Coming this Thanksgiving Weekend!!!
Honey, forget that generic Thanksgiving dinner. This year, you’re gonna trade the turkey for touchdown dances, the mashed potatoes for Mardi Gras beads, and your aunt’s boring cranberry sauce for a cocktail in hand while you watch the most iconic college football showdown of the season. Yep, I’m talking about the one and only Bayou Classic, celebrating its 51st glorious year this November 28-30 in the heart of New Orleans. And where better to soak in the electric atmosphere than at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, located just a stone’s throw from the French Quarter and ready to make your Bayou experience as unforgettable as a jazz solo on Bourbon Street?
Now, before we get into the football fabulousness, let me tell you a little something about us. The Historic Mardi Gras Inn has recently undergone a full renovation, darling, and it’s as fresh as a new pair of pumps. Our rooms? Clean. Affordable. And designed for a stay that’s as comfortable as a Southern accent. And guess what? We are proud to be LGBTQ+ owned and operated, so whether you’re here for the football or just a fabulous weekend away, we welcome you with open arms. Our staff? Well, they’re the true MVPs. They work harder than a drag queen on Mardi Gras Day to make sure your stay is smooth, fun, and fabulous.
But enough about us, let’s talk Bayou Classic—the rivalry that makes the Super Bowl look like a first-grade soccer match. This event is everything. It’s football, it’s culture, it’s parades, it’s food, and honey, it’s drama. Every year, the Bayou Classic brings together two powerhouse HBCUs—Grambling State University and Southern University—for an epic showdown on the gridiron. The rivalry is deep, and the stakes are high, but don’t worry—everyone’s gonna be kicking ass in style, because, as you know, New Orleans knows how to throw a party.
The Main Event: The Bayou Classic Football Game
Let’s talk game day, shall we? The Bayou Classic Football Game takes place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Caesars Superdome (6:00 PM). If you love football with a side of soul, this is the place to be. Whether you’re there to cheer on your team or just here for the spectacle, this game has more drama than a RuPaul’s Drag Race reunion. The battle for supremacy between these two schools is real, and if you’ve never been, trust me—there’s nothing quite like the energy of the crowd, the drumlines, and the half-time shows. You’ll be screaming, dancing, and living your best life in no time.
Battle of the Bands & Greek Show
Now, the game itself is just one part of the action. If you’ve never seen the Battle of the Bands, sweetie, prepare for the kind of musical rivalry that’ll have you clapping, snapping, and stomping your feet all night long. Taking place on Friday, November 29, the battle between Grambling’s and Southern’s bands is so intense, they might as well be battling with flamethrowers. Forget about the field—this is the real show, where you’ll see the future brass section of your local parade and witness some of the fiercest drumlines in the country.
On top of that, the Bayou Classic hosts a legendary Greek Show on the evening of Saturday, November 30, where fraternities and sororities get to flex their step-show muscles in the kind of synchronized chaos that’s pure art. You won’t be able to sit still.
Fan Festival & Parade
You think you’ve seen it all? Oh no, darling. New Orleans knows how to throw a festival. The Bayou Classic Fan Festival will have you living your best life with live music, food trucks, and shopping from local artisans. It’s like a carnival for grown-ups who love a good time and can’t stop dancing. And don’t forget the Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 28, where floats, marching bands, and those incredible Southern marching units will strut through the streets of New Orleans. As always, it’s a feast for the eyes and the soul.
Why Now? Why New Orleans?
If you’ve never experienced New Orleans in November, honey, this is your moment. The weather? Perfect. Low humidity, cool nights, and a breeze that’s just enough to make you feel like you’re in a constant state of fabulousness. The French Quarter is calling your name, so make sure to book early and head straight to the Historic Mardi Gras Inn for a cozy, comfortable, and memorable stay.
And let’s be real—what happens in the Quarter? Oh, baby, it stays in the Quarter. With music pouring out of every door, dancing till dawn, sips of divine cocktails, and a never-ending stream of drag shows and live performances, it’s the kind of weekend you’ll be bragging about for years to come.
So, come for the football. Stay for the culture. And live your best queer life at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn. Let us welcome you to the best weekend of your life!
For information on accommodations call directly at 504.949.5815 OR 1.800.209.9408. Or visit us online at historicmardigrasinn.com.