Many of the gay “clubs” in New Orleans are probably best characterized as gay “bars.” The one exception to this is Oz. Oz is located on the landmark gay corner of Bourbon Street and St. Ann. You'll find Oz just as the lights begin to dim as you’re walking down Bourbon St., the crowd dies down a little, and the rainbow flags start popping up on balconies. Everyone loves dancing the night away at Oz!
As you walk inside, some nights you may feel that you’ve just entered a “pretty boy” convention. The one downside of Oz is that on certain nights you may have to pay a cover for entrance, but rest assured it will be equal or lower to that of the bar across the street. This club is loved by locals and tourists alike, and depending on night it may be packed with both. It has a large bar on the first floor where most of the action is, sometimes with chiseled boys of Oz dancing on top. The upstairs contains another bar, usually more subdued along with a large outside balcony overlooking Bourbon street and an inside balcony overlooking the dance floor on the first level. The dance floor can be anywhere from packed like pickles to an empty space; it all depends on the time and the night. You’re likely to hear a techno beat with a mixing of some of the favorite remixes. As any gay club, you’ll lose track of time dancing the night away in the flashing lights.
Oz has been a frequent winner of the Best Gay Bar/Club in New Orleans by both local and national magazines. It was also featured in the 2010 season of the MTV’s Real World New Orleans. Blanche Debris is the staple female impersonator and is always an outrageous riot. Be sure to check out Oz’s Dingo (its free version of Bingo), Friday and Sunday nights from 6pm-8pm for a chance to win great prizes. Blanche also hosts the ever-popular “Boy Next Door” contest at 8pm on Sundays, where you’re likely to see boys that you’ve only dreamed about living next door.
Perhaps the greatest contribution of Oz, besides its fun bar and club atmosphere is its support local events in New Orleans. For years Oz has been one of the biggest sponsors for Halloween New Orleans, which is both a charity event to support Project Lazarus, a local HIV/AIDS support home, as well as arguably the best gay week in town. Oz also hosts the Bourbon Street Awards on Mardi Gras day, as well is a main host of Southern Decadence on Labor Day weekend. Reaching out to its traveling friends, Oz will be hosting in Pensacola Florida for the Memorial Day celebration.
If you’re in town looking for a club experience, be sure to stop in Oz. Enjoy Happy Hour from 4pm-8pm each night where well drinks are $2.50. You may have to pay a cover depending on the time and the night, but your money will provide entrance to a good time. Check out their fantastic scheduling lineup on their website for the latest information and special events at http://www.ozneworleans.com.
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