French Quarter Easter Parades 2026: Best Bonnets
The Krewe of Dolly, a marching group that focuses on children’s literacy in New Orleans, gathers in the lobby of the Omni Royal Orleans before the French Quarter Easter Parade.
April 2026100+ photographs: Follow FQJ through the French Quarter on Easter Sunday as we catch three parades and search for the day’s Best Bonnets.
- photos by Ellis Anderson
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Most people kept them under wraps until the rain dissipated mid-afternoon, but then the Quarter blossomed with color and creativity. Some of these folks marched in one or more of the three parades, others were free-rangers for the day!
Although they’re not hats, these “take the cake” costumes ranked at the top of our list
A headdress by local artist Kate McNee was an Easter showstopper.
Representing Harry’s Corner, the beloved Belinda Arnaud was styling through the square.
Ok, not a bonnet, but what style!
The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade
An off and on drizzle didn’t dampen the spirits of parade-goers or riders in the first parade to roll on Easter Day. 
“Happy Easter!”
Best Easter Parade Rain Gear (l)
The French Quarter Easter Parade
Participants for the second parade of the day gather at the Omni Royal Orleans for a bit of celebration before its 1pm start time.
Musician Carl Mack, founder of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costume & Culture with Bonnie Broel.
Margarita Bergen
On his Royal Street Balcony, Andrew Hopkins and friend Denise Augustine watch the parade getting ready to roll.
Sammy Steele III, parade captain and founder with co-captain Melanie Cole and Paticia Comeaux
The 25th annual French Quarter Gay Parade
As the day went on and the rain dissipated, spirits rose, the big hats came out and crowds turned out for the final - and feistiest parade of the day. 
Grand Marshall Felicia Phillips (l)
Grand Marshall Jeffrey Palmquist
Historian and French Quarter columnist Frank Perez
