Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Gay Mardi Gras is always a wild and amazing adventure in the Big Easy. Here’s our list of gay venues and gay events not to be missed!
Mardi Gras World
Get a behind the scenes look at the creation of the most elaborate parade floats on earth. Mardi Gras World offers regular tours, allowing visitors to see the entire process of creating sculptures and props, from sketching to the final product.
NOPD on Horseback
At midnight on Mardi Gras Day, a bevy of hotties in uniform ride down Bourbon Street, ushering in the end of the festivities. A definite silver lining if you have to say goodbye to an incredible party.
Gay Bead Toss
This much-anticipated gay Mardi Gras event happens at 828 Bourbon Street on Fat Tuesday. It’s a great chance to get someone to bare all for a little something shiny.
Lords of Leather
The South’s oldest leather block party takes place each year during Mardi Gras. Head to the Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields at N. Rampart (Sunday, February 19th), you won’t miss it.
Sunday Tea
Sunday is funday in New Orleans all year ‘round, but there’s something special about Sunday Tea during Mardi Gras. Most revelers gather in-between the Pub and Oz (the city’s two most popular gay bars) on Bourbon Street.
King Cake Queen Coronation
King Cake is a traditional Mardi Gras dessert (like coffee cake) and the Coronation, a true showcase of flamboyance and over-the-top decadence that you come to expect in NOLA. If you want to go, make sure you know someone who can get you in, it’s an invitation-only event.
Gay Balls (hehe!)
How we love our gay balls! There are eight gay Krewes (carnival organizations) in New Orleans and each hosts a lavish party. The balls require guests to dress in formal attire but feel free to wear a colorful over-the-top suit or mask.
The Pub and Oz
The Bourbon Pub and Parade and Oz aren’t just gay bars, they’re staples of LGBT life in New Orleans. Located literally across the street from one another in the French Quarter, you can buy weekend passes during Mardi Gras or pay at the door. The party often spills out into the middle of the two venues on Bourbon Street.
Bourbon Street Awards
Mardi Gras is a celebration of the garish and out of the ordinary. The Bourbon Street Awards are a great example of this appreciation for the eccentric. Local gay circuit legends Bianca Del Rio and Blanche Debris emcee the event, handing out prizes to revelers donning the most outrageous frocks.
Mardi Gras Parades
Gays love a parade and there’s no celebration like a Mardi Gras Parade. Grab your beads, suit up or strip down, grab your drink and join the thousands of other hot guys and gals taking part in the festivities. In New Orleans, each gay Krewe takes part in a spectacular parade, including the Krewe of Amon Ra and Krewe of Armeinius.
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