Event Dates
From: Thursday, February 12, 2026
To: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
New Orleans Gay Mardi Gras 2026
The New Orleans Gay Mardi Gras Weekend takes place from Friday to Fat Tuesday during Carnival – dates vary depending on the fall of Easter.
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?
- Next Edition: Thursday, February 12, 2026 – Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- 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 – Jan 6th). 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?
- 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,
The Ball Schedule 2026
- Awaiting confirmation of dates for the 2026 editions.
- 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
- Armeinius – One of the most outrageous Balls with over-the-top costumes and spectacular drag queens. At Sigur Civic Center.
- Not Your Dad’s Ball – Kinky queer ball with live performances, underground dance music, and busy darkrooms.
- Lords of Leather Experience an early taste of South Decadence at one of the kinkiest balls during Mardi Gras.
- Krewe of Stars – Cabaret-style Gay Ball focusing on live music and live show spectaculars.
- Mwindo – Black and queer Mardi Gras Ball featuring queer rap legends and guest stars.
- Narccissus, Apollo and Amon Ra all take place in January.
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.
The Greasing of the Poles
- Friday, February 13th 2026 – Celebrate the start of Mardi Gras WEEKEND in New Orleans at the iconic Greasing of the Poles, a unique NOLA tradition.
Annual Bourbon Street Awards Show
- On Mardi Gras day (Tuesday 17th February, 2026) 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, typically on Saturday Feb 14th, 2026, Sunday Feb 15th, 2026, and Monday Feb 16th, 2026 – before Mardi 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.
Save on Hotels
hotels book well in advance for Carnival.
Book Now and Pay on arrival!
Where we stay!
The Hotel Monteleone is where we stay
when in New Orleans, by the gay bars
Official Website
For information and advice on
Gay Mardi Gras, 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.
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
This 5-star hotel in 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.
300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Located in the historic 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 at this New Orleans Royal Sonesta. Each room includes a seating area, safe and private bathroom. Some rooms offer a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street or the pool. Extras include bathrobes and luxury toiletries.
621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
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 for work or play, you’re in company – the is truly the place to see and be seen.
541 Bourbon St New Orleans, LA 70112
This boutique hotel is located on in the center of ’ . It features an outdoor pool surrounded by a tropical courtyard and a bar.
All guest rooms at Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter have views of the courtyard or French Quarter and feature a flat-screen TV and minibar. The spacious rooms are elegantly decorated with wood furniture.
509 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Situated in the , this 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 provides a desk and cable TV. The rooms include carpeted floors and exposed brick walls.
830 Conti StNew Orleans, LA 70112
Steps from Bourbon Street and the Aquarium of the Americas, this hotel is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans and offers 24-hour concierge service and an on-site restaurant.
Prince Conti Hotel features completely non-smoking guestrooms with convenient coffeemakers.
625 St Ann StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Situated in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Place D'Armes provides accommodation in a historic hotel and rooms with exposed brick walls. Popular points of interest nearby include St Louis Cemetery No 1, Bourbon Street and Morial Convention Center. Free WiFi available.
All units in the hotel are fitted with a TV, seating area and complimentary toiletries.
234 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
This air-conditioned apartment features free WiFi, the kitchen features a dishwasher, a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming TV options and local channels are available. Other facilities at this two-bedroom apartment include a fitness centre.
822 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112
All units feature a cable flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. Units include a seating and/or dining area. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, Every unit comes with a private bathroom with a bath or shower, free toiletries, & a washing machine
127 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Featuring accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and flat-screen TV, Bourbon Place I Sextant is situated 500 m from Bourbon Street and 700 m from St Louis Cemetery No 1. metered parking and a garage parking close to the property.
1111 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
All units here are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa bed, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge.
801 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
The Bourbon Pub Parade is New Orleans' largest gay bar and nightclub that welcomes everyone. We are simply the place to be! Big gay bar with 3 bars & a dance floor always busy
2240 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Alternative theater & gay bar putting on live entertainment, burlesque cabaret shows including Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy and jock strap lube wrestling
800 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
New Orleans Premier Gay Dance Club and the GAA Dance Club & Show Bar One of the best gay night clubs in town
901 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Cafe Lafitte in Exile is the oldest Gay Bar in North America. It is multilevel venue with out door seating and wrap around balcony that allows sweeping view of world famous Bourbon St. and beyond.
740 Burgundy StNew Orleans, LA 70116
The French Quarter's seediest Gay Bar. Come thirstier than ever, and ready for a GOOD time!
740 Dauphine StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Popular and relaxed gay bar, Good Friends Bar is a multi level venue designed for a causal night on the town or a quite evening with that special someone or group of friends.
940 St Louis StNew Orleans, LA 70112
Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar!
The Corner Pocket is your basic neighborhood bar during the day and early evening. Crowds flock to the club 7 nights a week beginning at 9pm to see the latest dancin' boys the bar has cornered for its stable.
834 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Grand Pre's is the LGBTQ Cheers of the French Quarter. It's a friendly bar without big city prices
1012 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
From the owners of the 700 Club comes a new bar, restaurant, courtyard, and event space to welcome the gay community and their allies. Along with a beautifully renovated building, we also bring a brand new menu that celebrates elevated bar favorites from around the world and adds healthy options to the French Quarter. Our full bar includes local beers and a wide selection of wine on tap as well as delicious daiquiris and craft cocktails.
941 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Gay bar catering to the leather crowd provides a no-frills 24/7 hangout with a pool table.
734 Bourbon StZNew Orleans, LA 70116
Gay lounge bar Bourbon Street's Premier Bar for Specialty Craft Cocktails & Never a cover charge. Famous for Mojito's, Bloody Mary's, Hurricanes, and the cleanest bathrooms on Bourbon St.
700 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Locally owned, LGBTQ tavern with pub grub, regular drag shows & outdoor tables.
1239 Royal StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Established in 1964, The Golden Lantern has maintained its reputation of being one of the best neighborhood gay bars in the quarter.
439 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Crossing is a neighborhood gay video bar in the historic Vieux Carré.
940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
New Orleans entertainment destination for Drag Shows, Male Revues, Cold Daiquiris, and more
542 N Rampart St New Orleans, LA 70112
New Orleans' Number One Black Owned Gay Bar
Recommended Hotels in New Orleans By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
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 Of New Orleans Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras World, New Orleans,
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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