Gay mardi gras

The New Orleans LGBTQ community embraces Mardi Gras traditions with costumes, krewes, and more

While the first official gay Carnival krewe, the Krewe of Yuga, was formed in the late 1950s, “Gay Mardi Gras” had been going on underground way before then.

Just be sure you’re specific about your wishes; dancing on the bar could certainly be one of them.

5. Check the krewes’ websites for details on how to participate.

Armeinius

Typically held on the Saturday before Mardi Gras Day, Armeinius’ mission is to preserve the customs of gay Carnival and to help educate those who seek to learn more.

Petronius

One of the oldest gay Carnival krewes in the city, Petronius was founded in 1961 and has served as a jumping-off point for other krewes.

Lords of Leather

Lords of Leather is the only leather-oriented Carnival krewe in the country, hosting a masked ball each year with medieval traditions.

Satyricon

The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon hosts a bal masque each year toward the beginning of Carnival season. 

Amon-Ra

Named after the Egyptian Sun God, the Krewe of Amon-Ra was formed in 1965.

The promise of the intoxicating trio is what draws in over a million tourists every year. This is followed by numerous parties and events at various venues throughout the French Quarter. These LGBTQ+ friendly events provide a safe space to celebrate Mardi Gras in style, whatever that style may be.

Mardi Gras is the Super Bowl of parties.

It’s like the Oscars, but with more plumage. In years' past, celebrity emcees have graced the stage to entertain the gayest and rowdiest crowds of the year. Catch Beads in the French Quarter

Okay, this isn’t just about cocking your wrist and hoping for the best throw from a float (though that’s part of it).

Costumes aren’t just welcomed; they’re required. Each year, two queens are crowned: one from out of town and one from New Orleans. Expect a kaleidoscope of people, music, and, uhm, things that you wouldn’t want your granny to see. Though the krewe started small, today the celebrations have reached a grand scale. 

Krewe of Mwindo

Organized in 1998, the Krewe of Mwindo is one of the newest and most unique krewes, devoted to promoting Carnival to community members who were excluded from traditional celebrations in the past. 

Krewe of Stars

The Krewe of Stars is the city’s newest inclusive Krewe, only originating in 2017.

Each year, the crowds gather at the intersection of St. Ann and Dauphine Streets for one of the most extravagant and extraordinary costume contents ever to be seen.

Always a true Southern host, our city welcomes everyone with open arms, and events for everyone, including the queer community. Taste King Cake

This is the closest you’ll get to eating a crown. Attend a Fabulous Mardi Gras Ball

The importance of a good first impression is totally overrated—unless you’re at a Mardi Gras ball.

It’s where you polish your beads, fluff your feathers, and let your rainbow flag fly higher than a twink on K at their first circuit party. And if hunger creeps in, hit up Clover Grill, a greasy spoon right across the way. Here are some of the best-known gay Carnival balls.