Do travel agents have better date availability during high-demand times?

Looking to got to the last few days of Mardi Gras next year (2/8-2/11) in New Orleans. The dates have opened but all of the high-demand days for the smaller hotels are unavailable at the moment. I called the hotel and they said they aren't sold out, just haven't been release yet.

Are these rooms reserved for other programs like travel agents? Should I just wait?