New Orleans Gay Mardi Gras 2023

One of the most colourful and liberal parties in the USA.

Although the Mardi Gras in New Orleans runs for weeks, the gay part of Mardi Gras is held in the lower French Quarter over five days of nonstop fun and party nights in the clubs and bars. Hotels in this district are the first to fill up, so book your trip now. The following hotels are popular with our readers:

• The Royal Sonesta – 5 Star hotel right on Bourbon Street.
• Bourbon Orleans Hotel – Rated Fabulous, this 4 star hotel is in the middle of the French Quarter.
• Place D’Armes Hotel – Charming 2 star hotel with comfortable rooms and great location.

When is Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Many people believe that Mardi Gras is a single day of celebration. Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” is actually the climax for the Carnival season. Parades and formal Gay Balls begin on the twelfth night of Christmas (Kings Night). Parades take place over several nights in New Orleans and in Metairie.

Where is the Gay Mardi Gras?

• Most of the gay parties take place on the final weekend – From Thursday 16th Feb to Tuesday 21st Feb 2023 – The lower French Quarter is the center for New Orleans Gay Mardi Gras. This is where you’ll find the more extravagant costumes. People come from all over the world just to strut around in costumes of their own design. Of course, going home with a prestigious Bourbon Street Award is often the motivation for their sequined madness.

The Gay Carnival Balls

• Currently in New Orleans there are eight Gay carnival organizations know as Krewes.These organizations stage magnificent, elegant Masked Balls and costume contests.
• Some of the LGBTQ Krewes and balls to look out for during Mardi Gras and its Carnival season, via their respective websites, including the 60-year-old Petronius, Armeinius, the largely POC Krewe of Mwindo, leather and fetish-centric Lords of Leather, and fresh-faced  Krewe of Stars.

Confirmed Balls for 2023

Themes and dates to be confirmed:

• Mwindo
• Petronius
• Armeninius
• Lords of Leather

Gay Circuit Parties

• The two main clubs, OZ and The Bourbon Parade host special Mardi Gras theme nights and parties throughout the weekend.

Annual Bourbon Street Awards Show

• On Mardi Gras day (Feb 21st 2023) the Annual Bourbon Street Awards Show presents the ultimate costume contest. This you have to see to believe. The show begins at noon at 800 Bourbon Street corner of St. Ann (OZ).
• And let’s not forget the world famous Mardi Gras beads! The beads are given in appreciation to the boys that show their assets (the better the asset the bigger the beads) so don’t be shy. Get lots of beads.
• Mardi Gras New Orleans is a 24/7 event over  five days so you do need to find the right hotel if you want to get some sleep. Hotels book up well in advance so reserve early.

The Carnival Parades

There are 100’s of carnival parades taking place throughout the Carnival festivities. Most take place outside of the gay district. We recommend you catch at least one parade during your visit.

With so many to choose from, we suggest you stick with one of the “Super Krewes”. The three super krewes in the city of New Orleans are Orpheus, Bacchus and Endymion. Awaiting the 2023 Mardi Gras Super Krewes parade dates.

Whilst there’s no formal definition of a super krewe, they usually have at least 1,000 members and at least 500 riders participating in the parades, making for quite the spectacle of floats!

Try to catch some of the parades in the French Quarter. These parades are on foot and have a totally different feel from the vehicle driven parades of the Super Krewes. For a complete list of all the parades visit the official Mardi Gras Site.

Where to Stay for Mardi Gras?

The best place to stay is in the French quarter, which is where you will find most of the gay bars and clubs. Our top choices close to all of the parties are as follows:

The Roosevelt Hotel,   Omni Royal,   Royal Sonesta Hotel,   French Market Inn.

Read our insider guide to Gay New orleans for the best bars, restaurants and places to party.