Feb 12, 2026 - Mardi Gras

How to watch Greasing of the Poles 2026

Chelsea Brasted

A woman rubs her hand down the column outside of a hotel while standing on a ladder. — Axios' Chelsea Brasted was a Greasing of the Poles competitor in 2025. Image: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The Greasing of the Poles is back at the Royal Sonesta on Friday at 10am.

Why it matters: The fabulous French Quarter tradition offers a cheeky nod to the neighborhood's past when residents and businesses would lube their balcony poles to keep overeager Mardi Gras revelers from climbing up.

The big picture: The show also offers a festive kickoff to what's become one of the busiest days of the Carnival season.

On "Friday Gras," many New Orleanians play hooky from work to instead enjoy long, costumed lunches and French Quarter hijinks and parades.

Zoom in: The theme of this year's Greasing of the Poles is "Royally Superstitious," a nod to it falling on Friday the 13th.

Pole greasing contestants include Big Bad Boot podcast co-host Caleb Morse, burlesque dancer Bella Blue, musician Amanda Shaw and social media influencer Ron Orleans.

Catch up quick: In a strange turn of events, the Royal Sonesta team asked me to grease the poles in 2025.

Obviously, I was floored, honored and absolutely down to clown. Here's what it was like.

If you go: The hourlong show starts at 10am, but get there early because the crowd fills up fast.

You can also watch the livestream on the Royal Sonesta's Facebook.

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How to watch Greasing of the Poles 2026

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