Coming this Soon!!!
Darling divas, dapper daddies, and everyone in between—get ready to strut your stuff, because the Gay Easter Parade is sashaying its way through the heart of New Orleans this Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. And trust me, you’re going to want to be front and center for this flamboyant spectacle of glitter, glamour, and a touch of campy chaos. Forget the pastel church hats; this parade is all about fabulous bonnets, feather boas, and outfits so fierce they’ll have you questioning your wardrobe choices for the rest of the year.
Here’s the tea, boiled and steeped just for you: This iconic event starts rolling at 4:30 PM from St. Ann Street in the French Quarter and makes its way through the neighborhood like a glittery hurricane of love and joy. The vibe? Pure celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, unity, and fabulousness, complete with decked-out carriages, stunning outfits, and, of course, plenty of beads (the classy kind, darlings, not the ones you earn that way).
A Little History with Your Glitter
The Gay Easter Parade started in 2000 and has been an annual tradition celebrating the LGBTQ+ community ever since. Think of it as Southern Decadence’s pastel-clad cousin—a celebration of self-expression, acceptance, and community love, all wrapped up in an Easter bow. Proceeds from the parade benefit LGBTQ+ charities in New Orleans, which means your hooting, hollering, and cheering along the route is for a fabulous cause. So slap on some sunscreen, grab a mimosa, and get ready to shout “Yas, queen!” at every dazzling float.
But Wait—There’s More!
The parade may be the main event, but honey, this is New Orleans, and you know we don’t do just one thing. The day kicks off with an Easter Bonnet Contest at 1 PM at Good Friends Bar, where the hats are high, and the competition is fierce. After the parade, the party continues with a post-parade soirée at Oz, where the dance floor is as hot as the gossip, and the cocktails flow like the Mississippi.
Of course, you’ll want to save some energy for the whole weekend because New Orleans is popping off with live music, drag brunches, and French Quarter shenanigans from Friday to Sunday. Yes, baby, this city serves up more than just jambalaya and beignets. It’s an all-you-can-party buffet, and you’ll want seconds (or thirds).
Stay Where the Glow-Up is Real
Now, let’s talk about where you’re going to lay your fabulous head after all that revelry. At the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, we’re rolling out the pink carpet for you! Our LGBTQ+-owned and operated hotel just underwent a major glow-up—a full renovation so fresh it might just outshine your Easter outfit. With clean, affordable accommodations, a staff that welcomes you with open arms (and zero judgment), and a location that can’t be beaten, we’re the perfect home base for your Gay Easter Parade weekend.
We’re a short stroll from all the Quarter’s festivities and just a two-minute walk from a streetcar stop, meaning you can easily hop around the city like the social bunny you are. Whether you’re heading to a drag brunch, jazz club, or post-parade bar crawl, we’ve got you covered.
And, no, we’re not promising gold-plated bathtubs or unicorn butlers (although wouldn’t that be fun?). What we do promise is a warm, welcoming staff that’ll treat you like family, a cozy place to recharge, and affordable rates that leave you more cash for cocktails and couture.
Book That Long Weekend, Honey
Listen, Easter is all about resurrection and renewal—and what better way to renew your spirit than with a long weekend of unapologetic joy, laughter, and love in the greatest city on Earth? Whether you’re a regular at the Gay Easter Parade or a first-timer looking to experience the magic, the Historic Mardi Gras Inn is here to make sure your weekend is one to remember.
Don’t wait too long, though—our rooms are hotter than the French Quarter in July, and they’re booking up faster than you can say “hallelujah.” Pack your glitter, grab your besties, and come spend Easter in a city where everyone is welcome, loved, and celebrated. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ACCOMMODATIONS CALL US DIRECTLY AT 504.949.5815 OR 1.800.209.9408. YOU MAY ALSO VISIT US ONLINE AT historicmardigrasinn.com.
Hop to it and book now, babes—we’ll keep the party going until you get here. 🐰✨