Venue Detail
Bourbon Pub & Parade
About this venue
The Bourbon Pub & Parade is the undisputed, historic cornerstone of New Orleans' LGBTQ+ nightlife, proudly anchoring the intersection of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets since 1974.As the largest gay nightclub in the city, this massive two-level entertainment multiplex offers two completely distinct experiences under one roof. Downstairs, the Bourbon Pub features a high-energy video bar atmosphere with open-air windows wrapping around the historic building, complete with massive screens pumping out pop music, showtunes, and rowdy karaoke. Upstairs, The Parade transforms into a sweat-soaked mega-club featuring a massive dance floor, light shows, world-class drag productions, and an iconic wrap-around balcony that offers the single best vantage point for people-watching on Bourbon Street. As a proud woman-owned, LGBTQ+-owned icon, it serves as the ground zero headquarters for major cultural celebrations including Southern Decadence, New Orleans Pride, and Mardi Gras.
Practical details
Address: 801 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, United States
Hours: Sun-Thu 12:00-03:00; Fri-Sat 12:00-05:00.
Canonical: https://www.queeratlas.app/new_orleans/venues/bourbon-pub-parade--448
Venue intelligence
Know before you go
Typical queue
Minimal (under 5 minutes) during weeknights and daytime shifts. Expect a 15 to 40-minute wait on Friday and Saturday nights after midnight when The Parade dance floor peaks and a nominal cover charge is collected at the door.
Best night
Sunday evenings for their famous Boys on Parade showcase and high-volume T-Dance sessions, or late Saturday night (1:00 AM – 4:00 AM) to experience the upstairs dance floor at maximum capacity.
Locals vs visitors
A lively crossover of local queer staples, vacationing LGBTQ+ tourists, bachelorette parties, drag enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a high-energy dance escape.
Dress code in practice
Come as you are. The dress code is wildly casual, ranging from tank tops and shorts to glittering drag, leather, or festival gear during major events like Southern Decadence.
Staff inclusion
Legendary for its deep-rooted hospitality. The long-tenured bartenders, high-kicking drag queens, and security staff excel at maintaining an official transgender safe-space and welcoming all facets of the community with signature Southern charm
Reviews
3.5 / 5
2 reviews