Gay Mardi Gras is without a doubt the most outrageous gay and lesbian event in New Orleans, second only to the annual Southern Decadence Weekend Celebration in the number of gay and lesbian revelers. In 2009, the celebration is Thursday, February 19 through Tuesday, February 24, and takes place in the lower French Quarter. This is where the epicenter of the Gay New Orleans community is located at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets, anchored by the city's largest gay nightclub,  The Bourbon Pub / Parade.

Tradition dictates that the official Mardi Gras season begins on January 6th, or Twelfth Night. The duration  is determined by the Church calendar, and runs until the beginning of Lent, which is Ash Wednesday. The entire season can last as long as two months or can be as short as one month, as was the case in 2008. The climax is "Fat Tuesday," which is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

The event brings many of the nation's best DJ talent to the City and to The Bourbon Pub / Parade dance club. DJs for 2009 include Max Rodriguez, Lydia Prim,  Darren Thomas, Jayskee, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen, Blair Quintana and Duane Parrish.

You can avoid waiting in long general admission lines and save a few bucks by purchasing a Weekend Pass in advance. And if you need a hotel, we offer special internet-only rates at many French Quarter and adjacent-area hotels.  Just click HERE for our great hotel rates.

Photos Courtesy FALCONSTUDIOS.COM and 10 PERCENT PRODUCTIONS