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999)

Fairytale in burlesqueland

Go down the rabbit hole with Alice in Burlesqueland Sunday at One Eyed Jacks. Local burlesque troupe Fleur de Tease featuring Trixie Minx, Natasha Fiore, Roxie Laroux and Bella Blue  bring their bunny ears and tails to the stage for a naughty fairytale wonderland choreographed by Madame Mystere.
Details: Tickets $15, shows at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. Sunday, January 8, One Eyed Jacks (615 Tolouse St. (504) 569-8361)