Event Dates
From: Friday, November 13, 2026
To: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Luna Fete
Festival of Lights New Orleans 2026
Illuminated costumes, couture, and creativity take centre stage at Arts New Orleans’ LUNA Fête.
Luna Fete Festival of Lights New Orleans 2026
New Orleans transforms its downtown streets into an open-air gallery of illuminated art for LUNA Fête, the city’s annual festival of light, art and technology. The 2026 edition, The Puppetry Parade, introduces enormous glowing puppets, moving sculptures and illuminated processions alongside spectacular projections across the historic façade of Gallier Hall.
- Stay at Maison Métier, an intimate luxury hotel on Carondelet Street, just a short walk from Lafayette Square and the festival’s principal installations.
The Festival
- Next Event: Friday, November 13, 2026 To Sunday, November 15, 2026.
- Opening Hours: 5 pm to 10 pm nightly.
- Edition: 12th annual LUNA Fête – The Puppetry Parade.
- Location: Downtown New Orleans, from Gallier Hall and Lafayette Square to Piazza d’Italia.
- Admission: Most installations and performances are free. A suggested $10 donation supports the festival.
- Special Experiences: Piazza d’Italia costs $15, while a separate VIP experience is available at Gallier Hall.
- Check out the 10 best hotels in New Orleans.
What to Expect
LUNA Fête is best explored on foot, moving between large architectural projections, smaller installations and street performances. Unlike a conventional Christmas light display, the artworks are created by contemporary artists using projection mapping, sculpture, sound and interactive technology.
- The Puppetry Parade: Monumental illuminated puppets and handcrafted figures bring New Orleans’ procession traditions into a contemporary art setting. Some artworks move through the streets, while others become installations.
- Gallier Hall Projections: The festival’s signature attraction uses the building’s Greek Revival architecture as a canvas for large-scale animated projections.
- Interactive Installations: Artists transform public spaces with light, digital technology and artworks that encourage visitors to participate.
- Arts Market: Browse work by artists and makers from across the Gulf South, alongside seasonal shopping, food and drink vendors.
- Music and Performance: The programme includes live entertainment, with DJs and a silent disco activation by Dohm Collective at Piazza d’Italia.
The festival is open to all ages. It’s particularly appealing to visitors who want to experience New Orleans beyond Bourbon Street, with the added advantage of being able to explore the city centre after dark.
How to Explore LUNA Fête
The installations stretch across several downtown blocks. Allow around two hours for a relaxed visit, longer if you want to watch performances, browse the market or enter the ticketed areas.
Stop What to See Gallier Hall Large-scale architectural projections Lafayette Square Festival atmosphere, public art and nearby installations Downtown route Illuminated puppets, interactive art and performances Piazza d’Italia Exclusive installations, DJs and silent disco Our recommendation: Start at Gallier Hall shortly after sunset, then follow the installations towards Piazza d’Italia. This puts the headline projection experience first and leaves time for the smaller artworks, market stalls and music.
The Festival Locations
Gallier Hall and Lafayette Square
- Gallier Hall, at 545 St. Charles Avenue, is the festival’s main architectural landmark.
- The building’s monumental columns and façade provide the canvas for large-scale projection mapping.
- Lafayette Square, opposite Gallier Hall, is a convenient place to begin exploring the festival.
- Arrive early in the evening for a less crowded view of the installations.
- A separate VIP experience offers premium projection viewing, an open bar, small bites and priority restroom access.
Piazza d’Italia
- Piazza d’Italia, at 377 Poydras Street, forms the other major anchor of the festival.
- The space features exclusive illuminated installations and a DJ and silent disco activation by Dohm Collective.
- Admission is $15, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.
- Tickets are available at the entrance, according to the organiser.
The route between the two locations is walkable, although the precise timing of individual projections and processions should be checked closer to the event.
Tickets and Admission
Most of LUNA Fête is free, including the public art installations and much of the entertainment.
- The optional RSVP helps organisers estimate attendance but does not provide admission to ticketed experiences.
- The $10 suggested donation is voluntary.
- Piazza d’Italia requires a separate $15 admission.
- Gallier Hall VIP tickets are sold separately and include premium viewing and hospitality.
- Official information and tickets: LUNA Fête.
Before the Party – Gay New Orleans
LUNA Fête takes place in the Central Business District, while the city’s principal gay nightlife is concentrated in the French Quarter around Bourbon and St. Ann streets. It’s an easy combination: enjoy the installations first, then head to the Quarter for drinks, drag or dancing.
- Oz New Orleans – 800 Bourbon Street. One of the city’s principal gay dance clubs, with DJs, drag performances and a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. Best for a late-night finish.
- Bourbon Pub & Parade – 801 Bourbon Street. A two-level gay venue combining the downstairs Pub with the upstairs Parade nightclub. A reliable choice for DJs and traditional French Quarter nightlife.
- Good Friends Bar – 740 Dauphine Street. A longstanding neighbourhood gay bar with a relaxed crowd and an upstairs lounge. Good for conversation before moving to the busier clubs.
- The Golden Lantern – 1239 Royal Street. A historic gay bar and the birthplace of Southern Decadence, known for its welcoming local crowd and informal atmosphere.
- Café Lafitte in Exile – 901 Bourbon Street. One of America’s most historic gay bars, with an upstairs balcony and a traditional Bourbon Street atmosphere.
- The Phoenix – 941 Elysian Fields Avenue, Marigny. A long-running leather and bear bar with a patio, pool table and regular fetish community socials. Best for visitors wanting to explore beyond the French Quarter.
For a short visit, choose the Bourbon Street bars after the festival. The Phoenix is farther away in the Marigny and works better as a separate late-night stop.
Where to Stay
For LUNA Fête, the Central Business District and Warehouse Arts District are better choices than the heart of the French Quarter. They put the festival within walking distance while keeping Bourbon Street accessible for late-night entertainment.
- Virgin Hotels New Orleans – Best for a lively weekend. A contemporary hotel on Baronne Street with stylish rooms, a rooftop pool and bars. Convenient for Lafayette Square and the surrounding restaurants.
- Kimpton Hotel Fontenot – Best for the festival’s eastern end. A boutique-style hotel near Poydras Street, convenient for Piazza d’Italia, the riverfront and the French Quarter.
- The Eliza Jane – Best for a characterful stay. A restored historic property on Magazine Street with atmospheric interiors and a courtyard, between the festival and the French Quarter.
- International House Hotel – Best for a central base. A design-led hotel on Camp Street with contemporary rooms and easy access to Gallier Hall, Piazza d’Italia and downtown dining.
More New Orleans Events
LUNA Fête falls at the beginning of the city’s holiday season. Visitors extending their stay can explore New Orleans’ Christmas celebrations, while the following year’s calendar brings several major gay events.
- Gay Christmas and New Year’s Eve in New Orleans – Seasonal lights, festive dining and holiday celebrations across the city.
- New Orleans Gay Mardi Gras – February 2027. Gay carnival traditions, elaborate costumes and parties.
- New Orleans Gay Easter Parade – March 2027. A colourful French Quarter procession featuring Easter bonnets, carriages and fundraising celebrations.
- New Orleans Pride – June 2027. Pride events, street celebrations and gay nightlife around the French Quarter.
- Southern Decadence – September 2027. One of America’s largest gay party weekends, with street parties, circuit events and the Grand Marshal Parade.
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Where we stay!
The Hotel Monteleone is where we stay
in New Orleans, close to all the gay bars.
Official Website
For information and advice on
Luna Fete New Orleans Website
Gay Map of New Orleans
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
- Historic grand-hotel steps from the French Quarter.
- Elegant lobby, stylish rooms and marble bathrooms.
- Rooftop pool, spa and upscale dining on-site.
- Famous Sazerac Bar — ideal for cocktails and jazz-era ambiance.
- Great for travellers seeking comfort, history and central location.
- Website
Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Luxury hotel on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
- Elegant rooms, some with balconys, others quiet & courtyard-facing.
- On-site pool, bars, restaurants, jazz club — full-service resort feel.
- Excellent location: walkable to nightlife, historic sites and transport.
- Good balance of historic charm and modern convenience for any stay.
- Website
Address: 100 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Historic-style hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms.
- Pool deck, fitness center and on-site dining for added convenience.
- Calm and quiet interior despite central downtown location.
- Easy walking distance to French Quarter, nightlife and transport.
- Good choice for travellers wanting comfort and city access.
- Website
Address: 541 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Hotel on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
- Modern rooms with courtyard or street views.
- Outdoor pool and a relaxed bar on-site.
- Easy access to music, nightlife and dining.
- Good pick for a central, no-fuss stay.
- Website
Address: 830 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Hotel in the French Quarter, steps from Bourbon Street.
- Clean, basic rooms with WiFi, AC and sometimes fridge, good value.
- On-site bar/restaurant (Bombay Club) + café for easy meals
- Friendly staff and convenient central location.
- Street noise possible at night if room faces busy areas.
- Website
Address: 626 Saint Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Historic French-Quarter hotel with classic charm.
- Calm courtyard spaces and small outdoor pool.
- Simple, comfortable rooms with useful amenities.
- Friendly team and reliable, relaxed atmosphere.
- Steps from Jackson Square, cafés and nightlife.
- Website
Address: 801 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar & club on Bourbon Street with two floors.
- Downstairs: video-bar vibe; upstairs: dance floor + balcony.
- Drag shows, go-go dancers, video nights, themed parties.
- Inclusive mixed LGBTQ+ crowd and welcoming atmosphere.
- Top pick for late-night fun, dancing, meeting people.
- Open: Mon–Sat 12pm–5am, Sun 12pm–3am
- Website
Address: 2513 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay dive-bar on Royal St in Marigny, New Orleans.
- Dim, unpretentious vibe with pool table and jukebox.
- Cheap strong drinks, friendly bartenders and regulars.
- Mixed crowd of locals, gay men and travelers.
- Great for casual drinks or a quiet night out.
- Open: Mon–Sun 10:00am–3:00am
Address: 718 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar with a relaxed, dive-bar feel.
- Dim lighting, wooden bar and cheap strong drinks.
- Local regulars mixed with visitors from the Quarter.
- Good for conversation, casual drinks and low-key nights.
- A simple, friendly stop away from Bourbon Street noise.
- Open: 24/7
Address: 1328 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar in New Orleans with dive-bar + music-club vibe.
- Live bands, DJs and underground-style nightlife events.
- Mixed crowd of locals, queer community and party-goers.
- Casual, unpretentious atmosphere, strong drinks & outdoor space.
- Good for late-night partying, music and social nights out
- Open: Mon–Thu 8pm–4am · Fri–Sat 8pm–6am · Sun 8pm–4am
Address: 2240 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay lounge and cabaret with drag, burlesque and live shows.
- Cabaret/theater upstairs + bar/lounge downstairs for drinks.
- Mixed gay crowd, nightlife locals and performance-arts fans.
- Affordable drinks, regular events and relaxed vibe.
- Good for nights of shows, cocktails or low-key partying.
- Open: Daily 6pm–2am
- Website
Address: 800 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay dance club on Bourbon Street, French Quarter.
- Two floors: dance floor + balcony for people-watching.
- Drag shows, go-go dancers & DJs nightly.
- Mostly gay men, party-goers and travelers.
- Energetic nightlife spot with classic gay-club vibe.
- Open: Mon–Wed 6pm–4am, Thu–Sun 12pm–4am
Address: 2021 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
- Gay bar uptown with a small-town, dive-bar feel.
- Casual, cozy interior — low-key atmosphere.
- Affordable drinks, daily specials and friendly bartenders.
- Mixed crowd: locals, regulars and gay visitors.
- Nice spot for relaxed drinks instead of club chaos.
- Open: Mon–Thu 4:30pm–12am,
- Fri–Sat 4:30pm–1am, Sun 4:30pm–12am
Address: 2301 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay dive-bar in Marigny with laid-back, welcoming vibe.
- Wrap-around bar, pool table, jukebox and casual seating.
- Cheap drinks and friendly staff make it easy to relax or socialise.
- Mixed crowd of locals, travellers and LGBTQ regulars.
- Good for chill nights, pre-party drinks or quiet hang-outs.
- Open: Mon–Thu 12pm–2am, Fri–Sun 11am–2am
Address: 634 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Upscale bar-restaurant with a clothing-optional pool.
- Creative cocktails and refined Creole-leaning food.
- Garden, cabanas and relaxed daytime pool vibe.
- Weekend drag brunch draws an LGBTQ crowd.
- A chic mixed venue in the Bywater.
- Open: Mon–Fri 10am–11pm, Sat–Sun 9:30am–11pm
Address: 901 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar claiming to be the oldest continuously operating in the USA.
- Downstairs dive-bar vibe + upstairs Balcony Bar for people-watching.
- Frequent drag, music, dancing and welcoming LGBTQ crowd.
- Historic spot on Bourbon St with long legacy & lively nightlife.
- Great for cocktails, late-night fun & nights out during festivals.
- Open: Daily 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Address: 740 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay leather-bar in the French Quarter for cruising, drinks.
- Pool table, jukebox, leather crowd and dive-bar ambiance.
- Strong drinks, happy hours and occasional karaoke or themed nights.
- Mixed-age men’s crowd — bears, leather, locals & travelers.
- Raw, unpolished nightlife spot a classic leather-bar experience.
- Open: Wed–Sun 1 pm–3 am (bar may be closed Mon–Tue)
- Website
Address: 740 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter with two floors and local-bar charm.
- Downstairs bar with pool, TV screens and casual drinks.
- Upstairs balcony pub gives a quieter, laid-back vibe.
- Friendly staff, affordable drinks, welcoming regulars and visitors.
- Good mix of chill atmospheres & lively party nights when events hit.
- Open: 24 h / day (open continuously)
Address: 940 St. Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter with dive-bar + dance-show vibe.
- Pool table, bar, nightly go-go dancers and drag-show energy.
- Affordable drinks, strong happy-hour specials and friendly service.
- Mixed crowd of gay men, travellers and nightlife regulars.
- Good for casual drinks, drag nights or full party-mode late evenings.
- Open: Mon–Sun 12pm–2am
Address: 834 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter with cocktail-bar energy.
- Cozy brick courtyard, full bar and easy-going indoor vibe.
- Drag shows, karaoke or “Boylesque” nights several times a month.
- Welcoming crowd of locals, tourists and regulars alike.
- Good for relaxed drinks or a low-key night out rather than club night.
- Open: Sun–Thu 11am–2am, Fri–Sat 11am–3am
Address: 1012 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar/restaurant with cocktails, food and drag/tea-dance events.
- Stylish interior + courtyard for relaxed drinks or nights out.
- Menu with tacos, burgers, shared plates and affordable drinks.
- Mix of locals and travellers, open to LGBTQ+ community.
- Served as casual hangout or pre-party spot rather than full nightclub.
- Open: Mon–Sun from 3pm closing 1am (varied depending on events)
Address: 941 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay leather and bear bar with a tough, classic dive feel.
- Two floors with a pool table and a relaxed patio space.
- Regular leather, bear and fetish nights for men.
- Strong drinks and a crowd that’s easy to meet.
- Long-running spot for late nights and social energy.
- Open: 24/7 (always open)
- Website
Address: 1239 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar on Royal St with long local history.
- Famous as the birthplace of Southern Decadence.
- Casual dive-bar mood with strong cocktails.
- Regular drag and easygoing crowd.
- Good spot for cheap drinks and meeting people.
- Open: 24 hours / 7 days a week (always open)
- Website
Address: 439 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter with relaxed vibe and comfort food.
- Steampunk-inspired décor, pool table, screens and casual seating.
- Popular for burgers, drinks and laid-back socialising.
- Friendly service, mix of locals and visitors from around the world
- Good for chill nights, meals /post-party drinks without club chaos.
- Open: Mon–Sun 7:00 am–1:00 am (last orders around 1am)
Address: 940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay bar in Marigny with drag shows and party nights.
- Casual dive-bar vibe plus lively performances and cocktails.
- Welcoming staff, mixed crowd of locals and travellers.
- Linked to guest-house accommodation — handy for visitors.
- Good for nights out when you want shows and easygoing nightlife.
- Open: Mon–Tue 11am–1am · Wed–Thu 10am–2am ·
- Fri–Sat 10 am–4am · Sun 10am–2am
Address: 542 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter on 542 N Rampart St.
Black-owned and local-community oriented.
Pool table, jukebox, relaxed dive-bar vibe and affordable drinks.
Mixed crowd of locals and LGBTQ visitors.
Good spot for laid-back nights & after-hours drinks. - Open: Mon–Thu 5 pm–3 am | Fri–Sun 3 pm–3 am
Recommended Hotels in New Orleans By Booking
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Roosevelt Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star – Lovely Rooftop Bar, Full-Service Spa
- A short walk to the gay bars
- 42-inch TV, luxury amenities
- Elegant 5-star hotel, 15 minutes to Jackson Square, with a rooftop bar, fully equipped spa, and luxurious rooms.
Omni Royal, 4 Star
Sophisticated & Stylish
- 4 Star – 4-Diamond Luxury, Pinnacle Award Winner
- Close to the gay district
- Fashionable corner location
- On St. Louis at Royal, offers 4-diamond luxury, award-winning meeting services, and sophisticated style.
Royal Sonesta, 4 Star
Right on Bourbon Street
- 4 Star – On Bourbon Street, Outdoor Pool
- Close to the gay district
- WiFi, flat-screen TV, refrigerator
- In the French Quarter, offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, bars, jazz club, and modern art.
French Market Inn
3 Star Central Location
- 3 Star – Located in an Historic 1800s Building
- Close to the gay district
- Coffee facilities, air-conditioned
- Historic hotel in the French Quarter, built in the 1800s, simple rooms with coffee facilities and a short walk from Jackson Square.
Video Luna Fete
Aftermovie of previous Luna Fete celebrations
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in New Orleans
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.
French Quarter | Home to Bourbon Street
Photo: Laissez les bons temps rouler! Bourbon Street is at the heart of Gay NOLA.
- The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans and is located along the Mississippi River.
- Famous for its lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere along Bourbon Street and the legendary Oz and Bourbon Parade Pub.
- The quarter is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in New Orleans and is known for its distinctive Spanish and French Creole architecture.
- Discover the best things to see and do in the French Quarter
Marigny
Downriver from the French Quarter with colourful, eclectic houses & a vibrant arts scene along Frenchman St.
Bywater
East of the Marigny and close to Crescent Park with stunning views of the River and the NOLA skyline.
Warehouse District
Known as the Arts District, perfect for art enthusiasts & museum-goers with trendy restaurants & boutique hotels.
Downtown
The CBD offers easy access to Bourbon Street and a variety of dining options, shops, and cultural attractions.
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