Event Dates
From: Saturday, August 8, 2026
To: Saturday, August 8, 2026
The Red Dress Run in New Orleans doubles as a fundraiser & a chance to party.
The Red Dress Run in New Orleans doubles as a fundraiser and a chance to party! All proceeds from the event go directly to charity, typically held on the second Saturday in August.
- Visiting New Orleans, stay close to all the gay bars and clubs in the French Quarter. Stay in the “Suburb” rated Hotel Monteleone, in the perfect location, just close enough to Bourbon Street gay bars to be convenient, but not noisey. The hotel features a gym, outdoor pool and stylish rooms.
The Run
- Next Edition: Saturday 8th August, 2026.
- Every year on the second Saturday in August, the New Orleans Hash House Harriers (a local “drinking club with a running problem”) host Red Dress Run, a charity “run” in the Crescent City.
- The runners, with drinks in hand, continue their route through the French Quarter and spend the rest of the day celebrating. Expect a sea of red throughout the neighborhood!
- Participants in the Red Dress Run can sign up to support the charity. Registration usually includes donations to local charities, special live music and beers for the run.
The Route
- The run usually begins in New Orleans Crescent Park in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans, just outside of the French Quarter. The exact location is only announced to those who registered.
- Crescent Park opens at 9:00 a.m. with a DJ playing until the run starts at 11:00 a.m. when runners swarm the French Quarter. Following the run, lunch is served at noon back at Crescent Park for those registered and will include fish tacos, red beans and rice, jambalaya, hot dogs, sausage, poboys, pizza, and more. Beer, wine, and snowballs flow throughout the day.
Crescent Park
- Crescent Park is located right on the riverfront in Bywater. The park stretches for 1.4 miles along the Mississippi, providing unparalleled views and access to the water.
- The park is a 7 minute drive or 34 minute walk (possibly longer in Heels and a dress) from the gay bars along Bourbon Street.
- Stay close to the park at the “Superb” rated Look out inn, complete with pool, located in the Bywater neighborhood.
Where to stay in New Orleans
The following New Orleans Hotels are currently trending with our readers:
The Roosevelt Hotel, Omni Royal, Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Market Inn.
Book your hotel in advance & save money
Book Now and Pay on arrival!
The Hotel Monteleone is our editors
choice, close to the gay bars
For information and advice on
The Red Dress Run visit The Website
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.
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 100 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 541 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 830 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 626 Saint Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 801 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2513 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 718 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 1328 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2240 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 800 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2021 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Address: 2301 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 634 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 901 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 740 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 740 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 940 St. Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 834 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 1012 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 941 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 1239 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 439 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 542 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Red Dress Run in steamy 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.
Photo: Laissez les bons temps rouler! Bourbon Street is at the heart of Gay NOLA.
Downriver from the French Quarter with colourful, eclectic houses & a vibrant arts scene along Frenchman St.
East of the Marigny and close to Crescent Park with stunning views of the River and the NOLA skyline.
Known as the Arts District, perfect for art enthusiasts & museum-goers with trendy restaurants & boutique hotels.
The CBD offers easy access to Bourbon Street and a variety of dining options, shops, and cultural attractions.

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