Event Dates
From: Thursday, April 16, 2026
To: Sunday, April 19, 2026
The French Quarter festival is the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana food, music and culture.
The French Quarter festival is the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana food, music and culture. The event has been showcasing the city’s unique heritage for over 30 years.
- The festival packs the city, so book early. Check out the best places to stay and grab a hotel deal in the French Quarter, the heart of gay life in New Orleans.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Thursday, April 16, 2026 to Sunday, April 19, 2026
- French Quarter Festival features over 20 stages representing every genre of music, from jazz to funk, gospel, classical to cabaret.
- The event also hosts over 60 local restaurants, serving food and beverages in Jackson Square, said to be the ‘world’s largest jazz brunch’.
- Celebrate this four-day weekend festival for free. There is no cost to attend any of the performances
- Stay close to the city’s gay bars and clubs at the stunning Virgin Hotels New Orleans, rated “Superb” by guests with stylish rooms and great location.
The Venue
- Held in the historical heart of the city, The French Quarter is world famous for its vibrant gay nightlife and its unique and colorful architecture.
- Bourbon street and its 13 blocks will be full of people soaking up that unique NOLA atmosphere. The event attracts more than 700,000 locals and tourists to the city.
- Check out our insider gay guide to New Orleans for the best places to stay and play.
The Second Line Parade
- One highlight not to miss is the Second-Line Kickoff Parade on Thursday as it passes through Bourbon Street before ending at the famous Jackson Square.
- French Quarter Festival has been consistently voted “favorite festival”, “favorite food festival”, and “favorite event open to the public” by locals.
Where to stay during The French Quarter Festival?
The following New Orleans Hotels are all close to the gay bars and clubs
The Roosevelt Hotel, Omni Royal, Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Market Inn.
Book your hotel in advance & save money
Book Now and Pay on arrival!
The Hotel Monteleone is where we stay
in New Orleans, close to all the gay bars.
For information and advice on
French Quarter Festival Website
If you want to be close to all of New Orleans famous attractions, including the top gay-nightlife options in the city, the French Quarter remains the hub of where to stay, with dozens of hotels of all types and grades.. Adjacent to the Quarter and just downriver, you’ll find a number of gay-friendly smaller properties in historic and trendy Faubourg Marigny, which is also home to several gay-popular restaurants and bars.
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 100 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 541 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 830 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 626 Saint Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 801 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2513 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 718 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 1328 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2240 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 800 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2021 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Address: 2301 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 634 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 901 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 740 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 740 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 940 St. Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 834 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 1012 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 941 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 1239 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 439 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 542 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Highlights French Quarter Fest opening day parade
New Orleans doesn’t have distinct gay neighbourhoods in the same way as some other cities like West Hollywood or Chelsea in New York City. However, the city is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, and you’ll find gay-friendly establishments and events scattered throughout various neighbourhoods, especially along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
Photo: Laissez les bons temps rouler! Bourbon Street is at the heart of Gay NOLA.
Downriver from the French Quarter with colourful, eclectic houses & a vibrant arts scene along Frenchman St.
East of the Marigny and close to Crescent Park with stunning views of the River and the NOLA skyline.
Known as the Arts District, perfect for art enthusiasts & museum-goers with trendy restaurants & boutique hotels.
The CBD offers easy access to Bourbon Street and a variety of dining options, shops, and cultural attractions.

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