New Orleans is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the country, and Mardi Gras is its biggest celebration. Gay krewes like Armeinius, Amon-Ra, and Petronius host lavish carnival balls, while the French Quarter fills with costume contests. The Bayou Swamp Tours team suggests planning around the parade calendar, since each parade rolls for about 90 minutes.
The National Weather Service puts New Orleans February highs around 62 degrees, so evenings can be cool at outdoor balls, while July highs reach about 92 degrees. If you extend your trip, Bayou Swamp Tours depart roughly 30 minutes from downtown, last about 90 minutes, and carry 6 to 10 passengers on small airboats or up to 27 passengers on larger boats. The Mardi Gras New Orleans guide and the New Orleans and Company visitor site list current parade and ball schedules.
Mardi Gras and the city of New Orleans are LGBTQ friendly. In fact, the Krewe of Yuga founded during the 1950s was the first openly gay group. Some people in the LGBTQ community feel this group helped with igniting The Gay Rights Movement in the US. During the Mardi Gras celebrations, there are many gay carnival balls hosted by different Krewes. When attending these parties expect to see performers in lavish costumes, dancers, food, and drinks. Most of the parties will continue long into the night. If you’re searching for some exciting nightlife look no further than the Mardi Gras carnival balls. Keep in mind, some of the parties may require tickets for entry. Here is a list of gay Krewes that host carnival balls during Mardi Gras.
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Armeinius
Armeinius holds a ball to help keep the history of LGBTQ involvement in Mardi Gras alive. If you want to learn more about the gay community in New Orleans while having a good time, this is a good carnival ball to check out.
Amon-Ra
If you want to see some extravagant costumes check out Amon-Ra’s carnival ball. The ancient Egyptian themed gay Krewe was started in the 1960s and has built a reputation for hosting awesome parties.
Petronius
Another one of the original gay Krewes, this group helped encourage other openly gay Krewes to form. Petronius throws a fun party with lots of drinking, eating, and dancing.
Lords Of Leather
This krewe hosts a leather themed carnival ball each year. However, this ball takes part in the medieval traditions of carnival. Everyone dresses in leather and masks with a medieval twist.
Krewe Of Stars
This Krewe was recently founded in 2017. The Krewe of Stars seek to promote theater arts throughout the community. They put on some great performances during Mardi Gras. Definitely worth stopping by!
What Other LGBTQ Events Happen at Mardi Gras?
Carnival balls aren’t the only LGBTQ focused events happening during Mardi Gras. There is a huge costume contest (with cash prizes) held right in the French Quarter and a friendly luncheon at Arnaud’s restaurant with various contests and prizes.
When Is Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
Carnival season starts on January 6, known as Twelfth Night, and builds for weeks toward Fat Tuesday, which falls on February 17 in 2026. Most parades roll during the final two weekends, each lasting roughly 90 minutes as floats, marching bands, and dance krewes pass. The Mardi Gras New Orleans calendar lists exact routes and start times so you can plan around the balls.
What Should You Wear to a Mardi Gras Ball?
Many gay carnival balls are white-tie or costume affairs, so check each krewe's dress code before you go. Elaborate masks and sequined ensembles are welcome, and some balls are invitation-only while others sell tickets to the public. When in doubt, dress up, because the balls are famous for their over-the-top pageantry.
How Can You Extend Your Mardi Gras Trip?
Between parades, many visitors slip out to the wetlands. Bayou Swamp Tours depart about 30 minutes from downtown and last around 90 minutes, gliding past cypress and the roughly 2 million wild alligators that call Louisiana home, per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park protects about 26,000 acres of nearby swamp, according to the National Park Service, making it an easy half-day escape from the crowds.
Carnival balls are an exciting part of the Mardi Gras traditions. However, there is so much to see and do while in New Orleans. When creating your itinerary, write down the top Mardi Gras events that you want to attend. Remember to be flexible as your itinerary may need to change last minute because of the busy season. Get planning, you won’t regret a trip to Mardi Gras!
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