New Orleans Pride
to
New Orleans, LA New Orleans, Louisiana
Tristan B.
When it comes to LGBTQ+ pride, New Orleans has been going big since the early 1970s. This year is no different, with the New Orleans PrideFest and Parade rolling strong—not to mention a host of other events throughout the month. It starts at the top, with the New Orleans Pride Gala on June 1 at the LaBranche House—an evening of energy and excess, celebrating diversity and equality in the Crescent City. Dress code is formal rainbow, and guests can expect a silent auction, live music, dinner, and an open bar. Tickets start at $100, which includes a walker pass for the parade later that week; couples are $150.
Other events include a Black Queer Legacy Summit on June 7 at the New Orleans Mariott—featuring workshops, panels, and exhibits centering the city's Black queer community—and a Black Queer Community Fest in Armstrong Park, with music, art, food, and more on June 8. Both of these events are free.
June 8 also brings Louisiana's largest LGBTQ+ celebration to the Marigny at North Rampart and Elysian Fields around the Phoenix Bar. Expect arts and crafts vendors, DJs, and live music acts from LGBTQ+ artists starting at 11 am—including headliner Big Freedia. at 7 pm–10 pm, the annual Pride Parade will embark from Pridefest and head towards the Quarter, ending on Bourbon Street between St. Ann and Dumaine. Free. neworleanspride.org and nolapridefest.org.