In the small New Orleans neighborhood of Treme, they are about to celebrate the first "second-line parade" since the town was struck by Katrina and many of the local musicians and residents are reunited, but even more have not yet returned.

LaDonna finally receives news about her brother, who is missing. Albert is forced to take the law into his own hands.

While Davis trades piano lessons for his freedom, Albert makes an unnerving discovery and Annie gets a gig on her birthday.

Toni seeks help from a former cop in helping her figure out Daymo. Albert is angry about the lack of lodging, while Davis raises his profile with a television appearance.

Davis concocts a remedy for the post-Mardi Gras blues; Annie makes a decision that Sonny takes personally; Janette’s latest chef’s gig gets bogged down; Antoine becomes LaDonna’s unexpected benefactor; Colson warns Albert to avoid trouble on St. Joseph’s night; Creighton is inspired by a classic novel set in old New Orleans.

Toni's concerns about Creighton turn to anger; Albert and the Indians suit up for St. Joseph's night; Antoine gambles away a big payday; Davis tries to convince Janette to stay put; Annie weighs her future options. A funeral procession offers its mourners a chance to reflect on the events of the last year in New Orleans.

Despite her reluctance to take on new cases, Toni helps a Massachusetts man who wants to know what happened to his son after Katrina. Meanwhile, Albert plans to cook a Thanksgiving turkey whether or not he has a place to do it; Annie learns the quirks of Davis' music-cataloging system; Antoine considers forming his own band; and Nelson gets acquainted with the local business community.

Lt. Colson worries about the quality of the police department's investigations as citizens and activists prepare for an anti-violence march in January 2007. Meanwhile, Aunt Mimi helps Davis woo a rapper for their CD sampler; Harley encourages Annie to start writing her own songs; Nelson and Ligouri take the next step in New Orleans' redevelopment; Delmond searches for an elusive sound; Albert gets fed up with red tape; and Janette hopes her New York connections can land her a new job.

As Carnival arrives in New Orleans, Albert unveils his new plumage, and Delmond discovers a new sound; Annie heads to a rural celebration with Harley, while Davis looks for an alibi to party in town; Hidalgo combines business with pleasure on a Zulu float; Toni and Sofia struggle with their memories of Creighton; Antoine club-hops with his sons, while LaDonna avoids the fracas; and Cornell offers Sonny a second chance away from all the revelry; in New York, Chef Ripert gives Janette time off to attend to personal business and Fat Tuesday

Davis is upstaged by an up-and-coming rapper; Albert's attention to detail irks Delmond; Nelson makes the best of a frustrating situation; Toni questions murder witnesses; Colson moves to the homicide division; LaDonna faces a difficult choice; Annie experiences the good and bad of New Orleans; Antoine changes his tune on his teaching gig. Cowritten by George Pelecanos and David Simon.

Jazz Fest takes center stage in New Orleans, giving Treme residents a welcome respite from a challenging year.

Season 3 begins in the fall of 2007, as the neighborhood is shocked by police officers' response to a brass-band procession for a fallen musician. Meanwhile, Delmond and Albert experience different reactions to their new album; Toni finds a new ally in her ongoing crusade for justice; LaDonna is uncomfortable in her temporary lodgings; and in New York, Janette is reunited with Enrico Brulard.