Event Dates
From: Thursday, February 17, 2022
To: Tuesday, March 1, 2022
New Orleans Gay Mardi Gras 2021
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.
2022 Update – The Mayor of New Orleans has confirmed that the main parades will go ahead with some route changes to ensure public safety.
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?
- 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 2022
- Mwindo – “Welcome to Vegas”Ball, Saturday Jan 29th from 7pm
- Petronius – 60th Masked Ball – Saturday Feb 19th from 7pm.
- Armeninius – Bal Masque INFAMY: Crimes and Misdemeanors – Friday, February 25, 2022
- Lords of Leather – Bal Masque XXXIX, Sunday, February 27, 2022
Gay Circuit Parties
- The two main clubs, OZ and The Bourbon Parade host special Mardi Gras theme nights and parties throughout the weekend. We are currently awaiting updates from other party organisers.
Annual Bourbon Street Awards Show
- On Mardi Gras day 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.
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!
For the 2022 Mardi Gras in New Orleans, these Super Krewes will be parading as follows:
- Endymion – 26th February, 4.15pm
- Bacchus – 27th February, 5.15pm
- Orpheus – 28th February, 6pm
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, close to 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.
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
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.
Omni Royal, 4 Star
Sophisticated & Stylish
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.
Royal Sonesta, 4 Star
Right on Bourbon Street
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
French Market Inn
3 Star Central Location
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.
Video Of New Orleans Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras World, New Orleans,
Recommended Hotels in New Orleans By Expedia
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner & Expedia
We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Ritz-Carlton
5 Star, Luxury
A full-service spa, a restaurant, and an indoor pool are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a fitness center, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 527 rooms offer thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, as well as comforts such as pillowtop beds
Hyatt Centric
4 Star, Stylish
3 restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a health club are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 254 rooms provide free WiFi and free wired Internet, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, refrigerators and coffee makers
Hotel Monteleone,
4 Star, Readers Choice
This smoke-free hotel features a full-service spa, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. Additionally, a health club, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar are onsite. All 570 rooms provide free WiFi and free wired Internet, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers.
The Saint Hotel
4 Star, Modern Classic
A restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café are available at this smoke-free hotel. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center, valet parking, and concierge services. All 166 rooms offer comforts like premium bedding and down comforters, plus free wired Internet and flat-screen TVs with cable channels
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