Greasing of the Poles

The 55th annual Greasing of the Poles will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans. The event marks the start of Mardi Gras weekend and begins at 10 a.m., with a competition to see who can climb the greased poles the fastest. The tradition originated as a security measure to deter people from climbing the poles but has since turned into a festive competition.

A Mardi-Gras must! Held for over fifty years at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Greasing of the Poles is an annual tradition widely considered the unofficial kickoff to Mardi Gras weekend. The event, held on the Friday before Mardi Gras, features celebrity guests, live music, and raucous entertainment as participants attempt to climb up the hotel’s famous Bourbon Street balconies and compete to win the coveted title of Greasing Champion! Originally a practical measure to deter revelers, Greasing of the Poles has grown into an iconic, star-studded, and music-filled event that captures the wild and hilarious spirit of New Orleans.

Free open to the public with outside viewing.