New Orleans Gay Mardi Gras 2024

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.
• Formal Gay Balls and walking parades begin on the twelfth night of Christmas (Kings Night). Most of the larger balls begin a week or two before Fat Tuesday.
• Larger Parades take place over several nights on the final Carnival weekend in both New Orleans and in Metairie.

Where is the Gay Mardi Gras?

• Most of the gay parties take place on the final weekend – From Thursday 8th Feb to Tuesday 14st Feb 2024 – 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.
• Many of the biggest parades go down Canal St which divides Downtown and Uptown. (Most of the gay events and nightlife are located downtown).
• Stay close to all of the gay events and parties at The Hotel Monteleone, rated “Wonderful” by guests with a perfect location, modern gym, spacious rooms and a legendary reputation.

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 2024

• Saturday, February 3, 2024 – Petronius – The oldest Gay Mardi Gras Krewe in New Orleans. Their ball is typically held a week or two before Mardi Gras. At Sigur Civic Center
• Friday, February 9, 2024 – Armeinius – One of the most outrageous Balls with over-the-top costumes and spectacular drag queens. At Sigur Civic Center

Themes and dates to be confirmed:

• Mwindo – Black and queer Mardi Gras Ball featuring queer rap legends and guest stars.
• Lords of Leather – Experience an early taste of South Decadence at one of the kinkiest balls during Mardi Gras.
• Not Your Dad’s Ball: Kinky queer ball with live performances, underground dance music, and busy darkrooms.
• Krewe of Stars: Cabaret-style Gay Ball focusing on live music and live show spectaculars.

Gay Circuit Parties

• Most of the gay parties are held in the French Quarter. Underground and queer events are centered around Marginy and Bywater.
• The two main clubs, OZ and The Bourbon Parade host special Mardi Gras theme nights and parties throughout the weekend.
• Phoenix hosts the Lords of Leather afterparty on the Sunday of Mardi Gras.
• The Silverfox (Rawhide) is home to all things leather and cruisey with a bustling dark room during Mardi Gras.
• Golden Lantern is one of the oldest gay bars in the city and hosts elaborate Mardi Gras Drag spectaculars.
• Stay in the “Fantastic” rated Peter & Paul, a historic hotel in the Marigny district with beautifully designed, spacious rooms and high-end amenities.

Annual Bourbon Street Awards Show

• On Mardi Gras day (Feb 13th 2024) 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.
• Orpheus, Bacchus, and Endymion: The three super parades happen every year on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before Mardis Gras day.
• Orpheus and Bacchus usually follow the traditional Uptown route going from the beginning of St Charles through Uptown, down Canal, and ending in the CBD.
• Endymion starts in Midcity and goes the length of Canal Street.
• 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.