While there’s something to be said for mixing it up with the hoi polloi in the streets, access to grandstands and balconies does offer certain advantages. Because let’s face it: The Greatest Free Show on Earth draws quite a crowd, and if you’re stuck in pedestrian gridlock on Bourbon Street, tired from chasing after throws or have had enough of standing amidst the malodorous refuse of a raging party, a restricted-access perch can seem most appealing.
Respites above the fray
Bourbon Street balcony hosted by Playboy, Mardi Gras 2002
At Mardi Gras, thanks largely to the vibrancy of the French Quarter bead economy, balcony access is highly marketable.
Enjoy watching a parade from an elevated perch with room to sit? Not thrilled at the prospect of having to contend with porta potties? Prefer to revel above the frenzied fray? Like food and other amenities provided for your partying pleasure?
While there’s something to be said for mixing it up with the hoi polloi in the streets, access to grandstands and balconies — the Mardi Gras equivalent of skyboxes at arenas and stadiums — does offer certain advantages. Because let’s face it: The Greatest Free Show on Earth draws quite a crowd!
If you’re stuck in pedestrian gridlock on Bourbon Street, or tired of standing amidst the malodorous refuse of a raging party, a perch on a balcony can seem most appealing.
Not only do balconies offer a good view of the action, they’re very much a part of the action — practically synonymous, in fact, with the theatricality of Mardi Gras in the French Quarter. Indeed, revelers on balconies engage in many of the “transactions” in the French Quarter bead economy. In other words, balconies are focal points for interaction between people with bead wealth and those who want to earn beads.
All of which makes balcony access a highly marketable commodity during Mardi Gras. Clubs and bars with balconies on or near Bourbon Street will likely be more than happy to sell you a balcony pass or a hospitality “package” that includes balcony access, food, drinks and perhaps beads.
Also, three large French Quarter hotels have rooms with balconies overlooking Bourbon Street: the Four Points by Sheraton, Royal Sonesta and Bourbon Orleans. Lower-floor balconies are more conducive to interacting with people on the street, and thus tend to be highly desirable. The Four Points by Sheraton has four corner rooms that open onto wraparound balconies. While Bourbon balcony rooms at the Bourbon Orleans are reserved for corporate clients, you can book rooms with balconies facing Orleans Avenue and St. Ann Street through the hotel’s reservation department (call 504-523-2222 or e-mail bohreservations@aimbridge.com). Minimium-stay requirements apply.
Taking a break on Fat Tuesday 2012
While there’s something to be said for mixing it up with the hoi polloi in the streets, access to grandstands and balconies can provide a welcome respite.
There’s also the Courtyard By Marriott at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street, just outside the French Quarter, with a prime second-floor balcony for parade viewing. In high demand for Mardi Gras, balcony rooms are only available for groups booking 10 or more rooms.
All of the big float parades, beginning on Friday, Feb. 21 in 2025 and running through Mardi Gras Day (March 4), roll through the Central Business District and pass by historic Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. There, krewe big shots offer toasts and tributes and receive salutations from a designated city official, who along with other dignitaries occupies a grandstand with a podium directly in front of Gallier Hall. Dance troupes and marching bands usually perk up and give it their all here because of the large grandstand crowds, bright lights (for night parades) and presence of video cameras and credentialed media.
MardiGrasParadeTickets.com offers grandstand seating on the downtown side of Gallier Hall and directly across from Gallier Hall at Lafayette Square. Admittance ranges from $20 for parades through Wednesday, Feb. 26 on up to $90 for Endymion on Saturday, March 1, and parades on Mardi Gras Day. There’s ADA seating and access to portable restrooms, but no reserved seats. Just down the street toward the French Quarter is the InterContinental hotel, with grandstand seating available through TicketWeb (prices begin at $40 and top out at over $100 for Endymion and Bacchus on the Saturday and Sunday before Mardi Gras).
Some restaurants and other businesses situated along the St. Charles Ave./Canal St. parade route also offer grandstand seating. Prices vary, with some establishments offering package deals that include food and libations.
MardiGrasTraditions.com