Event Dates
From: Thursday, April 11, 2024
To: Sunday, April 14, 2024
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
- 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 currently trending with our readers:
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.
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
This 5-star hotel in New Orleans is a 15-minute walk to Jackson Square. The elegant hotel features The Rooftop Bar, a full-service spa and rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Guest rooms at The Roosevelt offer stylish décor and luxury amenities. Bathrobes and a 14-inch TV are offered in the bathroom and each room has a minibar.
Located on the most fashionable corner, St. Louis at Royal, the hotel has received the 4-diamond luxury award for the past 27 years and has earned the Pinnacle Award for meeting services. Whether you’re visiting New Orleans for work or play the Omni Royal Orleans is truly the place to see and be seen.
Located in the historic French Quarter on Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, multiple bars, and a jazz club. The hotel is decorated with modern art and offers several on-site dining options. Complimentary WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator are included in all rooms
Situated in the French Quarter, this New Orleans hotel was built in the 1800s and provides simple rooms with coffee facilities. Guests are a 5-minute walk from Jackson Square. Each air-conditioned room at the French Market Inn provides a desk and cable TV. The rooms include carpeted floors and exposed brick walls.
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.