Event Dates
From: Friday, February 28, 2025
To: Friday, February 28, 2025
New Orleans Greasing of the Poles 2025
Celebrate the start of Mardi Gras in New Orleans at the iconic Greasing of the Poles, a unique NOLA tradition
New Orleans Greasing of the Poles 2025
Celebrate the start of Mardi Gras in New Orleans at the iconic Greasing of the Poles, a unique NOLA tradition.
- Stay at the host hotel, The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, located in the historic French Quarter on Bourbon Street, close to all the Mardi Gras celebrations and the city’s busy gay bars and clubs.
The Tradition
- Next Edition: Friday, February 28th, 2025 – From 10 pm.
- Now in its 54th year, the Greasing of the Poles at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans is an extraordinary event, marking the beginning of the Mardi Gras weekend.
- What began as a practical measure to prevent eager partygoers from scaling the balcony of the Royal Sonesta Hotel has transformed into an annual spectacle.
- This event features live music performances, celebrity appearances, and a festive atmosphere that captures the essence of Mardi Gras.
- Read our insider guide to Gay New Orleans for the best bars, restaurants and places to party.
The Competition
- Every year, the Greasing of the Poles contestants compete for the first-place title based on their ability to grease the poles correctly.
- Each competitor makes a grand entrance to impress the judges. Creativity in performance and costuming is imperative for a win in this quirky competition.
- A panel of judges will decide who wins. There is also a “People’s Choice Award” based on crowd participation and applause.
- Stay at the “Fabulous” rated One 11 Hotel, with a superb location, spacious rooms and delicious breakfasts and brunch options.
The Venue
- The Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a stunning hotel, a hub of authentic jazz, vibrant nightlife, and refined southern design.
- Located in the French Quarter, steps away from the city’s finest shopping and visitor attractions.
Recommended Hotels in New Orleans
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the city’s top attractions and bustling gay scene:
The Roosevelt Hotel, Omni Royal, Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Market Inn.
Save on Hotels
Book your hotel in advance & save money
Book Now and Pay on arrival!
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
Greasing of the Poles 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
- 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 – Greasing of the Poles, NOLA
A taste of what to expect at the next event.
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.
Other Events in February
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/midsumma-melbourne-6.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-05 22:03:502024-04-01 14:28:28Midsumma Festival
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Minneapolis-St-Paul-Winter-Carnival-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-04-17 19:56:212024-02-16 20:01:34Minneapolis & St Paul Winter Carnival
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Beef-Dip-Puerto-Vallarta-6.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-24 18:44:502024-03-20 17:41:44Beef Dip Puerto Vallarta
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Revolution-6.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2019-10-22 10:57:122024-04-15 13:21:19BearFest Puerto Vallarta by Industry
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mantamar-Bear-Week-Puerto-Vallarta-5.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2023-07-03 18:12:302024-04-16 13:31:17Mantamar Bear Week Puerto VallartaLatest Gay Travel News
The Top Gay Parties to attend This Memorial Day WeekendFriday, Apr 5th, 2024 - 2:48 pmGay Memorial Day Weekend brings with it the start of the Summer season. From Dallas to Pensacola, Puerto Vallarta and beyond. Where next?
- Gay Pride CalendarThursday, Apr 4th, 2024 - 5:01 pm
Discover our list of the top 200+ pride events from around the world! From Athens to Zurich, Berlin to Washington DC.
- Gay Easter EventsWednesday, Feb 21st, 2024 - 6:42 pm
Celebrate the arrival or Spring with chickens, some chocolate eggs and a few confessions!
Follow us on Facebook
